Dear Tourism Operators:
Before we share with you the regulations for this third Provincial shutdown, we want you to know that we understand the new level of uncertainty that another shut down so close to season-open brings. We also know how devastating this is for those of you that have bookings in April and now will see these bookings disappear.
NOTO is elevating its efforts to pressure the Provincial Government to get supports included in the recent budget in place NOW to ensure businesses have more support immediately. At the Federal level we are amplifying our messages to them to ensure that programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and more non-repayable funding supports are there to help your business through the long lasting and ever increasing impacts of this brutal pandemic.
We are here for you and will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for tourism.
Be well,
Laurie Marcil
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Province-Wide Shutdown Update
New Regulations Effective as of Thursday April 8th, 2021 at 12:01am
The Government of Ontario has declared yet another State of Emergency that will remain in effect for 4 weeks, with possibility of extension. All non-essential stores will return to curbside services, and big box stores will be limited to groceries, pharmaceuticals and personal care items. Anyone who is able to work from home should do so. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.
Stay-at-Home Order:
This order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. To view the official Stay-at-Home regulations, please click here.
Gatherings:
- Indoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
- Outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 people permitted, but must comply with public health advice on physical distancing.
Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodations:
- Can be open but indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities that are part of the operation of these businesses, are closed.
Short term rentals (AirBnB style businesses):
- Short-term rentals (for example, cottages, cabins) are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
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This does not apply with respect to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation.
Seasonal campgrounds:
Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:
- used by individuals who are in need of housing
- permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract
Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public.
Restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments:
- Take out, drive through, and delivery only (includes the sale of alcohol).
Marinas:
Are permitted to open but any clubhouse, restaurant, pool, communal steam room, sauna or whirlpool, meeting room, fitness centre or other recreational facility on the premises must be closed to the public, except for any portion of those areas that,
- is used to provide first aid services,
- is used to provide take-out or delivery service,
- contains a washroom, or
- provides access to an area described above.
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Please Note: Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.
The Government is asking individuals to stay home and to only go out for essential purposes such as groceries, picking up prescriptions, or for medical appointments. Anyone who is capable of working from home should do so.
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Have You Received Your 2020 Crown Resource Fee Refund/Credit?
If you haven't received your refund or a credit for your 2020 crown land use fees, please contact Laurie (laurie@noto.net) as soon as possible. Please provide Laurie with copies of your invoices, receipts of payments made, and any communications you have received from the Ministry of Finance.
Minister Yakabuski has announced that the Government will be waiving certain licences and crown land use fees for 2021. This includes the waiving of licensing fees for bear hunting and baitfish harvesters and dealers, Land Use Fees for Commercial Outpost Camps, Bear Management Area fees and Baitfish Harvest Area fees. We want to make sure that the 2021 fees are waived in a more seamless matter.
We are awaiting a response from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding these fees for tourism operations inside the Provincial Parks. Once we hear his decision, we will notify industry.
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TIAC and Destination Canada to Host Webinar
Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 am ET
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Destination Canada are co-hosting a webinar on Friday, April 9 for industry stakeholders to provide an update on our support efforts and plans going forward.
Beth Potter, TIAC’s new President and CEO will provide an overview of advocacy efforts aimed at the survival and recovery of the Tourism Industry and a snapshot of the road ahead.
Destination Canada's CEO & President, Marsha Walden, will share an update on Destination Canada’s latest strategy and next steps.
There will also be a question and answer period at the end of the webinar. Please submit your questions when you register.
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