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Covid-19 Business Support Resources

HomeBusiness & DevelopmentCovid-19 Business Support Resources
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view of steamship parked at windermere dock

Effective Monday, March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. - the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit will move into Grey-Lockdown level of Ontario Government's Response Framework. Read the Ontario Newsroom release and see what Grey-Lockdown means for our area.

Current status effective until Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. - Red-Control level of Ontario Government's Response Framework.

Ontario Small Business Support Grant - Now Open

The Ontario government has opened applications for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. The grant, first announced in December, provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 to eligible small businesses who have had to restrict their operations due to the Provincewide Shutdown. The tightened restrictions were put in place to help stop the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario.

Small businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown will be able to apply for a one-time grant and use this funding in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business needs. For example, some businesses could need support paying employee wages, while others could need support with their rent.

Eligible small businesses include those that:

  • Were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the Provincewide Shutdown being imposed across the province effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26.
  • Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level.
  • Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019. New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.  

Apply Now

Government of Ontario - Business Resources

  • Main Street Relief Grant
  • Financial Relief Programs
  • Reopening Guidance
  • Workplace PPE Supplier Directory

If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is working with industry partners including the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and will be updating this page regularly to be able to identify actions to support businesses in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19.

Covid-19 Temporary Patio Expansion Request

To assist in responding to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has developed a Temporary Patio Expansion Program to support local business while at the same time ensuring safety standards and measures remain in place. 

Background

Following the Provincial announcement for Stage 2 framework, Township Council approved delegating authority to staff to process applications to expand restaurant patio seating and outdoor patio liquor license extensions where parking requirements cannot be met, to assist in responding to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The application process will allow business owners to request use of a portion of private property/designated parking spaces for a patio or café as an extension of an existing restaurant, café, take-out restaurant, pub or tavern.

Under normal circumstances, when a proposed patio or restaurant expansion does not comply with Zoning By-law parking requirements, a parking agreement is required to be approved by Council. With the recent delegation, the process is simplified and expedited, and fees reduced to $100. As a requirement of the Planning Act, a payment must be collected to enter into a parking agreement. 

Application 

  • Temporary Patio Expansion Request (Private Property) Application
  • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario - Information Bulletin
  • Temporary Patio “By the Glass” Expansion Request (Private Property)
  • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario - Information Bulletin: Temporary Change for “By the Glass” 

Any and all approvals related to the Temporary Patio Expansion Program expire on January 1, 2021 at 3:00 am.

Payment

Payment can be made by cheque if using the Municipal Office drop box or an invoice can be issued upon request.

Application Submission

Applications will be accepted via email or at the Municipal Office drop box.

Email completed applications to

Corey Moore
Communications & Economic Development Specialist

Email Corey Moore

705-765-3156 Ext 215

Frequently Asked Questions

 What if I would like to use public lands (Township/District)?

For Patio Extensions on adjacent Township Lands, applicants will be subject to the regular Township process and Council approval.
  • License Agreement Application

For more information on License Agreements view Clerks and Legislative Services under Departments or Contact the Clerks Department.

 Online Resources

Develop your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan Guide - Province of Ontario 

Learn how you can create a plan to help protect your workers and others from novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

View Safety Plan Guide

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Review a list of companies that sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to keep your employees and customers safe from COVID-19.

Ontario's PPE page

Workplace Safety Guidelines

Specific Guidelines for employers to ensure they are protecting workers, customers, and the general public.

View Workplace Safety Guidelines Resources

Business Resilience Service (BRS)

Connect with experienced business advisors for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support your small- to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity. Available May 26 to June 23, 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 1-866-989-1080 (toll-free).
Business Resilience Services

COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers

A provincial website to help businesses overcome the unique challenges created by the global pandemic. Businesses working to retool their operations to produce health-related products, or those that want to continue their operations in this new environment of physical distancing, can submit any potential roadblocks to the website.

View Ontario's COVID-19 Business Support page

Government of Canada

Resources on topics such as supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and exporting and international business.

Covid-19 Canada

Province of Ontario

The Government of Ontario launched a webpage providing information and advice to help business navigate the economy during COVID-19.

Covid-19 Ontario

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)  

  • Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs
  • 1-877-232-2269

Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce

  • Supporting Our Communities: COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Businesses - Ontario Chamber of Commerce

  • COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Business - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
  • Muskoka Lakes & Area Business Resiliency: Restaurants, Retail, Resources Facebook Page - Hosted by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, this local page offers businesses the opportunity to share updates to hours, contact info, etc., with the local community. Join the Muskoka Lakes & Area Business Resiliency group today.

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

  • Partners and Essential Workplace Guidelines - Recommendations and guidelines support for partners and essential workplaces to operate safely while fighting the spread of COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Re-opening a Food Premises for Outdoor Dining

District of Muskoka

A directory of federal, provincial and industry relief programs available to help individuals, families and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • District of Muskoka Financial Support and Resources

Explorers' Edge (RTO 12)

  • Additional Covid-19 Resources for Tourism Businesses

Muskoka Futures 

Business planning and mentorship to Muskoka businesses. Learn more about Muskoka Futures

Financial Support 

Muskoka Business Recovery Fund (MBRF)

The MBRF is a fund supported by FedNor though the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) and the District of Muskoka, and applies to any business established prior to March 1, 2020 that has attempted to access any Federal relief supports and was deemed ineligible.

Apply to Muskoka Business Recovery Fund Now

Covid Safety Protocol Program

Muskoka Futures is administering the Covid Safety Protocol Program (CSPP) in Muskoka. This initiative is intended to help businesses who have had to incur costs to adhere to public health and safety protocols.
The Covid Safety Protocol Program will provide businesses with up to $5,000.00 in a non-repayable contribution (grant) to assist with the costs related to adapting operating protocols. Businesses established prior to March 1, 2020 with less than 500 employees are eligible to apply.
Deadline: Funding is available until March 31, 2021
Apply to Covid Safety Protocol Program

Government of Canada

Resources on topics such as supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and exporting and international business.

Covid-19 Canada

Province of Ontario

The Government of Ontario launched a webpage providing information and advice to help business navigate the economy during COVID-19.

Covid-19 Ontario

Commercial Rent Assistance

Provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing potential rent shortfalls because their small business tenants have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Application details to be released in the near future. Portal opened May 25.

Read More About Commercial Rent Assistance

Electricity Relief for Families, Small Businesses, and Farms

Employer Health Tax Exemption Increase for 2020

Canada Business Tax Deferral Program 

Provincial Tax and Fee Deferrals

Muskoka Lakes Tax Deferrals

District of Muskoka Financial Support and Resources 

Webinars & Online Resources

View available local webinars and live streamed events to help you and your business cope with COVID-19.

Business Continuity During Uncertain Times 
Presented by Ann Wyganowski, Vice President, HZX Business Continuity Planning, Instructor: Disaster Recovery Institute Canada
Local Webinars Available on Demand Now

Contact Us

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© 2019 Township of Muskoka Lakes, 1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0, T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

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