Category Archives: Uncategorized
Phase I – Recovery from COVID – Small, measured, safe steps.
The provincial government is taking a slow, measured approach to recovering the province’s economy. Every decision that benefits the economy is weighed against the public health challenge of keeping a lid on COVID-19. While opening retail stores to a limited extent, the consistent direction from the Ontario Government and supported by Westport Council is stay home when possible, wash hands often, practice physical distancing of at least 6 ft between people, wear a mask when out in the public and avoid non-essential travel.
The opening of retail stores for pick-up and curb side delivery on Monday, May 11 was a positive sign for economic recovery. This was authorized by the government because the number of cases of COVID-19 was declining in the province. More restrictions have been lifted and this past week we saw retail stores open to the public although with safety measures in place that comply with the legislation. The harbour was operational on May 23, the same day that the basketball court and public washrooms at the Information Centre opened. Small, measured, safe steps.
Visitors will continue to come to Westport this summer and, just like residents, will be required to comply with the business owners’ expectations. Council asks everyone to continue to be diligent to prevent COVID from taking hold in the Village. This includes frequent hand washing, physical distancing of 6 ft, wearing a mask when in public and limiting exposure to COVID with only essential travel. Signs will be posted at the entrances to the Village reminding everyone to follow the physical distancing protocols.
We have learned that community spread of the virus can be rampant and that our behaviour impacts the health of others. We must continue to make the safety of our community a priority by remaining vigilant through physical distancing and other best practices to avoid contact with COVID.
We are stronger together – each of us performing our role to the best of our ability. This is a point in time when we need to believe in our strengths, support each other and remember to be kind. Stay safe.
Update – basketball court, harbour and public washrooms open May 23, 2020
Recent changes to the Province’s Emergency Orders have made it possible to open up some outdoor recreational facilities in the Village of Westport. The basketball court at Lockwood Park was opened today, however physical distancing restrictions are still in effect as is the maximum of 5 people in one location.
Staff will be on duty at the Harbour beginning Saturday. The public washrooms will be open at the Information Centre on Spring St although the Information Centre itself will closed.
This is an unprecedented year of challenges for the municipality – balancing public safety, economic viability and government regulations during the pandemic. We have begun the slow and safe recovery of our businesses and economy in the Village, ensuring we do not negatively impact the safety net that we have wrapped around Westport.
Ontario government resources to help with reopening
Phase One of the Province’s plan to reopen the economy begins tomorrow for several services and businesses. I am reposting this link to share the government guidelines for over 60 kinds of businesses. If you need suggestions to help with reopening your business, open the link and scroll down to find your business category.
Call me if you need any help.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace#section-1
REGIONAL RELIEF AND RECOVERY FUND (RRRF) THROUGH VALLEY HEARTLAND CFDC
Here is a new Gov’t of Canada COVID-19 support plan – hopefully it will benefit some of you. If you need assistance working your way through the material, please give me a call.
The Government of Canada has introduced a number of measures to support businesses, organizations, workers and communities through the COVID-19 global challenge, as part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
To offer additional support to businesses, the organizations that support them and the communities in which they operate, the Government of Canada announced over $1.7 billion in additional funding for targeted measures. This includes the new national $962-million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, which provides $675 million in financing support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are unable to access existing COVID-19 measures, and $287 million to support rural businesses with access to capital through Community Futures Development Corporations.
As a CFDC we are pleased to participate in this important Government of Canada initiative in introducing the local stream of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), which provides repayable loans to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fixed operating costs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IF YOU ARE: a business operating in Lanark County or North Leeds, with business impacts challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for local RRRF support through interest free loans up to $40,000.
You can learn more at www.valleycfdc.com. In order to provide targeted assistance to the communities we serve, Valley Heartland CFDC will focus on providing RRRF assistance to sole proprietors, “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, social enterprises as well as businesses of strategic importance to the community.
CONTACT US TODAY and review our Program + Application Guidelines to learn if your business is a fit for the local component of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
PLEASE NOTE: Incorporated SMEs may also be eligible to receive RRRF support direct from FedDev Ontario, for amounts up to $500,000. However, cannot receive funds from both a CFDC and FedDev Ontario. We encourage you to visit the FedDev Ontario website for more information on eligibility criteria for direct funding.
Though working remotely, our team remains here to help you. Please contract us via email or phone below or visit our website at https://www.valleycfdc.com/rrrf
Email: info@valleycfdc.com or loans@valleycfdc.com
Phone: 613 283 7002.
Robin, The Mayor 
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