The City of Spruce Grove
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Keeping you informed!
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The City of Spruce Grove’s Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw is currently in effect. The bylaw requires members of the public who are not exempt to wear a face covering or mask at all times while in an indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public place or in a public vehicle. Business owners and operators play an important role in this bylaw and are encouraged to review the information at www.sprucegrove.org/maskbylawbusinessinfo.
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ALBERTA'S RELAUNCH STRATEGY: STAGE 2
NEW MEASURES TO CURB THE RAPID GROWTH OF COVID-19
The Alberta Government has announced new measures to curb the rapid growth of COVID-19, which consists of targeted health measures that took place on November 13th and to protect the health system. Specific information on the new measures can be found at www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx.
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➡ NEW: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) - This program will provide commercial rent and mortgage support to qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic. Expenses of up to a maximum of 65% can be subsidized. The new Lockdown Support will allow organizations that have been significantly affected by a mandatory public health order to receive an additional 25% of rent support.
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Employment Insurance (EI) - Individuals have transitioned from CERB to EI to provide support to those who remain unable to work while introducing a new suite of temporary and taxable recovery benefits.
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Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - Individuals not eligible for EI, can apply for income support through the CRB program. Individuals can receive $1,000 for a 2-week period and may apply up to 13 periods between September 27, 2020 - September 25, 2021.
➡ NEW: Innovation Employment Grant - Alberta is expecting to launch this grant on January 1, 2021 as part of Alberta's Recovery Plan. Companies can receive up to 20% towards qualifying research and development expenditures.
➡ EXPANDED: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - The CEBA application program was extended to December 31, 2020. In addition to the $40,000 interest-free loan, businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 will be able to access an additional interest-free loan of up to $20,000. CEBA support is being expanded from $40,000 to $60,000 and more details are to follow.
➡ EXTENDED: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - This program has been extended to June 2021. The subsidy rate will depend on revenue drop. If the revenue drop was less than 30%, a business can still qualify. Employers who were hardest hit can apply for a higher amount. An employer with a 70% or greater revenue loss in a period would be eligible for a 65% wage subsidy. Applications for claim period 8 are now open.
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS
New developments in Spruce Grove will be featured in each newsletter.
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Talking Dog Brewing, Spruce Grove's first micro-brewery and taproom, is open! Located at #216, 10 Westwind Drive, this family-friendly establishment specializes in hand-made craft beer and fresh in-house prepared food.
Owners, Jen and Paul Houle, are scientists by vocation and enjoy mixing the art and science into creating a great brew. They pride themselves on their community-oriented mindsets and are committed to sourcing local ingredients.
"We promise to support local agriculture and suppliers to provide a great environment to gather with friends and family and enjoy quality hand-crafted beers"
Congratulations, Jen and Paul, and welcome to Spruce Grove!
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OTHER NEWS
➡ $1.5-Billion to Help Canadians Train for New Jobs - The federal government will spend $1.5-billion in job-training support to help Canadians in industries hit hard by the pandemic. This funding will help laid-off workers in the construction, transportation, and hospitality industries to re-enter the workforce by bolstering access to skills training and employment services. In addition, Bill C-9 will extend a wage subsidy, expand a business loan program, and redo the commercial rent relief program.
➡ Job-Creating Highway 60 Improvements - Alberta will twin a 4km section of highway 60 between highways 16 and 16A in Acheson. This project includes extension of the high load corridor and building an overpass at the CN rail tracks. The 2020 provincial budget allocates $4 million of the estimated $96 million total cost of the project. Construction could begin in 2021 and could take up to 3 years to complete.
➡ Coaching Program - The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) and TEC Edmonton are seeking companies looking to grow. This program is funded by Alberta Innovates and will pair a company with an experienced entrepreneur or seasoned business executive to address operational needs.
➡ Alberta's Labor Force Statistics - Alberta’s labor market added 23,400 jobs in October 2020, continuing a 6-month streak, which brought the unemployment rate down a whole percentage point to 10.7%. The province has regained 72% of jobs lost between February and April.
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Source: Statistics Canada |
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SPRUCE GROVE 2020 COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD |
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CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS
OF DISTINCTION
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Congratulations to Hyperspace Comics and Games on receiving the 2020 Business of the Year Award (1-35 Employees) presented by The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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To learn more about economic and business development in Spruce Grove, visit our website at InvestSpruceGrove.ca. If you have any questions, please email a team member at [email protected].
Thank you for your engagement.
Together, we play an important role in keeping our community healthy and safe.
From our team to yours,
Dave, Karla, Jamie-Lynn, & Anika
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