Save Our Attractions

03/12/2021

We're still not out of this yet. We fully support the extension of CEWS and CERS to the tourism and hospitality industry until next year. Reopening is not recovery and we still are in a precarious position.

The bill that would extend these services passed the second reading with the support of the Bloc Quebecois. Both the Conservatives and the NDP voted against extending these supports.

The last round of CEWS and CERS is now closed. Unless this bill passes, there will be no more support to vulnerable industries. If your MP belongs to either the Conservative or NDP caucus, we would urge you to contact them and tell them how desperately this support is still needed.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/federal-pandemic-benefits-bill-to-face-opposition-scrutiny-at-finance-committee/ar-AARp8kb?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

A Liberal bill to extend some pandemic benefits will face scrutiny from opposition parties who are demanding changes before it becomes law. Bill C-2 passed second reading Thursday with support from the Bloc Québécois and despite the Conservatives and the NDP voting against. However, earlier in the...

15/10/2021

I don't often agree with Brian Lilley, but he's right here. Not just restaurants, but attractions are limited in capacity too. But if they closed their doors to the public and hosted an event, they could operate at full capacity.

We're happy for the event spaces and for the sports facilities (we represent many of those as well) but why are they allowed to return to full capacity but not restaurants and attractions?

Ontario's move to allow arenas and theatres full capacity but still limit restaurant capacity is beyond idiotic

25/08/2021

TVO.org speaks with Tony Elenis, of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association, about restaurants in crisis, consumer confidence, and vaccine passports.

08/07/2021

Exactly. We wrote to Dr. Kieran Moore yesterday to ask why attractions and museums were not treated the same as non-essential retail. The implication is it safe for one to open, but not the other.

The same applies to tour boats. The federal government has decided it is safe for ferries to operate at 50% of their total capacity with no restrictions on the interior portions of the boat. The province has decreed that tour boats can only operate at 25% of their capacity, but interior portions must be closed and in addition two metres space must be allowed on the exterior decks (which makes their capacity far under 25%.

Does this mean that the province believes the feds are putting Canadians at risk by allowing ferries to operate at that capacity, but it is not deemed safe for tour boats to operate accordingly?

There are so many contradictions in Ontario's Road Map to Reopening and we are not receiving clarification or justification.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-region-arts-culture-sites-step-3-open-1.6094379

Museums and local indoor tourist attractions cannot open until Step 3 of the provincial reopening plan, which they say is unfair. The president of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario says waiting even a few more weeks could result in some business closures.

24/06/2021

Ontario moves to stage 2. Indoor attractions still closed, but we are getting closer to reopening. This does not mean it is time for government supports to disappear.

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21488?utm_source=newsroom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%2Fen%2Frelease%2F1000399%2Fontario-moving-to-step-two-of-roadmap-to-reopen-on-june-30&utm_term=public

Our staff can't provide legal advice, interpret the law or conduct research. You may be able to obtain assistance from a lawyer or paralegal.

16/06/2021

Ontarians will be able to travel to Nova Scotia before indoor attractions in Ontario are allowed to open.

14/06/2021

Finally, things are looking up. In 2020, Ontario was the only jurisdiction globally we are aware of that did not allow amusement parks and water parks to open in a limited capacity. And here we are. Let the (socially distanced and limited capacity) fun begin!

😁We’re excited to finally welcome guests back to the park in alignment with Step 2 of the province’s reopening framework! 🎢Canada’s Wonderland opens with limited capacity for Season Passholder Preview days July 5-6, and for the general public on July 7. Get back to FUN in a safe, outdoor environment. 🔖Reservations will be required. Booking begins online June 17.
👉 New safety protocols will be in place. Learn more about what you can expect:
https://bit.ly/2RT54eF

11/06/2021

Ontario official has moved into stage one of the reopening plan. We are happy for the businesses that can open. However, we wonder why museums and art galleries are closed while retail can open at 15% capacity? We still are advocating for our business that will open in stage two or later but still don't know what restrictions they will operate under (which makes it impossible for them to plan and hire).

So while stage one is a big deal, there is still a lot to be desired about the plan. We will continue to agitate for the regulations to be released, and for those businesses who can operate safely and similarly to other businesses permitted to open to be allowed to do so.

02/06/2021

OPINION: Some Ontarians are furious that patios will open while schools remain shut. The frustration is understandable — but the argument doesn’t make any sense.

31/05/2021

The Ontario Government’s “Roadmap to Reopening” is a dead-end for the performing arts, outdoor venues, festivals and events.

After a year of shuttered venues, lost revenue streams and amongst the most severe levels of unemployment compared to any other industry in Canada, we are ready to safely reopen our stages for artists and audiences. But the current guidelines would leave arts and culture behind, denying arts lovers the equal access that restaurants, sports, and religious services will be allowed to offer.

We demand :

Reopen rehearsals in Step 1 so we can be ready to begin performances in Step 2.
Allow filming inside performance spaces in Step 1 so theatres can deliver content digitally.
Set capacity limits for outdoor and indoor theatres based on square footage so we can maximize safe audience access in different sized venues.

These are accommodations that have already been granted to industries like sport, film & television and meetings & events.

The arts are an essential part of Ontario. We need now.

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28/05/2021

Some positive news.

The park in Limoges, Ont., didn't open for the 2020 season because of provincial regulations, but hopes to get the water flowing this season.

26/05/2021

Here is BC's reopening plan. Simple and straightforward. It highlights working with sector associations to develop safe operating guidelines. Would be great if Ontario followed suit.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

BC's Restart is a careful, four-step plan to bring B.C. back together.

26/05/2021

Outdoor attractions that can be operated under safe guidelines should reopen.

Brant County councillors want the province to reconsider its position and allow outdoor zoos to re-open.

22/05/2021

Today would have of been Opening Day for our 2021 season, and are saddened by the decision that we simply cannot.😩

Elmvale Jungle Zoo is an outdoor facility where guests are spread apart to enjoy the views of our beautiful and unique Zoo family.
We worked very hard last season to ensure the safety of all,and when we are allowed to open our doors, we will be following the same policies and guidelines.

We miss you all and hope to see you in mid-June!🐒🐅🦁🦚🦜🦩🦒

22/05/2021

Another contradiction. If golf courses and zoos could open in tandem last summer, why the difference now?

https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/zoo-operator-crushed-gates-must-stay-closed?fbclid=IwAR2l0we3qNEXCuJA2tkgq8SsV_qbfDzr1nYACXi0rfvnjnyBppwFr4c5NhY

The co-manager of the Twin Valley Zoo says she was in tears after learning that golf courses could reopen but not her Brant County operation.

22/05/2021

The government did not consult the industry about what could be done to open safely. We have gaps in what is allowed to open and not open because of a lack of understanding how the businesses operate. Decisions are being made in absentia of learning how the creative entrepreneurs have addressed COVID-related issues.

There are no reasons why if golf can open, minigolf can't open. Or a treetop walk. Or drive-ins or drive-thru attractions. When you review the new framework it is full of contradictions (like you can open a historic site, but you cannot conduct a tour at it. But you host an outdoor fitness class with ten people, but not a ten-person walking tour).

Having a dialogue with the various sectors before they make decisions would have prevented many of these contradictions from happening. And that's what angers people the most.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/it-s-unacceptable-drive-ins-movie-theatres-call-for-ontario-to-ease-restrictions/ar-AAKe4D7?ocid=msedgdhp

TORONTO — The head of Ontario's largest drive-in theatre chain says the province's latest COVID-19 reopening plan threatens to send shockwaves through the Canadian film industry and put some exhibitors out of business. Brian Allen, president of Toronto-based Premier Theatres, says "it's absolutely...

21/05/2021

Get your jab.

https://www.tvo.org/article/reopening-ontario-isnt-just-on-doug-ford-its-down-to-us?fbclid=IwAR0mtEezIgzIorQ3x-PKQsa1oYv5Rm1PhBvf3kpUePsB6haazAuUNV2OtRg

OPINION: The Tories have actually come up with a decent reopening plan. It’s up to all of us to make it happen.

