Covid-19 Business Support Resources

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Public will be required to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka

NEW: Effective July 13, 2020, owners or operators of all businesses, organizations and public transit services in Simcoe Muskoka must have policies in place to restrict people from entering if they are not wearing a non-medical mask or face covering. For information visit Reopening and operating your business safely.

View - SMDHU Guide for Businesses re: mandatory masking

View - Instructions to Persons Responsible for a Business or Organization Permitted to Open under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990 and related Regulations

View: Public Signage for Printing & Displaying: STOP You must wear a face covering at this site

Visit ontario.ca/reopen for details about the stages and what can re-open.

Visit ontario.ca/covidsafety to read the safety guidelines that must be followed when re-opening.

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.

Essential Workplaces

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

(Updated May 19) certain businesses may reopen as long as they adhere to provincial safety guidelines.

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

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
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 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.ca/ppe

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

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 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.
Letter to Large Employers
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

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 Now

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

Federal Covid Supports

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.

Agri-Food Open for E-Business - Supporting the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors to capture online e-business opportunities that will help create new, expanded or enhanced markets and open new retail channels to help generate new revenue streams for future growth.

This targeted application intake features two funding streams:

Bring Your Business Online: Provides a grant of up to $5,000 to eligible organizations/businesses to help establish an online presence.
Develop Online Business Opportunities: Provides cost-share funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $75,000 to develop e-business opportunities on a larger scale.

Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network Business Technology Improvement Grant
A grant of 50% up to $25,000 for the costs of adopting digital technology.

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
Available on Demand Now