May 1, 2020
PHASED REOPENING OF PROVINCIAL ECONOMY
BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Earlier this week the Ontario government released framework that will be used to plan the loosening of emergency measures, as well as a three-stage process for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. They are planning a phased approach to reopening the provincial economy to ensure there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely.

To help your business respond to COVID-19, you can request a temporary regulation or policy change to help:
  • assist the health care system meet the needs of needs of the emergency
  • assist businesses in retooling or producing essential or health-related products and supplies
  • make it easier for businesses trying to operate remotely or in a non-traditional fashion and are facing unexpected challenges

Yesterday, the Province released safety guidelines for employers to ensure they are protecting workers, customers, and the general public. There are sector-specific safety guidelines to provide direction to those working in manufacturing, food manufacturing and processing, restaurant and food service, agriculture, retail, health care, construction, and more. For sector specific guidance, check out the Province's Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace. Be proactive and plan for business reopening!
Today, the Province announced a list of businesses that are permitted to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
By following the proper health and safety guidelines these businesses will be permitted to begin operations on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.:

  • Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
  • Lawn care and landscaping;
  • Additional essential construction projects that include:
  • shipping and logistics;
  • broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;
  • any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;
  • municipal projects;
  • colleges and universities;
  • child care centres;
  • schools; and
  • site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
  • Automatic and self-serve car washes;
  • Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
  • Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
  • Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
LAKE OF BAYS OPEN FOR BUSINESS MAP
ADD OR UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP

There are currently 28 local businesses featured on the Lake of Bays Open for Business interactive map. With the recent provincial announcement, additional businesses (i.e. marinas, lawn care and landscaping, etc.) are welcome/encouraged to submit information about their modified services.

As your business operations continue to evolve in the days ahead, please send an email to jclancy@lakeofbays.on.ca or submit the brief form included with the map to add or update your listing.
BUSINESS SUPPORT GAPS?
REMINDER - WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If your business does not qualify for the current government supports and you are in need of assistance, the Township of Lake of Bays want to hear from you. Please tell us your story so that we can better advocate to get you the support needed as a result of the pandemic.

Contact: Jennifer Clancy, Economic Development Coordinator, jclancy@lakeofbays.on.ca, 705-635-2272 ext. 235
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT FUND (BTIF)

BTIF aims to encourage businesses to become early adopters of digital technology and innovation BY providing a grant of 50% funding up to $25,000 for businesses to adopt technology. For more information, visit pmcn.ca/btif.

Contact: Parry Sound/Muskoka Community Network, info@pmcn.ca, 705-646-9044
FREE ONLINE RESOURCES
TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (TIAO)

TIAO is offering free 2020 memberships to all tourism businesses and stakeholders. Those seeking new membership are asked to email membership@tiaontario.ca.
CANADIAN SURVEY ON BUSINESS CONDITIONS

On April 29, the results of the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC) were released. The survey is a joint effort between Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and provides detailed insight into the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian businesses. Access the survey results here.
EXPLORERS' EDGE WEDNESDAY WEBINAR SERIES

Ensuring lines of communication are open, the Explorers' Edge (RTO 12) is hosting weekly webinars during the COVID-19 crisis.

When: Every Wednesday from 1-2pm (ongoing)

Register on GoToWebinar
VIRTUAL TRAINING: GOOGLE ADS FOR E-COMMERCE

Hosted on Zoom by Dan Powers and Kyra Watters, Muskoka's Digital Service Squad Leads. Registration required - a link will be emailed to you with instructions to join the meeting.

When: Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 10:00am

WEBINAR: EMAIL MARKETING BOOT CAMP

Whether you are just getting started in business or you are a seasoned business owner, email is still the most cost effective and powerful marketing tool that can significantly increase profitability of your business. If you can just set it up right and get your target prospects to open that email…

When: Thursday, May 7, 2020, 9:00-11:00am

Register on Eventbrite
VIRTUAL TRAINING: FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM ADS FOR E-COMMERCE

Hosted on Zoom by Dan Powers and Kyra Watters, Muskoka's Digital Service Squad Leads. Registration required - a link will be emailed to you with instructions to join the meeting.

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 10:00am

WEBINAR: RE-OPENING THE WORLD'S WORKPLACES

Presented by Ron Armstrong, Senior Managing Director, Central Canada Region, CBRE Limited

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 1:00-2:00pm

Register on GoToWebinar
WEBINAR: ECOMMERCE OPTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

It’s never been easier for small businesses to dip their toes into the world of ecommerce. Discover the fundamentals of selling online in this webinar that’s perfect for ecommerce beginners.

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:00-8:30pm

Register on Eventbrite
WEBINAR: THE ECONOMIC REBUILD

Presented by John Stackhouse, Senior VP, Office of the Chair, RBC

When: Monday, June 1, 2020, 11:00am-12:00pm

Register on GoToWebinar
WEBINAR: THE FUTURE OF TOURISM - TRAVEL & EDUCATION

Presented by Professor Frederic Dimanche, Director, Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ryerson University

When: Monday, June 1, 2020, 1:00-2:00pm

Register on GoToWebinar
FREE ONE-ON-ONE DIGITAL MARKETING SUPPORT

The Digital Service Squad is available until May 31, 2020 to help you build or enhance an online presence, promote products/services and sell online. They can provide free digital marketing advice to Lake of Bays businesses to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic. Consultations with business owners will be done over the phone or by video conference. Read the April 22, 2020 service update from the DSS.

COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT
LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

We understand that COVID-19 may be creating new challenges for you and your business. 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: Jennifer Clancy, Economic Development Coordinator, jclancy@lakeofbays.on.ca, 705-635-2272 ext. 235
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Clancy

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