Orillia District Chamber of Commerce
575 West Street South L3V 4S7 Orillia, ON, Canada

https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/rapid-test-kits-game-changers-for

The Ontario Vaccination Support Council made up of 250+ incredible members continues to provide support for accelerated vaccine rollout across the province guid...ed by our co-chairs James Scongack, Executive-Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Operational Services at Bruce Power, and Garrick Tiplady Managing Director of Facebook Canada. Great to have TLN TV on board! Learn more: https://occ.ca/events/ontario-vaccination-support-council/

Calling All Creatives! In advance of the summer patio season, the City of #Orillia is looking for artists from all creative disciplines to apply to the 2021 See... You on the Patio program. Subject to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, staff are working to pair artists with venues across the city. Artists selected will be paid an honorarium. The deadline to apply is May 28, 2021. Apply today at orillia.ca/patio #SeeYouOnThePatio #OrilliaArtists The Orillia & District Arts Council - ODAC Downtown Orillia City of Orillia - Municipality Orillia District Chamber of Commerce City of Orillia - Municipality The Orillia Opera House Leacock Museum National Historic Site Orillia Community Services Orillia Area CDC

It starts this Wednesday: "Moving On: Migration and Immigration through the Ages"! The speakers are amazing and they'll be zooming in from AROUND THE WORLD to... delve into the complexities of migration and immigration in Canada. Check out the program - and sign up - here: https://www.lakeheadu.ca//communi/tal/tall-sessions-series See more

Have a favourite small business? Tag them in this post - they may be eligible for up to $3,000 in COVID-19 support funding.

We’re offering programs and support up to $3,000 for small business customers towards their account, so that they can focus on what matters most right now.

Welcome to our newest member The Common Stove! Located in downtown Orillia, The Common Stove a restaurant built around a wood-fired grill, cooking locally sourced meats & vegetables complimented by a curated wine selection and an innovative cocktail menu. https://www.thecommonstove.com/

For the month of January, residential, small business and farm customers on Time-of-Use and Tiered price plans set under the Ontario Energy Board’s Regulated Price Plan will pay a fixed price. The price change will happen automatically. No customer action is required. For more information, visit oeb.ca

Welcome new Member Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort, a local HVAC company operating out of Orillia, Ontario. https://www.smhomecomfort.com/.

Applications OPEN for COVID Tourism Response Fund. https://rto7.ca/Pu/Resources/COVID-19-Tourism-Response-Fund

DAY NINE // Whether it’s a sudoku, a crossword, a word search, or a Rubix cube, many people love to challenge themselves, or even unwind, with a good puzzle. Jo...in researcher and puzzle expert Stacy Costa (OISE) for an interactive webinar to learn about the history of puzzles and the effects they have on our brains. Included in this package is the book, The Complete Brain Workout, and a puzzle created by Costa. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca/12daysoflearning to purchase your gift. #twelvedaysoflearning #l#lakeheadu

Orillia-area businesses: Got 15 minutes for up to $20,000? The City of Orillia Economic Recovery Task Force is challenging local businesses to take 15 minutes t...o apply for up $20,000 in business grant funding through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Take the challenge today! Step 1: Visit the recently launched Relief within Reach website at www.reliefwithinreach.ca to find details on eligibility, along with links to grant applications in the North Simcoe area. Step 2: Complete the Ontario Small Business Support Grant application. Step 3: Tell us you submitted an Ontario Small Business Support Grant application by visiting orillia.ca/grantchallenge and providing your name, email and phone number. This will enter you for a chance to win some great prizes. For full details on the 15-Minute Grant Challenge, read the full release here: ow.ly/a5YG50DwIun or visit orillia.ca/grantchallenge. Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Orillia Area CDC

https://twitter.com/ontariocofc/status/1346835725313052675

Welcome to our new member Simcoe Benchmark Mechanical Inc., a Commercial and Industrial HVAC service and installation mechanical company servicing the Orillia area. https://simcoebenchmark.com/

A fully digital benefits platform, now standard with Chambers Plan employee benefits. It’s the plan that works from anywhere.

