News

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

Local Citizens Create Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund

Immediate Assistance Needed

COVID-19 has hit close to home and the community is rising to assist in this tremendous time of need. A group of concerned citizens has taken the lead to create a fund to help patients, families and health-care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario and surrounding area; a community among the hardest hit by the virus in the province.

“The stories I have heard about what’s happening are horrible,” admits City of Kawartha Lakes Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan whose Ward includes Bobcaygeon and area. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We have to do something and I know people want to help. We’re in this together.”

The urgency is real. Bobcaygeon is one of Ontario’s communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Seymour-Fagan and a few concerned local citizens have created the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance for eligible COVID-19 affected patients, families and health-care workers in the Bobcaygeon area with immediate support including: food supplies; transportation; technology; hiring and overtime costs; and mental wellness counselling.

The Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, advised by members of the Bobcaygeon community lead by Councillor Seymour-Fagan.

“I am honoured that the Foundation was tapped to help take action to address this challenge in our community,” stated Foundation President Mike Perry. “This is what community foundations do: rapid, professional response to helping each other here locally.” Perry added that he was very pleased that it took less than 24 hours from the time he got the call to when the fund was established, was in a position to issue tax receipts to donors and received its first donation. “There were calls, emails and procedural issues back and forth of course. But this is a health and economic crisis here at home so it’s all hands on deck,” Perry added.

The eligibility of each recipient to receive funds will be determined collaboratively by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Bobcaygeon advisors, using best efforts. The approach to determine the eligibility of the recipients of the fund will be accountable as well as generous and inclusive.

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes will supply the funds to local businesses, charities and municipal bodies to deliver the funded goods and services to those identified in need. All activities undertaken will align with the objects of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and charitable purposes as defined by the Canadian Revenue Agency. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes stands ready to help create additional funds to help the communities of Kawartha Lakes.

To make a donation to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at: 705.731.9775 or by email: info@kawarthafoundation.ca

Bobcaygeon and area patients, families and health care workers in need should contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan by email at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca

This story continues to develop.

– 30 –

Contact: Margaret Cunningham, Foundation Coordinator margaret@jacksgroup.ca 705-879-2719

Kawartha Lakes - The City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, including the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC), remains available to support our business community. Although municipal facilities are closed, Economic Development and KLSBEC services are available by phone and electronically.

“The health and well-being of residents and staff remains our primary focus, but we recognize this pandemic has also created many challenges for businesses in Kawartha Lakes,” commented Andy Letham, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes. “I applaud the work our Economic Development team is doing during these unprecedented times and hope their resources help support our business community.”

Kawartha Lakes Economic Development and partnering agencies are committed to supporting you and your business during COVID-19. Economic Development is part of Team Kawartha Lakes, which includes KLSBEC, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay Downtown BIA, Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce, Impact 32, the Innovation Cluster, Kawartha Lakes CFDC, VCCS Employment and OMAFRA Regional Staff.

The Team is working collaboratively to ensure that local businesses receive up to date and accurate information. To stay informed and prepared, we encourage you to:

• Check out COVID-19 Business Resources for self-help and ways to connect
• Subscribe to the Economic Development Newsletter to stay informed
• Subscribe to the Business Events Calendar for upcoming webinars

“COVID-19 is not only a threat to our health, but to our local economy and businesses as well,” Rebecca Mustard, Manager, Economic Development, City of Kawartha Lakes. “In Kawartha Lakes we’re fortunate to have a unique, diverse and thriving business community. We know these are tough times for business and we’re here to help our business community. We hope our tools provide some support and relief.”

Due to the rapidly evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority that needs to be placed on public health, the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce has made some difficult decisions regarding our upcoming Spring events. The health, safety and well-being of our members, staff and community are of the utmost importance to us.

All business development sessions, meetings and events have been cancelled until further notice. This includes our Cocktail Connection on March 24th, the HR and Health and Safety Seminar on April 6th and the Job Fair on April 18th. 

Kindly note that the Awards of Excellence Gala scheduled for April 25th has been postponed and has been rescheduled for the Fall. The event will now take place on Saturday, October 17th at the Lakeview Arts Barn and will coincide with the start of Small Business Week 2020. Nominations will be closed and reopen again on August 24th. All nominations currently submitted are still valid.

Please note that the Canada-US Walleye Tournament & Festival scheduled for May 15th to 17th has been cancelled. This is a very difficult decision especially since we would be celebrating 40 years of the Tournament. All registered anglers, vendors and sponsors will receive a full refund. Details of the 2021 Tournament will be determined at a later date.

The Service Ontario and Chamber office is now closed until further notice. Health card, drivers license and sticker renewals can be done online at ServiceOntario.ca. If you have questions regarding Chamber business, please contact our manager Denise via email at manager.chamber@bobcaygeon.org. For updates on the local COVID-19 situation, you can consult the City of Kawartha Lakes website: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/covid-19-information.aspx

It is unknown what kind of impact this pandemic will have on our community. What we do know is that we are strong and vibrant and can weather any storm. The Chamber is dedicated to working with our members and partners to create opportunities and programs that will benefit and support the local businesses and community as we work through any current and future challenges this situation may bring. As we receive details on the Federal and Provincial support programs for small business, we will be sure to share this information and proactively assist in any way that we can.

Sincerely,

The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce

The continued spread of COVID-19 in Canada and around the world has understandably raised concerns for many. The health and safety of the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock is my top priority.  

To do our part, my Lindsay constituency office will temporarily suspend in-person meetings. However, my staff remain at work and ready to serve by telephone and/or email at (705) 324-2400//toll free (866) 688-9881 or by email at Jamie.Schmale@parl.gc.ca.

I encourage you to heed the expert advice by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Please take every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. Wash your hands often and keep your distance from others. We need to work together to get through this.

It’s important to remember that our supply chains are strong. Grocery stores have the capacity to keep items in stock. As such, there is no need to hoard products. Obviously purchase what you need and maybe a few extra items but also leave some for your neighbours.

Earlier today, the Government of Canada announced a series of economic measures to help individuals, their families and business owners. For more information visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Further, I encourage you to avoid all non-essential travel and if you are unwell, please stay home. If you are abroad, take the advice of officials and return home as soon as possible and self-quarantine for 14 days.

Information is changing very quickly. I will do my best to provide regular updates. In addition, the Government of Canada has established a website for updates regarding COVID-19 Canada.gc.ca/coronavirus or the Corona Telephone Hotline (833)-784-4397.

Sincerely,

 

Jamie Schmale, MP
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock