MAKE SOME NOISE – THE CANADIAN LIVE MUSIC ASSOCIATION’S #FortheLoveOfLIVE CAMPAIGN

Live music is the soundtrack for a destination – and one of the best ways to experience its vibrancy, its people and its voices. As Toronto’s live music community waits offstage, now is the time to consider the thousands of people that are left without a voice and a livelihood – creators, venue operators, technical crews and others.

Join the Canadian Live Music Association and a sound strategy for the safe return of live music and events with their #ForTheLoveOfLive campaign.

Click the link below to find out more about the campaign including a industry-collaborated re-opening strategy.

 ONTARIO BEGINS PHASED RE-OPENING: TORONTO SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 22

This week, the Ontario government started a phased reopening of the province, with Toronto scheduled to leave the stay-at-home orders on February 22. At that time, Toronto will revert to the colour-coded system introduced in the fall.

The province hasn’t speculated which colour zone Toronto will enter, however in the event Toronto moves to the grey zone, we will experience more lenient restrictions compared to the restrictions in place last fall, particularly as it relates to retail. With the new grey zone measures, in person shopping is allowed with a capacity limit of 50% for grocery stores and 25% for all other retail. You can find the breakdown of the re-introduced colour zones here.

The province also announced that March Break has been delayed until April 12. The move aims to limit community spread and travel. With the delay we could see benefits to our hardest hit hospitality businesses in the event they are allowed to re-open in April.

CANADA TO REQUIRE NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST AT LAND BORDERS NEXT WEEK

Beginning next week, anyone arriving in Canada at one of its land borders will need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before seeking re-entry. Should Canadians or permanent residents not be able to provide that test result, they could face penalties including fines of up to $3,000 per person. 

 SOCIAL ROUND-UP: NEIGHBOURHOOD STROLLS AND SUPPORTING LOCAL

Each week, Destination Toronto’s social highlights local businesses and neighbourhoods, and how residents can support local while following public health guidelines. Here’s a roundup of this week on our social feed:

• This week, Destination Toronto had an IG Live with Krystle (@dineandfash) and Danielle (@tofoodies) 17 local businesses, unboxing Valentine's Day goodies throughout the live. 
• Tune in today for an Instagram takeover with Arienne (@seeusoontravel) and Jenn Weatherhead (@jennweatherhead) for the neighbourhood stroll series featuring Bloor West Village and Roncesvalles. Arienne and Jenn explore the neighbourhoods and get some outdoor exercise while supporting local businesses along the way.
• The week’s contest featured the famed Royal York Hotel and a 'Sweetheart box and bubbles' giveaway. Running for 24 hours, the contest received 814 submissions in that short time. 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE

The application portal for the Healthy Communities Initiative is now open. The Healthy Communities Initiative supports communities as they create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces to respond to ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years. This $31 million investment from the Government of Canada will fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities.

REMINDER: ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT

The portal to apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant is now open. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $20,000 to help with revenue losses expected as a result of the province-wide shutdown. To qualify businesses must demonstrate they have experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020. New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. Businesses will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them.

More information including the application for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant can be found here:

• Application Guide
• Application Link

INDUSTRY NEWS

Flair Airlines prepares to ramp up flights across Canada this summer: Ulta-low cost carrier Flair Airlines is adding aircrafts and routes servicing 18 Canadian destinations by summer. As part of the news, Flair announced increased flights to and from Toronto.

Blog - Waterfront Toronto’s 5-Year Strategic Plan: Waterfront Toronto has posted their final blog outlining their 5-year strategic plan. Click to read more about how the BIA is transforming the city’s waterfront and creating new communities for locals and visitors, alike.