Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On this page you will find: 

NOTO would like to hear from industry about any cancellations, concerns you or your clients may have surrounding COVID-19, or any other impacts you may be noticing. We would like to stay up-to-date on all developments to keep members and Government informed.

This page will be updated regularly as the situation unfolds. *Last updated May 11, 2022

What's New on This Page


NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols & Webinar

NOTO has worked closely with our industry-led task force to develop health and safety protocols which cover all aspects of tourism from check-in, accommodations ranging from cabins to outposts and houseboats, and services related to hunting and fishing. These protocols have been vetted by Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. All businesses must have COVID-19 health & safety protocols implemented as required by the Government of Ontario. 


Click here to access them! - NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH: Cliquez ici! 

(Protocols updated May 2021)

NOTO and Gougeon Insurance Brokers also created a webinar for operators called "Resource-Based Tourism: How to Provide a Safe Environment Amidst COVID". This webinar focused on health and safety protocols and steps operators should take as they begin to open their businesses. This video can also be used as an awareness/training tool for your employees! Click here to view the webinar. 

NOTO is continuing to take your messages forward to Government to seek financial support. The industry has been hit with a shortened 2020 and 2021 season, several shutdowns, and continue to face financial strain, with increased operating costs due to COVID-19 and limited US guests. These messages continue to be relayed to Government repeatedly. We will continue to provide updates on our lobbying activities through our COVID-19 newsletters. 

NOTO will continue to take these items forward one our own as well as through our tourism partners like Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations (CFOA).
 

Provincial & Federal Government News Updates


Federal: 

Federal Government Announces Additional Easing of Border Measures Effective April 25:

The Federal Government is continuing to ease Canada's border measures. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:

  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada. Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
  • All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Also effective April 25th, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:

  • mask while in public spaces;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
  • quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
  • maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada, including:

  • contact and travel information, and
  • vaccination information and proof of vaccination (if applicable).

Fully vaccinated travellers who do not submit their information into ArriveCAN:

  • won't be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption
  • may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning; and
  • may be subject to fines or other enforcement action.

All travellers entering Canada by air, land or water must adhere to the federal requirements along with provincial regulations.

We highly encourage you to share the following link to your US guests as they prepare to come to Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

This website is regularly updated as requirements change.



Provincial:

Waiving of Crown Resource Fees for 2022:

NOTO is very excited to announce that we were successful in advocating for the waiving of the 2022 Crown Resource Fees.

The Government will provide financial relief by continuing to waive certain licences and rents, as well as refunding revenue received in 2022 for:

  • Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services fees.
  • Bear Management Area fees (for land use associated with the Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services).
  • Baitfish Harvester and Dealer Licence fees.
  • Baitfish Harvest Area fees (for use of harvesting area associated with the harvesting licence).
  • Land Use Fees for Outpost Camp permits or leases.

This relief is in addition to a combined total of approximately $2.678 million in financial relief provided by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry through the waiving and refunding of fees and rents for the 2020 and 2021 calendar years.

NOTO would like to thank Minister Rickford and Minister Bethlenfalvy for their on-going support of the tourism industry over the past two years. The waiving of fees will provide many operators with financial relief which will allow them to allocate their valuable resources to help them prepare for the upcoming season.

NOTO would also like to thank TIAO for their support of our efforts. TIAO is a tremendous advocacy partner and we appreciate their continued support. This is another example of how we are stronger together.


Ministry of Health Extends Provincial Antigen Screening Program: 

The Ministry of Health's Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP) was created to provide free rapid antigen tests (RATs) to participating organizations to screen their employees until March 31, 2022.

The PASP has now been extended until at least July 31, 2022. All organizations that are open can continue to access free RATs to provide reassurance and an added layer of protection against COVID-19. Organizations can continue to order RATs through regular distribution channels; please refer to the Ontario Together Portal for more information.

Businesses under 150 employees are encouraged to reach out to their local Chamber of Commerce directly.


NOTE: The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the links below.

                                      Federal Government            Ontario Government


Government & Other Support Programs

Provincial: 

The province is providing businesses with a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes. The six-month period will begin January 1, 2022 and end July 1, 2022. Eligible businesses will have the option to delay their payments for the following provincially administered taxes:

Federal: 

Canada Digital Adoption Program Grant Opportunities to Digitize Your Business!

The Government of Canada launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP). This program was created to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) boost their e-commerce presence and digitize how they run their businesses. The program provides funding and expertise to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.

