Patio Permits Extended, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Curb-Side Pick Up & More!

To all Members,

I’m not sure if it was the snow earlier this week, your beautiful storefronts, or the Tree Lighting Ceremony, but it’s definitely starting to feel very festive around here!

Many of you have told me that your customers are shopping earlier than usual this year, wanting to avoid crowds and pick up their gifts early in case more restrictions are announced.  We hope it doesn’t come to that, but we are glad to see that so many of you are active online!

It's wonderful to see you sharing photos and video’s of your products on social media, selling online, offering curbside pick up and delivery, staying open later for Starlight Shopping, and  regularly updating your store hours and policies on the web and social media.   All of these things show your customers that you are committed to offering convenient and SAFE service in these changing times and we think you are doing a great job!

Curb-side Pick Up & Delivery

With lockdowns and restrictions all around us, it may be wise to offer alternatives to your customers again, such as curbside pick-up, online classes, and delivery.  Many of you haven’t stopped offering these services since the early days of the pandemic, but it’s a good idea to remind your customers about these alternative services via social media, your website, and google business page.  They will appreciate not having to dig too far to find that information!

Are you currently offering curbside pick-up and/or delivery? Please reply to this email and let us know!

 

Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Did you have a chance to watch the virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony?     Thanks to everyone who watched, shared, and took part!   The overall message was one of hope and resilience -  we hope that you will take a moment to watch and share with your family, customers, and friends!   You can view the video here.

Patio Permit Extension

Those of you with Boulevard Café Permits will be permitted to extend your patio season until December 31st, 2020.

The extension is automatic, there is no need to re-apply.  

The Town asks that you remain diligent about snow removal on your patios to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.  

In case of heavy snowfall, Public Works staff will assist when possible to ensure that your patio and sidewalk is clear.

Camera Crew Downtown

In the coming weeks, the Art of Storytelling will be helping us put together a short video to promote Downtown Orangeville as a prime holiday shopping & dining destination.  

Shooting days are dependent on weather, we just wanted to give you a heads up that the film crew will be popping in and out of stores to capture your seasonal displays.   I will be accompanying them should you have any questions or concerns.  

The crew will be wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and we will do our best not to interfere with holiday shoppers.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) is now open to qualifying businesses.  CERS replaces the federal government’s Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) from earlier this year. This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

Please click HERE to apply.

Transit Hub Update

Earlier this year, Council voted to build a transit transfer station at the corner of Broadway and First St. (in front of CIBC). Many of you felt that the loss of a minimum of 11-16 parking spaces plus the increased congestion (vehicular traffic and pedestrian), noise, and diesel fumes from idling buses made this location neither safe nor appropriate for a transit transfer station.  We are pleased to tell you that on Monday night, Town Council reversed its decision.

With the support of Mayor Brown, Deputy Mayor Mactintosh, Councillor Andrews, and Councillor Sherwood, Orangeville Town Council reconsidered this choice of location. The Edelbrock Centre will be revisited as a possible long-term transit hub solution.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the process and supported our work on this important issue.

Special thanks to Terry Carter and Greg Burd for all of their time, energy, and effort on this issue, the OBIA Board of Management, and to the above named members of Council who recognized that the Broadway and First St. location for the transit transfer station was not the best long term solution for our community.

Central Counties Tourism Newsletter

Central Counties Tourism has some great initiatives and promotions for local businesses right now.

Win a professional photoshoot of your business/products to use on your website/social media/e-commerce site.

  • Marketing Opportunity – Due by November 30th. They are looking for amazing winter experiences, products, and programs for the 2021 YDH Ultimate Winter Local Road Trip, targeted at locals to the area and short-haul visitors.  Contact them with your products/services today and you could appear in the guide!
  • Free press release distribution service - for tourism products and programs.

Send them your press release or advisories, and they will distribute the news to reporters, bloggers, and all types of news outlets. This is for members only and the releases must focus on tourism events, products and programs.

Check out the full newsletter here: https://centralcounties.ca/category/b2b-e-news/

Enjoy your weekend