INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022

CANADA DROPPING PRE-ARRIVAL PCR TESTING REQUIREMENT 
FOR FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS

The Federal government has announced a series of adjustments to travel requirements and border measures. As of February 28, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take a molecular COVID-19 test (PCR test) within 72 hours before entering Canada.  

Travellers will still be required to take a pre-arrival test but can opt for a rapid antigen test, which is typically cheaper and has faster results. The rapid test must be approved by their country of origin and administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service. Travellers who choose to take a rapid antigen test must do so no more than 24 hours before their scheduled flight or entering Canada.

ONTARIO MOVES TO NEXT STEP OF REOPENING 
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 17TH, 2022

With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner, with the next phase of measures being eased on February 17, 2022, at 12:01 a.m.

ONTARIO TO END PROOF OF VACCINATION 
EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2022 

As public health and health system indicators continue to improve, Ontario plans to: 

• Lift capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings
• Lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time
• Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination
• Masking requirements will remain in place at this time 

SHARE YOUR MARCH BREAK ACTIVITIES 

As we look forward to Ontario lifting capacity limits, visitors and locals are starting to plan their March Break activities. We want to know what your organization or establishment is preparing for the week of March 14 to March 18. This information will be used for the Destination Toronto content hub, on our social channels and for pitching media stories highlighting things to do over March Break. 

Federal Government Opens Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund 

On February 1, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund launch. This new temporary funding program will provide $60 million to help workers in the live performance sector. It will finance initiatives led and delivered by organizations to directly support independent and self-employed workers (gig workers) in the live performance sector. 

Applications for Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Now Open 

Small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen plan can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant. Eligible businesses can apply for the program until March 11, 2022, to receive a grant of $10,000.  

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Swoop Announces Significant U.S. Expansion with Five New Destinations:

Swoop, Canada's leading ultra-low fare airline, recently announced it will expand its presence in the United States by adding non-stop flights to five new destinations this summer: New York, Chicago, Nashville, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. 

Bata Shoe Museum Partners With KPMG To Continue Access Sundays Program:

The Bata Shoe Museum just announced KPMG is sponsoring ACCESS SUNDAYS – a program created to expand access to culture by removing financial barriers. ACCESS SUNDAYS offers everyone interested in visiting the Bata Shoe Museum the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of footwear through four distinctive exhibitions and participate in entertaining, in-person educational activities, all for free every Sunday.

Dream Unlimited and Great Gulf Group Selected to Develop Quayside:

The Partnership unites local and international talent to deliver much-needed affordable housing and public spaces. Highlights from the winning submission include proposals to create 800+ affordable housing units, world-class architecture and exemplary low-carbon development. The proposal also includes a landmark cultural destination and multi-use arts venue that brings together space for the performing arts, Indigenous-centered cultural celebrations and flexible education spaces. 

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