Ontario has announced $300 million to help offset fixed costs for restaurants and other businesses impacted by new public health measures in Ottawa, Toronto, and Peel Region.
Relief can be used for property taxes, hydro, and natural gas bills.
Over the next 28 days, indoor food and drink service at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments in these regions will be prohibited, but they may continue to offer takeout, delivery and outdoor dining.
On Oct. 7, the government releases details on how it is supporting small businsesses through its Main Street Recovery Plan by:
- Committing to permanently allow licensed restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order before the existing regulation expires;
- Permanently allowing 24/7 deliveries to restaurants;
- Supporting the distribution of local food and food products by increasing the range of products sold at the Ontario Food Terminal;
- Ending outdated and duplicative rules so businesses can focus on their work;
- Modernizing regulations to allow businesses to innovate and meet the challenges of today;
- Providing mental health supports to business owners and employees who are struggling;
- Providing $57 million with federal partners through the Digital Main Street program and creating new Digital Main Street squads to help small businesses grow online; and
- Launching a new portal to assist small businesses to quickly find the supports and information they need.
Ford encouraged delivery companies such as Skip The Dishes to lower the price they charge to restaurants for delivering in order to support 'ma and pa' shops.
Original story:
Premier Doug Ford is slated to make an announcement this afternoon in response to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today's media briefing comes after the province ordered COVID-19 hotspots Toronto, Peel Region, and Ottawa to revert back to a modified Stage 2 ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend.
As of Saturday, gyms, movie theatres and indoor dining at restaurants in those regions were required to shut down for 28 days in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. The government also closed casinos, bingo halls and conference and convention centres as cases are on the rise across the province.
Ford will be joined by Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, for the announcement.
The media event is expected to begin at 1:00 p.m. from Queen's Park.
Village Media will carry the livestream once it begins, so please stay tuned.