Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Economic Development and Tourism Office launches virtual 2020 tourism guide |
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The economic impact of tourism reaches across Georgina from the gas pump to the local eatery, as well as from artisans selling their items at festivals, local hotels and other short-term rental accommodations.
With almost every industry seeing a dramatic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism industry, it was imperative that our team work quickly to prepare the digital 2020 Discover Georgina Guide.
Attracting out-of-town visitors is essential for our recovery; however, local tourism is now more important than ever. We want to encourage our residents to discover their own backyard and all of the wonderful things to see and do in our lakeside communities.
While the guide was to be published this past spring, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Province’s Emergency Order put all of the Town’s tourism publications on hold. In an effort to ensure that the guide is kept current and reflects the changes to our day to day business operations, and the desire to ensure the safety for visitors and residents alike, the guide is being produced in digital format only.
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Business Retention & Recovery |
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Town's recovery programs help 90 local businesses |
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To date, 90 local businesses have received assistance through Georgina's Economic Recovery Team programs, and more than $265,939 in grants have been provided to assist those in need as they begin to recover from the pandemic.
Programs and grants are still being offered that, with other levels of government support, will put our business community in a better position financially as it pivots and adjusts to new protocols and customer buying patterns.
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Temporary Patio Program - assists restaurants across the municipality with the move into Stage 2 of Ontario's reopening framework and will continue to support them until the end of 2020.
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COVID-19 Community Improvement Grant - grant to renovate (up to $3,000) or implement new technology (up to $1,500) to address the COVID-19 pandemic for business owners in Georgina's designated improvement areas (BIAs) in Jackson's Point, Keswick and Sutton
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COVID-19 Development Application Rebate Program - maximum rebate of $3,000 for building permit fees
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Not-for-Profits and Charitable Organizations COVID-19 Grant Program - The program provides additional assistance to not-for-profits and charitable organizations located in Georgina. Those eligible could receive a maximum of $1,000 per month for three months.
Business support questions?
Georgina's Economic Development team is working to support businesses during this difficult time. Email our team at ed@georgina.ca or by calling Karyn Stone, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism at 905-476-4301, ext. 2312.
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Provincial funding opportunity for non-profit organizations |
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Ontario is investing $83 million in the non-profit sector through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. It will provide between $5,000 and $150,000 to non-profit organizations that are looking ahead to recovery planning with the aim of rebuilding their capacity.
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The second round of applications for the
York Region COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Support Program has launched
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The York Region Business Recovery Support Program can provide you with training, workshops and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000. Applications are open until Sep. 25, 2020. |
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Business Spotlight
The Mansion House
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Patio Program helps local restaurant serve more customers |
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The Mansion House, a restaurant and bar in the historic Sutton BIA, was one of the first businesses to be approved through the new Temporary Patio program introduced by the Georgina Economic Recovery Team.
The Mansion House has been operated by Charlie Young and his wife Kat for the last five years. The new patio program has allowed them to welcome customers back to their restaurant during Stage 2 of Ontario’s re-opening strategy. Thanks to the help of a few loyal customers, Charlie set up his new temporary patio in a matter of days after his application was approved. Returning customers are excited to enjoy the new patio, eat their favourite food and socialize with their neighbours and friends while maintaining social distancing rules.
Built in 1850, the restaurant is one of the oldest buildings in the historic Sutton BIA and was originally built as a hotel. Did you know that 170 years ago, room rentals at the hotel were only $1 a night?
Visit the new patio at The Mansion House, open Monday through Thursday Noon – 8 pm and Friday – Saturday Noon to 9 p.m. The restaurant is also open for indoor dining as part of Ontario's Stage 3 to re-opening our economy. For more information about their menu visit mansionhousesutton.ca or call 905-722-4612.
If you are a business owner that would like to build or expand a temporary patio on your property, you can apply online. For more information contact ed@georgina.ca or 905-476-4301 ext. 2330.
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Region-wide reopening campaign launched in York Region
Have you reopened? Experience York Region invites businesses to participate in the region-wide Ready When You Are marketing campaign. Let York Region know that you are ready. Learn more and participate.
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Government of Canada launches updated CEWS Calculator to support employers
Changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) have been implemented that broaden the reach of the program and provide better targeted support. To help employers navigate the changes, an updated and improved online calculator has been launched. Learn more.
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Agriculture funding opportunity
Apply for cover crop seed funding, 100% covered by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority - LSRCA. LSRCA introduced cover crop cost-share in 2013 to help farmers protect their soil by covering the cost of cover crop seed. Learn more.
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NEW York Region agriculture newsletter
York Region's Agriculture and Agri-Food Newsletter keeps our business community up-to-date with the information they need to succeed. From the latest stories, news, community initiatives and more, this newsletter aims to keep you in the loop of all things agriculture and agri-food. Subscribe.
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Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, hosts local businesses and government representatives on Rogers TV to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and how they are coping. Watch already aired episodes
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Disclaimer: Listings are provided to the Town from brokers, real estate agents, and various real estate websites. The Town of Georgina assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information shown, and does not make any representation, warranties or guarantees of any kind in relation to the listings in this e-newsletter or the properties described therein. Please contact the real estate agent or other contact person identified on the listing to verify all information.
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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