On April 16, 2021 the Ontario Government announced that it is strengthening enforcement of the Stay-At-Home Order. Read the Ontario News Release for full details.
Visit our COVID-19 page for all updates on changes to Township services, programs and/or facilities.
Government of Ontario - Business Resources
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 Program |
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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.
BackgroundTownship 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. As a requirement of the Planning Act, a payment must be collected to enter into a parking agreement. Application RequirementsPlease ensure that your Temporary Patio Expansion Request contains the following information.
New applications must also include the following:
ApplicationExisting agreement holders who are not proposing any changes to their existing patios are required to confirm so by completing the new online form. There is no additional fee. Where there are minor changes, a nominal fee of $20 will be assessed. New applications are required to meet the same safety requirements outlined in the 2020 Program and the modest fee of $100. Any and all approvals related to the 2021 Temporary Patio Expansion Program expire on January 1, 2022 at 3:00 am. PaymentPayment can be made by cheque if using the Municipal Office drop box or an invoice can be issued upon request. Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
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Online Resources |
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Develop your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan Guide - Province of OntarioLearn how you can create a plan to help protect your workers and others from novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). 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. Workplace Safety GuidelinesSpecific 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). COVID-19: Tackling the BarriersA 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 CanadaResources on topics such as supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and exporting and international business. Province of OntarioThe Government of Ontario launched a webpage providing information and advice to help business navigate the economy during COVID-19. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
District of MuskokaA directory of federal, provincial and industry relief programs available to help individuals, families and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explorers' Edge (RTO 12)Muskoka FuturesBusiness planning and mentorship to Muskoka businesses. Learn more about Muskoka Futures |
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Financial Support |
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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 ProgramMuskoka 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
Government of CanadaResources on topics such as supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and exporting and international business. Province of OntarioThe Government of Ontario launched a webpage providing information and advice to help business navigate the economy during COVID-19. Commercial Rent AssistanceProvide 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 |
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Webinars & Online Resources |
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View available local webinars and live streamed events to help you and your business cope with COVID-19. Business Continuity During Uncertain Times |
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