In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's President
- Message from our Executive Director
- Important: 3-Minute Survey to save the CEWS! Deadline - tomorrow (Monday, Mar 22nd)
- Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week - Registration Now Open!
- The Great Canadian Getaway Giveaway
- Early Bird Membership Pricing - Less Than Two Weeks Remaining
- PHU's Moving to New Zones
- Border Closure Extension
- Available Support Programs
- TIAO Call Next Tuesday
- TIAO Industry Survey
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Wilson Center Webinar: Measuring the Regional Impacts of the Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions
- REMINDER: Attention US Camp Owners - Important New Details for Your Re-Entry to Canada
- TIAC Calls on Federal Government for Urgent Action in 2021 Budget
- Get Your Safe Travels Stamp
- Forestry Notices Received This Week
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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Message from NOTO's President
Bob Garson - Garson's Fly-In Outposts
Hello Fellow Members,
After over a year of living with this virus it appears nothing has changed and we seem to be reliving Ground Hog Day. We hear of the vaccine and the hopeful changes it will bring but, we remain skeptical as we no longer trust in any glimpses into what the future might bring.
The reality is, we can only rely on our own judgment on how our business plan will proceed. We have come to realize we are our own experts and each of must continue on a path that is individual to us and our business. Hope can not pay the bills but, it maybe the biggest factor in testing our resolve to continue. It is evident that the government is willing to standby and sit this one out when it comes to our needs.
All this being said, NOTO is doing everything we can to pursue every possible opportunity to help you. Our gains have been modest but, not for a lack of effort on our part. So I remind you there have been gains, and the super human efforts of our staff will continue to do what ever it takes to help you.
When you decide the path you will take, remember you can rely on NOTO for the best information and any help you may need.
Sincerely,
Bob Garson
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Message From Our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
What a week! It was jam-packed with meetings and opportunity and we faced every one of those opportunities head-on. As hints become available to us as to what might be continued in the upcoming Provincial and Federal Budgets we are adjusting our efforts and last minute strategies to ensure the Government knows what our Resource-based tourism industry needs going forward.
Please be sure to complete the survey immediately following this message. Deadline is 4pm Monday, Mar 22nd. It will take you 3-minutes and will help the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses make the case to keep two critical program. We know that many of you have told us that the CEWS program has been a lifeline for you. Answer this survey to help the fight to keep it.
This week members of our Northern Border Working Group had a good first meeting with Minister of Health Canada, Patty Hadju, MP Marcus Powlowski and MP Michael Gravelle. We opened the door for further discussion and are already on our way to a second meeting to dig into the specifics of how we can get the border open and have access to our US clientele.
I want to THANK all of our US owners who responded to my call out for feedback with regard to the recently discovered quarantine requirements for them to return to Canada this year to run their businesses. I know I haven't had a chance to respond to each of you this week but I am gathering your feedback and it will be very useful as we try to affect change.
Keeping this short today because our newsletter is long enough. We have another busy week ahead and watch for direct emails on specific items of importance as we continue to chase down answers to the critical issues you have communicated to us.
Be well
Laurie
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NOTO calls on its members to respond to this quick but very important TIAC survey in a final critical push before the Federal budget is finalized to push for the CEWS to be extended. We know that this has been a lifeline for so many of you. Please note the deadline.
CALL TO ACTION: 3-MINUTE SURVEY
Dear Members,
As part of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, we urgently need new member data to keep the pressure on Government to extend and expand its relief programs, specifically CEWS and CERS. This information will form the basis of our upcoming campaign work.
Please complete this 3-minute survey by Monday, March 22 at 4:00 P.M. ET.
Please share with your network as well.
Thank you in advance for making this a priority.
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Join Us Virtually this April for our Northern Ontario Tourism Spring Training Week!
April 20th-22nd 2021
Help grow Northern Ontario's tourism industry by joining industry peers and colleagues in our shared pursuit of excellence and success.
Destination Northern Ontario and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario are pleased to bring you a free virtual Spring Training Week this April as we prepare for the reopening of Ontario. COVID-19 has created challenges for tourism businesses and operators around the province, now more then ever it is essential to be ready for re-opening, recovery and resiliency. Our three-day training week is set to provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies, and connections for both today and the future.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other tourism businesses, communities, build new partnerships, ask questions and get inspired for what's possible in 2021!
What to expect during Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week:
- Practical & interactive online workshops
- Latest marketing and branding trends
- Virtual product development training
- Virtual Networking opportunities
- Northern Ontario Special Edition "Spark" Program Announcements
- Connect with operators, industry professionals, and business owners.