Businesses will be able to apply for two different kinds of support:

  • Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online - This will help SMEs take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies. Grants will be available through local and regional service providers across Canada. The service providers will also support a network of e-commerce advisors who will advise and help small businesses adopt e-commerce.
  • Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology - This will help businesses with the development and implementation of digital adoption strategies. Eligible businesses will have access to a marketplace of digital adoption experts to help them develop a digital adoption plan tailored to their needs. The grant covers up to 90% of the eligible cost of retaining the services of a digital advisor, up to a maximum grant value of $15,000 per SME, to develop a digital adoption plan. Businesses also have the opportunity to secure a 0% interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to facilitate the acquisition of new technology. 
Learn more

 

Tourism Relief Fund: This program offers eligible businesses up to $100,000 in non-repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs or up to $500,000 in repayable contributions for up to 75% of eligible costs. Applicants are encouraged to review the Application Guide and to contact a FedNor Officer prior to submitting an application. For operators located in Northern Ontario, please apply through FedNor by clicking here. For operators located from Muskoka-south, please apply through FedDev by clicking here. Please note: you must be incorporated to be eligible. NOTO continues to advocate for changes on this front.

Jobs & Growth Fund: In Northern Ontario, FedNor is investing $26.6 million to help employers future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs. Click here to learn more and to apply for this fund. For operators located in Southern Ontario, reach out to FedDev to learn more.

 

Non-COVID Related Funding:
To view a full list of other available programs both Federally and Provincially that you may want to access for non-COVID related initiatives or upgrades, please click on the links below. Note that these webpages are regularly updates as new programs are created and made available. Feel free to bookmark them for future reference.

Services Restriction Updates

As of March 21st, 2022, the Government of Ontario has removed the mandatory masking requirement for most settings, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.

Please note: Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.

 

Borders and Travel Restrictions

IMPORANT NOTE: This information is accurate as of May 11th, 2022. Public health and border measures are subject to change with minimal notice. We highly recommend operators and guests stay up-to-date on border measures by regularly visiting the Federal Government's Website and staying in touch with their local public health unit. 


Information for US Guests - Download PDF Version

Unfortunately, only those who are fully vaccinated are permitted to enter Canada at this time for leisure travel activities. While fully-vaccinated travellers no longer require a pre-entry test, travellers may still be subject to random testing. Find out if you can enter Canada HERE.

 

Prior to entering Canada, fully vaccinated US guests will require to meet the following:

  1. Be fully vaccinated (14 days must have passed after their 2nd dose before arriving in Canada)
  2. Have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
  3. Must upload proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app 72hr prior to arriving in Canada.
  4. If selected for random testing, the individual must complete the test within 24hr of entering Canada and schedule a pick-up or drop off the test using a Purolator Drop Box location. Individuals who are randomly selected do not need the quarantine while they wait for their results.

 

NOTO has put together a list of Purolator Drop Box locations which include:

  • Fort Frances: Drop box located at North Air Taxi at 600 Scott Street.
  • Sault Ste. Marie: There are two drop box locations. One is located outside of the Purolator entrance at 40 Industrial a CT A. The tests must be put into the drop box; they can not be given to the staff. The second is located outside of the Station Tower at 421 Bay Street. If travellers need any assistance with locating these boxes, they can call Algoma Country toll-free at 1-800-263-2546. They're happy to help!
  • Thunder Bay: There are two drop box locations. One is located at Brentwood Village Mall at 595 Arthur Street W. The second is located outside the Persian Man Bakery at 899 Tungsten St.
  • Rainy River: There is a drop box located at Kreger Sales & Service at 101 Atwood Ave

If you are an operator located in an area without a Purolator drop box or access to Purolator's pick-up services, you can call Switch Health at 1-647-977-1030 and they will assist you with organizing a third-party pick up. If you are aware of any other drop box locations, please let us know and we will add them to our list.


Requirements for Children:

  • If travelling with fully vaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 12, the adults they are travelling with should upload the child's proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app.
  • Children under 5 are exempt from vaccination requirements. They are also exempt from pre-entry testing, arrival testing and quarantine, without any limitations on their activities.
  • Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 aren’t required to provide a valid pre-entry test if they’re accompanying a fully vaccinated adult. They’re exempt from quarantine, however they need to wear a mask in public settings for 14 days after arrival to Canada.
  • Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated youth 12 to 17 years of age are subject to the 14-day quarantine, and all testing requirements for pre-entry, Day-1 and Day-8 tests, whether or not they are accompanied by travellers who qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
  • For more details on travelling with children, please click here. 

 

Other information:

Bait: In other changes, on January 1, 2022 Ontario’s Sustainable Bait Management Strategy came into effect to reduce ecological risks associated with the use and movement of bait in Ontario. CBSA plays an important role in Protecting Canada from invasive species (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) Accordingly, personal importations of bait at ports in Northern Ontario (Sault Ste. Marie, Pigeon River, Fort Frances and Rainy River) are NOT permitted and will be refused entry.  

Importing Boats: Travellers towing or transporting boats at all border crossings in Canada must ensure that boats, trailers, vehicles and water-related equipment are free of Zebra and Quagga mussels before entering Canada. All boats and equipment must be cleared of aquatic plants, animals, mud, debris, and be drained of water and dry. When boats, trailers, vehicles, and conveyances arriving at the border are suspected to be contaminated, enforcement authorities will be notified to inspect and/or decontaminate the equipment. If decontamination is not feasible at time of importation, travellers' equipment may be held and turned over to provincial authorities for a quarantine period, or refused entry by enforcement authorities and directed to a decontamination station in the U.S. before returning to Canada. Please view paragraphs 23-27 for more information. 

