News

July 30 2020 – Significant rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin this September on three swing bridges along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. Boat navigation will not be affected by this work.

Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge

The rehabilitation of the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge on Main St. at Canal St. may begin before the navigation season ends in mid-October, and will include a bridge closure for vehicular traffic at this time. Pedestrians can cross the canal at the lower lock gates; an accessible temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed across this area following the navigation season. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2021.

Warsaw Road Swing Bridge (Parkhill Road East, Peterborough)

Contractors are expected to mobilize in September 2020 to complete a full replacement of the steel swing bridge. It is expected that the bridge will close to vehicular traffic in October 2020, with construction scheduled to conclude in spring 2021. The new bridge will have a full highway load rating, and a sidewalk for pedestrian use. Large portions of the bridge will be constructed off site and assembled in place to reduce the length of the closure.

Boundary Swing Bridge (near Bolsover)

The Boundary Road Swing Bridge on Simcoe Street near Bolsover was constructed in 1902 and requires a full replacement of the steel swing bridge. The new structure will maintain the historic look of the original. It is expected that the bridge will close to vehicular traffic in October 2020, with construction scheduled to conclude in spring 2021.

Further updates regarding specific timing for closures will be provided as they become available.

Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas, including along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

To ask questions or register to receive updates about any Trent-Severn Waterway construction project, please contact us at Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include the project name in the subject heading.

For news about this or other infrastructure projects in your area, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/tswInfrastructure.

Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce joins Canada United to support local businesses and accelerate small business recovery

Created by RBC in collaboration with the national network of Chambers of Commerce and over 50 corporate partners Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses as part of the nationwide movement

July 22, 2020 (BOBCAYGEON) – Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce announced today it is joining Canada United, a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. As part of the movement, RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, Business Associations and the national Chamber network to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local.

“The Bobcaygeon Chamber is pleased to support the Canada United movement and help bolster businesses in and around our community. Small businesses are the backbones of our local economies and key to thriving communities,” says Chamber President, Donna Wood.“The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses in the Kawartha Lakesand across the province. We need to continue to support SMEs who create jobs, drive innovation, and generate wealth for communities across Ontario – they will play an integral role in helping the province bounce back.”

Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020.

Canadians are also encouraged to watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31, 2020, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, while working with government and corporate partners to source additional contributions to the fund during the courseof the campaign. The Fund will provide small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commercecapabilities.

Small Canadian businesses across the country will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding. The program intends to support small Canadian businesses of all kinds from across the country. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to apply.

“We are excited to welcome the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerceto Canada United to help local businesses and Canada’s economy come back strong,” said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada. “Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together government, business associations and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the country. We are genuinely excited by the energy all of our partners are bringing to this effort.”

“If there has been one silver lining in all the tragedy and sacrifices of the current crisis, it has been the spirit of collaboration and unity of purpose that has been evident between levels of government, across provinces and across sectors,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

“We are calling on that same unity of purpose with Canada United. Small, local businesses are the heart of our communities, our Main Streets and our economy. Together, it is time to show local some love.”

About Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce

The Bobcaygeon Chamber is the busiest service provider in our community with responsibilities that involve business advocacy and support, service Ontario licensing and tourism information all three main functions operate from one central location beside Port 32.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact. 

Contact:

Denise Benning-Reid

Chamber Manager

Manager.chamber@bobcaygeon.org

705-738-2202

Originally published in full July 13th at: https://bit.ly/2OtPVeg 

The Ontario government announced nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province's reopening framework with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place. As Ontario continues down the path to economic recovery, decisions on which regions will enter Stage 3 and when will be made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts and based on trends of key public health indicators.      

As part of the Stage 3 reopening, Ontario will be increasing gathering limits for those regions entering the next stage to the following:

• Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people;
• Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people;
• Gathering limits are subject to physical distancing requirements.

Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals or open houses. A two metre distance must still be maintained at such events.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health experts and other officials have advised the following, high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19:

• Amusement parks and water parks;
• Buffet-style food services;
• Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements;
• Overnight stays at camps for children;
• Private karaoke rooms;
• Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports;
• Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars;
• Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.

For more information on the restrictions that will remain in place during Stage 3, as well as the public health guidance necessary to keep the people of Ontario safe, visit Ontario.ca/reopen.

        

Kawartha Lakes – On July 9, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries joined Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure and MPP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, in Bobcaygeon to announce over $1.4 million in tourism recovery supports across the Kawartha Lakes region. 

“As our government moves forward with reopening the province, we are proud to invest over $1.4 million to support initiatives in the Kawartha Lakes region that promote our communities and put our tourism industry on a path to recovery,” said Minister MacLeod.

A $1.25 million investment in to Kawartha’s regional tourism organization will deliver locally driven marketing programs designed to encourage all Ontarians to explore their communities, through a joint funding partnership between Destination Ontario and Destination Canada. The remaining $150,000 will provide support to local festivals through the 2020 Celebrate Ontario program.

