In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- GOGG - Congratulations to our second round of winners!
- Questions Regarding Opening
- Canada-US Border Recommendations
- Interprovincial Borders
- Need Staff? Tourism SkillsNet North can help
- Ontario Tourism & Travel Small Business Support Grant
- Forestry Notices
- Safe Travels Stamp
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Extended!
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
Another hectic week here at NOTO as we continue to keep our advocacy efforts moving along on a range of issues. We also continued receive a large number of calls and emails from operators as they consider reopening their facilities and
We continue to hear mixed and confusing messages from regional and Provincial authorities around who can be open now that the Stay At Home Order has been lifted.
We continue to point folks to O.Reg. 82/20 for what is enforceable. We have and will continue to press the Province for more clarity as we move into the reopening plan. Not only is it important for businesses and guests to know what the plan means for them but it is equally important for those in our communities to know what is "allowed" and what is "not allowed" and that there is enough certainty within the health community that having people move around in the outdoors and in towns and cities is safe if the proper guidance is followed.
I encourage every tourism business from every sector to ensure that you have your health and safety protocols in place and documented before you open to guests. Every business now matter what industry they are in MUST have protocols in place. In this newsletter, and on our COVID-19 page, you will find all the resources you need to put these critical pieces together for your business and we are here to help if you need some assistance. If we want to open and stay open you must have these in place.
We heard earlier this week that Premier Ford had submitted a proposal to the Health Table to open Step 1 earlier than June 14th. Yesterday, we heard from Dr. Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer that there has been a bit of an uptick in cases over the last few days and they need more time to consider this proposal.
The Reopening Plan is still missing a great deal of detail that businesses will need to move forward and we are seeking more detail. Some of you have already raised some questions and I would encourage all operators to review the Reopening Ontario plan details that are currently available and share with us any questions you have ASAP. This will help to ensure we find answers to all questions.
We have been hearing all kinds of rumblings about the border over the last two weeks. Most of it very positive. NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario and TIAO are continuing to pursue the opportunity for a pilot project as a result of recommendations that came from our Northern Ontario Border Working Group. It appears that the pressure that has been building up from the US and Canadian businesses as well as the recent recommendations from the joint federal border committee (more in this newsletter) has caused some movement. We have also heard some more positive acknowledgement for reopening the border from top health officials. I remain hopeful that all of this will result in a mid to late summer reopening.
Well folks, it is finally starting to seem like the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. We just need to stay the course and prepare as best as we can for what lies ahead.
Be well,
Laurie
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Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway
Announcements
Congratulations to our second round of winning lodges!
- Pine Portage Lodge
- Errington's Wilderness Island Resort
- Agich Kaby Kabins
- Mountain View Resort
- Vermilion Bay Lodge
Once we receive the release forms from the winning participants, we will reach out to these winning lodges with details on next steps.
The next round of winners (5 winning participants and 5 randomly selected lodges) will be announced during Fish'n Canada's livestream event at the end of June! You can re-watch the livestream for May's draw on Fish'n Canada's Facebook page.
Participating Operators: Take Advantage of the Advertising Opportunities!
Only a handful of participating operators have taken advantage of the free advertising opportunity on Fish'n Canada's website! In order to maximize your exposure through this contest, we highly encourage operators to take advantage of these opportunities! If you have any questions, e-mail kate@noto.net.
Looking to Participate?
If you haven't submitted an application yet, you can still do so. We've had a number of resource-based tourism businesses submit their packages for this program which highlight the great variety of unique experiences Northern Ontario has to offer! The contest will run until August so it's not too late to join in on the action. Please remember, awarded trips can be fulfilled in 2021 OR 2022.
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Questions Regarding Opening
NOTO has been recently made aware that some public health unit districts have been modifying interpretations of lodges/resorts as short term rentals based on their accommodation types (cottage/cabins vs rooms). We believe this is due to the lack of clarity found within the Government's Reopening Plan Webpage which state what the restrictions are for each accommodation type until we enter Step One of the plan.
