In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- A Message from Minister Yakabuski
- Early Bird Prize Announcement
- Houseboat Adventures Celebrates 40 Years!
- Northern Ontario Tourism Spring Training Week - Session Highlights and Registration
- Province-Wide Shutdown and Stay-at-Home Order
- Have You Received Your 2020 Crown Resource Fee Refunds/Credit?
- Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway - Contest Update
- Extension of Funding Programs Offered Through CFDCs
- Transition of Ontario CITES permitting to Environment and Climate Change Canada
- TEN Training Session: French it Up! Experiential Travel Training Workshop for Tourism Operators
- Tourism HR Canada Resources
- How to Talk About Hunting: Webinar Series to Provide Research-Based Communications
- Forestry Notices
- Safe Travels 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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A Message from our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
We are pleased to include a message from The Honourable Minister Yakabuski in this week's newsletter. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Yakabuski for his tremendous support through his Ministry and through his seat at the cabinet table. We know that he is a strong advocate for our sector of tourism. We thank him and look forward to continuing our discussions around strategies to help this sector recover in the months and years ahead.
This week has brought with it more ups and downs and more uncertainty for the weeks and months ahead. We know the toll this is taking on all of you and we are resolved to stay the course on our advocacy and take on more as it is needed to help you through this. This is a tremendous workload but we know now is not the time to pause.
We have seen a number of successes as a result of our efforts but YOU need more. We are making progress in a number of areas and hope to confirm our progress soon. Right now, we need to elevate the pressure on the Provincial Government to implement the supports for tourism announced in the budget NOW. We also need to ensure that the Federal Government includes
As we develop measures to enhance our advocacy efforts we may be calling on all of you once again to provide input and feedback. Please heed the call. Your input is invaluable in helping us tell YOUR story and build the strategies we will follow to help the resource-based tourism industry recover.
In the meantime, there are a number of initiatives taking place that we believe will help operators in the North. There are opportunities to attend workshops, market to domestic travelers, and enhance business skills. In the coming weeks, more details will be available about the new tourism and hospitality grant. We will share the information as soon as it becomes available.
Stay strong and be well through this shutdown/stay at home order. We encourage all of you to abide by the orders. The last thing we want to do is contribute to an extension of these orders and lose May and June bookings.
Be well,
Laurie
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A Message from Minister Yakabuski
Dear NOTO Members:
The resource-based tourism industry is critically important to Ontario’s economy, especially in rural communities across the province. This sector was one of the first to feel the effects of public health and safety measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as border closures and travel restrictions. With many of the businesses in this sector being small to medium-sized, family owned and operated, we know the local impacts have been devastating.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and health and safety measures remain in place, we know the resource-based tourism industry faces another year of uncertainty. That’s why the Ontario government has committed an additional $1.3 million in Budget 2021 for immediate relief for resource-based tourism businesses. We are continuing to waive certain licences as well as refunding revenue received for 2020 and 2021 for:
- Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services fees
- Bear Management Area fees (for land use associated with the Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services)
- Baitfish Harvester and Dealer Licence fees
- Baitfish Harvest Area fees (for the use of harvesting area associated with the harvesting licence)
- Land Use Fees for Outpost Camp permits or leases
As Minister, I stand behind this critical industry; I hope that this financial assistance will help alleviate some of the burden and stress that operators are facing.
It may be difficult to see too far down the road at the moment, but we will get through this crisis. As vaccinations are rolled out, and we turn the corner on the pandemic, we will build on our plan to create strong economic growth across the sector.
I want to thank all of this industry’s operators for their dedication and their passion for sharing our great province with visitors.
Sincerely,
The Hon. John Yakabuski
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
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Early Bird Prize Announcement!
Thank you to all of our members!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each operator who renewed their membership or who recently joined NOTO! Your support is greatly appreciated! We know that the pandemic has taken a toll on our industry and that making these payments are not easy.
Please know that NOTO will continue to advocate for additional supports to ensure you all make it through this difficult time.
The winner of this year's Early Bird Prize is Brad Thorne from Blue Fox Camp. Congratulations Brad. We will be sending out your prize package in the coming days.