Cannabis: Don't bring it in, Don't take it out. Click HERE for more information.

Ban on Poultry Products: Travellers should know that, due to a highly pathogenic Avian influenza outbreak, all raw poultry and all poultry products and by-products that are not fully cooked, including eggs and raw pet foods, sourced, processed, or packaged from the restricted zones in the above states are prohibited until further notice. You may not bring these items into Canada. Click here for a list of restricted zones.

Feel free to share this informational video from CBSA with your guests to help your guests prepare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGE_6DNIpbU

Individuals with questions can reach out to the Border Information Service Line

  • In Canada: 1-800-461-9999
  • Outside Canada: 1-506-636-5064

 

Information for US Operators: For the latest regulations and for tips to help you plan your return into Canada, please contact NOTO staff. 


Aviation Operations Update from Transport Canada

As the current situation continues to evolve, we recommend operators consult Transport Canada's website for the latest rules and regulations regarding flight operations. You can access this information by clicking here. 


All of the latest transportation updates for aviation, rail, marine and road can be seen here. Operators with any further questions can contact Transportation Canada via e-mail at questions@tc.gc.ca
 

Cleaning

For additional cleaning guidance and best practices, please view NOTO's health and safety protocols document. 

PPE Recommendations:

Cleaning recommendations:

 Cleaners:


Cleaning Specifics for Various Surfaces:

General: 

Hard Surfaces: 

Soft, Porous Surfaces (rugs, carpeted floor, mattresses, pillows drapes):

Electronics (telephones, computers, tablets, remote controls, etc.): 

Vehicles, Aircraft, ATVs, Boats:


Cleaning Product Recommendations: 

Health Canada have put together a table of COVID-19 approved disinfectants. These authorized disinfectants may be used against COVID-19 when used according to the label directions. To find out which disinfectant meets Health Canada's requirements for COVID-19

  1. Locate the Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the disinfectant product label
  2. Look for that number on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) list by typing in the DIN into the search/filter box. 

Multi-surface cleaners: Follow the instructions on the cleaning product label. Based on instructions, either use full-strength or diluted according to product recommendations. Apply to the surface until thoroughly wet. Leave on the surface for the designated contact tipe required for disinfection - indicated on back of the label. Wipe with a clean cloth, sponge, or mop.

Bleach solution (5%): Use 5mL of bleach per 250mL of water. Leave on the surface for a minimum of 10 minutes. Allow to air dry. Never mix bleach with any other cleaner or ammonia. Ensure bleach is suitable for the surface prior to use. 

Disinfectant wipe and hand sanitizer: For surfaces, pre-clean surface then use a 70% alcohol based wipe to thoroughly wet the surface. Allow the surface to remain wet for 10 seconds and allow to air dry. Ensure hand sanitizer has a minimum 70% alcohol base. Rub hands until dry. 

Common Cleaners Approved by Health Canada & the CDC: 

You can purchase various cleaning products listed above through stores such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, Walmart, etc. 

 

PPE and Cleaning Product Suppliers: 

The Government of Ontario also launched a PPE suppliers directory which you can use to find equipment. These cleaning recommendations were created using information from the Government of Canada (Health Canada), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Government of Ontario (Public Health Ontario). 



Resources Operators May Find Helpful


We encourage operators to develop plans A, B and C in order to best navigate and prepare for the possible outcomes of this season. Here are are number of resources that we hope you find helpful in your plan development. We are working on other supports and will share those in the coming days and weeks:

 

 

 


  • Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada's COVID-19 Awareness Toolkit: This toolkit includes a range of resources and information intended for businesses and organizations, to provide them with the tools they need to help keep individuals safe, healthy and informed. The kit also includes, ready-to-print posters, informational videos, social media content ideas and other links to resources targeted to specific groups of individuals. 
 

NOTO's COVID-19 Infographs

NOTO has developed a collection of infographs to help operators to better understand the virus with tips on preventative measures, cleaning protocols and how to prepare their business overall. These infographs were created using information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Please feel free to share this information with your guests if you feel it would help.

These organizations and Government websites are updated regularly throughout the day. Members who would like to follow the developments of this outbreak are encouraged to visit any of the sources listed above.
 
COVID-19: Guidance for Businesses & Employees Infograph
COVID-19: Prevention & Disinfection Recommendations Infograph

 

 

NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletters

Click here to access NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletter archive.

 

Monitoring the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Resource-Based Tourism Industry in Ontario

NOTO has developed a page dedicated to monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on resource-based tourism in Ontario. This page contains the results of all the surveys conducted by NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario, and TIAO, as well as media interviews featuring NOTO and operators from accross the province. 

Click here to access this page. 

 

 

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NOTO 386 Algonquin Avenue, North Bay, ON P1B 4W3 • T 705.472.5552 • F 705.472.0621 • info@noto.net
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