Locals are rediscovering outdoor space this summer due to the pandemic. From parks to patios, Torontonians are taking in summer while also practicing social distancing. Now comes news that one of the city’s most iconic outdoor spaces is re imagining itself for summer. Summer at Ontario Place was announced this week by Minister MacLeod and features festivals, drive-in movies, a drive-in movie festival, a jazz festival and live entertainment. When you need to get away from the city without actually going anywhere, explore 155 acres of waterfront with Summer at Ontario Place.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO FLY WITH AIR CANADA NOW

One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to travel during the pandemic is customer confidence. Travellers want to know that getting to and from their destination will be safe with proper physical distancing and health guidelines being taken. That’s why Destination Toronto collaborated with Air Canada to show the public what travel looks like in 2020.  

Join Toronto ambassador Andrew Gunadie, aka gunnarolla, as he takes you from Toronto to Montréal to show you what it's like to fly with Air Canada in the age of a pandemic.  Added security measures, hand washing and mandatory masks are just some of the new measures to make air travel safe in 2020.

SAVE-THE-DATE: EDGE EVENT WEBINAR SERIES
THE PATH TO REOPENING: MARKETING NOW - BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Save-the-date for Destination Toronto’s next webinar in the EDGE Event Path to Reopening Series.

The global pandemic has reset the rules when it comes to how businesses should approach marketing efforts.

Join Destination Toronto as we outline the latest data trends and insight into visitor sentiment, followed by a panel of industry experts discussing how businesses can adapt their marketing to respond to the new needs and expectations of customers and delegates.

Date: August 6, 2020
Time: 10 – 11:30 am

More details and registration coming soon. 

PREPARING FOR STAGE 3: CITY OF TORONTO SUPPORT

In preparation for Stage 3, the City of Toronto has dedicated resources to support Toronto businesses.  Resources include sectoral-specific guidelines for ideas and best practices, a list of programs and resources, and links to upcoming webinars including those focused on retail and restaurants.

REMINDER: COMPLETE THE TIAO SURVEY

As a reminder, TIAO continues to collect vital information to advise government on how to best support our industry. The information collected in this survey will also influence discussions with key ministers as shortfalls are addressed.

Thank you for continuing to take part in these surveys during a tremendously busy time.

The survey is open now until Friday July 31 at 8 am.

GOVERNMENT UPDATE: CEWS EXTENDED

The Canadian government has announced that the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program will be available longer and to more employers.

The new CEWS rules extend the program to Dec. 19 (from a previous extension to Aug. 29), and make the subsidy proportional to revenue declines. The maximum pay used to calculate the per-employee subsidy will be $1,129 per week.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Air Canada offers coast-to-coast flight pass: The pre-paid package offers one-way flight credits within Canada as a flexible and cost-efficient way to travel this year.

Mariposa Cruises welcomes back guests: Mariposa Cruises is offering a unique dining experience aboard its ship docked on Queen’s Quay. Ontario’s liquor laws have now been adjusted to allow boat operators with liquor sales licences to temporarily serve alcohol while their boat is docked. The cruises now have additional safety measures in place for guest safety.

The Ballroom and Fifth Social Club launch Toronto’s biggest outdoor picnic: The new patio space, called Rendezviews, takes over a parking lot at Richmond and John and is open now.