| The Province launched a toll-free line to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the Province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces due to COVID-19: 1-888-444-3659.
Waterloo EDC has gathered a listing of resources that can help support businesses through this time of global uncertainty.
For more information related to Wilmot's response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be accessed on our dedicated page.
Free Eclipse Masks for small businesses
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As a result of a generous donation from Eclipse Automation, Township staff were able to distribute over 30,000 level 3 surgical grade masks to small businesses in Wilmot Township during 2021 and early-2022.
Local businesses will be notified if additional masks become available for distribution.
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Disinfecting wipes available to small businesses
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The Township has 120 Boxes (containing 12 packages of 15 "On-The-Go" wipes) donated by a local business who received them from their supplier. The business would like to acknowledge Global Medic and ATTSAR for the donation.
Starting February 14, 2022, boxes will be distributed to the first 120 small businesses in Wilmot Township that make a request online: www.wilmot.ca/wipes.
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Rapid antigen point-of-care tests for employees of small and medium-sized businesses
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The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, launched the StaySafe™ COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot in Waterloo Region. The StaySafe™ program provides free rapid antigen point-of-care tests for employees of small- and medium-sized businesses, with a target of 3,000 rapid tests conducted each week in the region. The program is designed to help detect cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe.
The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Communitech are also helping small and medium sized businesses directly access screening kits and implement rapid screening programs for their employees. The kits will be packaged onsite for pickup by businesses who have ordered up to a two-week supply, based on twice weekly screening of their employees, and are to be used for self-swabbing in the workplace under the guidance of health and safety protocols.
For more information and to get screening kits for your business, visit Chamber Check website.
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The Restaurant & Bar Support Fund
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A new private sector relief fund was launched March 4, 2021 to help support as many Ontario food and beverage establishments as possible in reopening and recovering from the financial setbacks of the pandemic. Hockey legend Darryl Sittler has laced up his skates to endorse the Restaurant & Bar Support Fund, which looks to raise as much as $5 million for Ontario restaurants, bars, pubs, pool halls and sports bars.
Qualified applicants will receive a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to assist them in the reopening of their business. Priority is being given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to their staff and neighbourhood.
The goals for the Fund over the next 12 months are to raise $5 million and to assist a minimum of 1,000 Ontario food and beverage businesses. All money received by the fund will be distributed.
The Restaurant & Bar Support Fund website has full details for both businesses looking for assistance and for donors looking to contribute to the Fund.
There is a GoFundMe page for patrons who wish to donate. There are also corporate partnership opportunities with the Fund.
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December 2020 Provincial business support
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Temporary Patio Permits
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Temporary Parking Lot Patios
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) extended current regulations until the end of 2022 that do not require licensees to apply or pay a fee for temporary extensions, licensed establishments, subject to having municipal approval and meeting all other applicable requirements.
Temporary patio approvals can be sought through the completion of a Temporary Patio Permit application. Please ensure you review the Township Protocol and Procedures for Establishment or Expansion of Temporary Commercial Patios on Private Property prior to completing the application.
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Temporary On-Street Patios (Region of Waterloo road allowances)
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The purpose of the Region of Waterloo Temporary On-Street Patio / Pop-Up Guidelines is to establish guidelines with all applicable laws and regulations, Regional By-laws, policies, and practices for temporary outdoor patio expansions on Regionally owned lands.
The Region is still reviewing the program for 2022 and more information will be posted on this page when available.
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Chamber Business Ready
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The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Commerce and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, along with key Community Partners, are pleased to announce the launch of Chamber Business Ready, a free, innovative training platform powered by Axonify.
As the Ontario government has begun allowing businesses to re-open, we’re here to support our business community with resources and information to help navigate this new normal. We want to welcome you to this terrific new training platform, brought to you by our friends at Axonify. Our new training platform, Chamber Business Ready, has been pre-loaded with training and resources to keep local businesses and their employees up to date on best practices.
Register and view the platform
This free training tool can be accessed from your computer, tablet, or mobile device (iTunes, Android). Upon logging in, you'll receive a quick video tutorial on how to use the platform.
View the press release for more information
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Taste the Countryside – Fall Harvest is a 10-day dining event promoting delicious menus that incorporate local produce as prepared by food establishments located in Waterloo Region’s townships.
The event will run from October 6 to October 15, 2022.
For more information, please visit the Taste the Countryside website.
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