Northern Ontario Border Working Group Update
In order to address the border closure and relevant issues, Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) and Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) have formed the Northern Ontario Border Working Group. The group is gathering information, research and is endeavoring to develop concrete solutions. The group has met three times and meets virtually every two weeks.
This group has referencing the data collected through surveys conducted by NOTO and TIAO since the onset of COVID as well as the stakeholder calls hosted by TIAO in December that focused on the border. The group is using all of this information as they do their work.
We are looking to determine the feasibility of solutions that might lessen border restrictions. One of the solutions that is being discussed, is the development of a proposal to establish a pilot project in Northern Ontario. This project would allow US tourists who have a reservation, to enter Canada at a Northern Ontario border entry point, to vacation at a Northern Ontario tourist establishment. There currently is a pilot project in Alberta which has shared their experiences with the Working Group. The Working Group is continuing to gather data, consult with government officials and pursue possible logistical procedures and protocols for a pilot project.
The group will meet again on February 5, 2021.