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COVID-19 Coronavirus Business Digest for Cornwall

In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, a number of initiatives have taken place that directly affect businesses and employers in Cornwall. We will update this page on a regular basis with information as it becomes available. Please note that a group of links to other online info sources is at the bottom of the page. For general info on local community efforts, please visit the City website.

February 2022 News Update

  • Applications open for New Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Link to more.

January 2022 News Update

  • Ontario Outlines Steps to Ease Public Health Measures. Link to more.
  • Applications Open for Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program. Link to more.
  • Guide to Available Funding and Business Support Programs. Link to more.
  • Government of Canada Extends CEBA Repayment Deadline. Link to more.
  • Ontario announces $10,000 relief grant and other supports. Link to more.
  • Recent Provincial restrictions will not affect College campus. Link to more.
  • Ontario introduces new restrictions to deal with Omicron. Link to more.

December 2021 News Update

  • Ontario announces new supports for businesses. Link to more.
  • Ontario introduces new public health and safety measures. Link to more.

November and October News Update

September and August News Update

  • Ontario Increasing Investment in Skills Development Fund. Link to more.
  • Ontario investing $100 million in Tourism Sector. Link to more.
  • Ontario releases proof of Vaccination requirements. Link to more.
  • Ontario to require proof of Vaccination in select settings. Link to more.
  • Ontario makes COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Mandatory for High-Risk settings. Link to more.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination required at St. Lawrence College. Link to more.

July and June News Update

  • Ontario helping Small Businesses to Establish On-line presence. Link to more.
  • Jobs and Growth fund to Help Build Economic Activity. Link to more.
  • Tourism Relief Fund to Help Businesses and Organizations Recover and Grow. Link to more.
  • Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
  • Ontario to move to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
  • New $500 million fund to revitalize shared public spaces. Link to more.
  • Cornwall receives Resiliency Infrastructure funding. Link to more.
  • Calculating store capacity under the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
  • Ontario to move into Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
  • City now accepting applications for patio extensions. Link to more.
  • Ontario maintains COVID restrictions. Link to more.

May News Update

April News Update

March News Update

February News Update

January News Update

December 2020 News Update

November 2020 News Update

October News Update

  • Ontario Launching COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Link to more.
  • Regional Relief and Recovery Fund receives more money. Link to more.
  • Webinar to explore Technology Innovation Program. Link to more.
  • Ontario urges people to support local restaurants. Link to more. 
  • Ontario is investing $9 million through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program. Link to more.
  • New grant for help pay for PPW for small businesses. Link to more. 

September News Update

August News Update

July News Update

June 11-30 News Update

June 1-10 News Update

May 19-29 News Update

  • Cornwall hotels adopting new safety measures. Link to more.
  • Ontario opens up COVID-19 testing. Link to more.
  • Cornwall offers online Business Reopening Toolkit. Link to more.
  • St. Lawrence College offers free online workshops in June. Link to more.
  • Ontario extends Emergency Orders to June 9. Link to more.
  • Cornwall extends deadline for Small Business Emergency Support Loan program to May 29. Link to more.
  • Cornwall supports local business with free parking. Link to more.
  • Incredible Edibles offering free plants this weekend. Link to more.
  • Ontario helps people get back to work. Link to more.
  • Legislative changes allow corporations to operate virtually. Link to more.
  • Local businesses stepping up to provide safety supplies Link to more.
  • People advised to wear masks in public. Link to more.
  • Ontario reducing financial barriers for post-secondary students. Link to more.
  • United Way Accepting Applications to Emergency Community Support Fund. Link to more.
  • Criteria expanded for Canada Emergency Business Account. Link to more.
  • Schools to remain closed for school year. Link to more.
  • Ontario extends Emergency Orders. Link to more.

May 1-15 News Update

April 16-30 News Update

April 1-15 News Update

March 24-31 News Update

March 23 Update

  • The Community Futures Development Corporation is launching an Emergency Loan Program to assist local businesses dealing with impacts from efforts to fight COVID-19. Link to more info.
  • Premier Doug Ford has announced that all non-essential businesses must close on Tuesday March 24 by 11:59pm. Link to more info.
  • More support has been announced for farmers and agri-food businesses. Link to more info.
  • The Province has launched a new website that will help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Link to more info.

March 22 Update

  • The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has ordered a number of local businesses to close, most notably daycare and childcare facilities, gyms and sport facilities, places of worship and personal services companies.

March 20 Update

  • City of Cornwall property tax payments that would be otherwise due on March 31, 2020 and April 30, 2020 have been deferred to May 15, 2020 and June 15, 2020, respectively… Link to more info.
  • Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19. Link to more info.
  • NRC COVID-19 Challenge. Link to more info.
  • Walmart is ramping up efforts to meet the needs of Canadians….Link to more info.

March 19 Update

  • The land border between Canada and the U.S. will to all non-essential travel at midnight Friday in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Commercial trade and supply chain activities will not be affected.
  • COVID-19 Preparations Continue at Cornwall Community Hospital. Link to more info.

March 18 Update

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $82 billion in economic measures to help help Canadians affected by the impacts of this challenging period. Link to more info.
  • BDC announces additional measures to provide relief to business owners, Link to more info.

March 17 Update

  • Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency for the Province of Ontario. This announcement included a list of certain establishments that must close immediately (including all bars and restaurants with the exception of those that provide takeout or delivery). Link to more info.
  • Municipal offices and recreation facilities are closed to the public, including those of Cornwall Economic Development, Cornwall Tourism and the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. While our office will be closed to the public, staff continue to work and are accessible via phone and email. Essential municipal services will continue to be delivered, including water purification, wastewater treatment, emergency services, and Cornwall Transit. Waste collection will continue. More information is available from the City website at: https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/covid-19-response.aspx
  • Intake for the Rural Innovation Initiative has been extended until April 17.
  • Facebook has announced a future grant program to assist companies affected by COVID-19.
  • Canada’s six largest banks have announced plans to provide support to personal and small business banking customers. Assistance could include up to a six month deferral on mortgage payments.
  • The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has launched a new survey seeking feedback from tourism businesses on the economic impact of Covid-19. The feedback will be used in discussions with Ontario Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod to help shape an economic recovery package.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXXC9Y6
  • The City of Cornwall has opened a helpline for residents with concerns and requests for support. The phone number is 613-933-6282 ext. 3129, and will be manned Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by bilingual staff. If the line is busy, residents may leave a voicemail, which will be returned. For health concerns, residents should continue to call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit: 1-800-267-7120.

Downloadable Information

Toolkit for Businesses

LINKS TO SHARE

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES (AND NEIGHBOURS)

Many local small businesses have been forced to close temporarily to assist public safety efforts. Some residents may not be able to move freely due to self-isolation or other reasons. Now is an excellent time to consider how you might be able to support local businesses and residents. Options include purchasing goods and services online, and/or gift certificates.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF (AND OTHERS)

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. There are actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Practice social distancing: stay at least two (2) meters from other people
  • Avoid gathering with friends and even family
  • Stay home as much as possible

Please note that the above information has been taken from a variety of sources and is subject to change without notice.