In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- NOTO Awards - Call for Nominations
- Province Announces Red Tape Reduction
- Tourism SkillsNet North Announcements
- Ontario Tourism Recovery Program Info & FAQs
- Adapt 2021 Webinar: Vaccine Certificate and Workplace Vaccination Policies: Resources for Tourism Businesses
- Ontario Planning to Cut WBIS Premium Rates in 2022
- Government of Canada Announces Mandatory Vaccination for Air, Rail and Marine Transportation Sectors
- Announcements from TIAO: TIAO Calls and Safe Travels Stamp Awards
- Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week - Save the Date!
- Safe Travel Stamp
- 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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The NOTO Board of Directors and Staff would like
to wish you all
a very happy
Thanksgiving!
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A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
I hope everyone is enjoying the gorgeous fall colours. I personally love this time of year. The cooler nights. the crisp mornings, the sounds of wading through fallen leaves as you walk through the bush, it is all so comforting.
Fall always brings us to AGM and summit planning. This year we will continue with virtual events. While I am disappointed that it will be another year without seeing any of you in person, I am appreciative that holding these events virtually provides more of you the opportunity to reap the benefits of our numerous workshops, information sessions, and panel discussions. It is all only a click away!! Destination Northern Ontario and NOTO are once again working together to bring these opportunities to you in an effort to help tourism business owners. Our agenda is coming together nicely and I hope that many of you will register for this event this year. Please join us for the Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week November 16th - 19th!
On another note, I would like to put a call out to any full service lodge East of Sault Ste. Marie that can accommodation a person who is confined to a wheelchair. The purpose of their trip is to experience fishing once again. If you can help or if you would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail please call me at your earliest convenience.
We know that many of you are concerned about your ineligibility for the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program (OTRP) based on not being incorporated. Our recent survey revealed that 60% of RBT businesses are NOT incorporated. This leave them ineligible for this grant program. We have brought these messages to our Provincial government. We are optimistic that future programs will not include this criteria but we are not getting any indication that they will be changing the criteria for the OTRP. If you wish to make your feelings known regarding the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to send an email to OTRP@ontario.ca
I have also spoken with a number of you who are intending to make application. Please note, the program details and application will be released on October 13th and you will have until November 10th to submit. Please keep us posted of any questions you may have so we can help you and other find the answers.
We received some positive news this week on a number of items that NOTO has been raising in red tape discussions with Government over the last few years. There are now a number of proposals being put forward in Ontario's Fall 2021 Red Tape Reduction Package that we are pleased to see. NOTO will be following up with the ministries involved to learn more about opportunities to provide RBT sector input. We may be calling on NOTO members to join us on internal task forces or working groups with Government.
Finally, I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope that you are able to reunite with family and friends safely this weekend.
Be well,
Laurie
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NOTO Awards - Nominations Close Oct. 15
The NOTO awards were created to acknowledge the people who make Ontario's tourism industry so vibrant. The awards are presented every year to members who have gone above and beyond to improve both the natural and working environment, and/or tourism as a whole.
Please take a moment to think about someone who you feel should be acknowledged for their contributions to the tourism industry for the following awards:
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NOTO Conservation Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who has contributed substantially to conservation.
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Bob Giles Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who has shown outstanding performance in the field of Northern Ontario Tourism.
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Outfitter of the Year Award: Awarded to a NOTO member who made an outstanding contribution to tourism over the last year.
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Tourism Champion: Awarded annually to a person who supports a strong and united tourism industry. A person who sees tourism in a much larger picture than their own specific business or role they play. This award does not necessarily need to be given to a tourism business owner or a NOTO member.
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Preferred Supplier of The Year Award: Awarded to a NOTO Preferred Supplier in recognition of their dedication, support and participation in furthering the goals and objectives of NOTO and its members.
To view more details and examples of activities that would qualify for these awards, and to access the nomination forms, please click on the button below.
Nominations close October 15th, 2021 at 4pm.