The 2021 prize for the Early Bird renewal draw is a
DJI Mavic Mini Drone with a 2.7K Camera
that can be used to create videos to help promote your business
and have a little fun!!
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Houseboat Adventures Celebrates 40 Years!
Congratulations on this great milestone!
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Our Story:
In the fall of 1981, we floated the idea of building a houseboat. Cool idea - summers on the Lake, lots of water-skiing time, you know, living the life!
We built and launched our first houseboat in 1982 on the Kootenay Lake in BC and kept it there for a couple of years. To make a go of this we needed to find a permanent Lake to operate so we travelled around Ontario all the way to Montreal. We heard about Lake of the Woods through a friend. We built our second houseboat and shipped it to Kenora for the 1983 season, moving permanently to Kenora in January 1984.
Jeff designed and built 4 more houseboats in 1985/86, and we then purchased 3 more and renovated them. Finally, Jeff designed and built the perfect rental houseboat, our largest and very popular 68-foot model, complete with a helicopter landing pad on the top.
Our 3 boys were born and raised in Kenora with all she has to offer. They enjoyed a wonderful childhood, with fun times on the Lake both winter and summer. They did, of course have a guaranteed summer job. From an early age they would boat into work, cooler in hand with their lunches. Firstly, a day here and there, which progressed to every Saturday, and finally full-time work in the summer months. While they may be off with their studies and careers, they still manage to come home every year.
With our dedicated staff, we operate 7 houseboats. We are grateful for all the years of having this opportunity and to meet so many fantastic guests and providing them with the ultimate Houseboat Adventure experience. Through many challenges, especially over this past year, we hope to continue offering what we love to hear from our guests "THE best vacation, ever!"
Lorelie & Jeff Gordon
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The Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week
is Around the Corner!
Registration is free to all industry partners, so you can focus on
operations, saving money, and staying safe!
What to expect from the Northern Ontario Tourism Spring Training Week:
- Practical & interactive online training sessions
- Latest marketing and branding trends
- Virtual product development training
- Virtual Networking opportunities
- Northern Ontario SPARK Program Winner 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
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Training Session Highlights |
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Improve Your Online Marketing – Digital Success for Tourism Businesses and Organizations
Date: Tuesday, April 20th 2021
Time: 1:00 p.m.
This session will review the most effective tactics for getting your business or organization seen by the digital world; websites, social media and third party services.
Presented by: Mike Jacobs, CEO, The New Business
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Beyond the Backyard – Enticing the Ontario Drive Market
Date: Wednesday, April 21st 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Optimism is high though uncertainty still looms. After a year of sticking close to home many Ontarians are ready to venture out and explore undiscovered places in their own province. The focus will be on connecting to the people and the land in a safe, yet open way. The session will help participants quickly build rich, local experiences to entice the drive market from Ontario and neighboring provinces for this summer.
Presented by: Eva Gutsche, Managing Director, STEM Consulting
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Successful Ingredients of a Touring Route
Date: Thursday, April 22nd 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
The road trip is back! The one thing to come out of the global pandemic is people’s appreciation for hitting the open road, on their terms. Venturing far from urban centres, road trippers are lured by the journey, quirky stops and accommodations that provide ample space to stretch out, literally. Join Chris as he (walks/drives/rides) you through what makes a successful touring route and why rural and remote areas have the most to gain.
Presented by: Chris Hughes, BC Hughes Tourism Development
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How do I register for each
Training Session?
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STEP 01
Open your registration confirmation email and download
our app to start building your schedule!
STEP 02
Register for each session individually.
Note: Clicking + Add to Schedule does not register you for the session.
STEP 03
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a link.
STEP 04
Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date.
STEP 05
Enjoy your training session!
Joining on Mobile? Follow These Steps!
STEP 01
Download the EventMobi app from the iPhone or Android app store.
STEP 02
Launch the app and enter the unique event code
"Northern2021"
STEP 03
Access event information, network with other
attendees, build your schedule and more!
Don't have a phone? The app can also be found on the web using this URL:
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Province-Wide Shutdown & Stay-at-Home Order
New Regulations Effective as of Thursday April 8th, 2021 at 12:01am
The Government of Ontario has declared yet another State of Emergency that will remain in effect for 4 weeks, with possibility of extension. All non-essential stores will return to curbside services, and big box stores will be limited to groceries, pharmaceuticals and personal care items. Anyone who is able to work from home should do so. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.
