ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER January 13, 2021 | Subscribe Now

MUSKOKA LAKES BUSINESS SURVEY The Township of Muskoka Lakes invites all local business owners to take the Muskoka Lakes Business Survey. We are collecting feedback from the business community in Muskoka Lakes to help guide the the implementation of the Township's Economic Development Strategy and to assess the impacts of COVID-19. 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. This short survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and will be available online until February 16, 2021. Take the Survey

CANADA SUMMER JOBS Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. The program provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Funded employers are not restricted to hiring students — all youth aged 15 to 30 years may be eligible participants. Deadline is January 29, 2021. More Information: Click Here

ONTARIO COVID-19 RESPONSE FRAMEWORK COVID-19: Stay-At-Home Order issued for Ontario effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Learn about the restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures during this stage on the Province of Ontario's website. Updated Workplace Guidelines & Essential Services: Ontario Provincewide Shutdown Details Ontario Small Business Support Grant: A new Ontario Small Business Support Grant was announced by the provincial government, which will provide up to $20,000 for eligible businesses. Application details will be announced in January 2021.   Business Support Resources: Ontario Small Business Support Grant Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment Financial Relief Programs Reopening Guidance Workplace PPE Supplier Directory 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.

SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT Public Signage for Printing & Displaying: STOP You must wear a face covering at this site Guide on how to develop a workplace safety plan Risk mitigation tool for workplaces/businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic Sector-specific guidelines and posters For more information or questions, please contact SMDHU: Phone - 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520). Online - SMDHU Contact Information

CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY (CERS) Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021. Visit the CERS website to determine eligibility, calculate your subsidy amount, and to submit an application.

WINTER FUN MUSKOKA LAKES Enjoy the great outdoors this winter in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Being physically active while following public health advice and restrictions is important for our health. The Township is providing outdoor activities at local parks and trails for residents to use this winter season. View a full list of winter activities at: www.muskokalakes.ca/winterfun View Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit public health recommendations HERE. We encourage you to use the hashtag #MuskokaLakesWinterFun and #EmbracetheChill to help spread the word about recreation opportunities for winter 2021!

BROADBAND SPEED TEST Broadband access has been identified as a key priority for both residents and businesses by the District and the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF). How can you help? Test Your Internet Speed to Help Build Better Access to Broadband in Muskoka! MERTF is working with partners to identify needs through speed testing and gap analysis. To help with that work, the Task Force is encouraging all residents and business owners in Muskoka to test the speeds of their current internet service using a tool available at:  http://www.connectednorth.ca/#speedtestlink

Test Your Internet Speed

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 View Covid-19 Business Support Resources

‌ ‌	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. To subscribe Click Here.