Welcome to new member CGS HVAC Inc! They provide heating and cooling products and installations in the Barrie, Orillia, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Muskoka Lakes areas. http://cgshvac.com/

Orillia District Chamber Member The Cheesy Pickup is open for pickup and delivery! Chamber members, social media is a great way to remind customers that you are open and let them know how to order during the provincewide shutdown. Tag us in your social posts and remember to update your listing on orillia.com/

DAY SEVEN // Take the stress out of weeknight dinners. This package includes a copy of Claire Tansey’s brand new cookbook, Dinner, Uncomplicated, and a live int...eractive cook along with the dynamic and incredible Claire herself to create one of the book’s 15 minute solutions. A recipe and ingredient list will be provided. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca/12daysoflearning to purchase. #twelvedaysoflearning #lakeheadu

Join us to learn more about the birds in your backyard, and how to attract new species over the coming months! This workshop includes three kinds of birdseed, ...a colour pamphlet, downloadable colouring pages, and a webinar with Bob Bowles! You can also get 10% off a purchase at The Bird House in Orillia! https://www.lakeheadu.ca//12-days-of-lea/events/node/61926 See more

New this year, the Overcoming Adversity Award. Submit your nominations for the 2020 Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards by January 7, 2021 at http://www.orillia.com/form/view/21668 #smallbiz #businessachievement #staysafeshoplocal #orilliaandlakecountry #orillia

The deadline for nominations for the 2020 Business Achievement Awards is January 7, 2021. Nominate a worthy business at http://www.orillia.com/form/view/21668 #smallbiz #businessachievement #staysafeshoplocal #orilliaandlakecountry #orillia

Happy New Year! Make a resolution to SHOP LOCAL when shopping online. To make it easy, go to https://www.orillia.com/list/ and select a category, or type what you're looking for into the search bar (e.g. "sporting goods"). You will then see a list of local business profiles, most of which include direct links to their websites. Or try the Curbside directory for listings of local businesses offering curbside pickup. #staysafeshoplocal #smallbiz

While putting 2020 in the rearview mirror is certainly something worth celebrating, please stay safe by following the public heath safety measures currently in place . Here are some ideas for alternative ways to celebrate: - If you normally dine out on New Year's Eve (or even if you don't), order in! Most of the restaurants on https://conta.cc/3n3iUVg https://conta.cc/3n4Hvc8 now have takeout, delivery or curbside available - Take a walk outdoors. The Tripvia Light Up Orilli...a Lake Country tour is still active on the Tripvia app. Be sure to have some treats and hot chocolate waiting at home. - Spend the evening with members of your household, or catch up with friends or family by phone or virtual meeting. If you need to shop for some last minute supplies, snacks, or drinks, see the Curbside directory at https://www.https://conta.cc/3n3iUVg/list/ql/curbside-pick-up-26 for a list of local businesses offering curbside pickup. #staysafeshoplocal #happynewyear #smallbiz See more

If your New Year's resolution is to be more organized, here's a great way to get started! Be sure to register right away as this session takes place January 5th!

Support local! Many small businesses in our area are offering online ordering, curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery.

Are you an Ontario business? Take this short 3-minute survey on business confidence and government support programs to have YOUR voice heard on the issues that matter most: https://bit.ly/3pmvy40 #OER2021

It is critical to ensure that all Ontarians have internet access so that the expansion of #virtualcare options does not exacerbate inequities for patients in rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities. https://bit.ly/3p5uwZ4 #ONHealth

Merry Christmas from the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario government has announced a new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. This will provide $10,000- $20, 000 in support to small businesses that have to close or restrict services due to the Provincewide Shutdown being implemented on Dec. 26. Details can be found at https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/59788/post-4. More details including how to apply will be announced in January.

Virtual Townhall takes place this morning for a technical briefing on the latest lockdown information and financial supports available to community members who have been impacted by the lockdown sectors of: Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-townhall-with-minister-

Thank you Orillia for staying safe and shopping local. Call your favorite restaurant or retailer to order your curbside pick up!

Lakehead was recognized as one of the top 100 universities worldwide for societal impact in the 2020 Times Education Impact Higher Rankings. Discover why at hopeandresilience.ca/#times-higher-education-rankings #myLakehead

Stay up-to-date on important City of #Orillia information such as City events, programs, meeting schedules and public notices by subscribing to the Weekly Bulletin. Visit orillia.ca/subscribe and sign up to have the Weekly Bulletin delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.

