NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS FOR TORONTO

This afternoon, the Government of Ontario announced new restrictions in Toronto that impact the tourism and hospitality industry. The move follows an increase in COVID-19 cases in the city and across the province.

Starting at midnight tonight, the following rules will be in place in Toronto, lasting for a minimum of 28 days:

• Banning indoor food and drink service at restaurants and bars
• Tour and guide services limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
• Meeting and event spaces limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors

The following establishments will be closed:

• Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, and landmarks
• Performing arts centres and venues
• Indoor cinemas
• Casinos and bingo halls
• Spectator areas in racing venues

This is difficult news for the tourism and hospitality community that has gone to great lengths to keep guests safe over the course of the pandemic. We’ll keep you updated as more details come available.

DESTINATION TORONTO TO REACTIVATE ToGoToronto

With new restrictions for Toronto restaurants set to go into effect at midnight tonight, Destination Toronto will be refocusing efforts on the ToGoToronto website. ToGoToronto initially launched earlier this year and generated thousands of leads for Toronto restaurants. 

The newly-reactivated ToGoToronto website will let residents know what restaurants are open for any combination of takeout, delivery and patio and dining. Like the first iteration of the website, it will be absolutely free for all restaurants to join. 

We’ll be sharing more details about the reactivated ToGoToronto website in the days to come. 

MAYOR TORY ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL WITH ToGoToronto and CaféTO

Coinciding with the new restrictions for Toronto, Mayor Tory today announced the extension of the CaféTO program through the winter on sidewalks and private property along with main street activations. The mayor also showed his support for the reactivation of ToGoToronto during today’s press conference.

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES EMERGENCT RENT SUBSIDY

This afternoon, the Government of Canada announced the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, which will provide rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying businesses. The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners.

The subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020.

The government also announced:

• A top-up to the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.
  
  
• The extension of the CEWS until June 2021, which would continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire their workers.
  
  
• An expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans—and that continue to be seriously impacted by the pandemic, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000.
  
  

ONTARIO INVESTING $9M TO HELP MAKE LOCAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS SAFE:

The government of Ontario has announced the launch of the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program for eligible festivals and events taking place between August 12, 2020 and March 31, 2021. The new $9 million Reconnect Festival and Event Program provides support to event organizers who are finding new, exciting and engaging ways to deliver local programming during the pandemic.

Tourism advisors are available to assist with questions about the application process.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, until Tuesday, December 1st at 5:00 p.m. (EST).

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS:

ONTARIO TOURISM SUMMIT

Tickets for the Ontario Tourism Summit 2020 and the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence are now available. Hosted by TIAO, this year’s conference is going virtual and embracing the challenges we continue to face in as an industry in response to COVID-19. The Summit takes place on October 27th and 28^th

TIAC TOURISM CONGRESS

Join TIAC for two days of thought-provoking content, insights and ideas to help rebuild the visitor economy and navigate the new tourism landscape. The Congress will have a bustling virtual marketplace and plenty of networking opportunities.

The TIAC Tourism Congress on November 17 & 18, 2020.