Effective Thursday, January 14 at 12:01 a.m., the Ontario government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes. All businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home. A complete list of measures can be found at ontario.ca.
The Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development & Culture/SBEC office continues to support our community during COVID-19. We have compiled a list of resources that may be helpful for local businesses. Contact us for further guidance in navigating the various programs and restrictions for your business.
Keep the community informed of your business's operating status by adding a listing to the Town of Orangeville's Business Resiliency Map.
Guidelines for Ontario’s businesses, services and public spaces |
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Workplace guidelinesBusinesses must follow public health measures and sector-specific guidelines published by the Ministry of Health. Recommendations include promoting physical distancing and frequent hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contact-less payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched an online customizable tool kit resource to help workplaces across Canada operate safely and prevent the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anchored by the COVID-19: Workplace Health and Safety Guide, the online hub provides one-stop access to more than 40 free resources to reduce the spread and protect everyone in the workplace. Face coveringsThe Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit has issued specific requirements for local businesses including an order for mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments. On October 2, the province of Ontario mandated the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions. The Town of Orangeville has passed a by-law to extend enforcement of face covering requirements to local by-law and police officers. |
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Financing and Cash Flow Support |
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Workforce Retention and Support |
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Rent Relief |
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The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support for qualifying organizations, starting on September 27 until June 2021. The new rent subsidy is available directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords. The CERS supports businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by covering a portion of eligible expenses, subject to certain maximums. To learn how to apply and calculate your subsidy, visit canada.ca. The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) has now ended. |
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Other Relief Measures |
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Penalty, interest and licence renewal relief: Town of OrangevilleTo provide relief to those businesses facing financial challenges as a result of the pandemic and the enhanced restrictions, expiry dates of restaurant and pet shop licences have been extended to April 30, 2021. The new expiry date would be carried forward to subsequent years. Penalties and interest on property taxes and water and wastewater fees have been waived until the end of December. Orangeville Transit fares are also waived until March 2021. Riders are reminded to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing. Energy assistance: Orangeville HydroA COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business is available through Orangeville Hydro and provides eligible small businesses and registered charities with a one-time credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP up to a maximum amount.
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General Resources |
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Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 Resources and Programs Province of Ontario's Small Business Recovery Resources Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) services, due dates and programs |