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News, updates, and so much more…

 
Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge  in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province. The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
The provincewide emergency brake would put in place time-limited public health and workplace safety measures to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives. Measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings to a 5-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
  • Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;
  • Prohibiting personal care services;
  • Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take-out, drive-through, and delivery only;
  • Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (e.g., gyms) with very limited exceptions;
  • Requiring day camps to close; and,
  • Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors, and to the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. This does not include social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.

The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the provincewide emergency brake comes into effect. The impacts of these time-limited measures will be evaluated throughout the next four weeks to determine if it is safe to lift any restrictions or if they need to be extended. With more than $1.6 billion invested to protect against COVID-19, schools remain safe for students and staff. Keeping schools open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario youth. During the emergency shutdo wn, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The spring break will continue as planned for the week of April 12. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.
Additionally, the new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant will provide an estimated $100 million in one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. Businesses required to close or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures can continue to apply for property tax and energy cost rebates. Visit Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport for more information on Ontario’s supports for businesses.

Read More
The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and will be in place for at least four weeks.
 
Ontario’s key indicators and latest modelling show that additional measures must be taken:
  • From March 26 to 28, 2021, provincial case rates have increased by 7.7 per cent to 101.1 cases per 100,000 people;
  • Current COVID-19 related ICU admissions are already over the peak of wave two and hospitals in regional hotspots will need to further ramp down scheduled surgeries;
  • COVID-19 related ICU admissions are projected to exceed 650 beds in a few weeks; and
  • These increases are being driven by COVID-19 variants, which are transmitted easily and result in a higher risk of death and hospitalization, including in younger populations.
 
Measures include:
  • Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with) and limiting the capacity for outdoor events to a 5-person maximum. Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household;
  • Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;
  • Prohibiting personal care services;
  • Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink; establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only;
  • Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (e.g., gyms) with very limited exceptions; and
  • Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 15 per cent total occupancy indoors, and to the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. This does not include social gatherings associated with these services like receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.
 
We have included some resources, for your information:
 
 

 

1.      4 Reasons to Remain Vigilant as Vaccinations Begin – As vaccinations begin to ramp up across the country, customers probably have questions on how the rollout will affect their business. In this article, they’ll find 6 actions to take now to prepare.

2.      5 Reasons to Appoint a Pandemic Advisor – Learn why appointing a workplace champion to ensure your pandemic controls include current requirements is a great idea.

  1. One Year into the Pandemic: Lessons Learned – One year into the pandemic is a good time to reflect on what has worked and lessons learned. Learn how the CSA Group responded to COVID-19 and read seven key takeaway.
  2. Getting a Head Start on the Season – Tips on getting ready for the season from the spring issue of Farm Safety Gazette.
  3. COVID-19 Inspections: 6 Tips to Promote Compliance – As the province steps up enforcement of COVID-19 requirements in Ontario’s workplaces, this article has some tips to help workplaces get ready for an inspection.
Business Impact Survey
Dear Business Owner/Manager,

On behalf of Niagara’s Economic Rapid Response Team, we are asking for your participation in the third and final COVID-19 Business Impact Survey as we work to advocate for and deliver programs and resources to assist in the local economic recovery process.
 
While the preservation of public health remains a priority for all of us in response to the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, we all know the economic impacts and challenges are immense. This pandemic has been the largest economic disruption in the history of Niagara.

In an effort to plan for economic recovery and advocate for programs and resources that will help Niagara businesses through recovery, we require information from Niagara businesses in order to inform and direct our efforts.

Please take a moment to complete this survey before Friday April 16 at 4pm. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, but the information is critical for us to have in order to advocate on your behalf to ensure Niagara business get the supports needed for recovery.
TAKE THE SURVEY
For more information on the Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team and current information on resources for businesses, please visit https://niagaracanada.com/.
City of Welland
For Immediate Release
APRIL 1, 2021
COVID-19: EMERGENCY BREAK MEANS LOCKDOWN FOR NIAGARA
Welland, ON – Emergency brake for Ontario moves Niagara into a four-week COVID-19 shutdown. The level Grey – Lockdown of the provincial government’s COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open will start at 12:01AM Saturday April 3, 2021.

The provincewide emergency brake would put in place time-limited public health and workplace safety measures to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives.

Measures include, but are not limited to:
·      Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings to a 5-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
·      Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;
·      Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness with very limited exceptions.

The following city services and programming changes:

Welland Arenas (501 King St.): The Welland Arenas will be closed for the lockdown. The ice will be removed for the season; staff anticipate the arenas will re-open for dry-floor rentals May 3, 2021. Further information in regards to re-opening will be communicated on https://www.welland.ca/hottopics/Covid-19.asp   

Welland Community Wellness Complex (WCWC): The Welland Community Wellness Complex will remain closed during the four-week lockdown. Staff anticipate the WCWC will re-open for Spring programming on May 3, 2021. For the latest updates and information on program schedules and COVID-19 facility procedures, visit www.wellness.welland.ca and https://www.welland.ca/hottopics/Covid-19.asp.

