CITY OF TORONTO STAFF REPORT: BIGGER AND BETTER CAFÉTO IN 2021 TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Some welcome news for Toronto’s restaurants and bars. A staff report from the City of Toronto recommends an expanded CaféTO program starting as early as May to help support Toronto bars and restaurants. The report, endorsed by the Mayor, outlines recommendations on how to ensure the program is bigger and better in 2021, including: updating the registration process; supporting quick CaféTO installations; and allowing owner/operators to build decks and platforms for curb lane café areas. If approved, registrations would start as early as February.

You can read the full report here.

DESTINATION TORONTO’S LOCAL STROLLS WITH TORONTO AMBASSADORS

With the lockdown still underway, Destination Toronto’s social media platforms have been focused on staying safe while also supporting Toronto businesses and neighbourhoods. From virtual experiences like #ROMLearning to contest giveaways like this week’s featuring Patria, there are plenty of ways to support local and stay safe.

A new series is also now underway encouraging residents to support local businesses in their own neighbourhoods during their essential trips out. This week, we worked with Toronto ambassadors @TheCuriousCreature and @LaPetiteNoob on local strolls through the Danforth and Leslieville to get some exercise while also supporting local businesses.

Stay tuned for upcoming local strolls in the weeks to come through some of the city’s favourite neighbourhoods.

NEW REPORT OFFERS INSIGHTS INTO RE-OPENING FOR ARTS ORGANIZATION

Business / Arts, the National Arts Centre and Nanos Research have come together to gauge Canadians’ attitudes on returning to indoor and outdoor arts and culture events across Canada. Over 1,000 people were polled through the Arts Response Tracking Survey (ARTS). The results offer valuable insight for arts organizations across the country to help inform re-opening procedures and programming models.

JOIN THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO’S STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. SAVE LIVES CAMPAIGN

With COVID cases in the province reaching a critical point, the Government of Ontario has launched a social media campaign - Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

Beginning today, the Government of Ontario is asking for support on social media platforms by posting a short 15-second video or other content reminding followers to stay home, stay safe, and save lives. You can join the campaign online using #StayHomeON.

Additional communications products and a descriptive presentation is available here.

Let’s get through this lockdown and second wave together and work towards the recovery by staying apart at this critical time.

REMINDER: ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT 

As a reminder, 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.

The Ontario government announced today that more than 42,000 small businesses have applied for the grant, to be processed within 10 days.

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.

NEW WORKSHOP SERIES FOR TOURISM AND HOSPTALITY WORKERS:
OTEC’S RESILIENCY TRAINING SERIES 

The Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) is hosting a new series of workshops for tourism and hospitality industry businesses and workers. The four resiliency training workshops were developed to address worker skills gaps and to build a more resilient workforce given the uncertainty of the pandemic. The series includes workshops on leadership, communications, conflict management and stress management. 

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS

Ontario Launches 2021 Budget Consultations: The Ontario government is asking Ontarians for their ideas on how to continue to support families, workers and business during the pandemic while positioning the province for a strong economic recovery. Insights and opinions can be shared online, by email or through a series of virtual consultations across the province.

City updates COVID-19 Guidance: Indoor & Outdoor Events: The City, in collaboration with Toronto Public Health, has updated sector-specific guidelines such as COVID-19 Guidance for Indoor and Outdoor Events, outlining what is and isn’t open. Additional questions can be sent to cultureTO@toronto.ca.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Porter Airlines extends temporary flight suspension: Porter Airlines is deferring its flight resumption until March 29, marking a year of suspended service. The Billy Bishop-based airline is also preparing to introduce enhanced health and safety measures for its return to service.

Luminato launches podcast: On February 3rd, Luminato is dropping its first podcast. Desire Paths: Chapter 1 is an audio field trip into the future of the city designed to accompany you on long walks through the neighbourhood.

Tapestry Opera: Livestream concerts: Tapestry Opera is producing livestream concerts for opera lovers in Toronto and around the world. The livestream concert series features some of Canada’s greatest talents alongside Tapestry’s Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Piano within the Distillery District. 

Jays Winter Week goes virtual: The Toronto Blue Jays are connecting with fans from coast-to-coast-to-coast virtually this year through Virtual Winter Week. Running February 1 to 6, Winter Week will feature many fan-favourite events and community givebacks from Winter Tour and Fest in the past, adapted so that fans across the country can get involved.