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Province Announces Red Tape Reduction
In some non-COVID related news, NOTO has received confirmation that the Government will be working to remove red-tape on items that NOTO has recommended over the last few years.
NOTO will be following up with the various Ministries involved to facilitate opportunities for industry input and to affect positive changes for Resource-based tourism. We may be reaching out to NOTO members over the coming months to participate in working groups or task forces to help us. We look forward to engaging with Government on these items.
Here are some highlights of proposals that will impact our sector:
Explore deer hunting opportunities
The government will explore ways to improve and expand deer hunting opportunities in Ontario. This is one of the ways we are trying to help the resource-based tourism industry recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance economic returns to local and northern communities.Tourism was one of the first sectors affected by public health and safety measures related to COVID-19 and could be one of the last to recover. Deer hunters (resident and non-resident) spend an estimated $328 million annually, highlighting the economic importance of deer hunting in Ontario, particularly in many rural and northern communities.
Consult on challenges experienced by bear hunt operators
The government will undertake work to consult with stakeholders on ways to address challenges experienced by bear hunt operators and look at ways to provide more clarity and certainty around bear allocations. By understanding the challenges Ontario’s resource-based tourism industry has faced, we are trying to help the industry recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance economic returns to local and northern communities. Tourism was one of the first sectors affected by public health and safety measures related to COVID-19 and could be one of the last to recover.
Make public land transactions easier
The government is reviewing and consulting on how to make it easier for municipalities to purchase public lands from the province to support economic development in communities, including those in central and northern Ontario. We are also working to reduce timelines and improve customer service for public lands transactions for existing tenants and adjacent landowners.
Amend the Public Lands Act
The government is proposing changes to the Public Lands Act to remove barriers to transferring land to First Nations and other levels of government, preventing people from unlawfully claiming ownership of public lands, help ensure public lands can be used for future resource-based economic development opportunities, especially in the North of the province, and improve customer service.
To get more details on the wide range of proposals, click the button below.
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NOTO was very pleased to learn this week that we have been named a finalist as part of TIAO's Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards! This is such an honour.
We will find out at the Ontario Tourism Summit (October 26-27) if we are a winner.
Thank you to all of our members who continue to support our efforts!
We are stronger together!
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Tourism SkillsNet North Announcements
Attention Employers:
We have potential employees in the following regions where there are no employers registered:
- Timmins
- Mattawa
- Atikokan
- Evansville
If you are located in these towns and have any available vacant jobs, or know of any businesses that do, please register for the Tourism SkillsNet North Program!
Sunday Instructor-Led Courses Available:
We have heard from quite a few participating businesses that had concerns about the mandatory instructor-led course only being offered during the weekdays. As a result, the Tourism SkillsNet North committee have created a one-day instructor led training course that will be available on the following dates from 10am to 2pm (EDT):
- Sunday, October 24 2021
- Sunday, October 31 2021
Please be aware that we need a minimum of 6 participants to be able to move forward with these Sunday courses. Your employees will only need to attend one of the two dates.
To confirm your employee's attendance, please e-mail Juan (jpirela@otec.org) or Melody (myang@otec.org) at OTEC and they will provide you with the instructions on how to login to the virtual training course.
REMINDER:
If you have hired staff after June 1st, 2021, you can register them to the Tourism SkillsNet North program to have them trained and receive 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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Ontario Tourism Recovery Program
The Ontario Tourism Recovery Program (OTRP) will support eligible tourism businesses that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. OTRP will be a competitive, application-based program supporting private-sector tourism businesses that are significant drivers for their regional tourism economies.
Successful applicants can use funding for expenditures, such as:
- reopening and operating expenses, including staff salaries and maintenance
- health and safety measures to support the safety of visitors and workers
- attracting visitors through tourism product and experience improvements and marketing
To view more information about this program, please click here. Additional information on this program and the application portal will be released on October 13th, 2021.
