In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.
This is a collaborative email to share information that applies to our memberships at large, sent on behalf of the Grimsby Chamber, Lincoln Chamber, and West Lincoln Chamber.
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From the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce |
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We have lots of information to share with you this week - we know it's a lot, but please read through!
We urge everyone to pay particular attention to the notice about upcoming workplace inspections starting this weekend. More info can be found under the Ontario heading below.
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Now that we are officially into Step 1 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, here’s a recap of activities that are permitted, with restrictions:
- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 4 people per table
- Essential retail capacity at 25%
- Non-essential retail capacity at 15%
- Religious services, rites, and ceremonies indoors at 15% capacity and outdoors with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
- Outdoor sports training (no games or practices), fitness classes, and personal training up to 10 people
- Day camps
- Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks and short-term rentals
- Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways with spectators
- Outdoor pools and wading pools
The province will stay in Step 1 for at least 21 days (which means we're already a third of the way through!) to evaluate any impacts on key public health indicators. At the end of the 21 days, if positive trends have been noted, and 60 percent of adults have received one dose of a COVID vaccine, the province will move on to Step 2.
Under section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, a medical officer of health can issue an order to "require a person to take or to refrain from taking any action in respect of a communicable disease".
Click HERE for sector-specific guidelines | Click HERE for COVID-19 guidance for the community - "What does Ontario's reopening plan mean for dining in Niagara?"
You can also find content on Niagara Region's Public Health social media to help you keep up to date:
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Dr. Mustafa Hirji: Calling for COVID-19 Inspection Blitz |
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Dr. Mustafa Hiriji is the Niagara acting medical officer of health. He has called for the increased enforcement of businesses in the region to ensure COVID-19 restrictions are being followed.
The Niagara region is working with the Ministry of Labour on an enforcement campaign in Niagara, as phase one of the reopening plan continues.
The campaign aims at ensuring that as businesses reopen, the best COVID-19 precautions are in place to mitigate any infection spreading increase.
This program will validate business best practices and ensure there are no gaps moving forward.
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Border Restrictions Changed for Fully Vaccinated Individuals |
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Federal ministers announced that border measures will be lifted on July 5th for fully vaccinated individuals.
Fully vaccinated travelers permitted to enter Canada will no longer have to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8 of their stay. Additionally, they will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.
For travelers who are not fully vaccinated, current travel restrictions remain in place until at least July 21, and individuals must adhere to requirements including mandatory quarantine.
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Increased Opportunity for COVID-19 Vaccines |
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As two more patients have been taken by the virus, Niagara Region Public Health has added more opportunities for residents to get COVID-19 vaccinations.
Public Health announced it is opening clinics at Vale health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne July 1st to 3rd, as well as at West Lincoln Community Centre July 4th to 7th.
People who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine - either Pfizer or Moderna - on or before May 9th can now schedule an earlier appointment for their second dose.
Public Health is also focused on encouraging youths aged 12 or older to book their vaccine if they have yet to receive their first dose.
Dr. Mustafa Hiriji is inviting parents to an online question and answer meeting with him this week. Families can participate in the Zoom meetings on Tuesday June 22nd and Wednesday June 23rd, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Join the Zoom Meeting HERE!
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COVID-19 Rapid Screening Kits |
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Our three West Niagara Chambers of Commerce – West Lincoln, Lincoln, and Grimsby – are collaborating to roll out the Rapid Screening program to our local business communities. We are proud to work together to bring this important program to our businesses and be part of the solution to keeping our communities safe.
We are offering two locations for test kit pick-ups:
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAM DETAILS AND TO SCHEDULE A PICK-UP HERE
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A Message from Service Canada, Ontario Region |
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Niagara Chamber Partnership:
Niagara's Road to Recovery Series
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The COVID-19 pandemic has created immense challenges for multiple industries across Niagara.
That's why the Niagara Chamber Partnership has created the Road to Recovery Series: a five-part segment that will run every Tuesday until June 29.
Access our previous sessions using the links below:
The final installment is coming up on Tuesday, June 29th, and will delve into the Not-for-Profit industry. You don't want to miss it!
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June 24th DJB Complimentary Webinar:
Do you Have a COVID Exit Strategy?
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Businesses need to start thinking about what their workplaces and HR practices will look like post COVID. With government re-opening plans in place and increased access to vaccinations, understanding your post COVID strategy is crucial.
Not sure where to start? If so this webinar is for you!
Using "The Three R's Approach", the DJB HR Advisory Team will help you explore what your COVID exit strategy can look like.
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Share YOUR Message
Want to place your communication in our collaborative newsletter? For just $150 + HST, we’ll send your message to our collective 1000+ contacts!
Limited to one paid spot per bi-weekly newsletter edition, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Content to be approved by all three Chambers ahead of time. Must be a member (associate or full) of all three Chambers.
Contact your home Chamber for more details and to reserve your spot:
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The West Niagara Chambers of Commerce are dedicated to supporting local businesses during the pandemic through advocacy, connecting you to information and resources, offering a space to develop a support system of Chamber peers, and more. Please reach out to Rebecca Shelley (Grimsby), Lindsey Hendriks (Lincoln), or Denise Potter (West Lincoln) if there is anything our Chambers can do to assist your organization during these difficult times.
We're with you!
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Contact Your Local Chamber |
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Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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West Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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This email was sent by on behalf of the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce, which consists of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. You have received this email because you subscribed to our newsletters; your email address will not be shared and will be used only for these updates.
You may unsubscribe from receiving these emails at any time.
Please contact your local Chamber if you have any questions or concerns.
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