Province Announces Red Tape Reduction
In some non-COVID related news, NOTO has received confirmation that the Government will be working to remove red-tape on items that NOTO has recommended over the last few years.
NOTO will be following up with the various Ministries involved to facilitate opportunities for industry input and to affect positive changes for Resource-based tourism. We may be reaching out to NOTO members over the coming months to participate in working groups or task forces to help us. We look forward to engaging with Government on these items.
Here are some highlights of proposals that will impact our sector:
Explore deer hunting opportunities
The government will explore ways to improve and expand deer hunting opportunities in Ontario. This is one of the ways we are trying to help the resource-based tourism industry recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance economic returns to local and northern communities.Tourism was one of the first sectors affected by public health and safety measures related to COVID-19 and could be one of the last to recover. Deer hunters (resident and non-resident) spend an estimated $328 million annually, highlighting the economic importance of deer hunting in Ontario, particularly in many rural and northern communities.
Consult on challenges experienced by bear hunt operators
The government will undertake work to consult with stakeholders on ways to address challenges experienced by bear hunt operators and look at ways to provide more clarity and certainty around bear allocations. By understanding the challenges Ontario’s resource-based tourism industry has faced, we are trying to help the industry recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance economic returns to local and northern communities. Tourism was one of the first sectors affected by public health and safety measures related to COVID-19 and could be one of the last to recover.
Make public land transactions easier
The government is reviewing and consulting on how to make it easier for municipalities to purchase public lands from the province to support economic development in communities, including those in central and northern Ontario. We are also working to reduce timelines and improve customer service for public lands transactions for existing tenants and adjacent landowners.
Amend the Public Lands Act
The government is proposing changes to the Public Lands Act to remove barriers to transferring land to First Nations and other levels of government, preventing people from unlawfully claiming ownership of public lands, help ensure public lands can be used for future resource-based economic development opportunities, especially in the North of the province, and improve customer service.
To get more details on the wide range of proposals, click here.
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