Stay-at-Home Order:
This order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. To view the official Stay-at-Home regulations, please click here.
Gatherings:
- Indoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
- Outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 people permitted, but must comply with public health advice on physical distancing.
Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodations:
- Can be open but indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities that are part of the operation of these businesses, are closed.
Short term rentals (AirBnB style businesses):
- Short-term rentals (for example, cottages, cabins) are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
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This does not apply with respect to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation.
Seasonal campgrounds:
Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:
- used by individuals who are in need of housing
- permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract
Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public.
Restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments:
- Take out, drive through, and delivery only (includes the sale of alcohol).
Marinas:
Are permitted to open but any clubhouse, restaurant, pool, communal steam room, sauna or whirlpool, meeting room, fitness centre or other recreational facility on the premises must be closed to the public, except for any portion of those areas that,
- is used to provide first aid services,
- is used to provide take-out or delivery service,
- contains a washroom, or
- provides access to an area described above.
Transportation Services:
Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services including transportation services provided by air, water, road and rail are permitted.
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Air service providers: please follow the regulations provided by Transport Canada.
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To view Transport Canada's guidance documents and regulations for other methods of transportation, please click here.
Please Note: 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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Have You Received Your 2020 Crown Resource Fee Refund/Credit?
If you haven't received your refund/credit for your 2020 crown land use fees, please contact Laurie (laurie@noto.net) as soon as possible. Please provide Laurie with copies of your invoices, receipts of payments made, and any communications you have received from the Ministry of Finance.
Minister Yakabuski has announced that the Government will be waiving certain licences and crown land use fees for 2021. This includes the waiving of licensing fees for bear hunting and baitfish harvesters and dealers, Land Use Fees for Commercial Outpost Camps, Bear Management Area fees and Baitfish Harvest Area fees. We want to make sure that the 2021 fees are waived in a more seamless matter.
We are awaiting a response from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding these fees for tourism operations inside the Provincial Parks. Once we hear his decision, we will notify industry.
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GOGG Contest Update
We Continue to Accept Applications
We've had a number of resource-based tourism businesses submit their packages for this program which highlight the great variety of unique experiences Northern Ontario has to offer! Remember, these trips can be housekeeping or American plan, drive-to, fly-in, boat-in, or even houseboat adventures!
Participating operators will be able to take advantage of free marketing opportunities throughout the duration of the contest shortly!
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If you've missed the information session hosted earlier this week with Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman, you can re-watch it here: https://vimeo.com/533975850
- You can also encourage individuals to participate by sharing Fish'n Canada's Contest Page on your social media feeds and on your websites: https://fishncanada.com/contest-2021/
Types of Packages Received and Approved so Far:
Total Applications Approved: 37
Total Applications Received to Date: 43
- No operators have been declined, some are pending Safe Travels Stamp approval or have yet to be reviewed by the committee.
Package Types Approved So Far:
- Drive-to American Plans: 10
- Fly-in American Plans: 9
- Boat-in American Plans: 5
- Drive-to Housekeeping Plans: 6
- Fly-in Housekeeping Plans: 5
- Boat-in Housekeeping Plans: 2
- Houseboat experience: 1
- Glamping experiences: 2
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Extension of the Covid Safety Protocol Project through the CFDCs |
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The Covid Safety Protocol Project through the CFDC’s in Northern Ontario has now been extended until June 15, 2021. The CFDCs will continue accepting applications on a first come first serve basis and invoices or proof of payment will be accepted from March 15th 2020 to June 15th, 2021.
The CFDC's are also offering a post-COVID-19 Professional Services Relief Program
to assist in receiving professional services for business development, planning, consultations, financial processing and training up to $5000.
Please contact your local CFDC office for more details on both of these programs. You can find your local office and visit their website by clicking on the button below.
