February 1, 2021
TOWNSHIP UPDATES
LAST CALL - ANNUAL BUSINESS SURVEY
We are collecting feedback from the business community in Lake of Bays to help guide the Township’s economic development program and to assess the impacts of COVID-19. Your input is very important to us and we invite you to take our brief survey. Participants will be entered into a draw to receive a prize pack of Lake of Bays branded swag!

 
Deadline: February 2, 2021

NOISE BY-LAW REVIEW

The Township is reviewing the Noise By-law and we want to hear from you! A new draft by-law based on public input as well as a review of surrounding municipalities will be presented to Council in early 2021. To learn more and take the survey, visit the Noise By-law review community engagement page.

 
Deadline: February 22, 2021

MARKETING SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
#CELEBRATEWINTERLOB
Does your business offer outdoor recreation or activities that are available to local residents?

The Township has created a new Celebrate Winter page on the Municipal website, as well as a social media campaign, to promote opportunities for safe, outdoor recreation in Lake of Bays. "Shop Local" messaging will also be included in this campaign to further support the local business community. Please contact Leanne to be included in this campaign.
LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SERIES
The Business Spotlight series is a free and creative way to promote your business! Spotlights are featured on the Township’s Public Notice Board (Muskoka Region/Huntsville Forester Newspaper), municipal website, social media, and the Economic Development e-Newsletter.

Do you want your business to be featured? Contact the Interim Economic Development Coordinator at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
BAYSVILLE 150

Baysville is celebrating 150 Years in 2021! Join in the fun with the many on-line and self-directed activities to celebrate Baysville’s special year. For updates check out the Baysville 150 website or follow them on Facebook.

If your business wants to get involved by creating a signature product, please contact the Baysville 150 Working Group by emailing Councillor Jacquie Godard.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Did you know the Township website includes a free community calendar? If you have an upcoming virtual event, you can promote it by creating an account and submitting your event details. If you need assistance please contact the communications team at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca.

Please note that event listings are moderated and approved by the communications team. To comply with the stay-at-home order, events must be virtual. Listings are limited to events hosted by businesses or organizations located in the Township of Lake of Bays.
TOURISM
BUSINESS SUPPORT TOWN HALL
Join Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries to discuss an overview of supports available to businesses and the government's response to COVID-19.

This townhall is focused on the RTO12 (Explorers' Edge) region, so let's all join the conversation and ensure the tourism sector from our area is well represented and heard. You will be asked to submit a question when registering.

When: February 4, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Register: Visit the event site for more information and to register
COVID-19 RESOURCES
HIGHLY AFFECTED SECTORS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM (HASCAP)
The Federal government recently announced the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) to provide financial support to businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

Support: Low-interest loans of up to $1 million

Eligibility:
  • Available to businesses strongly affected by the pandemic including restaurants, businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and those that rely on in-person service
  • Need to show a year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50% in three months, within the eight months prior to your application

To apply: Starting February 1, 2021 eligible businesses should contact your primary lender to get more information and to apply

For more information read the news release dated January 26, 2021 and visit the Business Development Bank of Canada website.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

A reminder that a list of pandemic-related resources for businesses is available on the Township website: www.lakeofbays.on.ca/covid19-business
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Kind regards,

Leanne Fetterley

TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS | Economic Development
Tel: 705-635-2272 ext.235 | Email Leanne