UPDATED MONDAY APRIL 6 – 1:00 p.m.
Public health updates for merchants and customers in Hintonburg & Wellington Village.

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Key Points:

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1) Restricted list of Essential Businesses released by Ontario Government Friday

See link below.

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2) Event cancelations and other measures extended beyond May

School closures extended further. City announces all events cancelled until July 1.

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See Councillor’s message below.

PLEASE NOTE: This page is provided as a public service, and while we will try to be as accurate and timely as possible, please refer to government agencies and public health experts for the final word.

Please let us know of any broken ofr stale links or information. To subscribe to member updates for business: info@wellingtonwest.ca.

APRIL 4: Clarification on “Essential” criteria

As with the previous “Essential Workplace” order, the BIA received MANY questions and reactions from members who were confused about whether they were included. So we issued this guidance for our members:

APRIL 3: Shortened List of Essential Businesses announced

APRIL 1: 11:00 p.m. Details of Federal Wage Subsidy program

Full release here.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.

Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.

Eligible employers would include employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.

MARCH 31: 8:00 a.m.

More changes announced to federal wage subsidy program

This is what Justin Trudeau announced. No more details were provided, but we were promised more information in today’s 11:00 a.m. briefing. We’ll keep you posted.

Tax deferral form now online

All commercial and residential taxpayers have been granted an interest-free grace period until April 15 to pay their 2020 interim tax bill.

For properties affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic, the March 19 (interim) and June 18 (final) bills can be extended until October 30. You must apply for the deferral by July 31.

Full details are here.

Month-end: Tenants and landlords urged to engage

Yesterday, Wellington West and Westboro BIAs joined with Councillor Leiper on a call with almost a dozen of the largest commercial landlords. This is Jeff’s synopsis of the conversation from his newsletter:

“It was a good conversation, and I’m encouraged. April 1 is coming, but almost every commercial landlord with whom I’ve spoken understands that many rents won’t be paid either in full or in some cases even partially on Wednesday. It will take time to negotiate with your landlord, but virtually all understand that a big swath of vacant storefronts on the main street serves no one. I’m here to listen and help if I can, as is your BIA.”

Full text here.

MARCH 27: 5:00 p.m.: More financial support for small business

Hopefully, the announcement below will come as good news in this dark time that may provide a *bit* more tangible help to business owners as you face difficult month-end decisions.

In brief, the federal government announced today: 

• 75% Wage Subsidy.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced dramatic expansion of the federal government wage subsidy for small and medium-sized businesses who choose to retain employees during the COVID shutdown to 75% – up from the 10% previously announced. He also announced these would be retroactive to cover any wages since March 15 and promised that details and application instructions will come on Monday. 
• Canada Emergency Business Account: This $25 billion program implemented by eligible financial institutions will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits with payrolls between $50,000 and $1 Million, to help cover their operating costs. Up to 25% or $10,000, will be forgivable for businesses who pay back the loan by the end of 2022.
• Deferral of Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) remittances and customs duty payments to June 30, 2020.
• Additional co-lending and loan guarantees to expand previously announced programs. 

These programs are in addition to earlier EI expansion, and the improved support program for workers announced on Wednesday March 25.

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – including workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19. “This would help businesses keep their employees as they navigate these difficult times, while ensuring they preserve the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.”

Unfortunately, none of this yet addresses either of the two critical we’ve been calling for with BIAs across Ontario: a) direct financial compensation for lost revenue, or b) rent relief as . But these are significant improvements.

MARCH 26: 4:00 p.m.: Liquor licensed Ontario bars, restaurants can sell alcohol with takeout and delivery food

Effective immediately, licensed restaurants and bars in Ontario may sell alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 pm. All active liquor licensees may immediately begin offering this service if they choose and there is no application process or fee required. Liquor may be sold for takeout or delivery through a third party, such as a food delivery service or ordering platform, provided they are acting on behalf of the licensee.

From Ontario Government Announcement – click for full details.

MARCH 26: 6:30 a.m.: federal measures announced yesterday:

• Federal Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
  • “To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
• Ontario‘s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
  • $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets.
• City of Ottawa:
  • The City of Ottawa declares State of Emergency
  • Mayor Jim Watson announces expansion of property / water utility program; urges landlords to be flexible and pass on deferral savings to tenants amid crisis.
  • City’s new economic task force will launch an online promotional campaign called “Buy Local” on Thursday, urging residents to support Ottawa business in ways they still can.

MARCH 25: 5:00 p.m.: essential shops & services in our BIA

MARCH 24: 9:00 a.m.: List of Essential business types

We distilled the following list for your convenience based on the shops and services most prevalent among our 550 businesses in Wellington West BIA. See the full provincial order for official definitions / details.