- Access exclusive training opportunities tailored for tourism stakeholders in the North.
- Online training workshops and information sessions
This year, registration is free to all industry partners, so you can focus on operations, saving money, and staying safe. We hope you will join us!
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Calling All Northern Ontario Lodges!
To help support Resource-Based Tourism operators, Fish ‘N Canada has developed the “Great Ontario Get-Away Give-Away” contest in partnership with Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), Destination Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO), Sunset Country, Superior Country, Algoma Country, and Northeastern Ontario Tourism. Through this contest, we hope to increase awareness of the outdoor products that are offered in the North and encourage more domestic bookings at our lodges.
We are looking for a number of trips that showcase the variety of vacation types/styles in Northern Ontario through our camps, lodges, resorts and outposts. We hope that you will consider putting your business forward! These are not donated packages. Packages awarded to contestants will be paid for in-full by the program. All promotion of submitted packages is free. View additional details by clicking on the button below!
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Early Bird Membership Pricing
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS REMAINING*
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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PHUs Moving into New Colour Zones
Effective Friday March 19th, Ottawa Public Health has become a Red Zone due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.:
Red-Control
- Brant County Health Unit;
- Chatham-Kent Public Health; and
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
Orange-Restrict
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
Yellow-Protect
- Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health;
- North Bay Parry Sound District;
- Porcupine Health Unit; and
- Timiskaming Health Unit.
In Northern Ontario, Northwestern Ontario remains red, Sudbury and Thunder Bay remain in Lockdown, and North Bay Parry Sound, Porcupine and Timiskaming will be joining Algoma in the Yellow Zone on Monday.
In the Orange and Red Zones, capacity limits for indoor dining will be adjusted that will allow for up to approximately 50% capacity, subject to physical distancing rules. The total occupancy cannot exceed 50 patrons in Red zones and 100 patrons in Orange.
Indoor dining will continue to be prohibited for areas in Grey-Lockdown, however outdoor dining will be permitted, subject to physical distancing rules and a number of other public health and workplace safety measures. Please view the regulations for full details.
Public health and safety measures in indoor and outdoor settings will be strengthened in the Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels in the Framework. These measures include, but are not limited to:
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Limiting tables for indoor dining to members of the same household with exemptions for patrons who live alone and caregivers;
- Limiting tables for outdoor dining in Grey-Lockdown to members of the same household with exemptions for patrons who live alone and caregivers; and
- A sign posted by the establishment in a location visible to the public that states the maximum capacity (number of patrons) they are permitted to operate under.
To view the official regulations for the Green, Yellow and Orange Zones, please click here.
Please be advised that local 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. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.
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Border Closure Extension
The Canada-US border closure has been extended yet again. The next review of the closure will occur by April 21st, 2021. There is no clear timeline as to when the border may reopen.
NOTO, TIAO, and other sector organizations continue to express to Government the impacts the closure has had on the industry, the importance of having greater certainty and communications surrounding the border (what are the criteria they are searching for, how long they anticipate the border closure to last, what is the plan for a safe reopening, etc.), and the continued, urgent need for support. We also continue to have bi-weekly meetings and continue our work with the Northern Ontario Border Working Group.
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Available Support Programs
We've been receiving a few e-mails from operators who were looking for programs which remain available to them. As a result, NOTO has put together this quick recap on the programs that remain available. Please note: some of these programs are closing soon so please do not wait to put in an application if you haven't already done so!
Government of Ontario Supports:
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The Ontario Small Business Support Grant: Open until March 31st* PLEASE NOTE: NOTO recommends any operator who was affected by the second province-wide lockdown who happens to have a restaurant attached to their business, or if you offer guiding services (ice fishing, hunting, etc.), to take the time to determine how much revenue you have lost through these services and try applying for this grant. Please let us know if you were successful.
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Property Tax Relief: Please contact your local tax department within your city or municipal office to see if they’ve initiated their own property tax relief program.
Federal Government Supports:
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Employment Insurance (EI). Please note: there have been several changes that make it easier for employees/self-employed individuals to access EI.
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Regional Relief Recovery Fund: The deadline for applying to the RRRF $60,000 loan with $20,000 forgivable through the CFDCs is March 31st. If you miss that deadline or are looking for a larger loan, contact FedNor directly and that RRRF application deadline is June 30, 2021. Click HERE for more details and how/where to apply.
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TIAO Calls - Tuesday March 23rd
Tue, Mar 23, 2021 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073
United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
Access Code: 881-028-157
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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TIAO Industry Survey
As we begin to enter the early stages of recovery and a slow reopening of the economy, we know that the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 mean our industry will require prolonged and targeted support to survive a period of adaptation and reduced and limited operations.