Watch Mayor Clarke's latest COVID-19 video update (Dec.16). Let's look for the bright spots this holiday season. Support local and make new memories with Light ...Up Orillia Lake Country. Enter your own display or enjoy the lights in the area using the Tripvia Tours App (free to download on all major app stores) to plan your route. #StaySafeShopLocal #WeAreInThisTogether City of Orillia Economic Development Office Orillia District Chamber of Commerce See more

The Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning recently unveiled 12 unique virtual workshops for the new year. From pairing beer and cheese with Couchiching Craft Brewing Co., to learning to grill the perfect steak with The Common Stove there’s something for everyone. And, most of these workshops come with a printable gift certificate and additional items that can be picked up or mailed to you. Visit lakeheadu.ca/12daysoflearning for more information.

With our region now in the Red category of the provincial COVID-19 response framework, it's more important than ever to support local.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber Network recently released their policy brief , Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care in Ontario. You can read the release at: occ.ca//uploa/COVID19-Policy-Brief-Virtual-Care-final.pdf

Could your business, social enterprise or not-for-profit benefit from subsidized technical & professional advice and assistance to address the impacts of COVID-...19? WE CAN HELP! LEARN MORE & APPLY https://bit.ly/3n9GxMS ________________________________________________ City of Orillia Economic Development Office Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Downtown Orillia Orillia & Lake Country Tourism Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce Township of Oro-Medonte Ramara Chamber of Commerce Township of Ramara Township of Severn RTO7 Connection County of Simcoe Sandbox Centre Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre Western Ontario Community Futures Community Futures Ontario

Well things are set to change as of Monday. We are changing from an Orange to Red Zone. The Red Zone is a precursor to the Grey Zone. Grey Zone has the strictes...t measures implemented by Public Health. Think back to March when there were line-ups outside of stores and empty shelves. How much is changing in the Red Zone? Probably the biggest change is the restriction to your own household as Christmas approaches. Under the Red Zone you will be restricted to five people total in your house during a social visit. Does this mean you can kick out your 30 year old child who hasn’t left the nest yet? No! They are considered to be part of your household It does mean that Christmas is going to be different. We are going to need to connect virtually with our families and if you are comfortable exchanging gifts outdoors while wearing masks and socially distancing. Your family from outside of your zone should not be meeting with you. What’s the big deal with Covid-19? The majority of young healthy people don’t get sick? The fact is that the more young healthy people infected the more it will spread to vulnerable populations. We don’t know why the young 27 year old man died in the Windsor area. He was previously a healthy active basketball player. We just have to look out west to Alberta to see the tragedy that can happen. Their hospitals have been over run with Covid-19 cases. They are implementing rapidly deployed military field hospitals. When their Hospital Capacity in the ICU is reduced and medical beds are full they have had to cancel all surgeries including urgent surgeries to remove cancers. People are dying there not only from Covid-19, they are dying from cancelled surgeries and lack of hospital capacity and diagnostics. If you have Christmas shopping left to do consider doing it during the week if you can. A lot of your favourite stores have facebook pages or online stores. Make sure to support them during this time. Stay Safe Everyone Here are the Red Zone Measures: General public health measures (gatherings, workplace requirements and face coverings) * Gathering limit for all organized public events and social gatherings: * 5 people indoors * 25 people outdoors * Religious services, weddings and funerals: * 30% capacity indoors * 100 people outdoors * Requirement for workplace screening * Face coverings required in: * indoor workplaces * indoor public spaces, with limited exemptions * Where patrons without face coverings are within two metres of workers, workers must use additional protections such as eye protection * Workplaces must develop and implement a communication/public education plan (highlighting risk) * Physical distancing must be maintained * Non-essential travel from areas of high-transmission to areas of low transmission should be avoided Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments * Maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors is 10 * Require patrons to be seated; 2 metre minimum between tables * Outdoor dining, take out, drive through, and delivery permitted * Dancing, singing and the live performance of brass or wind instruments are prohibited * Require patron contact info (one per party) * No buffet style service * Night clubs only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar * Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required * Face coverings except when eating or drinking only * Eye protection where patrons without face coverings are within 2 metres of workers * Limit operating hours, establishments close at 10 p.m. * Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. * Require contact information for all seated patrons * Limit of 4 people may be seated together * Limit volume of music (to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation) * Require screening of patrons (for example, questionnaire) * Closure of strip clubs * A safety plan must be available upon request * Sports and recreational fitness facilities * Gyms and fitness studios permitted to be open with maximum of: * 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in classes; and * 10 people indoors in areas with weights or exercise equipment * No spectators permitted (exemption for parent and guardian supervision of children) * Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres for areas of a sport or recreational facility where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes * Team sports must not be practiced or played except for training (no games or scrimmage) * Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other are not permitted; no contact permitted for team or individual sports, with an exemption for high performance, including parasport, athletes. * Patrons may only be in the facility for 90 minutes except if engaging in a sport * Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public * Face coverings required except when exercising * Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility * Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams * Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health * A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request Meeting and event spaces * Maximum of 10 people per facility indoors or 25 outdoors * Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. * Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. * Require contact information for all seated patrons * Limit of 4 people may be seated together * Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible * Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health * A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request Retail * Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls * Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metre distance and face covering required * Limit volume of music (to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation) * Consider limiting capacity in retail stores and in shopping malls during winter holiday season * For malls: * Maximum 10 patrons permitted to be seated indoors in mall food court * Require screening of patrons at mall entrances (for example, questionnaire) * a safety plan must be available upon request Personal care services * Oxygen bars, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, bath houses, other adult venues, hot tubs, floating pools and sensory deprivation pods closed (some exceptions) * Services requiring removal of face coverings prohibited * Change rooms and showers closed * Require contact information from all patrons * Require screening of patrons (for example, questionnaire) * A safety plan must be available upon request Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments * Limits: * 10 people per facility indoors * 25 people outdoors * Table games are prohibited * Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. * Require contact information from all patrons * Require screening of patrons (for example, questionnaire) * A safety plan must be available upon request Cinemas * Closed, except for: * drive-in cinemas * rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event * Limit of 50 people per facility (revoke OCMOH approved plan) * Face coverings except when eating or drinking only * Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. * Require contact information from all patrons * Require screening of patrons (for example, questionnaire) * Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier Performing arts facilities * Closed to spectators * Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted * Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance * Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier * Drive-in performances permitted * Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. * Require contact information from all patrons * Require screening of patrons (for example, questionnaire) * A safety plan must be available upon request