Welland Farmers’ Market (Market Square, 70 Young St.): The Farmers’ Market will continue operations through the lockdown and continue implementing guidelines as advised by Public Health, including strict social distancing and sanitization measures for vendors and patrons.

Welland Public Library: The Welland Public Library will continue Virtual programming and will be offering curbside/contactless pickup, computer/printing/copier appointments. Court appointments will be available during regularly scheduled hours. Patrons can call any of our locations to make an appointment or for more information.

Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd.): Youngs Sportsplex indoor and outdoor activities will remain closed during the lockdown. For more information, visit www.youngssportsplex.com.

Water service and water meter services:
·      Water meter installations for new home construction will continue by appointment only, subject to COVID-19 screening and building permit
·      Water quality complaints by appointment only and subject to COVID-19 screening and protocols
·      Emergency water meter maintenance (water meter only) by appointment only subject to COVID-19 screening and protocols
·      Exterior water meter general maintenance only
·      Emergency repairs to the water service from the watermain to the property line to be completed as required
 
 In-person water meter inspections for real estate transactions are cancelled. Vendors must call for remote inspection instructions, which include submission of two photos of the existing water meter installation (top view and side view) and forward via email to cj@jryynaq.pn.

Sanitary sewer lateral services
All scheduled appointments will be cancelled for the duration of the lockdown. If you have a scheduled appointment, please contact a Public Works Clerk at 905-735-1700 ext. 3000 for instructions and to re-schedule your appointment.

Suspended until Further Notice:
·      Sewer rodding of sanitary sewer laterals from inside the home
·      CCTV inspections of sanitary sewer laterals from inside the home
·      CCTV of sanitary sewer Laterals for the Sewage Water Alleviation Program
·      Emergency repair of the sanitary sewer lateral by city forces from mainline to the property line to be completed as required

All presently scheduled appointments will be cancelled for the duration of the lockdown. If you have a scheduled appointment, please contact a Public Works Clerk at 905-735-1700 ext. 3000 for instructions and to re-schedule your appointment.

To ensure physical distancing and safe work practices, residents or owners receiving emergency city services must first complete a COVID-19 questionnaire. If emergency work is required, the resident or owner must ensure the workspace is clear and safe.

Public Works services are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked from Mon. to Fri., 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at 905-735-1700 Extension 3000.

For more information on City of Welland services while in grey lockdown and how to access services, visit welland.ca.

For more information on Ontario’s response to COVID-19, visit ontario.ca.

Job Gym is excited to host a virtual job fair and information session for Stanpac!

Join us on Wednesday April 7th at 1:30pm via Zoom. 

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the company, it’s positions and network directly with Stanpac’s recruitment team!

WHO IS STANPAC?

For 70 years, Stanpac has been manufacturing dairy and beverage packaging for companies located throughout the United States, Canada and many locations worldwide. Back in 1949, Stanpac provided closures for glass milk bottles. Since then, we have continually expanded our product lines with new products and innovations for the ice cream, fluid milk, wine and spirits, and most recently, food service packaging markets.

The evolution of a great company continues with the introduction of new products, sizes and configurations for an ever changing market. With 7 patents in more than 20 countries, we are recognized by our customers as innovative and customer focused.  To learn more about us, please check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDlOsDV3bzw

Stanpac is hiring over 40 positions for their Smithville location.

Opportunities include:

  • Customer Service Representative
  • Minster Operator
  • Entry Level Die Cut Operator
  • Press Feeder
  • Flexo Printer
  • Packaging Technician
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Material Handler
  • Industrial Mechanic

To learn more about these roles, please visit our career page at https://www.stanpacnet.com/about-stanpac/careers/

To register for the job fair, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stanpac-job-fair-tickets-148347951717

Or contact Job Gym and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

905-732-7655

Regional Council extends face-covering by-law

In recognition of the continued importance of following public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19, on March 25, Regional Council voted to extend Niagara’s temporary face-covering by-law, which was set to expire on April 1, 2021. The by-law requires masks in all enclosed public spaces in Niagara, and aligns with orders issued by the province under the Reopening Ontario Act. The by-law will automatically expire when those Provincial requirements are no longer in effect.

Council’s decision to extend the bylaw recognizes the continued importance of following public health measures – such as physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, and wearing a mask in public – in order to limit the spread of the virus while Niagara’s vaccination effort continues.

Residents are reminded that the by-law includes a number of exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to disability under the Human Rights Code. Many disabilities are invisible, and there is no requirement to prove an exemption.