We have expressed concern for the confusion that these interpretations are causing since they are different than what is in the actual regulations themselves. We continue to share with you the enforceable regulations in place at this time are as follows.
The Government has announced that they will be keeping all existing public health measures and restrictions in place (O.Reg. 82/20) until the province enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. Until we enter Step One, here are the regulations that will continue to apply:
Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodation (O.Reg. 82/20 - #25 under Schedule 2):
- Any 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.
Seasonal campgrounds (O. Reg. 82/20- #26 under Schedule 2):
Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:
- used by individuals who are in need of housing, or
- 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.
Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments (O. Reg. 82/20- #6, under Schedule 2): Take out, drive through, and delivery permitted only (includes the sale of alcohol).
Marinas (O.Reg 82/20 - #37 under Schedule 2):
Marinas, boating clubs and other organizations that maintain docking facilities for members or patrons that meet the following conditions can open:
1. 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 in subparagraph i, ii or iii.
2. For greater certainty, nothing in this Order precludes a person responsible for a marina, boating club or other organization that maintains docking facilities for members or patrons from operating a grocery or convenience store on the premises or from providing fuel supply, boat or watercraft repair and servicing, boat or watercraft docking and boat or watercraft launching services.
Outdoor Recreational Amenities (O. Reg. 82/20 - #4 under Schedule 3):
Outdoor recreational amenities are permitted to open so long as individuals maintain social distance of 2m from anyone outside of their household who happen to be using the facilities.
Recreational Boating (O. Reg 82/20 - #4 (06) under Schedule 3):
Each person responsible for a boat or watercraft shall ensure that if a group of persons uses that boat or watercraft together for recreational purposes, the members of the group are all members of the same household OR one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household.
You'll also need to keep in mind the gathering restrictions (O.Reg 82/20 - under Schedule 4):
- No indoor gatherings with anyone outside of your household.
- Outdoor gatherings of 5 are permitted, with social distancing in place.
Q: Are my cottages classified as a Short Term Rental, or am I classified under Hotels, Motels, Lodges, Resorts, Cottages, Cabins and Other Shared Accommodations?
For the purpose of these regulations, NOTO recommends you look at the industry classification given to you by the CRA for tax purposes. Businesses that offer cottage/cabin rentals are classified under the same number as hotels/motels and lodges, while private cottage rentals will specifically be called short term rentals.
If your NAICS number begins in either 7211 or 7212, you would fit into the hotels, motels, lodges, cabin rentals, etc. for the purpose of this shutdown. However, you must ensure you comply with the seasonal campground regulations (if you have a campground), as well as the stipulations highlighted for lodges in O. Reg 82/20 (under #25 and #26)
Please be advised that 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. We encourage all operators to watch for any notices of Section 22 orders from their Health Units. Usually notices of these additional measures are sent out directly to businesses in the health unit.
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REMINDER:
Before you open it is very important that you comply with all of the regulations above and have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols. Any business which is permitted to be open at this time must have their safety plan/protocols in place that can be made available if a health official or enforcement officer requests to see it.
A safety plan is essentially a document highlighting all your health and safety protocols, COVID-19 protocols, and your plan in the event that an employee or guests develops COVID-19 at your workplace.
Not sure where to start or what to do? Fear not, there are some great resources available to you. In fact, last year with the support of Destination Northern Ontario, NOTO developed a comprehensive COVID-19 best practices guide for the RBT sector business that you can pull from.
You may consult and implement NOTO's health and safety protocols to help you comply with all the health and safety requirements. This document covers all aspects of the resource-based tourism industry from road-based and fly-in operations to houseboats and campgrounds, and have been vetted by the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). Simply pull the components that best suit your business model and build your own document. Reach out if you need help.
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Canada-US Border Recommendations
The expert panel advising our Federal Government has published their recommendations on how to potentially proceed with a safe border reopening. In their recommendations, the panel highlights different requirements for different groups of individuals (non-vaccinated, single dose, fully vaccinated, those recently infected and exempt travelers). You can read the full document by clicking here.
