TORONTO TO MOVE INTO LOCKDOWN ON MONDAY

This afternoon, the Government of Ontario implemented new COVID-19 lockdown measures to combat rising cases in Toronto and Peel. The new measures take effect Monday at 12:01 and include the following impacting tourism and hospitality businesses in Toronto:

• No indoor private gatherings
• Outdoor gatherings limited to 10
• Retail stores providing non essentials can offer curbside pick-up and delivery, only
• Restaurants and bars can offer takeout and delivery, only. Indoor and outdoor dining are not permitted.
• Indoor cinemas and museums to be closed 

More details about the measures will be available soon. In the meantime, please follow the Government of Ontario’s framework under the Lockdown (Grey) section for further clarification. Given that this is a quickly evolving situation, the page will continue to be updated.  

We know this is a tremendously challenging time for everyone in the industry. Destination Toronto will continue to encourage residents to support local while following public health guidelines. This includes much needed support for the restaurant industry via takeout and delivery via ToGoToronto.com.     

We’ll share more details about the measures or any changes as they become available.

NEW STUDY SUPPORTS ALTERNATIVE TO 14-DAY QUARANTINE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS

In a major finding, an interim report from McMaster Health Labs (MHL) shows that rapid COVID-19 tests done at Toronto Pearson Airport could support the call for reduced mandatory quarantine times.

MHL released its Canadian International COVID-19 Surveillance Border Study interim report. The study, the largest of its kind, gathered data on COVID infection rates from incoming international travellers at Pearson. Its goal was to determine: if an airport surveillance program is possible; whether self-collection of COVID-19 testing is effective; and to explore options to the 14-day quarantine for international travellers. The study collected COVID-19 test data from individuals at three different time points: upon arrival and at day seven and at day 14.

The interim results found that 99% of study participants tested negative for COVID-19. Of the 1% positive, 0.7% were detected on-site, 0.3% detected on day 7, and only 0.1% on day 14.

These results show that testing upon arrival with a follow-up test to catch later positive results could provide a reasonable path forward to help keep borders and the economy open while also maintaining public safety.

The study was conducted with support from the Government of Canada and in partnership with Air Canada and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

PPE GRANT AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Government of Ontario has announced a new one-time $1,000 grant to support small businesses that needed to purchase PPE. The grant is available to:

• Businesses that employ between 2-9 people
• Retail, accommodations, and food service businesses
• Those that have receipts for their PPE expense (anytime since March 17) and have not claimed it for another program

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

We continue to showcase and support businesses through fall and into winter, highlighting safe experiences for locals on social. Here’s a round-up of this week’s social media activity.

• Showcasing Little India: This week, we invited locals to discover unexpected art, vibrant shopping and delicious food while supporting local in Little India, including a local guide to the neighbourhood.
  
  
• Distillery District’s new Winter Village: A new open-air experience for shopping local and getting into the festive mood has opened in the Distillery District and we showcased the holiday market vibes to followers.
  
  
• Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. opens to the public: We promoted pre-sale last week and also got a sneak peek yesterday to Toronto’s latest must-see exhibition

Let's keep collaborating and showcasing what Toronto has to offer this fall! If you're interested in collaborating with us, let us know via the link below. 

TORONTO ONCE AGAIN NAMED TOP TECH MARKET IN CANADA 

CBRE has released its list of top tech cities in Canada, with Toronto once again taking the top spot. Toronto’s tech job gains accounted for nearly half the tech-job growth nationwide in the past five years. With 250,000 tech workers, a 37% five-year growth rate and an A+ quality of labour rating by CBRE, Toronto’s place as a global tech hub is firmly planted.

You can read the CBRE announcement here, also featured this week in BlogTO.

TIAC HOSTS FIRST VIRTUAL TOURISM CONGRESS

This week, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada hosted its first virtual Tourism Congress. The Congress bought together thousands of tourism industry professionals from across the country for 2 days of insights largely connected to recovery efforts. 

The Congress also included the Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame inductees. Congratulations to the all of the recipients. And of course, congratulations to the entire TIAC time for a successful virtual Congress!

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) passes into law: The new CERS covers up to 65 percent of eligible expenses for businesses impacted by the pandemic. This includes rent, property taxes, insurance, and interest on mortgages for businesses until December 19. Businesses forced to close in order to follow public health orders will also be eligible for a 25 percent top-up. The CERS replaces the federal government’s previous Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance. That program, which expired at the end of September, faced criticism and low uptake as it required commercial property owners to apply for the loans rather than businesses themselves.

Air travellers to be required to submit information via ArriveCAN: As of November 21, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit information electronically through the ArriveCAN app or site before boarding their flight. Information includes contact details, quarantine plan and a COVID self-assessment. Travellers who enter Canada will also be required to submit information during their quarantine period. An ArriveCAN Digital Engagement Toolkit has been developed to help inform travellers to Canada about the new mandatory requirements.

Canada-U.S. border to remain closed until Dec. 21: The Canada-U.S. border is set to remain closed for at least another month. The Prime Minister made the announcement earlier today.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Toronto Life names city’s top 50 most influential: Toronto Life magazine has released its annual list of Toronto’s 50 most influential people. Toronto’s front line workers take the much deserves top spot.  

Visitors to Toronto's Distillery District now required to wear face coverings outside: Visitors to the city’s Distillery District will now be required to wear a face covering outside. The Distillery Historic District’s policy is now in place, with the only exception being when seated at a table to consume food or beverage.

The Nutcracker on Screen: This holiday season, Canadians across the country will be able to enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker brought to you by the National Ballet of Canada. In partnership with Cineplex, a special presentation of the classic, captured live at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, will be available to stream online on the Cineplex Store and shown at 50 Cineplex theatres across Canada from December 4.

Stakt market launches yurt wine bar: Running from November 17 to January 3, stakt market has launched Holiday Hills offering Toronto’s first yurt wine bar, new menus from top Toronto chefs, Instagrammable cocktails, outdoor fire pits, live music, and beer brewed onsite.