In Today's Update
- PPE Grants to Help You Get Ready for the Upcoming Season
- Canada-US Border Closure Update
- Update on Reopening Ontario Framework
- Ministry of Labour's Reopening Safely Education Campaign
- TEN Announces New Online Training Program on Snowmobile Friendliness
- Special Edition "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program for Northern Ontario
- Federal Government Proposes to Extend & Makes Changes to EI, CRB
- Beth Potter Appointed President & CEO of TIAC
- TIAO Call Next Tuesday
- Minister MacLeod and Minister Tibollo To Host Mental Health Webinar
- Forestry Notices
- Early Bird Membership Pricing Continues
- Get Your Safe Travel Stamps
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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PPE Grants to Help You Get Ready for the Upcoming Season
Some operators may have already taken advantage of either or both of these programs, but for those who haven't, here's an update:
The Provincial Government has changed the eligibility criteria for this grant. Small businesses with 2-19 employees (previously 9), in all eligible sectors will be able to apply for up to $1000 in financial support to offset the costs of purchasing PPE as the province gradually reopens. Eligible sectors include:
- retail trade;
- accommodation and food services;
- repair and maintenance;
- personal and laundry services;
- gyms and yoga studios; and
- arts, entertainment, and recreation.
You can learn more about this grant, and other financial supports for small businesses offered by the Provincial Government by clicking here.
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is now open for a second round of applications. SMEs in any sector with less than 75 employees can receive up to $5000 to cover PPE costs related to enhanced health and safety measures or to adopt online technologies. To view more details on this program and its eligibility requirements, or to submit an application, please click here.
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Canada-US Border Closure Update
*** UPDATE HOPEFULLY BY FRIDAY
We have received quite a few e-mails from operators who have seen the news on the new requirements for non-essential travelers coming to Canada through a land border crossing. Upon seeking further clarification from CBSA on this announcement, NOTO has learnt the following:
In the case of the new travel restrictions/requirements, non-essential travelers that may be permitted to enter Canada via a land border crossing has not changed. This is a list of non-essential travelers that may be permitted to enter:
- Snowbirds or travelling Canadian residents who are returning to Canada
- American business owners with a valid work permit, so long as their business is deemed essential.
- Residents of North Angle, MN (Lake of the Woods area)
- Parents with dependent children who share custody, who live on separate sides of the border
- Compassionate/caregiver cases
CBSA has made it clear that any American currently seeking entry to Canada for non-essential purposes (i.e. leisure, recreation, weddings, visits, upkeep of property, etc.) will be turned away immediately, regardless if they have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours and/or a vaccine card.
The Federal Government has not yet announced whether or not the border closure will be extended beyond February 21st, 2021. We anticipate the closure will be extended and the announcement to come within the next few days. As soon as we receive any information on the border, we will advise the industry.
As of February 15, 2021, all travellers entering Canada via a land border crossing will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. As of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.
As of February 22, 2021, all travellers arriving by land or air will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border into, or boarding a flight to Canada.
Use of the ArriveCAN app:
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Pre-arrival to Canada: Air travelers will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. A border services officer will verify that they have submitted their information digitally therefore travelers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when asked. Travelers who do not submit the required information before their flight could be subject to enforcement action, including up to $1,000 in fines. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.
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Post-entry to Canada: Travelers who enter Canada by air, land or marine modes, will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling 1-833-641-0343 during their quarantine period. Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travelers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine and must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period. Travelers who don’t use the ArriveCAN app to submit their information will be required to call 1-833-641-0343 on a daily basis throughout their quarantine period to provide their post-border information. They will not be able to revert to using ArriveCAN. Travelers who do not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement.
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Update on the Reopening Ontario Framework
Here is the list of where all other health units currently stand:
Grey-Lockdown:
· Niagara Region Public Health
Red-Control:
· Chatham-Kent Public Health;
· City of Hamilton Public Health Services;
· Durham Region Health Department;
· Halton Region Public Health;
· Middlesex-London Health Unit;
· Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services;
· Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit;
· Southwestern Public Health;
· Thunder Bay District Health Unit;
· Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health; and
· Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Orange-Restrict:
· Brant County Health Unit;
· Eastern Ontario Health Unit;
· Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit;
· Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit;
· Huron Perth Public Health;
· Lambton Public Health;
· Ottawa Public Health;
· Porcupine Health Unit; and
· Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
Yellow-Protect:
· Algoma Public Health;
· Grey Bruce Health Unit;
· Northwestern Health Unit; and
· Peterborough Public Health.
Green-Prevent:
· Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; and
· Timiskaming Health Unit.
To view the full comprehensive list of the regulations and restrictions that will apply to each zone, please click here. Please be advised that l ocal medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. The Government continues to advise all Ontarians to stay home to help stop the spread, even if you are located in a re-opened district.
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Ministry of Labour's Reopen Safely Education Campaign
The Government is launching a new health and safety education campaign with a focus on helping small businesses across the province to reopen safely. This assistance includes a comprehensive suite of resources businesses can access at no cost to ensure they open safely and help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The government educational supports available include:
Beginning next week, provincial offence officers will be visiting businesses in grey, red and orange zones, with a focus on businesses that were ordered to close during the winter shutdown. Officers will be ensuring business comply with all the regulations are requirements laid out in the Reopening Ontario Act, including capacity limits, appropriate screening of employees and patrons, masks, cleaning protocols as well as inspecting their safety plans.
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TEN Announces New Online Training Program on Snowmobile Friendliness
Operators who are interested in becoming a best-in-class snowmobile destination are encouraged to participate in this online training by watching a series of educational and entertaining training videos. This online resource allows operators to complete the training when it's most convenient for them. After viewing the video, operators will complete the accompanying self-assessment form, which will determine their level of snowmobile market readiness.
