Information Going Into The Long Weekend
|
|
Further Clarification on Seasonal Parks and Campgrounds from Premier Ford's Office
The Government has specified that as soon as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020:
- Golf courses will be able to open, with clubhouses open only for washrooms and restaurants open only for take-out.
- Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open for recreational use.
- Private parks and campgrounds may open to enable preparation for the season and to allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles whose owners have a full season contract.
- Businesses that board animals, such as stables, may allow boarders to visit, care for or ride their animal.
Many operators were given various answers as to what this means for overnight stays from the Government's business help line therefore NOTO reached out to Doug Ford's office directly to receive clarification as to what exactly this announcement means for seasonal campground and trailer park owners.
Seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks can now prepare for the upcoming season. They
can not open to the general public except for those who have paid a full season contract.
For individuals who have paid a full season contract, the following applies: their trailer must be stationary, must be hooked up to water and electricity, have access to a facility for sewage disposal and act as a secondary permanent residence, much like seasonal residents who live in their cottages for most of the summer. These residents will be allowed to stay overnight in their trailers. All other facilities must remain closed as stated in the emergency order regarding the
closure of outdoor recreational spaces
(green spaces, parks, beaches, common areas like picnic shelters). All other public amenities such as public washrooms must also remain closed.
The official stipulations surrounding campgrounds will be added to the
essential services list
shortly. Operators are highly encouraged to keep an eye on this page as we enter the long weekend. Any operator caught in non-compliance with any emergency can
face serious fines
!
|
|
Marinas and Boat Launches
The Government has specified that as soon as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open for recreational use. Additional stipulations may be added to the
essential services list
as we approach the long weekend. Operators are highly encouraged to keep an eye on this list to ensure they comply with this emergency order. To ensure that you comply with the Ministry of Labours enhanced health and safety expectations, we recommend the following:
|
|
- Place signage to remind people of social distancing requirements. You can use the Government of Canada's signs for on-land reminders and Transport Canada's social distancing while boating signs.
- If you have an office, place social distancing markers on the floor to ensure spacing and consider limiting the amount of people who can come into the area at any one time (ex: limit of 5 people inside the building, one member per household, etc.)
- Have hand sanitizer or a hand washing station near the entrance.
- Encourage the use of credit/debit (tap) or e-transfers instead of cash. Have disposable popsicle sticks or cotton swabs that people can use to click the buttons on the terminal if they do not have tap on their cards.
- Encourage the use of gloves and masks for staff serving customers at the counter.
- Sanitize counter, door handles, and payment terminal frequently.
- Have clients launch their boats and immediately park their vehicle and move their boat away from the launch to allow other clients to use the launch in a timely matter.
- Have a staff member control the movement of individuals to the boats and on docks.
- Clients should responsible for loading/unloading their boats as well as any other equipment they have.
- Close all common areas (parks, picnic areas, beaches etc.) in compliance with the essential services list.
- Ensure garbage and recycling containers have bags and are regularly changed and sanitize any handles.
- Consider closing public washrooms or increase cleaning frequency of washroom facilities and post signage of hygiene best practices (wash your hands for 20 seconds, cough in sleeves, etc.)
- Encourage guests to bring their own fuel.
- TSSA regulations state that only marina staff can fuel a vessel and all non-staff individuals must be off the boat before fueling can begin. In this case, place a social distancing marker where all non-staff individuals must stand while staff fuel the vessel. Have staff wear disposable gloves while fueling vessel and have staff immediately dispose of the gloves and wash their hands once the service is complete.
|
|
Emergency Orders Impacting The Long-Weekend
|
|
Government of Canada Update
Today, the Prime Minister announced the
extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This program will now be available until the end of August.
The Government also intends to propose legislative amendments to ensure that the CEWS continues to meet its objectives. These proposed amendments would:
- Provide flexibility for employers of existing employees who were not regularly employed in early 2020, such as seasonal employees;
- Ensure that the CEWS applies appropriately to corporations formed on the amalgamation of two predecessor corporations and
- Better align the treatment of trusts and corporations for the purpose of determining CEWS eligibility.
Earlier this week, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund which will help tourism and seasonal businesses who haven't been able to apply to other federal support programs get the money they need to get through this pandemic. This program will be made available through FedNor and FedDev in Ontario in collaboration with the Community Futures Development Corporations.