“As one of the most beautiful parts of Ontario, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes Brock is usually a magnet for visitors from other parts of our province and beyond,” said Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

Kathleen Seymour-Fagan, Councillor, commented, “Our MPP, Laurie Scott, has always been a champion for the area. Today’s announcement to support hyper-local tourism speaks to how much our community relies on tourism, not just for the visitors, but the fact that many visitors become residents. If we didn't have our summer tourism, we wouldn't exist as the vibrant Kawartha Lakes we know today.”

“Tourism is a key economic driver in Kawartha Lakes that brings economic, social and cultural benefits to our region. This tourism investment will go a long way in assisting the recovery of our tourism industry while helping us continue to develop a thriving and diversified visitor economy,” said Laurie McCarthy, Tourism Development Officer for Kawartha Lakes.

Media Release from Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit:

"Under instructions issued by the local Medical Officer of Health, area businesses will have to have a policy in place that requires people to wear a non-medical mask or face covering before entering their commercial establishment.

Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit today issued instructions to the owners and operators of commercial establishments currently open during Stage 2 of the province’s reopening. The instructions have been issued under the authority of Ontario Regulation 263/20 under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

“Although we have seen a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in our area, we want to be sure we continue to see a decrease as we move towards the reopening of more businesses within the province,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “We need to do everything we can to avoid the chance of a resurgence in activity that we have seen in some other places.”

The requirement for non-medical mask or face covering use within local businesses will come into effect at 12:01 am July 13, 2020. The use of masks will be required while the provincial Emergency Order remains in force or until such time that the MOH lifts the requirement.

Under the Health Unit’s instructions, commercial establishments are premises that are openly accessible to members of the public and used for the purposes of offering goods or services for sale. An establishment would include a mall or other structure containing commercial premises, including: retail stores, convenience stores, restaurants, personal services settings, grocery stores and bakeries, gas stations, indoor farmers’ markets, areas of mechanics’ shops/garages/repair shops which are open to the public.

Wearing a mask is about protecting other people, Dr. Noseworthy says, and reduces the likelihood that someone could unknowingly spread the virus to another person.

“Provincially, we have seen a number of asymptomatic cases,” she says. “This is just another step in doing what we can to protect our family, friends and neighbours in our communities.”

The policy of the commercial establishment should be enacted and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should be used as an opportunity to educate about the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in indoor commercial establishments. Additional education and enforcement will be conducted by Health Unit staff, as well as local municipal bylaw and police officers. 

There are exemptions to the policy and a person will be exempt from wearing a non-medical mask or face covering in the premises if:

• The person is a child under the age of two years; or a child under the age of 5 years either chronologically or developmentally and he or she refuses to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
• The person is incapacitated and unable to remove their mask without assistance;
• For any other medical reason, the person cannot safely wear a non-medical mask or face covering such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information.
• For any religious reason, the person cannot wear a non-medical mask or face covering or cannot cover the face in a manner that would properly control the source.

In issuing the instructions to commercial establishments, HKPR District Health Unit is joining a growing list of health units across the province that is requiring non-medical mask or face covering use in public spaces.

For more information about the instructions requiring non-medical mask use or face coverings, visit the Health Unit’s website at www.hkpr.on.ca or call toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020."

Canada Day in Bobcaygeon is a day to promote our Canadian heritage – proud, strong and free – by encouraging all residents, cottagers and visitors to participate in the myriad of activities that are planned for the day.  With a strong focus on instilling awareness of national pride, the events offer everyone the opportunity to celebrate and create lasting memories from games to music to food to the biggest and best firework display in the Kawartha Lakes! 

With current crowd concerns and with Heritage Canada announcing a virtual Canada Day experience in Ottawa and many of our surrounding communities cancelling Canada Day festivities, it is with the greatest sorrow that we must also announce the cancellation of the Bobcaygeon Canada Day Festivities for 2020 after last year seeing the greatest turnout for the daytime activities of just under 3000 people and just under 5000 for the firework display.  We are hoping at some point in the summer to at least hold the firework display when things return to a more normal pace.

Nevertheless, we are very excited to announce our legacy project that has been in the works for a couple of years now.  We will be replacing the ageing flags on Bobcaygeon’s Bridge of Heros with 4 permanent metal works. More details to follow and hopefully we will have these on the bridge soon for all to enjoy for years to come…. Stay tuned and stay safe!

Steve Winter, The Bobcaygeon Canada Day Committee

The Federal Government has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement a rental assistance program for small businesses. The Ontario government is committing $241 million through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). This program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

Details of the program are outlined below. The Chamber will do its best to keep you up to date on how the program will be rolled out once it is announced.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June. 
• The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the eligible small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% for the three corresponding months under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25% of the rent.

ELIGIBILITY

• Businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations
• Businesses who have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.

TIMELINE

• The OCECRA  is expected to be operational by mid-May, with commercial property owners lowering the rents of their small business tenant’s payable for the months of April and May, retroactively, and for June.

More details on the Province's announcement can be found here.

FanSaves Helps Gift Certificate Program
Media Release

For Immediate Release:

With local businesses forced to close or reduce their hours amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the newly launched FanSaves Helps Gift Certificate Program is helping give business owners a boost across the country and in the Kawartha Lakes region.

