Last Update: Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

The Province of Ontario has declared a state of emergency (until at least April 13th)  and ordered all businesses, excluding those deemed to be essential businesses, to close. This has left businesses across Ontario with a range of questions. Below we attempt to help you find answers to the following questions:

  • What wage subsidy and additional loan is coming, allowing me to keep and re-hire staff?
  • Is a small business owner eligible for the $2,000 temporary wage subsidy?
  • Can my restaurant deliver alcohol?
  • What is Digital Main Street and how can its services help my business?
  • Who can I call with questions?
  • What is the Canadian Government doing to help?
  • What is the City of Toronto doing to help?
  • SURVEY: COVID-19 Business Survey By City of Toronto
  • 10 Tips for closing your business securely
  • and more…
    (this resource was originally created by Old Town Toronto - many thanks!)

Official Government Links for Covid-19

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Province of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
City of Toronto:  https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/
​What wage subsidy and additional loan is coming, allowing me to keep and re-hire staff?
​
“Small businesses will now be able to receive up to 75 per cent in federal government funds in order to keep paying their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic – up from the previously announced 10 per cent subsidy plan…” Click here to continue reading.

From the Prime Minister of Canada: Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID‑19
Watch on YouTube: COVID-19 update: Trudeau addresses Canadians | Special coverage
​
Please note that requirements and procedures for this program, to our knowledge, were not announced as of March 27, 2020. We expect the Government of Canada to announce more details next week.
Is a small business owner eligible for the $2,000 temporary wage subsidy?
​
The following is from a Video Tax News, provided by a tax adviser and shared with us by John Kiru of TABIA (Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas).
In order to be eligible, the employer must meet three criteria:*
      1. *employ one or more individuals in Canada (“eligible
      employees”);*
      2. *was registered, with a business number and a payroll
      remittance
      account, on March 18, 2020; *
      3. *and be any of the following:*
         1. *most Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs), 
         based
         on eligibility for the small business deduction (see below);*
         2. *an individual (other than a trust);*
         3. *a partnership, all members of which are entities described
         in
         (i), (ii), (iii) or (v) (it is not clear why (iv) is excluded);*
         4. *a non-profit organization (exempt from income tax
         pursuant to
         Subsection 149(1)(l)); or*
         5. *a registered charity.*

Recap – It appears any small business person who had one or more employees, beyond themselves, and who operated their business properly/legally, and was registered, is eligible for the temporary wage subsidy.
Can my restaurant deliver alcohol?
​
If you have a liquor license, and do food delivery, you will most likely be permitted to deliver liquor as part of any food order. Before beginning, please carefully and thoroughly review the announcement and all requirements from the AGCO, to ensure you qualify and are in compliance.
Some key points: 
  • No additional fees are needed to be paid to the AGCO
  • All alcohol sold must be sealed 
  • All alcohol must be sold with food
  • Delivery hours are from 9am-11pm
  • This program is available until December 31st, 2020. 
You can view the anncoument here: www.agco.ca/bulletin/2020/info-bulletin-no-61-liquor-sales-licensees-may-now-sell-liquor-takeout-or-delivery
​What is Digital Main Street and how can its services help my business?

Digital Main Street is a program created and run by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Area’s (TABIA) that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs and a digital service squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.

FREE Online Digital Workshops –  A range of workshop topics are available to you. See a sample list of these below and visit digitalmainstreet.ca/events to learn about each.
  • April 2: 10am – 12pm – eCommerce 101
  • April 3: 11am – 1pm – Shopify Presents: Offline to Online
  • April 6: 10am – 12pm – Customer Engagement During COVID-19
  • April 7: 10am – 12pm – Website Building for Beginners
  • April 7: 12pm – 1:30pm Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small
    Budget
  • April 8: 10am – 12pm – Web Presence 101
  • more available at digitalmainstreet.ca/events

To learn about further offerings from Digital Main Street and how it has helped businesses, just like your’s, read the case studies at digitalmainstreet.ca/case-studies.
Who can I call with questions? 
​
​The province has launched a toll-free line called the Stop the Spread Business Information Line, 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Read the full press release by clicking here.
What is the Canadian Government doing to help?

The Government of Canada has assembled a webpage of Resources for Canadian Businesses experiencing the effects of COVID-19.
The page includes, but is not limited to:
1. Support for employees (CERP - Canadian Emergency Relief Program - $2000 a month for up to 4 months)
2. Support for businesses
3. Business travel and events
4. Business in international markets
Please visit canada.ca/covid-19-business.
What is the City of Toronto doing to help?

​The city of Toronto has assembled a page with the information small businesses may need. 
Some items include: 

  • Extend Grace Periods for Property Tax & Utility Bills
  • Toronto Hydro Rate Reductions
  • 24-hour Retail Delivery Exemption
  • Banking Solutions

It also details information at the provincial and federal levels. Consider bookmarking this page: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/economic-support-recovery/economic-support-recovery-for-businesses/
​SURVEY: COVID-19 Business Survey By City of Toronto
​
​When you complete this short survey you will help the City of Toronto understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting your business, and what information or supports you would find most helpful at this time. Your feedback will help the City provide timely information and supports for you, your employees and your clients.

Survey: https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=192083&d=e&h=C10B481F4DB6030&l=en
Where can I find more information?

​One of our neighbouring BIAs, The Waterfront BIA, has put together a comprehensive webpage of resources and links for businesses you may find helpful. (Examples below.) They are updating as time goes on. We encourage you to visit waterfrontbia.com/covid-19 to learn more. On behalf of all businesses in the City of Toronto, we thank The Waterfront BIA for putting this together.
The list includes, but is not limited to, information on:
  • Primary Government Sources of Information
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
  • Small Business Tax Deferral
  • Deferral of Business Education Tax Payments (commercial property tax)
  • Provincial Tax Relief
  • Grace Period for Municipal Property Taxes
  • Grace Period for Municipal Utility Bills: (Water/Sewer Service and Solid Waste Management charges where applicable)
  • 24-hour Retail Delivery Noise Exemption
  • Employer obligations for workers infected with COVID-19
  • and much more.
Please visit waterfrontbia.com/covid-19.
Who can I write a letter to?

All levels of businesses are facing challenges due to COVID-19. Public officials need to hear from you now. Please click here  to copy and paste, review, edit, sign and send our drafted  letter. A list of public officials and their contacts is included.

Direct link: tinyurl.com/covid19lettertogovt
10 Tips for closing your business securely
​
1)  Remove cash and place empty til in window/door.
2)  Lock visible goods in storage, (offsite if possible.)
3)  Post sign in door stating “NO CASH OR GOODS ON HAND/ YOU ARE ON CAMERA.”
4)  Ensure cameras, alarms and locks are all functioning properly.
5)  Leave lights on inside and out.
6)  Take a copy of insurance contacts, policies and inventory list.
7)  Post emergency key holder contact information inside, but not visible from windows.
8)  When checking on your business, do so during the day with a partner.
9)  Tell your business neighbours your plans and exchange contact information.
10) Report all suspicious activity by calling Toronto Police, non emergency at 416-808-2222.
REMINDER: If you are open, let Ossington BIA help promote you.

​Many of our members are still offering services, in modified fashion. For restaurants, this means takeout and delivery options. For other lines of business this often means online sales, virtual consultations etc. We are constantly updating our list of businesses open and want to add you. The list is published on our webpage and the webpage’s link has been emailed to our entire email subscriber list and shared on social media. Please send us an email at [email protected].