In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway
- Ontario to Require Vaccine Certificates to Enter Certain Public Places
- FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates
- Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards
- TIAO Calls Tuesday September 7th, 2021
- Federal Election Update
- OTEC Leaderships & Resiliency Training Series
- Northern Road Link Project Environmental Assessment Open House Notice
- Call for Nominations: Join NOTO's Board of Directors!
- SAVE THE DATE! Join us virtually for our Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week!
- TSNN: Hired Staff After June 1st, 2021?
- Survey Reminders
- Safe Travel Stamp Awards are Here!
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Extended!
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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A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
This week we all heard the announcement about Ontario's new vaccination certificate initiative. We are truly hopeful that this will result in avoiding further business shutdowns. We are troubled that this temporary measure did not come with the opportunity to increase capacity within our dining halls and indoor meeting spaces and we will continue to advocate for improvements.
We are still awaiting the actual regulations surrounding this new public health measure and will advise you once we have the full details. For the resource-based tourism sector the challenges will be communicating to our guests that all are welcomed but those who cannot show proof of being fully vaccinated will not be able to enter our dining halls for the time being but will still be able to be served via delivery to accommodations or on our outdoor patios until the weather no longer permits. For those of you with meeting spaces this same restriction will be in effect.
We encourage all of you to review the information that we have thus far in this newsletter and get back to us with any questions. We will do our best to get the answers and share them with everyone as always.
Next week I will be away from the office but Kate and Bob Garson our President will be here to assist.
Be well,
Laurie
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Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway
As the Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway comes to a close, we would like to thank all of the participating lodges who took the time to submit packages for this contest.
We would also like to congratulate all of the lodges who's trips have been awarded! We will have a full recap of the contest and it's positive impacts shortly.
Congratulations to our latest round of winners:
- Hawk Air
- Lodge 88
- Minakwa Lodge
- Lac Seul Wilderness Resort
- Harris Hill Resort
Since we still had money remaining in our budget for additional trips, we have drawn even more lucky winners! As a result, we would like to congratulate our random draw winners!
- Camp Quetico
- Lac Seul Evergreen Lodge
- Anderson's Lodge
- Kaby Lodge
- Arrowhead Resort
- Crawford's Camp
- Northern Skies Resort
For winning Lodges: All winning contestants of these trips have been sent release forms from Fish'n Canada. Once we receive these forms, we will share with you their contact information as well as the invoicing instructions. You can re-watch the last draw by clicking here. The random draws winners were announced on Fish'n Canada's website and social media platforms.
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Ontario to Require Vaccine Certificates to Enter Certain Public Places Effective September 22nd, 2021
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
- Sporting events;
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
- Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
These mandatory requirements would not apply to outdoor settings, including patios. In addition, these requirements will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, grocery stores, and medical supplies. Also, these requirements will not apply to voting in the upcoming Federal Election.
All other current public health measures including indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place.
For more details on this announcement on how it will be implemented and to see FAQs, please click here.
Although this may not be the news you all want to hear, we must keep in mind that this new temporary measure has been put into place to avoid another province-wide shutdown and further closures for businesses. We are aware that the need for COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates may cause additional barriers and could lead to cancellations from some domestic bookings. We are also aware that having a digital only format past October 22nd will cause challenges for operators with limited to no access to internet connections. Rest assured we will continue to bring these messages forward to Government.
As always, let us know if you have any questions about this latest announcement. We will do our best to find answers and to keep the industry up to date in our newsletters and on our COVID-19 page.
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FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates
Here are some of the latest FAQs we've been receiving. You can view the FAQs highlighted earlier this week by clicking here.
Q. Where is the full list of businesses that will be required to enforce COVID-19 vaccine certificate policies? Will this impact lodges?
Unfortunately, the Government has yet to release the full extensive list of businesses that will be required to enforce the vaccine certificate policy. We will likely see the full list when the Government releases the official regulations for this announcement. It may be a couple of days before we receive those but we will keep a close eye on it and keep the industry posted as soon as they become available.
Q. What do we do if someone does not have access to a smartphone or computer?
The Government is working on developing a process for individuals without access to smartphone or computer. In the meantime, their local public health unit may be able to help them acquire a paper copy of their vaccine certificate. We hope to learn more about this process in the coming weeks.
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Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards
An Announcement from TIAO
Please take a moment to submit your nominations for the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards!
There will be 3 awards given in innovation, sustainability and collaboration in 17 different categories including Resource Based Tourism, Accommodations, Outdoor (campgrounds, parks), Marinas, Winter-Based Activities & more!