The program is working with the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce and features gift certificates from local stores which can be used once things get back to normal.

“We noticed some areas were starting their own gift certificate programs so we decided to create a one-stop-shop and a hub for gift certificates from local businesses in partnership with Chambers, BIAs and organizations in regions across Canada. This is our way of giving back during this time” explained FanSaves Co-Founder & CEO, Shannon Ferguson.

The program is completely free for businesses to take part in, with plans to help as many communities as possible while encouraging social distancing and allowing businesses to stay afloat and generate revenue while the world tackles the current crisis.

The buying process is simple as visitors to the website are able to select the business they want to support in their region (or the region of a friend or family member), click on the preferred denomination and checkout. They will then receive a digital gift certificate which they can print out and use once things get back to normal.

For more information and to buy a gift certificate you can visit www.fansaveshelps.ca. If you would like to add your business to our page please contact manager.chamber@bobcaygeon.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Lindsay, ON) April 6, 2020 - Businesses across Kawartha Lakes are showing tremendous leadership by pledging over $70,000 since the fund announcement last week to help with the urgent needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. “We’re so grateful that those who can in the community have stepped up and come together to help support the patients, loved ones, and healthcare workers dealing with the devastation of the virus. I want to personally thank the companies and individuals who have already donated,” said Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Stewart Morrison Insurance president and founding director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. Local businesses, including Kawartha Dairy, Whitney Plastics Limited, British Empire Fuels and Bigley Shoes and Clothing, are opening their hearts and wallets to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund.  “This is a very tragic time at Pinecrest Nursing Home and for our community of Bobcaygeon. It is very sad and our hearts go out to all the Pinecrest residents, employees and family members associated with this unfortunate situation. This is a small town and many of us have relatives, friends and neighbours who have been impacted. Our prayers are with them. In an effort to help, Kawartha Dairy is making a $10,000 donation to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund aimed at helping those affected by the outbreak," said Allison Shaw, Kawartha Dairy Donations Committee Coordinator. Morrison Nicholls and the Community Foundation are appealing once again to companies and individuals for much-needed donations as the Pinecrest Nursing Home continues to be the site of one of the worst known outbreaks in the province. “This is truly a great start and these generous donations show we are stronger together. Today, I hope others will join in and give what they can to help our neighbours, friends, and families through this crisis,” added Morrison Nicholls. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes will oversee the fund. The new fund was started to champion inclusion, innovation, and prosperity by connecting people, partnerships, projects, and philanthropy. The Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide immediate support including food, transportation, technology, and metal wellness counselling. To donate, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at 705-731-9775 or by email info@kawarthafoundation.ca. We are encouraging the use of e-transfer to the email - info@kawarthafoundation.ca. In a separate email, please provide your full name, address and date of deposit for the benefit of a tax receipt, as well as the answer to security question. Otherwise cheques can be mailed to: Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, c/o Stewart Morrison Insurance, 158 Lindsay Street South, Lindsay ON K9V 4S1 For more information about the relief fund and to set up an interview via phone or video conference, contact:

On behalf of Marlene Morrison Nicholls Sophie Wotten, Marketing and Events Coordinator Stewart Morrison Insurance sophie@stewartmorrison.ca 705-324-6681 stewartmorrison.ca

Margaret Cunningham, Foundation Coordinator, Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes margaret@jacksgroup.ca 705-879-2719 kawarthafoundation.ca

PURPOSE OF THE BOBCAYGEON COVID-19 RELIEF FUND

This new relief fund will provide immediate assistance for people affected by COVID-19 in the Bobcaygeon area.

All donations go toward providing immediate support to Bobcaygeon and area patients, families, or health care workers in need of financial assistance, and may also include food supplies, transportation, technology, and mental wellness counselling.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDS

If you are a Bobcaygeon and area patient, family, or health care worker in need of financial assistance, contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca

HOW IT IS ORGANIZED

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is an existing umbrella organization who will administer this fund, led by its president Mike Perry. Read  more at:  
http://www.kawarthafoundation.ca/

HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE

Decisions on distribution of the funds will be made by a group of Bobcaygeon volunteer residents, led by Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan, working together with the Foundation. The following Bobcaygeon Advisors are volunteers who will respond directly to the inquiries for support and provide local advice to the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes regarding the needs of the community: Dianne Lister (Committee Chair), Ann Adare, Elizabeth Byrnes, Jelle Visser, Kathy Dufton (administrative support).  For more information on the committee click here. 

HOW TO DONATE AND RECEIVE TAX RECEIPTS

To donate funds to the BOBCAYGEON AND AREA COVID-19 RELIEF FUND:

1. Simply go to our website at www.kawarthafoundation.ca and click on the link “Donate to the Bobcaygeon Covid-19 Relief Fund: and follow the instructions.
2. Donations can also be made using e-transfer to the email - info@kawarthafoundation.ca.  In a separate email, please provide your full name, address and date of deposit for the benefit of a tax receipt, as well as the answer to security question.
3. Alternately, cheques can be mailed to:

Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes
c/o Stewart Morrison Insurance
158 Lindsay Street South
Lindsay, Ontario   K9V 4S1