Click here to view more infomation.
|
|
Cleaning/Personal Protective Equipment List
We are putting together a new section on our NOTO COVID-19 page where operators can find a list of businesses that can provide you with personal protective equipment and cleaning products.
To help us create this resources list, we would love to hear which suppliers you regularly deal with or businesses you know that have these products available.
|
|
Reminder: TIAO Survey
Please take a few minutes of your time to participate in TIAO's 5th survey.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses is unprecedented and Government consistently requests to view numbers to support our asks. The impacts that you report through all the surveys conducted by various tourism associations allow us to tell all levels of government what tourism businesses and operators need to survive this crisis.
Data tells a powerful story, and it is making a difference.
Survey closes Tuesday May 19th.
|
|
Messages and Special Offers from our Preferred Suppliers!
We're happy to announce the official launch of our Preferred Supplier Updates page!
Our Preferred Suppliers want you to know that they are here for your during this difficult time. Many have messages they would like to share with you and many of our Preferred Suppliers have set up discount programs and special offers to help you get ready as the province moves towards re-opening the economy.
This page will be regularly updated as well as our Preferred Suppliers continue to provide us with messages and special offers.
|
|
To All Lodges and Resorts…We’re Here for You!
As a 30+ YEAR supplier to the Northern Ontario Tourism Industry, The Graphix Works understands the seasonal complexities of this industry and now also sympathizes with the industry as they try to navigate the waters following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s effects on the tourism industry.
With this in mind we have come up with a number of offers that we will honour until the end of 2020 to help the industry as it makes an effort to market itself following the end of the shutdown. At the center of our offer is an across the table discount of 20% off of all of our regular pricing on everything we sell.
The 20% discount applies to the following regular priced products and services:
Brochures • Rate Sheets • Trade Show Banner Stands and Booth Displays • Decorated Apparel • Promotional Products • Website Development
Plus! On website development we’re offering a no interest payment plan. Buy now, pay 25% upon ordering, 25% on September 15, 2020 then 25% on May 15, 2021 and the balance including taxes on July 15, 2021.
Click here to view discount details
.
|
|
A Letter to Operators
This unprecedented time has posed some significant challenges to tourism operators. We are doing what we can to weather this storm with you. Taking a risk management approach can help in times of struggle to proactively mitigate claims and assist in negotiating with insurers to minimize costs. Gougeon Insurance Brokers is ready to help operators conduct a risk management assessment.
In light of these unprecedented challenges, we are supporting NOTO with the development of checklists and procedures that will assist tourism operators during this pandemic. These documents will advise operators on the following:
- how to protect your unoccupied property
- how to open in a manner that is safe for your employees and guests
- cleaning and sanitation maintenance
Rest assured that as this situation unfolds, we will continue to work alongside industry associations and tourism operators to develop evolving standard operating procedures. We hear you, and we are here for you.
|
|
Next Week's ADAPT 2020 Webinars
|
|
Par où se lancer : Ressources, initiatives et outils / Where to Start: Resources, Initiatives and Tools
Presented by: Isabelle de Bruyn, Project Manager, Tourism / Gestionnaire en tourisme - Société économique de l'Ontario (SÉO) and Marla Tremblay, Destination Northern Ontario
May 20th, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
Le webinaire se déroulera en français, avec un support bilingue (présentation PowerPoint)
- Ressources, outils et programmes disponible pour aider votre entreprise à traverser la crise
- Projets et initiatives liés au tourisme francophone dont votre entreprise pourrait bénéficier
- Outils d'autoévaluation en ligne
The Webinar will be in French with bilingual support (PowerPoint Presentation)
- Resources, tools and programs available to help your business survive the pandemic
- Francophone Tourism projects and initiatives that may be a fit for your business
- Online Self-Assessment Tool
|
|
Experience Fishing
Presented by: Karen Jones, CEO of Karen Jones Consulting
May 21st, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
Experience Fishing has proven to be an exciting, safe, family inclusive and instructive way to introduce the fun of fishing to beginners. The program is an ideal way for lodges and resorts to reach domestic markets and encourage new anglers including women, families with children and new Canadians to book a package.
Take advantage of this free program complete with online training resources designed for your business. Be ahead of the curve and allow Experience Fishing to help you access new markets when travel restrictions are lifted.
|
|
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 our COVID-19 newsletters, 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.There are FAQ's with answers and tips from NOTO. FAQs will be regularly updated as well.
|
|
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.
|
|
NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit
noto.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