Here are the criteria for each award type:
Innovation Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- For a product, venture or campaign that directly benefited the Ontario tourism sector and/or your direct community
- Had a positive impact on quality of life in Ontario during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Provide examples of how this innovation positively impacted others in your community outside of your organization.
Collaboration Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- For one initiative whether products, ventures or campaigns that brought together two or more businesses/organizations to better Ontario's tourism sector during the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Entries should clearly showcase the roles and responsibilities of all partners.
- Not about "sponsorship".
Sustainability Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- Recognizing businesses within the tourism industry who have demonstrated sustainable practices/initiatives along with support for their local communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Should have a holistic approach to sustainability (not just environmental) - human, economic, etc. .
- Focus on local Ontario products and service providers
TIAO has extended the deadline to September 7th at Noon.
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TIAO Calls Tuesday September 7th, 2021
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 425-445-397
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 518-661-429
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Federal Election Update
COVID-19 Supports & Measures:
If re-elected, the Liberal party promises to:
- Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022
- Provide Canada’s hard-hit tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses from September 2021 to May 31, 2022 for qualifying businesses experiencing a minimum of 40% revenue loss.
- Launch a $1 billion COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Fund to support provinces and territories who implement a requirement for proof of vaccine credentials in their jurisdiction for non-essential businesses and public spaces.
- Introduce legislation to protect businesses from legal challenges if they require proof of vaccination from employees and customers
- Introduce a tax credit for small businesses to invest in better ventilation
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Require that travellers on interprovincial trains, commercial flights, cruise ships, and other federally regulated vessels be vaccinated.
Addressing the Labour Shortage:
- If re-elected, the Liberal party will expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers and former international students, and streamline the application process for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers to fill labour shortages
Connecting Northern and Rural Businesses to Broadband:
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If re-elected, the Liberal party will accelerate the rollout of wireless and high-speed internet in rural and Northern Canada by requiring those that have purchased the rights to build broadband to actually do so by 2025.
Regional Development Agencies:
- The Liberal's recognize the unique challenges faced by rural and northern areas which is why they created two standalone agencies for Western Canada, PacifiCAN, and PrairieCAN, and one for Northern Ontario, FedNor. This will allow the agencies to meet the unique needs of these regions and allow the economies to grow, thrive, and be part of our economic recovery.
Changes to EI:
If re-elected, the Liberal's will:
- Introduce a new EI benefit for self-employed Canadians, delivered through the tax system, that would provide unemployment assistance comparable to EI and lasting for as much as 26 weeks. This could provide support of nearly $15,500. Self-employed Canadians seeking to access this benefit would only be responsible to contribute the portion they would normally pay if they were a salaried employee.
- Move forward with a stronger and more inclusive EI system that addresses gaps made obvious during COVID-19 with a goal to create a new and modern EI system that covers all workers, including workers in seasonal employment, and which is simpler and more responsive for both workers and employers.
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Leaderships & Resiliency Training Series
FREE training valued at over $1000 per person!
The leadership and resiliency training programs are part of the TSNO Workforce Development for Businesses in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector. These programs allow the sector access to training, help build a more resilient workforce and increase employee engagement and retention.
Tourism & Hospitality Employers are invited to nominate their full time, part time and furloughed team members who have demonstrated potential for advancement and/or retention. The training involves virtual, interactive, instructor-led workshops. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. Cohorts are running now through March 31, 2022. Here are some program highlights:
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE SERIES:
Designed to provide new, emerging and existing leaders with the latest theories, practices and tools to develop their leadership skills.
- Identify the difference between managing and leading
- Learn leadership best practices and road blocks
- Identify different communication styles
- Explore how to diffuse emotional conversations
- Define best practices in coaching
- Explore the elements of team trust and causes of conflict
- Define what makes a high-performing team
RESILIENCY TRAINING SERIES:
Designed to elevate job performance through soft skills development, building a more resilient workforce to welcome back our visitors in the future.
- Understand how to deliver memorable customer service experiences within the new reality
- Learn how to keep customers safe & communicate effectively from behind physical barriers
- Recognize the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ)
- Explore tools to build personal resilience
- Learn negative vs positive coping strategies
- Develop proven strategies for conflict resolution
Please contact Kieran at OTEC for more information or to register:
Kieran Wells, Industry and Communication Liaison
(416)-622-1975 ext: 267 | 1-800-557-6832
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Northern Road Link Project Environmental Assessment Open House Notice
Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) and Webequie First Nation (WFN) are initiating an Environmental Assessment (EA) study under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, RSO 1990, c. E.18 for the design, construction and operation / maintenance of a proposed all-season road called the Northern Road Link. The communities of MFFN and WFN are remote Indigenous communities located in northwestern Ontario and are not currently accessible by all-season roads.