20/05/2021

We really do need these dates. People need time to plan, hire staff, get facilities ready.

https://canadiantravelnews.ca/2021/05/19/canadas-tourism-industry-needs-a-specific-target-date-for-reopening/?fbclid=IwAR37aPPK8QVWTYY3eEa_6adbyCgPlTeGE3h65k5SDUw-aY5ntOuRPt5t82s

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada says Canada's travel and tourism companies need a specific target date for travel to begin again.

19/05/2021

I hope other provinces follow suit.

https://o.canada.com/news/local-news/covid-19-science-world-and-pne-among-anchor-attractions-to-receive-provincial-lifeline

The deadline to apply for the B.C. major anchor attractions grant is June 7

19/05/2021

We need plans. This kind of musing by leaders is defeating.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/np-view-trudeau-s-hope-for-a-slightly-better-summer-is-an-insult-to-canadians/ar-BB1gTLW5?ocid=msedgdhp

The Carolina Hurricanes opened their National Hockey Leage playoff series Monday in front of 12,000 raucus fans at the RBC Centre in Raleigh, North Carolina. Once dubbed “the loudest house in the NHL,” it was once again echoing to the noise of fans cheering on their team. The Toronto Maple Leafs...

14/05/2021

Posted without comment.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/kelly-mcparland-you-mean-ontarians-can-t-play-golf-because-of-doug-ford-s-buddies/ar-BB1gJI80?ocid=msedgdhp

For all-time most fatuous remarks by a serving politician, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s explanation for his senseless decision to retain a ban on healthy outdoor sports takes the cake. “I talk to my buddies, I know what happens. You know, they pick up another buddy, two or three, they go golfing,...

14/05/2021

Such a loss. https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/05/toronto-cancels-cne-all-other-major-events-second-summer/

As hopeful as Premier Doug Ford may be that Ontario can still have a normal summer if we continue to lock things down for just a few additional wee...

13/05/2021

This is something our industry desperately needs. A proper plan. No more hearing on a Thursday what you can do starting Monday.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/a-ghost-town-niagara-falls-mayor-wants-plan-to-reopen-tourism-1.5425548?cid=sm%3Atrueanthem%3Actvtoronto%3Apost&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A%20Trending%20Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR382XA8TjKWMLKJAaElb9auCLfQZvyZbw08xoCnAbOaLoj0csjNjJCLx5U

A typically bustling street in Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, is empty, with attractions boarded up and rides sitting idle.

10/05/2021

There might be an opportunity for some of our creative members...

https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/05/40-percent-people-toronto-would-pay-work-remotely-coffee-shop-after-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR1puWzacWYOMVS_AcFDJF6rBkTIKC5j7BnRLHl-wq9w-oxcSEG_RstL66o

The ability to work from home has been a saving grace for many in Toronto amid the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to stay fully employed without ...

28/04/2021

We might have a summer season after all.

https://www.macleans.ca/news/what-new-covid-vaccine-modelling-says-about-when-canada-might-lift-restrictions/

Vaxx Populi: We need 75 per cent of adults to have a first dose and 20 to have a second. How soon might we get there?

12/04/2021

OPINION: What’s happened with patios and hair salons in the third wave suggests that the province doesn’t have the first clue what it’s doing.

09/04/2021

https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/04/toronto-businesses-call-for-scientific-evidence-why-closed/?fbclid=IwAR2W1vnn10QmNfujo0FNJrbx9R-MsYQC64xf0qaPViszxG3BKS3jc3wIF7s

A group of BIAs representing around 1,300 small businesses in Toronto has issued a desperate plea for more action from the provincial government no...

07/04/2021

07/04/2021

Our members have struggled. Most have been shuttered longer than open the last 12 months. Something has to give.

Residents and businesses in Ontario are pushing through the beginning of yet another full shutdown for all regions, and with more measures on the w...