ARE YOU READY? RE-OPENING FOR THE SECOND TIME

ARE YOU READY? RE-OPENING

SECOND TIME

Closing in on 4 million people fully vaccinated in Ontario, we are feeling grateful to witness restrictions beginning to lift and the economy slowly re-opening. It is not the first time we have been able to re-open, but we are hopeful that from here on out we can remain open and slowly begin to rebuild. It has certainly been a long time coming.

As people flock to a patio or a vineyard to get out of the house and indulge in a much-needed change of scenery, the focus behind the scenes continues to be on a fully vaccinated community.

“Our immediate focus is on access and rollout of the coronavirus vaccine to ensure our health security. Moving forward, we need to make full use of the opportunities in front of us by applying a lens of resilience, innovation, and shared values. It is vital to our economic recovery,” says Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

The health and safety of all continues to be the greatest of our priorities as we cautiously navigate another re-opening. As we exceed the requirement of 70% of adults completing their first dose and 20% fully vaccinated, we are progressing quickly towards Step Three and potentially ahead of schedule. Following the recent announcement moving to Step Two of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap, there is still much needed clarity surrounding how to execute and be prepared. In a statement released in response to the government announcement Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) further states “We also need immediate public health guidance for those Ontarians who are now fully vaccinated.” Niagara, however, has initiated its own sustainable and long-term plan recently approved on June 24th by Regional Council. Guided by an Advisory Committee of 22 local organizations spanning both private and public sectors, the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan sets in motion a municipally harmonious approach addressing emerging issues. This living plan focuses in four areas (mental health and addictions, housing and homelessness, poverty and income and systemic discrimination) and exemplifies the regions commitment to setting a new standard for the future. Follow all public health measures.

These measures that have been developed to address and mitigate the risks of transmission must be adhered to with an ►►►

unwavering sense of duty to ensure that employees, customers, and visitors to the community will be as possible regardless of individual vaccination status.

Go the extra mile.

As encouraged by Health Canada, wherever possible, do more than the minimum. Take the extra steps that you can to make your staff and your guests feel protected. This can be done in several ways possible for your business. It might mean creating more space between tables than required, or a more open kitchen plan. It could entail more frequent staff communication to provide education and regular updates. Keep your signage clean and visible and replace it frequently if needed. Be proactive.

If something changes, and it will, be ready to adjust swiftly. Make changes to workplace policies as soon as a gap is identified and do not be afraid to welcome new ideas from your staff or your guests on how to improve. Operate with complete transparency to instill confidence in your operation and illustrate your commitment to your staff and guests.

Sources: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/supports-reopening2021/ https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/infectious-disease/covid19-data-surveillance/covid-19-data-tool?tab=summary https://www.niagararegion.ca/projects/community-safety-well-being/default.aspx Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is a non-profit, non-partisan, membershipdriven organization comprised of 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. The GNCC is dedicated to helping businesses and organizations succeed in order to ensure the long-term economic and social prosperity of the Niagara region.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has undertaken important research on Ontario’s most pressing policy issues, advocating for solutions that will foster the growth of Ontario businesses and lead to the creation of jobs in the province. Through our focused programs and services, we support businesses of all sizes, encouraging workforce development and inclusive economic growth. This work is based on the belief that strong businesses are the foundation of a prosperous Ontario.

Niagara Region’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

On June 24, 2021, Regional Council adopted Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, 2021-2025.In collaboration with many partners, the Region's plan supports safe and healthy communities through a community-based approach to address root causes of social issues. The goal of the plan is to create a community where everyone: Is safe; Has a sense of belonging; Has access to services; Is able to meet their needs (either individually or as a family) for education, health care, food, housing, income and social and cultural expression.