On January 10th, Minister MacLeod and Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy hosted a technical briefing to discuss new targeted relief measures for businesses and people impacted by the current public health measures aimed at reducing the spread of the Omicron variant.
The multi-sectorial briefing walked through new supports including the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant which will provide eligible small businesses with a one-time grant payment of $10,000.
Eligible small businesses include:
· Restaurants and bars
· Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
· Performing arts and cinemas
· Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
· Meeting or event spaces
· Tour and guide services
· Conference centres and convention centres
Further supports discussed include new electricity-rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two. Additionally, online applications for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open on January 18. This program will provide eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100% of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant. Presentation materials from today’s webinar can be found here and with the additional resources listed below.
Technical Briefing: New Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families – Presentation Slides:https://drive.google.com/…/1YQSVP6iY…/viewNews Release:https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-providing-supports…
COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Advice:https://covid-19.ontario.ca/public-health-measures