June 17, 2020
TEMPORARY PATIO EXPANSIONS
SUPPORTING LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESSES
Are you a licensed or non-licensed establishment that is interested in a temporary patio expansion (or creation of a temporary patio where one previously did not exist) in order to help your business with COVID-19 economic recovery?

Did you know:
  • The Province of Ontario amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act to prove flexibility for liquor sales licensees to temporarily extend their physical premises provided they have municipal approval and meet certain provincial criteria.

In Lake of Bays:
  • Council has taken this support a step further by authorizing the waiving of any COVID-19 related building permit fees to a maximum of $360 (equivalent to a $30,000 construction value) for licensed AND non-licensed establishments in the Township.
  • Temporary structures will be exempt from zoning regulations and site plan approval (subject to consultation with staff to ensure safety, accessibility and functionality of a site).
  • The provision will be in place for the remainder of 2020.
  • A temporary patio expansion request form must be submitted to municipal staff for approval.
  • Providing a speedy turnaround on all applications is a priority to support our local businesses.

Questions? Contact:
ASK AN EXPERT
COVID-19 WORKPLACE AND BUSINESS SAFETY IN SIMCOE-MUSKOKA

Businesses are invited to virtually join experts from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at an information session to learn insights on how to safely reopen and operate your business during the COVID-19 pandemic. The session will include a Q&A component. Registrants can submit questions ahead by emailing edo@simcoe.ca.

When: Thursday, June 18, 2020, 3:00-4:00pm
Where: Zoom (details for joining the Zoom meeting will be sent in advance)
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
MUSKOKA BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND: DEMAND IS HIGH - APPLY NOW!

Muskoka Futures has advised that they may reach the MBRF funding limit very soon. If you are considering applying or are still waiting for responses from other programs, I encourage you to reach out to Muskoka Futures ASAP.

Under the MBRF, small businesses who have been unable to qualify for current COVID-19 support programs can apply for a loan of up to $40,000. Loans will be established at 0% interest and no payments are required until December 31, 2022. Principal repayments can be voluntarily made at any time.

Contact: Muskoka Futures at rrrf@muskokafutures.ca or visit
muskokafutures.ca to apply.
REGIONAL RELIEF AND RECOVERY FUND (RRRF)

The RRRF is a special one-time relief fund established by the Government of Canada to support businesses and organizations economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit FedNor’s website for more information and fill out an application to request support.
"ONTARIO LIVE " VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED!

Ontario Live is a new virtual marketplace designed to promote and support the province’s tourism and cultural industries. When complete, Ontario Live will allow all Ontarians to access concerts, online art experiences, gallery and museum tours, virtual tourism experiences and much more, from the safety of their own homes. It will continue to evolve to support COVID-19 recovery efforts for local artists, operators, attractions and businesses throughout the province.

Register now for the opportunity to be featured on Ontario Live and reach people across the province.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
AXIOM AUDIO PRODUCING PPE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Axiom Audio​ in Dwight has pivoted their research and manufacturing to produce personal protective equipment in the form of a powered air purifying respirator. Join us in celebrating Axiom's 40th anniversary and ongoing innovation! Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.
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