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South Georgian Bay COVID-19 Resources

SGB Editor Plan

South Georgian Bay Tourism remains open in the midst of Covid-19, and our staff and board members are vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. Though our staff are taking precautions by working from home, we are here to assist the public by phone, messaging or email if you have any questions.

LAST UPDATED: September 11TH 

Support Local

Business Support

For support and programs, please click the links below:

COVID-19 Business Reopening Guidebook. – Download the Business Reopening Guidebook

The province has launched a toll-free line (1-888-444-3659) to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

RTO7 is ready to go with its newest program, the Operations Implementation Program (OIP).  This program was created as part of RTO7’s 2020/21 COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan to assist and support the tourism operators in BruceGreySimcoe during recovery from the effects of COVID-19 on their business.

How does OIP work?  RTO7 will match an operator’s investment in operational expenses with $1,000 (includes HST) for a social media campaign to promote the tourism business.  Eligible operational expenses include mortgage payments, rent, insurance, inventory purchases, etc.  Proof of payment must be submitted with your final report and note that RTO7 covers the additional agency fees.

The setting up of the social media campaign will be actioned now to ensure your tourism business is ready to be advertised at the appropriate time.

For detailed information on the program, visit the Operations Implementation Program page on RTO7.ca.

Have questions? Contact Amanda, apausner@rto7.ca /  226-568-0242 or Kim, kclarke@rto7.ca / 519-379-2506

Ontario Tourism Summit 2020
Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever virtual Tourism Summit taking place October 27 to 28, 2020.  For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the TIAO website.

Free Resources

RTO7 Has Funds to Help Tourism Operators with PPE Expenses

August 6, 2020

If you’re a tourism operator in the counties of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe and have incurred business expenses for PPE (personal protective equipment) during COVID-19, RTO7 can help!With $150,000 in funding available, funds will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis to 150 tourism businesses in our region, 50 per county.  Each business may be reimbursed a maximum of $1000 to cover these expenses, retroactive to April 1, 2020.

Once these funds are allocated, they’re gone! Apply NOW and avoid disappointment.
(Note that funds not distributed within 3 weeks of this announcement will be reallocated)

Click HERE for more detailed information and the application form

Working with our Agency of Record, H-Visual Media, RTO7 has committed $135,000 to produce 45 Consumer Confidence Videos with matching advertising videos for 45 tourism operators in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties (15 from each county).  To participate, operators must provide proof of $1500 in operational expenses (i.e. copies of receipts) to leverage this FREE opportunity (which has a value of $3000).
Note:  Receipts submitted cannot be the same as those used in other RTO7 assistance programs.

Have questions?  Email info@rto7.ca

Help TIAO Secure the Future of Tourism in Ontario
This information is sent on behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).  Our apologies if you should receive this communication more than once.
The Tourism Industry in Ontario is a $36 billion industry that supports over 200,000 businesses and 400,000 jobs. It provides billions in tax revenues and helps to drive economic growth in our province. As we enter the early stages of recovery and a slow reopening of our 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 businesses future and ensure the tourism industry bounces back stronger than ever. As we approach a November budget, 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.

Click here to start survey

Please note that the survey will be open until September 18, 5 pm.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES VIDEO SERIES

COVID-19 Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Cash Flow & Expense Management – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Municipal Provincial Federal Support – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Government Support – Wage Subsidy CEWS – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Government Support – CEBA – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Human Resources – HS ROE EI – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Human Resources – CERB – Covid 19 – Small Business 

Community: Webinars, Conference Calls, Surveys + More

Updates

The Province of Ontario has set up a website that is updated twice daily with information on COVID-19 in the province.

How to Help Prevent the Spread

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • avoid contact with people who are sick
  • stay home if you are sick

In addition, here are recommendations for communicating about the virus:

  • Disclose information honestly when questioned by visitors and customers
  • Share the above list with family, friends, your staff and visitors
  • Refer visitors to the Province of Ontario website for updates from the Ministry of Health
  • At this stage there are many unknowns about the virus and as such we recommend that your promotions, advertising and communications DO NOT promote that it is a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) safe region to travel to or that it is safer in BruceGreySimcoe than somewhere else.  Continue promoting all the positive attributes about your attractions, accommodation or activity.

IMPORTANT LINKS & PRIOR RTO7 COMMUNICATIONS

How To Help Support Local Businesses

We have created a resource for those looking to help support local businesses, especially during this time. Click here for the full list or visit our Instagram highlights.

 

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