This morning, we gathered virtually with our #ONChamberNetwork for our weekly town hall. We discussed our upcoming #virtualcare report which will be released to...morrow and our ongoing '12 Days of Small Business' campaign encouraging the community to #shoplocal! We were also joined by Emileah Bauman and Tim Wang from the Digital Main Street team to discuss the SHOPHERE program designed to create online stores for small businesses & provide free ongoing e-commerce support at no cost. Learn more: https://bit.ly/383EPX5

Today Lakehead University unveiled Day 6 of their 12 Days of Learning!

https://youtu.be/eFjWL9P-et4

This week we welcomed Associate Minister of small Business and Red Tape Reduction Hon. Prabmeet Singh- Sarkaria and our own MPP Hon. Jill Dunlop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqNTawxJA94&feature=youtu.be

Thank you for joining me tonight Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria to discuss supports for small businesses during a Zoom interview with Allan Lafontaine from th...e Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. The conversation was recorded and will be shared with the business community tomorrow. #SharingInformation #SimcoeNorthStrong #shoplocal

Welcome to our new member Trombly's Tackle Box! They offer a great selection of sporting goods for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as giftware. www.facebook.com/Tromblys

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? The Light Up Orillia Lake Country Holiday Light Tour is now available on Tripvia, so gather up the family, download the app, and get out to see some of the great light displays around Orillia & Lake Country. Along the way, enjoy some holiday trivia (do you know where eggnog was invented?) And speaking of eggnog, why not stop at a local business along the way to pick up some hot chocolate or holiday treats?

See Info Simcoe's recent segment on Light Up Orillia Lake Country and be sure to submit your entry!

Looking for a great local gift for Christmas? Zephyr Artist have something for you! Stay Safe and Shop Local!