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PLEASE NOTE: NOTO is aware that similar to the Federal Government's Tourism Relief Fund, the incorporated requirement will make several operators ineligible for this program. Through our recent survey, 60% of respondents have stated that they are not incorporated. We have raised this concern with the Province as well as FedNor. We continue our pursuit for changes to the eligibility requirements. The exclusion of sole proprietorships and partnerships that have supported the Province for decades is unfair and biased.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the NOTO staff. We will include questions and answers in our weekly newsletter as additional information becomes available.
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Tourism Recovery Program FAQs
Q. I have concerns about the competitive process. How will our applications be graded? Do we stand a chance against large tourism corporations?
NOTO is seeking more details on how the applications will be graded.
Q. If we've received other COVID-19 funding (CEBA, CEWS, RRRF, NORP, Ontario Small Business/Tourism and Travel Grants), will they be held against us when it comes to calculating the funding?
If you have received a grant through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant or the Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant, those amounts will be considered and they will impact the total amount of funding you will be eligible for through the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program. All other funding will not impact your application.
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Vaccine Certificate and Workplace Vaccination Policies: Resources for Tourism Businesses
October 19th, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm EST
Webinar Presented by:
- Jessica Ng (Phd, Manager of Policy and Government Affairs, TIAO)
- Zachary Courtemanche (Partner, Weaver Simmons LLP)
- Ryan Mallough (Senior Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
This webinar will:
- Provide information and resources for businesses implementing (or interested in implementing) vaccine certificate and/or workplace vaccination policies
- Highlight the opportunities and challenges of proof of vaccination policies for tourism and hospitality businesses
- Highlight critical issues (e.g. legal, ethical, financial) to consider in implementing proof of vaccination for patrons and/or employees
- Provide a legal perspective on proof of vaccination policies for patrons and/or employees
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Ontario Planning to Cut WSIB Premium Rates in 2022
Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is planning on cutting premium rates in 2022 by $168 million, bringing the total reduction in premiums since 2018 to $2.4 billion. In addition, the government is intending to introduce legislation that, if passed, would allow for a significant portion of the WSIB’s current reserve, currently valued at $6.1 billion, to be distributed to safe employers. This proposed change would help employers cope with the impacts of COVID-19.
The Ontario government is also proposing to enable the WSIB to work with the Canada Revenue Agency to streamline remittances for businesses. This change would reduce administrative costs and burdens by giving businesses an efficient one-stop-shop for submitting payroll deductions.
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Government of Canada Announces Mandatory Vaccination for Air, Rail and Marine Transportation Sectors
As of October 30, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors will be required to establish vaccination policies for their organizations. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to:
- airlines and airports, and other organizations who have employees who enter restricted areas of airports, such as concession and hospitality workers
- federally regulated railways, and their rail crew and track employees
- marine operators with Canadian vessels that operate with 12 or more crew
Effective October 30, air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels on voyages of 24 hours or more, such as cruise ships, will need to be vaccinated. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are:
- Air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada
- Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
- Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, on voyages of 24 hours or more
For travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel. By November 30, all travellers must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated.
The Government of Canada strongly advises any Canadians planning to travel by plane or train this holiday season to get vaccinated as soon as possible or they will be unable to travel. Travellers will be responsible for declaring their vaccination status and providing documentation prior to boarding.
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Announcements from TIAO
No TIAO Calls Next Week
There will be no TIAO calls next week. The TIAO team would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!
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Voting Closes Soon for the Safe Travels Stamp Awards
The Safe Travels Stamp Award is a way for your customers and local residents to recognize your business's outstanding efforts in adopting the World Travel & Tourism Council's health and hygiene global standardized protocols for the hospitality and tourism sector. It's their way of saying they feel safe when doing business with you.
There are 13 Safe Travels Stamp Awards to be won: one for each tourism region in Ontario. Voting runs until October 11, 2021.
Top finalists and winners will be announced on October 26 at the 2021 Ontario Tourism Summit.
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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.
Details on sessions and registration will be made available shortly! Stay tuned!
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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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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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