The COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges for local businesses. Below are a list of Town-led and external resources designed to assist business owners.
You can support our business community by shopping and dining locally. Check out our Business Directory for a comprehensive list of St. Marys-based shops, restaurants and services.
Financial Relief
We continue to offer financial relief to businesses and individuals that have been impacted by COVID-19. Those requiring assistance are encouraged to contact André Morin, Director of Finance/Treasurer by phone (519-284-2340, ext. 217) or email. Help will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
External Resources
The following links offer COVID-19-specific and general assistance for businesses.
Huron Perth Public Health - Business toolkit and events document |
Operator and Business Tool Kit (External PDF): This kit has been developed to assist you in managing the risk of COVID-19 in your business or organization. It includes updated passive screening and two different mask posters. Please note that this toolkit is for businesses and workplaces who do not fall under other COVID-19 directives or legislation.
Events and Gatherings (External PDF): This document was created to support organizers prepare, plan, and carry out safe and successful public events and gatherings – such as meetings, festivals, concerts, outdoor markets etc. Moving forward it is essential to properly prepare for events and gatherings to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
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The Government of Canada |
Below is a list of federal financial support programs for businesses. Visit the Government of Canada's website to learn more about each of these programs and to apply for support.
If you need assistance finding benefits and resources your business may be eligible for, use the Government of Canada's Benefits Finder tool.
Wage and Hiring Support |
You may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
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Rent and Property Expenses Support |
You may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your commercial rent or property expenses.
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Jobs and Growth Fund |
The Jobs and Growth Fund is a $700-million program that supports regional job creation and positions local economies for long-term growth. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020.
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Extending the Work-Sharing Program |
The federal government has extended the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19.
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Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) |
The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program provides businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19, access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
HASCAP is available to businesses that operate in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, restaurants and those that primarily rely on in-person services.
Business owners can apply for support until March 31, 2022
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Local Lockdown Program |
The Local Lockdown Program provides businesses that face new local lockdowns with up to the maximum amount of support available through the wage and rent subsidy programs. The Local Lockdown Program is available from October 24, 2021 to May 7, 2022.
This benefit has recently been extended; see the Government of Canada's news release for details
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Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit |
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit provides $300 a week to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
The benefit is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for your region.
This benefit has recently been extended; see the Government of Canada's news release for details
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Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit |
The CRSB provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to a maximum of six weeks, for workers who:
are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
This benefit is available until May 7, 2022.
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Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit |
The CRCB provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for up to 44 weeks per household for workers:
unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.
This benefit is available until May 7, 2022.
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Additional Resources
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The Province of Ontario |
Below is a list of provincial financial support programs for businesses. Visit the Province of Ontario's website to learn more about each of these programs and to apply for support.
Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant |
This program provides a grant payment of $10,000 to eligible small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. |
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program |
Eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity due to COVID-19 will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures.
Eligible businesses required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs, while businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs.
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Additional Resources
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Ontario Together: The Ontario government welcomes help from businesses, researchers and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19. If you make a submission though Ontario Together, please notify MPP Randy Pettapiece: randy.pettapiececo@pc.ola.org
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FedDev Ontario delivers programs and services catering to economic development in Canada and helps to address key economic challenges. Locally, business can reach out to Fed Dev Ontario offices for more information at 1-866-593-5505.
- Stop the Spread Business Information Line: Call Ontario’s Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 if you have questions about temporary measures, including closures and essential workplaces.
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Local and additional business resources |
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Mental health resources |
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Stay informed
Service changes and other relevant municipal information will be regularly updated on our COVID-19 page, as well as on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Huron Perth Public Health is the authority for public health concerns. Updates are frequently posted on its website, and it can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
The Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 landing page has links to businesses resources, press releases and more.
The Federal Government’s COVID-19 pandemic page has a variety of practical information.
Fully accessible versions of all above documents are available in print upon request.