ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER
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ANNUAL BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS |
A total of 77 businesses participated in the Annual Business Survey. We value your time and appreciate your feedback!
This data will be used to create benchmarks for the business climate in Muskoka Lakes and provide insight into the challenges and opportunities experienced by local businesses in order to plan for economic recovery.
The Business Survey will be conducted annually to connect with the local business community, build relationships, identify priority issues, record metrics, and provide guidance to the Township’s Economic Development Program.
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2021 TEMPORARY PATIO EXPANSION PROGRAM |
The Province of Ontario amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor License Act to provide flexibility for liquor sales licensees to temporarily extend their physical premises provided they have municipal approval and meet certain provincial criteria. Although the policy was set to expire on January 1, 2021, the Registrar has authorized its continuation until the end of 2021.
To support the business community, Council approved extending the Temporary Patio Extension Program through 2021, including delegating authority to staff to process applications to expand restaurant patio seating. The application process will allow business owners to request use of a portion of private property/designated parking spaces for a patio or café as an extension of an existing restaurant, café, take-out restaurant, pub or tavern.
For more information please contact: Corey Moore, Communications & Economic Development Specialist, cmoore@muskokalakes.ca.
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EXPLORERS' EDGE COTTAGE COUNTRY SPIRIT LOCAL TRAVEL PACKAGE - SPRING EDITION |
Explorers’ Edge will be relaunching the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Package this spring. Includes 4000 packages available with 5 x $10 vouchers to be redeemed from April 26, 2021 through June 30, 2021 at participating businesses.
Deadline: Businesses are asked to sign up by April 16, 2021.
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The District Municipality of Muskoka will be hosting an online, virtual job fair on Thursday, April 22, 2021 between 3:00-6:00PM in collaboration with The Government of Ontario and The Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network.
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SUMMER COMPANY can help youth get a business started AND contribute up to $3,000 in funding.
Learning to run their own student business is one of the best summer jobs a student can have. They'll get the chance to be their own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills they’ll develop.
Find more information here.
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BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT FUND |
The Business Technology Improvement Fund (BTIF) encourages businesses to become early adopters of digital technology and innovation including the redesign of business models and processes to improve operations and competitiveness.
Receive 50% funding (up to $25,000) toward adopting technology for your business.
Deadline is approaching fast: Apply by May 2, 2021.
Apply Now for the Business Technology Improvement Fund (BTIF)
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MUSKOKA LAKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
Do you sell a product online, or want to sell a product online? ShopMuskokaLakes.ca is coming soon.
To be featured on ShopMuskokaLakes.ca, you must be:
- a Member of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber; and/or
- operate within Muskoka Lakes or a local Muskoka Member of our region's Markets; or
- a Sponsor who wants to Support Local/Save Local while getting great exposure, too.
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COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) |
The Township of Muskoka Lakes has retained The Planning Partnership to lead the development of a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the communities of Bala and Port Carling.
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies improvements for the public realm – streets, parks and other public spaces, and identifies financial incentive programs (grants and loans) and eligible works to encourage the private sector to revitalize and or develop their properties. To be completed in fall 2021, the CIP will identify community priority areas/projects in these communities, allowing the Township to better plan capital project investments.
Visit www.engagemuskokalakes.ca for further project details. We’d love to hear your thoughts on opportunities for change in the Port Carling or Bala core commercial areas – changes to streets and public spaces, opportunities for revitalization or redevelopment.
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ONTARIO COVID-19 RESPONSE FRAMEWORK |
Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Provincial government issued a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring 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. Read the news release.
Coming Soon: Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant
The government is introducing the new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant, which will provide an estimated $100 million in one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Application details will be available soon.
If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
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SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT |
For more information or questions, please contact SMDHU:
Phone - 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520).
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COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT RESOURCES |
The Township continues to update business support programs and resources on our website as they are announced. Need help navigating the various programs and resources available?
Contact: Corey Moore, Communications & Economic Development Specialist, cmoore@muskokalakes.ca
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Corey Moore
Communications & Economic Development Specialist
Township of Muskoka Lakes
705-765-3156
cmoore@muskokalakes.ca
www.muskokalakes.ca
Please feel free to share this information.
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