The proposed Northern Road Link is a multi-use road located between the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road (MFCAR) and the proposed Webequie Supply Road (WSR). The Northern Road Link Project will connect the Ring of Fire mineral deposits in the McFaulds Lake area to the highway network via the MFCAR. The Northern Road Link Project would enable economic activity by facilitating the transport of goods, services and resources.
Both in-person and virtual Open Houses will be undertaken to consult and engage with interested parties, to provide an opportunity to learn about the EA study for the project, and review elements that will be included in the Draft ToR. The Open Houses will each start with a 20-30 minute presentation, followed by time to visit different stations to discuss different topics and speak to project team members. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Separate Open Houses will be also held for the Public and Indigenous Communities.
The in-person Open Houses are proposed as follows at the Delta Hotel in Thunder Bay at 2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy:
- Indigenous Community Open House Tuesday September 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm and at 6:00 pm
- Public Open House Wednesday September 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm and at 6:00 pm
The virtual Open Houses with question-and answer period:
- Indigenous Community Virtual Open House: September 14 at 12:00-1:00 pm
- Public Virtual Open House: September 15 at 12:00-1:00 pm
Please click on the button below for more information.
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Call for Nominations: Join NOTO's Board of Directors!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are calling out to all camp operators who are members of NOTO to encourage you to consider putting your name forward for a seat on our Board. It is important for this organization to have a Board that is representative of its members; a Board that can set the goals and objectives of the organization while ensuring they are responding to the needs of the industry. Help us support the growth of resource-based tourism in Ontario!
The following number of seats are available in each of our four electoral regions this year:
- Northwest: 1
- North Central: 1
- Northeast: 2
- South: 3
In order to stand for election, you must be a paid-up Regular member. You can nominate or run only in your own region. Each nomination must be endorsed by two camp operators from your region. The nomination form can be found by clicking the following link: https://noto.ca/fm/2021NominationForm
Completed nomination forms should be returned to the NOTO office by email, FAX or mail by September 30, 2021. Once the nominations are received, ballots will be prepared and sent to the membership electronically. You will also be able to vote by mail or FAX up to 24 hrs before the Annual General Meeting. NOTE: The AGM will be held virtually this fall and the date will be announced soon.
We encourage you to consider putting your name forward to run for the NOTO Board of Directors. In general, NOTO Board members meet by conference call once a month for approximately 2 hours with the exception of the operating season where calls are held less frequently.
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SAVE THE DATE! Join us virtually for our
Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week!
Destination Northern Ontario and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario are pleased to bring you a free virtual Northern Ontario Fall Training Week, this November. COVID-19 has created challenges for tourism businesses and operators around the province. Our four-day training week is set to provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies, and connections for both today and the future. We will be welcoming tourism professionals from around the province to gather, share, and collaborate as we rebuild northern Ontario's tourism industry.
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Hired Staff After June 1st, 2021?
Register Them To Receive a Wage Subsidy!
If you have hired staff after June 1st, 2021, you can register them to the Tourism SkillsNet North program to have them trained and received a wage subsidy! We understand that you may need all hands on deck, that's why we are committed to working with you to have your employees complete the e-training near or at the end of the operating season. As long as your employees complete the online training, you will receive a 30% wage subsidy (up to $3000) per employee!
Register your business and your employees today by clicking on the button below.
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Survey Reminders
We know there is ample survey fatigue out there right now however, your input is greatly appreciated and truly helps us in our advocacy efforts. If you haven't already done so, please complete the following surveys.
Border Survey: Focuses on how crossing the border has been for fully vaccinated Americans and how the border measures continue to impact the Resource-Based Tourism sector. Answer this survey by clicking here.
Tourism SkillsNet North: Help us plan our Fall and Winter training sessions! We know many of you are closed over the winter months, however, we can train new/rehires during this time! Let us know what training you think would be beneficial to your staff by clicking here.
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Safe Travels 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’.
In Ontario, the Safe Travels Stamp are administered by TIAO. NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
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The Safe Travels Stamp Awards Are Here!
Click on the button below to learn more!
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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
NOTO has extended the early bird membership pricing for the remainder of 2021!
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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 for your support!
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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 rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners to continue our work. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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