Help TIAO shape our message to government on what support you need to secure your business' future and to ensure the tourism industry bounces back stronger than ever. It's never been more important for our industry to be at the decision-making table with a clear and strong message.
Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey, compiled in cooperation with our partners at Navigator, and help us move forward together.
Please note that the survey will be open until 5pm (ET), March 29th, 2021.
Thank you for your participation.
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Wilson Center Webinar: Measuring the Regional Impacts of the Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions
The Wilson Task Force was set up to study the problem of how and when to lift the joint restrictions imposed by the United States and Canada. On Thursday, March 18, the Wilson Task Force members and leading border experts talked about the regional impacts of the COVID-19 border restrictions.
If you really wanted to attend this webinar but couldn't make it, don't worry! You can re-watch the webinar focusing on the Canada-US border by clicking on the button below.
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REMINDER: Attention US Camp Owners - Important New Details for Your Re-Entry to Canada
We have recently learned that your 14-day quarantine will be more complicated this year. If you have not shared your feedback with us yet on the list of requirements below, please do so ASAP. Thank you to the many of you who have shared with us your feeedback already..
Your 14-day quarantine plan will need to include the following:
- You MUST have a civic or physical address for your quarantine location (for visit from officials)
- You must have a phone line (mobile or landline)
- Two take home tests will be provided by Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with instructions to take the first test on day one and the second test on day 10 of your quarantine.
- Both tests must be taken with a PHAC agent by video
- Test samples must be sent to an assigned PHAC facility by courier (Purolator was named)
See links below for more information.
We are aware that these specific requirements will pose issues for some of you but we are trying to get an assessment of how many and which requirements will pose the greatest issues. Please email laurie@noto.net ASAP with your feedback.
We urge you to share this information with those that may not be getting our emails and encourage them to contact us as well.
There are two information links below that may help you prepare other important components of your crossing.
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TIAC Calls on Federal Government for Urgent Action in 2021 Budget
March 17, 2021 (Ottawa) – The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is asking the federal government for sector-specific investments and commitments to be included in the upcoming federal budget.
TIAC recently released its 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan, developed by an Industry Recovery group of tourism leaders from across the country, representing all sectors of the tourism economy. The organization’s newly announced President and CEO, Beth Potter, testified to the Standing Committee on Finance this afternoon, outlining these recommendations.
“It is imperative that we see targeted investment in the upcoming budget. We are here today, over a year into the pandemic, the visitor economy is still in crisis, and yet, we are still waiting on a sector-specific support package,” said Potter.
Prior to COVID-19, tourism was one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The tourism sector in Canada was the 5th largest, responsible for 10% of Canadian jobs, $105 billion in revenues and 2.3% of GDP. Despite the slow recovery of some businesses, Canada’s tourism sector has remained stagnant. The tourism economy has lost over half a million jobs, and unemployment in the sector has surpassed the national unemployment rate, according to a recent report by Destination Canada.
“We have seen the commitment from the government in the Speech from the Throne and the Fall Economic Statement. But we need to see action and investment in measures to support the rebuilding of our sector. The health and safety of Canadians are paramount to our sector – what we are asking for is the ability to plan for our future. We need the federal government to commit to criteria and set some specific goalposts on international and inter-provincial border re-openings,” continued Potter, “it is unsustainable for our businesses to operate on a month-to-month basis with no ability to forecast.”
Tourism businesses are different than most, unable to pivot to online services, and with different methods of revenue generation, including seasonal businesses, which are outliers in many of the application requirements for current support programs. A large portion of the 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan is based on Supporting Business Solvency and focuses on immediate responses needed in current government support programs like; adjusting CEWS and CERS until beyond the summer months.
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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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Forestry Notices
NOTO would like 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 latest notices NOTO has received are listed below:
- Annual Work Schedules for most Forest Management Plans
- Bancroft-Minden Forest - Draft Forest Management Plan (closes May 18th)
- Martel-Magpie Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Mazinaw-Lanark Forest - Draft Forest Management Plan (closes May 18th)
- Nagagami Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Nipigon Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Lac Seul Forest - Forest Management Plan Extension (closes April 1st)
- Ogoki Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Ottawa Valley Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Pineland Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Kenogami Forest - Draft Forest Management Plan (closes April 20th)
- Kenogami Forest - Forest Management Plan Extension (closes April 1st)
- Timiskaming Forest - Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Inspection of Contingency Plan (closes April 1st)
- Wabadowgang Noopming Forest - Inspection of Contingency Plan (closes April 1st)
To view the 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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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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