Information, News & Resources |
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Economic Development Office |
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- Council Implements Financial Relief Measures
- Open Patios 2021 Program
- Wasaga Beach business celebrates 50 years
- South Georgian Bay Tourism Offers FREE Business Membership
- #Pledge to Support Local
- Wasaga-licious!
- Plus more resources and news!
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Council Implements Financial Relief Measures
To Help Community
In response to the financial burden that many people are experiencing due to the provincial stay-at-home order and the shutdown, Council has approved a series of financial relief measures.
“We know that people are struggling right now and we hope these steps will provide a measure of assistance during what is a very difficult time,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
The following fees and charges are suspended (effective May 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2021):
- Reprint of tax or water bill account statements;
- Payment transfer fees;
- Returned cheque charges;
- Penalty/interest on current year water and sewer arrears;
- Penalty/interest on current year tax arrears;
- Penalty/interest on current regular accounts receivable accounts;
Interest and penalty charges will resume on all unpaid balances owing starting Oct. 1, 2021.
All interest and penalty payments applied to accounts for the period Jan. 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021 will remain owing as charged.
In addition, the town will continue to offer a business licensing fee deferred payment plan and will continue to waive late penalties for those businesses that cannot fully operate due to provincial restrictions.
Town supports are in addition to those offered by senior levels of government.
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Calling All Businesses: Wasaga-licious!
REGISTER FOR FREE NOW
Spring is here and we have an exciting opportunity to promote your business! Whether you are a service-based provider, have a traditional brick-and-mortar business, retail shop, home-based business or restaurant, you're invited to register for FREE for our upcoming 36 Days of Wasaga-licious!
In partnership with the Chamber, we're now accepting business registrations for this fun #supportlocal campaign that will encourage our greater community to make purchases from participating businesses for their chance to win weekly prizes as well as to qualify for the ultimate Grand Prize. Register now (and no later than May 21st) to give us time to upload your business details to our interactive digital business map. To register use our easy-to-fill-in form, and email it to us.
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Open Patios 2021 Program
Calling all restaurants! Have you applied for the 2021 Open Patio Program yet? Get ready for when it's safe to re-open for in-person dining. The Open Patios 2021 Program has launched and is now accepting applications for temporary patios.
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Wasaga Beach business celebrates 50 years - Half a century! |
On April 1, on behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi presented Beach Builders Home Hardware with a certificate marking the local company's 50th anniversary. Business partners Jamie Vanderburg and Todd Young accepted the certificate during a celebration held at the store. Thank you to Beach Builders for its many contributions to our community over the years. Learn more about the company.
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South Georgian Bay Tourism Offers FREE Business Membership for Wasaga Beach Tourism Businesses
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Have you registered for your FREE membership yet? The Town of Wasaga Beach has partnered with SGBT and the South Georgian Bay municipalities to offer complimentary business memberships for the entire South Georgian Bay tourism industry in 2021.
Register your tourism business to take advantage of this free unique marketing opportunity. This is your chance to be part of the South Georgian Bay Tourism Association. Register for free today using the following link.
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#Pledge to Support Local
Spend your money where it matters the most. By supporting your local businesses you support your community.
Your dollars stay in the community and help local jobs, development, community culture and create more walkable and livable neighbourhoods. The pandemic has hit us all deeply and the effects continue to rattle our business community.
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Business & Economic News Highlights |
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Ask An Expert: Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
by County of Simcoe Economic Development Office
On May 6, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm join this webinar for a conversation on emergency preparedness and business continuity.
In the past year we have experienced an event like never before in our lifetime. The impacts of a global pandemic have affected businesses and organizations, and their ability to deliver goods and services. Taking the time to develop a business continuity plan can help organizations identify vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans in order to reduce the negative consequences of all types of emergencies. This session will provide the knowledge and tools required to initiate a business continuity plan as well as enhancing emergency preparedness among staff members.
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Ask an Expert: Businesses in Transition and How to Stay in Control
Join this free virtual webinar on May 20th to learn how business owners and entrepreneurs can stay in control during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many business owners who had carefully developed business plans and models over the lifespan of their operations have had to reconsider their best-laid plans and adapt quickly. Financial forecasts that seemed realistic in 2019 may be less viable and owners may be considering other options.
Local experts will provide information regarding:
- Staying in control after negative financial growth – Insolvency Trustees experts Brenda Wood and Robyn White
- Transitioning – Experts Lawyer Tim Timpano and Accountant David Holmes
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Ontario Introduces Paid Sick Leave
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development introduced the legislation that requires employers to provide employees with up to $200 of pay for up to three days if they are missing work because of COVID-19. This program will be retroactive to April 19, 2021 and effective until September 25, 2021, the date the CRSB will expire.
By providing time-limited access to three paid leave days, the province is ensuring employees can pay their bills as they help stop the spread of the virus, including by getting tested, waiting for their results in isolation or going to get their vaccine. The province will partner with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to deliver the program and reimburse employers up to $200 per day for each employee.
This bill was passed yesterday, see more details here.
See official release of Wednesday's announcement here.
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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.
Examples of eligible businesses include:
- Hotels, Motels, Travel agencies, Amusement and water parks, Hunting and fishing camps, Recreational and vacation camps (for example, children’s overnight summer camps)
Application details, including a full list of eligible businesses, will be available soon.
Note: Any small businesses that received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not be eligible for this new grant.
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Safe Travels Stamp Administered By TIAO
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travelers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
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Façade Improvement Program 2021
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The Façade Improvement Program is a FREE municipal Grant Program Package that assists property owners looking to revitalize and/or restore the frontage of their existing commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings in town. Projects can include side and rear facing facades that have high public visibility.
The program will provide a grant up to 50% of the eligible costs up to $2,000 per project.
For more information please contact:
Kaitlyn Monsma
Economic Development Officer
(705) 429-3847 ext. 2284
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Town of Wasaga Beach
BUSINESS EVENTS CALENDAR
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Looking for upcoming business events to participate in? Visit the Wasaga Beach Business Events Calendar. A helpful resource for both owners and staff at your organization! Find upcoming conferences, networking events, workshop and courses from resources like the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Center and the Barrie Small Business Centre.
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Town of Wasaga Beach
BUSINESS RECOVERY PORTAL
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Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been making every effort to support you and your business. As we now look towards careful re-opening and recovery, we have compiled over 150 special resources here to help your business source COVID-related information and funding. |
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In addition to sourcing and sharing these resources for you, our Economic Development Team is always ready and available to assist you and your business. Help us to help you. We welcome and encourage you to contact us with your questions, comments or ideas - we will do our best to steer you in the best direction as you look to start, grow or support your business - for today and tomorrow. |
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START AND GROW A BUSINESS PAGE |
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Are you eager to launch a new business or expand your existing business in Wasaga Beach?
We have retail, commercial and industrial space, business supports, workshops, one-on-one counselling, and information about financial incentives to support your venture and help it thrive. On this page you will find local, regional, provincial and national resources to help you start or grow a business.
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Federal COVID-19 information line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
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COVID-19 continues to be a very real challenge in our region and across the province. As such, it is imperative that you follow the advice of public health officials. Wear your mask when out in public. Wash your hands regularly. Stick to your household as much as possible.
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*Disclaimer: The Town of Wasaga Beach is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned. |
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