Orillia and Lake Country Business Alert! Apply for your Ontario Grants now. Great relief for business at : www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs

Connect with Simcoe County's top manufacturers on November 27

Produced local! Another great video!

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberPlan/videos/465388000705773/

Get out and shop and dine local!

Main Street Relief Grant is now open. Small businesses in retail, hospitality, repair/ maintenance, and personal/ laundry services may qualify for up to $1000 in funding to offset the cost of PPE. Go to https://www.ontario.ca/p/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs to see if you qualify. #small biz #ontariosmallbusiness #mainstreetrelief

2020 has been a challenging year, and has forced us to change the way we work, learn, connect, and go about our day-to-day lives. This holiday season we will be missing some of our familiar traditions such as the Santa Claus Parade, but the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce wants to keep the community holiday sprit alive this year. Help LIGHT UP ORILLIA LAKE COUNTRY and enter for a chance to win amazing prizes! Visit https://www.facebook.com/lightuporillia #lightuporillia #smallbusiness #shoplocal #holiday #contest

Today the Orilla District Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch our holiday contest LIGHT UP ORILLIA LAKE COUNTY. Open to residents and businesses throughout Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Rama, and Ramara, this contest is an opportunity to come together as a community to welcome the holiday season, have fun while stay safe, and win prizes! So today get out those lights and decorations, and head over to our contest page facebook.com/lightuporillia

Welcome to our newest member Creative Nomad Studios!! They just opened in beautiful downtown Orillia. Check out their website here: https://www.creativenomadstudios.ca

Watch for this weekend's announcement about our holiday light contest. Open to residents and businesses throughout Orillia and area, this is a chance for everyone to show their community holiday spirit while staying safe... and there will be some great prizes up for grabs! #holidaydecorating #christmaslights #orillia #lightuporillia #holidaycontest

Welcome to our new member, The Bike Stop of Orillia! They are located in Orillia and carry a great selection of bikes for the whole family! http://www.bikestoporillia.com

Welcoming new member Kahuna Surf Shop! Located in downtown Orillia, they carry swimwear, clothing, snowboarding and skateboarding gear, and more. http://www.kahunasurfshop.com/

The #ONBudget2020 contains many things the #ONChamberNetwork has advocated for: investments in broadband & cellular infrastructure, tax reform to enhance #biz competitiveness, skills training opportunities & lowering electricity costs for industry: Read the OCC's response here:https://occ.ca/rapidpolicy/2020-provincial-budget/

Welcoming new member Twin Maples Farm! Christine Jameson, owner and operator, has been offering horse drawn services for 21 years! She's experienced in rides for special events, birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings to weddings. To make it even more exciting, the farm has a number of vehicles to choose from for your occasion!!... They have COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure you enjoy your ride to the fullest. https://www.facebook.com/Horsedrawnservices/

The City of Orillia is making a limited number of 24-hour parking permits available in Municipal Parking Lot 1 in Downtown Orillia. The intended use for these p...ermits is to offer a parking solution to tenants in the downtown area as well as employees that work between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. Yearly permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis through an application process. Visit http://ow.ly/tV5B50CcSrE for more information. See more

County of Simcoe’s Economic Development Office, in partnership with member municipalities, The City of Barrie, City of Orillia - Municipality, Georgian College,... Lakehead University and the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, is hosting the 2020 Simcoe County Manufacturers’ Forum virtually on November 17. This forum will focus on trends that are shaping the future of manufacturing, including the impacts of COVID-19. The agenda includes keynote addresses on energizing workplace cultures and managing market volatility, information on business and funding supports, and an industry panel discussion on challenges and opportunities in the current market. http://ow.ly/zie950C5gcf #strongertogether #bettercommunitiesthroughpartnership #simcoecounty #mysimcoecounty #countyofsimcoe #barrie #orillia #lakeheadorillia #georgiancollege #manufacturing #economicdevelopment #partnerships #manufacturersforum #Collingwood #WasagaBeach #Clearview #Springwater #Tiny #Tay #Penetanguishene #Midland #Severn #Ramara #OroMedonte #Innisfil #Essa #AdjalaTosorontio #NewTecumseth #BradfordWestGwillimbury