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Transition of Ontario CITES permitting to Environment and Climate Change Canada
As of April 1st, 2021, MNRF will no longer issue CITES permits on behalf of the Federal Government. This is consistent with how CITES permits are issued for several other provinces. A CITES permit may be required if you are taking a CITES-listed plant or animal, or their parts or derivatives out of the country. This includes:
- Wildlife specimens
- Exotic pets
- Hunting trophies (wolves, bears, otter, lynx)
These permits are typically issued to taxidermist and non-resident hunters wishing to move some legally harvested CITES regulated species such as bears and wolves out of Canada. American hunter leaving Canada with a freshly killed black bear they legally harvested are exempt from CITES permitting requirements when returning to the US.
Individuals will now need to apply for a CITES permit directly through Environment and Climate Change Canada. When you apply for a CITES permit, Environment and Climate Change Canada will aim to give you a decision within the following timelines:
- Hunting trophy export permit (21 days)
- All other CITES permits (35 days)
For more information please read the letter provided below. For additional information on CITES and Environment and Climate Change Canada, please click here.
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French it Up! Experiential Travel Training Workshop for Tourism Operators
April 19th, 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2021
What is this training workshop? An interactive half-day online workshop for 12 Francophone, Francophile and bilingual tourism business operators in Northern Ontario that will provide tools and insights on how to market products to French speaking tourists and how to develop francophone culture-based products for culture seeking visitors.
Why should you attend? Reaching Francophone and culture seeking markets can net you more visitors and increase your bottom line.
Who should attend? Any private sector tourism businesses, not-for-profit operations, public sector organizations interested in and ready to invest in the design and delivery of francophone cultural tourism offers.
What will I learn?
- How to implement the 'French It Up!' training solution into your tourism operation and experiences
- How to brand the level of Francophone/Francophile services available in your tourism operation
- Experiential Travel 101 and the value experiential travel can add to your operation
- The difference between a tourism product and an experience
- How to develop new and enhance existing Francophone and bilingual tourism experiences
- How to get started on an experience for your operation, with the intent of enhancing existing product to better meet the needs of visitors and generate higher profits
- How other businesses have embraced and benefitted from developing bilingual tourism itineraries
You will also have the opportunity to connect with a community of 'like-minded' operators who you can continue to network and share ideas with post workshop!
Where is it? This course is being offered as an online course, with a mix of 'online' and 'offline' work. The 'online' portion will be delivered by group webinar from 9 am to 1pm. The 'offline' portion is to be completed both prior to and post the 'face-to-face' webinar portion.
What will you need? An internet connection, speaker/mic (can be built-in computer mic) and a device (e.g. computer, tablet, etc.)
Money Matters: The course, including all training materials and programming, is at the low cost of $100.
Application Deadline: April 14th, 2021 Space is limited, so apply early. Payment is due upon application.
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Tourism HR Canada Resources
Tourism HR Canada has published the session recordings and presentation decks from this year's virtual Labour Market Forum. Webinars and presentations covered insights on the following topics:
- Hearing from National Associations: Responding to COVID Challenges and Opportunities
- The Post-COVID Future of Tourism
- The Impact of Digitalization on the Tourism Workforce
- Adaptation and Innovation: Engaging New Canadians as a Crucial Driver in Tourism Recovery and Long-term Growth
- Tourism as a Place of Work, Place of Play, and Economic Driver
- Top Concerns for the Tourism Workforce in 2021
- The Talent Crisis in Tourism: From University to the Workplace
- Will the tourism workforce show up for the recovery?
- & more!
If you are interested in learning more on these presentations, you can watch the webinars and/or access the presentations by clicking on the button below.
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How to Talk About Hunting: Webinar Series to Provide Research-Based Communications
Responsive Management, an organization which specializes in Survey Research on Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Issues based out of the US will be hosting a webinar series focusing on how to talk about hunting.
These webinars will provide research-based communication guidelines and strategies for hunters, conservationists, and wildlife professionals to use to communicate about hunting in the most persuasive and compelling ways possible. It will focus on specific, reliable methods to garner support for hunting and the wildlife conservation success stories made possible by hunters.
If this interests you, please click on the button below to learn more and to register.
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Forestry Notices
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 latest notices NOTO has received are listed below:
- Kenogami Forest: Review of Draft Forest Management Plan (closes April 20th)
- Red Lake Forest: Review of FMP Amendment (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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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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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
Great news! The NOTO Board of Directors is extending 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 so much for your support!
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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 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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