The best part? There is no cost to this online training! Click on the button below to enroll!
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Special Edition "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program for Northern Ontario
Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch a Special Edition "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program for Northern Ontario.
Small tourism businesses based in Northern Ontario are encouraged to submit applications with innovative ideas on how they could re-imagine or expand their tourism offerings, products and services to attract new markets and visitors. Examples include developing new tourism experiences, buying equipment to offer new programming, creating new digital platforms and delivery models, and enhancing current tourism offerings.
There will be 3 winners and 3 runner-ups (1 winner & 1 runner-up for each Northern Ontario tourism sub-region: 13A, 13B & 13C).
Winners will receive:
- $3,000 "Spark" grant to support tourism idea development activities
- 3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert
- In-kind bundle of support services from Tourism Excellence North valued at up to $9,500
- Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders
- Ongoing guidance on other resources and support services provided by partners
Runners up will receive:
- 3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert
- In-kind bundle of support services from Tourism Excellence North valued at up to $9,500
- Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders
- Ongoing guidance on other resources and support services provided by partners
There will be an information webinar on this program on February 24th, at 5pm (EST). You can register to attend this webinar by clicking here.
The application deadline is March 19, 2021. All operators who are interested in participating are encouraged to view all details and to submit their application by clicking on the button below.
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Federal Government Proposes to Extend Recovery Benefits & EI
The Federal Government announced its intent to introduce a bill which will increase the number of weeks of benefits available for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) and Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
The proposed changes would:
- increase the number of weeks available under the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) by 12 weeks extending the maximum duration of the benefits through regulation from 26 weeks to up to 38 weeks;
- increase the number of weeks available under the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) through regulation from the current 2 weeks to 4 weeks; and
- increase the number of weeks of EI regular benefits available by up to 24 weeks to a maximum of 50 weeks through legislation, for claims that are made between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
In addition, if this bill receives Royal Assent, self-employed workers who have opted in to the EI program would be able to use a 2020 earnings threshold of $5,000, compared to the previous threshold of $7,555. This change would be retroactive to claims established as of January 3, 2021 and would apply until September 25, 2021.
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TIAO Press Release: Beth Potter Appointed New President and CEO of Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) President and CEO, Beth Potter will be moving to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to become the new President and CEO. Beth’s last day with TIAO will be March 12, 2021 and she will begin her career at TIAC on March 15, 2021.
TIAO is pleased to announce, Carol Greenwood, Vice President, Membership & Business Development will become interim TIAO President and CEO on March 15. We are looking forward to continuing our collaborative advocacy work with Carol and the staff at TIAO.
To view TIAO's Press Release, please click on the button below.
NOTO wants to take this opportunity to congratulate Beth on her new role with TIAC! We thank you Beth for your work here in Ontario and we look forward to continuing our work with you on behalf of the tourism industry at the Federal Level!
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TIAO Call - Tuesday February 23rd
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Industry
Update Call
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting Link:
Access Code: 758-283-029
Dial in: 1 877 309 2073 (TOLL FREE)
OR
COVID-19 Tourism Industry Update Call
Time: 3:30 pm
Access Code: 195-383-941
Dial in: 1 866 899 4679 (TOLL FREE)
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Mental Health Support Webinar With Minister MacLeod & Minister Tibollo |
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Minister MacLeod and Minister Tibollo will be hosting a webinar for those who have questions about mental well-being and for those who may be searching for mental health resources for themselves or their family, friends, coworkers and loved ones.
This webinar will be help on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2021 at 10 am (EST).
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Forestry Notices
It's once again that time of year where forestry activities are beginning to ramp up. NOTO would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of the importance of staying up-to-date on the forestry activities happening in your region. We encourage all operators to take some time to review Forest Management Plans (FMP) and to participate in the consultations to ensure your business values are respected in the development of an FMP.
The NOTO office has received the following consultation notices:
- Algonquin Forest - 2021-2031 Draft FMP Review (closes May 11th)
- Bancroft-Minden Forest - Review of Draft FMP (closes May 18th)
- Black Spruce Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- Dog River-Matawin Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes April 1st)
- Dryden Forest - Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- English River Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (bridges, water crossings) (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - FMP Amendment (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes March 31st)
- Kenora Forest - 2022-2032 Review of Proposed Operations (closes Feb. 27th)
- Martel Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Mazinaw-Lanark Forest - Review of Draft FMP (closes May 18th)
- Northshore Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Spanish Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (add harvest blocks) (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March, 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 FMP amendment (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (add harvest block & water crossing) (closes March 31st)
- Whiskey Jack Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (prescribed burn) (closes March 31st)
- Review of Spruce Budworm Pest management Program for Abitibi River, Gordon Cosens, Martel, Nipissing, Pineland, Romeo Malette, Spanish, Sudbury, Temagami and Timiskaming Forests (Closes March 1st)
To view these notices and to participate in the consultation, please click on the button below. To receive notices for your Forest Management Unit directly in your inbox, register an account on the MNRF's new forestry website by clicking the button below as well.
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Early Bird Pricing Now Available!
Join now or renew your membership to save and be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize!
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Entry Level: $452.00
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Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
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Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
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Silver:
$1,367.30 NOW: $1,299.50
Prices listed above include HST. To renew your membership or to join NOTO, please click on the appropriate category link above to access the membership form. Completed forms can be printed and mailed to the NOTO office, or scanned and emailed to kate@noto.net or laurie@noto.net.
Thank you so much for your support!
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Get Your Safe Travel Stamp!
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels Stamp which is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
If you've implemented our protocols, or any other Government approved protocols throughout your workplace, apply to receive your stamp!
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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 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.
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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.
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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
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