PROVINCE PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON PROOF OF VACCINATION POLICY, CITY OF TORONTO SUPPORTING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS WITH EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
Announcements
Below you will find links to the relevant news release and regulations for businesses and organizations.
Province provides guidance on proof of vaccination policy coming into effect September 22
The Government of Ontario released regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements that take effect on Wednesday, September 22.
The requirements focus on higher-risk indoor (unless otherwise stated) public settings where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes:
restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, delivery and takeout)
nightclubs (including outdoor areas)
meeting and event spaces
facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, such as gyms
casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
concert venues, theatres and cinemas (indoor areas)
See Ministry of Health Qs & As [PDF] for more details.
City of Toronto supporting vaccination requirements with educational approach
The City of Toronto will be working with businesses to educate them on the Province of Ontario’s proof of vaccine requirements under the Reopening Ontario Act. Staff from Toronto Public Health and Municipal Licensing and Standards will continue to conduct inspections to ensure businesses are following the requirements under the Act—including the new vaccination requirements—and will work to respond to complaints.
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s or registered (extended class) nurses’ note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of an Ontario digital vaccine certificate. The Ontario government is developing an enhanced electronic vaccine certificate with a unique QR code and a verification app for businesses, which will be available by October 22.
ShowLoveTO initiative supports local businesses while welcoming Toronto residents back to their city
The City of Toronto's ShowLoveTO initiative, developed in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and in partnership with Destination Toronto, is up and running. The program was designed to inspire local tourism, foster community engagement, support local businesses and encourage economic and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Find details at toronto.ca/showloveto.
Get outside with StrollTO
StrollTO, a City-led ShowLoveTO initiative, is a creative way to get outside and get to know your neighbourhood with 140 unique, self-guided walking itineraries created in partnership with First Story and Heritage Toronto. Visit toronto.ca/strollto.
Business Community News
No-obligation support for Toronto businesses to reduce energy costs
The City of Toronto's Better Buildings Navigation & Support Services program helps building owners/operators and businesses reduce their energy use and costs. Experienced City staff can provide advice and guidance on how to better control energy costs in light of fluctuating business activity caused due to COVID-19, and help you apply for available incentives and financing options for energy retrofit projects. Technical staff can also help you explore solar panel installations at your building, conduct energy bills analysis, and set up energy benchmarking for your facility. To learn more or participate, email bbp@toronto.ca and City staff will contact you about next steps.
Webinars and Online Events
A full list of webinars and learning opportunities is available online.
Ask the Expert: Marketing & Sales
September 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Register (Free)
General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar
September 24, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set
October 5, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
Service Canada Programs and Services for Employers
October 7, 11 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Business Learning Hub Courses Register (Pay what you can)
Small Business Centres Ontario
On-going Online Events and e-Learning – Register (Free to $35)/
Reopen Safely with Rapid Testing Kits: The City of Toronto has partnered with the Toronto Region Board of Trade to provide free COVID-19 rapid screening kits