However, the Premier of Ontario and many legal experts have advised businesses that they may legally exclude patrons who do not wear a mask on the premises (on similar grounds to a “no shirt, no shoes, no service” policy), and may even be legally obliged to do so under a certain interpretation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which requires employers to take all reasonable steps to keep their employees safe in the workplace. A legal challenge would likely require a court to decide whether the OHSA or the Ontarians with Disabilities Act would take precedence. Patrons unable or unwilling to wear a mask can be encouraged to use curbside pick-up or delivery options, if available.

More information about the by-law, and other public health regulations, is available on Niagara Region’s website.

 
 
City of Welland
For Immediate Release
MARCH 30, 2021
 
CAUTION AND COURTESY WHEN HAVING OPEN-AIR FIRES
Welland, ON – The Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind everyone that open-air fires are permitted as per City of Welland By-law 2011-85; however, all should proceed with caution and courtesy. Burn Permits for rural properties will resume this year; contact Fire Prevention to arrange for this permit.

Open Air Burning Rules
·      Recreational fires are allowed between 4PM and 11PM
·      You can only burn on private property and must have written permission from the property owner.
·      The fire is completely contained within a metal, masonry, or ceramic enclosure device with no openings of any kind that are not completely covered at all times, except when charging the device with fuel, by tight fitting and suitable metal spark screen(s) in which no opening is larger than 6 mm in any dimension,
·      The Hearth area designated for the fire is not more than 66 centimeters in any horizontal dimension,
·      The pile of materials to be burned is not more than 66 centimeters in height,
·      All solid fuels are completely contained at all times within the fire device and screens,
·      The device is not located on any combustible surface,
·      The fire is controlled such that flames and hot embers do not pose an undue risk of fire to nearby combustible materials,
·      The fire is not burned on any smog day,
·      The fire is located in a Back-Yard,
·      The fire is no closer than 3 meters to the property line, and
·      The fire is attended at all times by a responsible person to supervise it
·      Must have a charged garden hose line, or a 10-A rated fire extinguisher, or a 15L pail of water
·      Please consider wind direction and how the smoke from your fire may affect the health and well-being of your neighbours

For frequently asked questions visit https://www.welland.ca/Fire/FireFAQ.asp
City of Welland
For Immediate Release
MARCH 30, 2021
 
MARRIAGE CEREMONIES TO RESUME AT CIVIC SQUARE 
Welland, ON – Beginning Tuesday, April 6, 2021, the City of Welland will resume marriage ceremony services. Those seeking to exchange vows at the Civic Square (City Hall) can now make arrangements or obtain information by contacting the Clerks Department.

The City of Welland is offering three (3) ceremony options as follows:
·      Indoor Ceremonies – 15 people
·      Outdoor Ceremonies (gazebo) – 20 people
·      Municipal Officiants will perform offsite ceremonies as requested, provided that the couple ensures they are following proper COVID-19 protocols and guidelines related to the number of guests.

The fee(s) for the ceremony are as follows:
·      $325 (including HST) in the Council Chambers
·      $250 (including HST) at an offsite location during business hours
·      $75 (including HST) at the canal gazebo located behind Civic Square.  
·      $300 (including HST) for an after-hours/offsite ceremony.

For more information on marriage ceremonies, please call 905-735-1700 ext. 0
or review https://www.welland.ca/clerks/MarriageCeremonies.asp, or email zneevntr@jryynaq.pn

Ontario government to fund one-time Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant

The Ontario government is providing an estimated $100 million for a new one-time Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant and $100 million for a new one-time recovery program.

This significant investment is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health & Our Economy, and will support the province’s tourism industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19. Total support from the Ontario government for the tourism, culture, sports, recreation, and heritage industries since the start of the pandemic now totals $625 million.

Prior to the pandemic, tourism generated more than $36 billion in economic activity and supported approximately 400,000 jobs in Ontario. As a direct result of the pandemic, the tourism sector has lost more than $18 billion in revenue alone and more than 200,000 jobs.

The Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant will provide an estimated $100 million in one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses including hotels, motels, travel agencies, amusement and water parks, hunting and fishing camps, and recreational and vacation camps including children’s overnight summer camps. Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced a minimum 20 per cent revenue decline and have less than 100 employees to qualify. Any small businesses that received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not be eligible for this new grant.

 

Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team launches third survey of Niagara businesses

Niagara’s Economic Rapid Response Team (ERRT) is taking a data-driven approach to Niagara’s economic recovery from COVID-19, and is asking businesses to help inform that process through a brief online survey.
The survey is open to all Niagara businesses, regardless of size, sector or community. Businesses can access the survey online.
The survey closes on Friday, April 16 and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. It follows two previous business impact surveys conducted in 2020. Those surveys were instrumental in securing millions of dollars in pandemic relief for Niagara businesses. The team has also created an up-to-date website that offers the latest updates and resources to support businesses through the pandemic, available at ERRT.niagararegion.ca.

Have a safe & happy Easter,

Alexis Higginbotham
Executive Director
WDBIA 
60 East Main Street
Welland, ON
L3B 3X4
905.736.2884
downtownwelland.ca
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