The Northern Ontario Border Working Group is also putting forward recommendations to Government on how to move forward with a safe reopening of the border and a pilot project for border crossings in Ontario as an option to get things started.
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Interprovincial Borders
We have been receiving questions from both operators and guests alike as to when we will see the interprovincial borders reopen. The Provincial Government has extended the interprovincial border closures to June 16th.
This closure prevents individuals from Manitoba and Quebec from entering Ontario for non-essential reasons. Those coming to Ontario for work are being permitted to enter. If you have staff coming from other Provinces it is advisable that you provide your employees with a letter confirming their employment and the start date.
It is unclear if this closure will expire early if we enter Step One of Ontario's reopening plan. We will keep the industry informed.
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Are you in need of staff? Tourism SkillsNet North Can Help
In collaboration with Ontario Tourism Education Corporation, Destination Northern Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, District Social Services Administration Boards and Northern Ontario Workforce Planning Boards, Tourism SkillsNet North (TSNN) is designed to identify specific workforce labour gaps, train up to 300 potential employees and match them with available job opportunities within Northern Ontario's tourism sector.
Ultimately, the program will assist in the identification and training of 300 potential employees and match them with a minimum of 150 employers within Northern Ontario's tourism sector, as tourism operators scale up for the year of the Ontario Staycation.
Qualified employers will be eligible for a 30% wage subsidy up to $3,000 per employee.
To view more information about the program, please click on the button below.
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FedNor Confirms RRRF Extension
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) for small businesses in Northern Ontario that have sustained COVID-related losses since April 1, 2020, or anticipate losses up until September 30, 2021, has been extended to June 30, 2021.
Applications will be received and processed until the Fund has been fully committed.
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REMINDER: Ontario Tourism & Travel Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant is now available. The application portal will remain open until June 25th, 2021. This program will provide grants of $10,000-$20,000 to eligible businesses. Businesses can use this support grant in whatever way makes the most sense for their business.
We have heard from a number of operators that they received their grants over the last two weeks. This is great news!! We have also heard that the application process was simple and only took a very short time to complete once they had the documentation they needed. We are glad to hear of these positive experiences.
If you are having any difficulties or would like to share anything regarding the grant process, please reach out to us here at NOTO.
For more information and details on the grant and what information you will need for your application, please click here.
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Forestry Notices
NOTO would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of the importance of staying up-to-date on the forestry activities happening in your region. We encourage all operators to take some time to review Forest Management Plans (FMP) and to participate in the consultations to ensure your business values are respected in the development of an FMP.
The latest notices NOTO has received are listed below:
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Invitation to Participate: 2023-2033 FMP for Whiskey Jack Forest - Closes July 1st
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Review of Draft FMP: Kenora Forest - Closes July 5th
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Review of Draft FMP: Ottawa Valley Forest - Closes July 5th
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Review of Draft Forest Management Plan for Kenogami Forest 2021-2031 - Closes June 22nd
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2021-2024 proposed operations for a Contingency Plan for the Lac Seul Forest. - Closes June 14th
To view the notices and to participate in the consultation, please click on the button below. To receive notices for your Forest Management Unit directly in your inbox, register an account on the MNRF's new forestry website by clicking the button below as well.
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Get Your Safe Travel Stamp!
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels Stamp which is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
If you've implemented our protocols, or any other Government approved protocols throughout your workplace, apply to receive your stamp!
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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
Great news! The NOTO Board of Directors is extending the early bird membership pricing for the remainder of 2021!
If you were a member in 2019 and/or 2020 and have not yet renewed your membership, please note traditional invoices for membership will be sent out in June. This year they will be at the early bird rate.
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Entry Level: $452.00
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Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
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Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
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Silver:
$1,367.30 NOW: $1,299.50
Prices listed above include HST. To renew your membership or to join NOTO, please click on the appropriate category link above to access the membership form. Completed forms can be printed and mailed to the NOTO office, or scanned and emailed to kate@noto.net or laurie@noto.net.
Thank you so much for your support!
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners to continue our work. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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