Good Afternoon All,
I know you're all swamped right now so I've tried not to inundate you with emails but if you can take a few minutes to read through this one that would be appreciated.
1. Today's Provincial Announcements re: Covid Restrictions & Omicron
Here is an overview of what was announced and I'm including a link so you can read the full information package:
- Checking Proof of Vaccinations will NOT be lifted on Jan. 17/22. It has been extended and no new deadline has been given. For our BIA members who must do this proofing I urge you to be diligent in this process. When you don't, I get the phone calls from upset consumers. People truly want to support their local businesses but they want to know that they're safe doing so.
- As of Jan. 4/22 businesses who must do the vaccine proofing will HAVE to use the Provincial Verify Ontario app to scan the QR codes. People can present their QR code either via their phone or a printed copy. The vaccine certificates that we all received when we got our 2nd shots will no longer be good enough - everyone must have a QR code.
- Starting on Dec. 20/21 Proof of Vaccination will be required for all 12 to 17 year olds participating in organized sports.
- Starting this Monday, Dec. 13 anyone 50+ can book their 3rd shot.
- Starting on Jan. 4/22 anyone 18+ can book their 3rd shot.
- As of today Omicron has risen to 10% of cases in Ontario, however our ICU numbers are still within a manageable range.
- For the Holiday Season it is recommended that you limit your social gatherings; if you are the one hosting you are being asked to ensure that those attending are vaccinated and if you have guests who aren't then masks should be worn. Gathering limits remain the same: 25 indoors, 100 outdoors.
Here is the link with complete details:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1001329/responding-to-omicron-and-protecting-our-progress
2. Broadview Construction Update
Work is still continuing to get the new watermain connected and up and running. Next week - the week of December 13th - we are hoping to be able to start connecting to the main. This means that there will be one or two days where it's a bit of a hot mess on Broadview from Danforth to Dearbourne. There will be multiple workers on site, certain businesses will have temporary water shut-offs, and we will probably be down to 2 lanes of traffic located in the centre portion of Broadview. This primarily affects our BIA members located within this section but it will cause traffic challenges for anyone using Broadview.
For the businesses who will be part of the temporary water shut-offs you will receive specific notices confirming the date and time that you will be without water. The water shut offs will take place during the day - probably starting around 8am and hopefully back on by 4pm.
If we can get through this couple of days then we can get the whole section cleaned up and there will be no further disruptions until the second week of January.
2. City Grant for Commercial Space Rehabilitation
Below please find a link to this new grant program launched by the City. It is available to property owners and tenants. For those BIA members receiving this who are not the property owner I ask that you forward this link to your landlord.
The link provides full information on who can apply, how much you can apply for, and what type of work is accepted within the grant parameters. The one thing that I want to make sure is understood is that if you apply and get the grant you or your landlord must pay upfront for the work, then submit your invoices and then you will receive the grant money.
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program