ONTARIO’S STAY-AT-HOME ORDER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Yesterday, the Ontario government’s stay-at-home order took effect along with a new state of emergency in place until at least February 11.

Here is what Toronto’s tourism and hospitality businesses need to know about the order:  

• Residents are required to stay at home except for essentials such as groceries, curbside pickup and exercise.
• Work from home is mandatory unless the business is deemed essential (defined by each employer).
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to five.
• Entertainment venues are not allowed to use their facilities for live-streaming, recording or rehearsing.
• Pre-arranged booking for short-term rentals prohibited with exceptions for housing requirements.
• Non-essential retail stores can only operate between 7 am and 8 pm.
  
  

You can read more about the order here and the fully-outlined changes here.

A LOSS IN THE COMMUNITY: CHEF SCOTT SAVOIE

It’s with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Chef Scott Savoie, founder of Toronto Food Tours and a pioneer of the city's culinary tourism industry. Chef Scott launched his first culinary tour company in 2010, and since then committed himself to helping locals and visitors alike, experience the best of Toronto’s food scene.

Known as "Cheffie" by his friends, he cared deeply about supporting this community, the culinary scene and the many people who took his tours over the years. That care was never more apparent than over the past year. Last summer, he launched the Chef Scott Shop, a curated food delivery service to help support struggling vendors from the St. Lawrence Market affected by the pandemic.

With his generosity and East Coast charm, he went out of his way to lift up other tour operators and was always willing to provide support to entrepreneurs throughout the industry.  Please join all of us at Destination Toronto in extending our deepest condolences to Chef Scott’s family, friends, colleagues and all of those he impacted throughout his life and career. His generous spirit and passion will be greatly missed.

ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT PORTAL NOW OPEN

The Ontario Small Business Support Grant portal is now open. The grant is designed to help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the new shutdown.

Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020.

Also covered is a $1,000 grant for PPE for eligible small businesses.

For small businesses not in operation in April 2019 or April 2020, eligibility criteria will be announced this month.

SUPPORT TORONTO’S CULINARY COMMUNITY WITH TOGOTORONTO.COM

With stay-at-home orders in place, be sure to continue to show your support for Toronto’s culinary community. ToGoToronto.com features more than 700 restaurants offering take-out and delivery across Toronto. Since the site launched, ToGoToronto has referred more than 31,175 customers to participating restaurants.

Visit ToGoToronto.com and enjoy some take-out and delivery this weekend!   

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS

Canada-U.S. border to remain closed until at least February 21: The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least Feb. 21. Public Safety Minister Bill Blair announced the latest extension this week.

INDUSTRY NEWS

City Hall Live Spotlight postponed: The previously announced City Hall Live Spotlight (as part of ShowLoveTO) has been postponed. We’ll let you know when the new date becomes available.