MARCH 23 – 4:00 p.m.: Province orders non-essential businesses to close

The province has announced this afternoon that any “non-essential” businesses must close as of midnight Tuesday night, March 24, and remain closed for at least 14 days.

We are told grocery, pharmacy, takeout, and manufacturing businesses will be exempted, but beyond that, we are seeking more clarity on the exact definition and what the restrictions might entail.

You will find the link to the Press Release below:

Release from Government of Ontario   

MARCH 22 – 9 a.m.: Increased level of Public Health warnings

This was the statement issued last night from Ottawa Public Health about changes to the COVID-19 situation today. You can read the whole statement here.

Ottawa Public Health now has laboratory confirmation of community spread of  the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ottawa. Additionally, we are starting to see cases among health-care workers who have not traveled or been a close contact of a confirmed case . Based on modelling data, there could now be up to 4,000 undetected cases of COVID-19 in our community.

Now is also not the time for non-essential excursions. We are working with the City of Ottawa to provide greater clarity on what we consider non-essential vs essential businesses here in Ottawa. People should not visit non-essential businesses including but not limited to clothing retail stores, hair and nail salons, tattoo parlours, gym and fitness facilities, banquet halls and conference centres.

Dr. Vera Etches – Ottawa Medical Officer of Health

March 20: Urgent call to Federal Government for direct aid for merchants

We sent this email letter with our OCOBIA colleagues calling on the federal government for direct financial aid. Small merchants are facing an urgent month-end rent-payment crisis in the next 10 days.

Click here to read letter.

MARCH 18: Summary of announced support for businesses

Federal Government:

Canada’s Finance Minister announced $27 Billion worth of stimulus and aid for employees, landlords, and businesses affected by the current COVID-19 situation. The full details are below.

But briefly, businesses should know about these programs:

• Tax Deferral – The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all businesses to defer tax payments until after August 31, 2020.
• Expanded Employment Insurance eligibility – “Emergency Support Benefit” – for self-employed or people who lose job or hours reduced, but not eligible for EI – payments every 2 weeks, comparable to EI for up to 14 weeks
• Temporary Wage Subsidy – for employers who choose to keep staff on payroll – 10% of salary for 3 months – up to $25,000 per employer.
• Emergency Care Benefit – for infected, self-isolated/quarantined, or those caring for ill family members but not eligible to paid sick leave or EI benefits. Payments every 2 weeks for up to 14 weeks.
• Emergency Credit / loans from BDC – “Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)” – these were announced last week, but reaffirmed March 17.

City of Ottawa – Municipal Government

The proposed measures announced on Wednesday March 18 apply mainly to property owners, although the mayor is urging commercial landlords to pass on any savings from deferred payments on to their tenants.

• Grace period for interim property tax payment – City will grant property owners a grace period for payment – late payment penalty will not be applied to current March 19 deadline, moving instead to Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
• New 2020 Interim Property Tax Hardship Deferral Program – longer deferrals to October 30 are available for small commercial property owners with property values under $2.5 Million.

Province’s Declaration of Emergency: effective Tuesday, March 17:

Link: Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public. Summary below.

This declaration does not apply to other merchants, fitness studios, and services, who may choose to remain open to provide important health services, groceries, and supplies. But since Monday, most have closed voluntarily.

Recommendations for workplaces from Ottawa Public Health:

Some important things to note:

• Customers and business owners should study and follow all public health advisories and take all recommended cleaning, hand-washing, and social distancing precautions, as well as self-isolating at the first sign of a fever or cough.
• Businesses should prepare for potential disruptions. Talk now to your insurance provider, your neighbouring businesses, suppliers, and employees to make sure you understand your obligations. This is a good resource about employment standards in Canada.

Some good sources of information:

These are the most current and easy-to-understand and print sources of information we’ve been able to find.

General COVID-19 situation updates:

• Ottawa Public Health Updates – refreshed twice daily.
• Ontario Public Health – updated twice daily.
• Public Health Agency of Canada – for national information.

Advice for business:

• Ottawa Public Health Information for Workplaces – released March 13
• CDC – Guidance for Businesses & Employers – from the American Centres for Disease Control – includes information on cleaning and disinfection.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada – Employment Insurance and Labour and Occupational Health and Safety
• Advice for Canadian employers – from Gowlings.
• Planning for Coronavirus – Advice for Businesses and Organizations – very good printable checklist of considerations for all business (from Seattle).
• Retail food establishments: Public Health recommendations to minimize the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – one-page printable list of considerations for food service businesses (from Seattle).

Are we missing anything?

Please let us know at info@wellingtonwest.ca if there are others we should know about and we’ll expand this list!