PROVINCE PROPOSES CAP ON DELIVERY FEES TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

The Ontario government is introducing new legislation that would protect restaurants from high delivery fees. The new legislation would cap fees charged by food delivery companies in areas where indoor dining is banned (including Toronto and Peel) to help more small and independent restaurants stay in business.

Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria said restaurants should expect a cap of 15% for delivery fees. Currently, fees placed on restaurants by food delivery companies can reach as high as 30% in Ontario. Fines of up to $10 million would be applicable to food delivery service companies that do not comply with the law.

THE COALITION OF HARDEST HIT BUSINESSES SURVEY:
CLOSES TODAY

The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses – an industry-driven group of 50+ stakeholders across Canada representing sectors like tourism, arts and culture, events and festivals, and hospitality – has an urgent survey that closes today. 

This data will be critical to the industry's collective advocacy work, and it’s integral that Toronto’s voice is well-represented. The coalition's goal is to collect at least 2,000 responses. Please take action today, as the survey closes at the end of the day.

CITY RE-OPENS CURBTO REGISTRATION FOR TEMPORARY PICK-UP ZONES

Businesses along main streets that rely on easy access to their storefronts during the lockdown can now register for CurbTO - temporary parking pick-up zones offered by the City.

Temporary Parking Pick-Up Zones re-purpose parking locations along main streets for short-term parking (no more than 10 minutes). Blue signs are put in place to identify the temporary parking locations. The CurbTO program first launched in April and, at its peak in early summer, the program supported more than 200 locations. 

CITY LAUNCHES SHOWLOVETO WINTER ACTIVATION GRANTS

The City of Toronto has launched a ShowLoveTO Winter Activation Grant Program supporting Toronto’s businesses by promoting events celebrating art, culture and community to encourage business during the coldest months of the year. BIAs, not-for-profits, community groups, and charitable organizations are eligible to apply. The program will fund 50 per cent of eligible project costs such as winter lighting, additional marketing and advertising, and supplemental sidewalk snow clearing. Applications are now available and the deadline to apply is Monday, November 30 at 4:30 p.m.

TORONTO BUSINESSES FINDING NEW WAYS FOR LOCALS TO TAKE IN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Throughout the pandemic, businesses like attractions and arts organizations across Toronto have been innovating to stay open and deliver the remarkable experiences they’re known for. That level of innovation and creativity continues this holiday season. Here’s a round-up of some of the creative ways businesses are keeping the spirit of the holidays going.

Toronto Zoo: This year, the Toronto Zoo is hosting a Holiday Drive-Thru with a special holiday route on the way to see Santa himself. The drive-thru runs now until December 20.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: TSO’s annual Holiday Pops concert is coming to the safety and comfort of patrons' homes this year. Cherished holiday music, a sing-along and moments of reflection are part of the TSO On Demand series, available for online viewing December 18-January 3.

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

Ontario Place: Ontario Place introduced Drive-Thru movies this summer, and the tradition continues over the holidays with Christmas favorites like Frozen II, The Polar Express and The Muppets Christmas Carol.

Ross Petty Productions: It wouldn’t be the holidays without a pantomime by Ross Petty. This year’s production, Home for the Holidays is now virtual, running over 2 nights this December.

If you’re finding new ways to innovate, let us know, so we can share with locals in media, online and on social.

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
  
  

INDUSTRY NEWS

Unique Art Installation comes to Junction BIA businesses: The Junction BIA is bringing their window display storefronts to life using AR and virtual reality. The BIA worked with artists, musicians and animators to help promote shopping local.  

Ice rinks open in Toronto: Over 50 ice rinks in Toronto are now open with a 25-person limit. The city’s WelcomeTO Winter plan is expanding outdoor space for residents during the second COVID-19 wave.