In the current edition of the Local I wrote: “Last week has been a strange one of in-betweens—between our once normal life and our alternative COVID-19 one, between our city shut down under a bubble and those on the brink of some form of reopening.
There’s no question that this pandemic is the biggest challenge the Tourism industry and Niagara-on-the-Lake as a destination have ever faced. But, despite the chilling emptiness of our streets and 0% occupancy rates in our hotels, B&B and STR, not to mention employee lay-offs and closed shops, it’s the time to think about the future and show respect and care for those that have been our source of revenue for so many years: our visitors. As we face the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, our efforts naturally turn to creating a Clean & Safe environment for our guests and residents to enjoy and the wellbeing of all of us…” Niagara-on-the-Lake will get through and we will continue to be a premier destination.
We are pleased to share MPP Wayne Gates’ letter of support for Niagara’s business community.
Even if our external marketing has gone silent our stories are still alive. Feel free to share your stories with us, and when we will all emerge from under this dark cloud, those stories will be the base from where to work together as NOTL’s Team to bring the destination back to prosperity.
Hope you have a lovely weekend and Happy Mothers Day on Sunday.
Be well, stay healthy!
Eduardo R. Lafforgue and The Team at Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL
Government Announcements
Today, the Prime Minister announced an extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program beyond the month of June.
The government will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers, and each province and territory will determine which workers will be eligible for support, and how much they will receive.
Details on the full extent of the extension are expected early next week
A new Industry Strategy Council was also announced by the Prime Minister, focussing on assessing the scope and depth of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on industries captured under the various Economic Strategy Tables – including tourism – and providing valuable private sector advice to the federal government. We are delighted to see retail and transportation added as other important economic strategy tables.
The Council will be co-chaired by Minister Navdeep Bains and former Desjardins CEO Monique Leroux. Members will be announced in the near future.
TIAC will continue to monitor developments related to this Council and will report back on any additional information as it becomes available.
Post pandemic business resumption checklists
Self-assessment tools designed to help businesses identify gaps and risks, as well as potential approaches so they can safely resume operations.
Businesses Operating Through the Pandemic checklist here
Businesses Returning to the Workplace after Working remotely checklist here
Businesses Returning after Shutdown of Operations checklist here
Pathogen Decontamination checklist - it provides guidance to businesses as they prepare their facilities for a return to regular business operations. found here
8 Domains of Well-Being: Andria Jones-Bitton, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of Guelph has created a campaign for maintaining a balanced and healthy well being. Find the working document here
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace. Ontario is releasing safety guidelines for different sectors to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening here
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Guidance for Essential Workplaces found here
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY PANELS UPDATE
Last week we shared the announcement of the Ontario government setting up a series of of panels to assist Minister Lisa MacLeod in meeting the unique challenges of COVID-19.
TIAO is part of a provincial government advisory panel on tourism set up to assist with industry insights and recommendations. We want to hear your thoughts on the questions below.
Retail Council of Canada and the Boston Consulting Group are leveraging global best practices and input from RCC members to develop Canadian-specific guidelines to help retail leadership teams build their recovery strategies. Please consider participating in this critical initiative to create a world-class resource for retailers of all types and sizes. The first four chapters of the Retail Recovery Playbook are now available for download.
If you're looking for a gift for Mum for Mother's Day our the TD Niagara Jazz Festival has an online auction with some GREAT items! Lousje & Bean gift certificate, Lofttan necklace, White Oaks Resort & Spa membership, diamond earrings and much more!
Details below and thanks to all of the festival partners for their generous donations!
Chamber preparing for when it's time to welcome visitors
Eduardo Lafforgue, president and CEO of the NOTL Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL. Last week was a strange one of in-betweens - between our once-normal life and our alternative COVID-19 one, between our town shut down in a bubble and others...
Destination Canada is hosting regular webinars, sharing our approach amid the COVID-19 situation and providing information on available federal support initiatives. We will have industry partners, representatives from government as well as applicable businesses join to provide the most up-to-date information and resources.
Please find below our latest webinar details as well as list of older webinars for reference.
Check our COVID-19 page regularly for up-to-date information.
Next tourism industry webinar:
Destination Canada will be hosting our next webinar on May 12 to provide an update to industry.
When: Tuesday May 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Speakers: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages; Destination Canada; and Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
Details: Please click the link below to join the webinar.
