ATTENTION PICKLE LAKE HOME BAKERS AND FOOD MAKERS
EXCITING NEWS ABOUT SELLING HOME BASED FOODS
Ministry of Health A Guide to Starting a Home-based Food Business (December 2020) This is a step-by-step guide to starting a home-based food business. It also provides you with a brief overview of public health requirements. Starting a Home-based Food Business Step 1: Deciding what food you want to sell. Home-based food businesses (e.g. private chefs, farmer’s market vendors) are allowed to sell food in keeping with the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and the Food Premises Regulation. Changes to the Food Premises Regulation that took effect on January 1, 2020 makes it easier for individuals and businesses to sell low-risk, home-prepared foods. What Are Low-Risk Food Items? Low-risk food items are generally considered non-hazardous and do not require time and temperature control. Some examples of low-risk foods include: • Most breads and buns (without meat, cream filling, etc.); • Most baked goods (with no custard); • Chocolate, hard candies and brittles; • Fudge and toffees; • Pickles, jams and preserves; • Granola, trail mix, nuts and seeds; • Cakes (icing that doesn’t require refrigeration), brownies, muffins and cookies. • Coffee beans and tea leaves; Step 2: Application process You are required to contact your local public health unit where your home-based food business will be located to let them know you are a new food operator by completing an application form, which is often located on the public health unit’s website. Your local public health unit and its staff will provide guidance on food safety measures to consider depending on the food you are planning to prepare (i.e., food preparation activities, safe operational practices, etc.) Ministry of Health | Page 2 Step 3: Review public health requirements All food premises, including home-based food businesses, are subject to the requirements of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), the Food Premises Regulation and periodic inspection by inspectors from their local public health unit. Please note: Home-based food businesses that prepare only low-risk foods are exempt from certain regulatory requirements, such as: • Specified handwashing stations in food premises; • Compliance with commercial dishwashing requirements; and • Food handling training certification. For more information on compliance with the Food Premises Regulation, you can review the following Ministry of Health resource for the full list of public health requirements and best practices to help guide you: Food Premises Reference Document. For additional helpful resources to assist with food labelling, declaring allergens and food safety measures, please review the Reference Document for Safe Food Donation and Food Donation Supplemental Materials. These documents offer information about the recent regulatory changes and best practices. Step 4: Open your business!
Essential Information:
What: Learn how to operate your own Etsy shop, add items to sell, drive traffic to your site, tips and tricks, and expand your small business. This workshop is designed for Etsy beginners or those wishing to learn the latest trends.
IF YOU MISSED THIS SESSION CONTACT LYNN COX EDO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SELLING ON ETSY
ANNOUNCED TODAY – JANUARY 21, 2021
****NEW SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS – GRANT AVAILABLE****
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant – The new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which will help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the new Province-wide Shutdown
- Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) providing up to $1,000 for PPE costs to eligible small businesses across Ontario with 2 to 9 employees.
- Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants for businesses that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures (modified Stage 2 restrictions or, going forward, in areas categorized as control, Lockdown or Provincewide Shutdown). This provincial application-based grant provides a rebate to eligible businesses in respect of property taxes and energy bills.
CHECK OUT THE LINK ABOVE TO FIND OUT IF YOUR BUSINESS IS ELIGIBLE
Questions? Greg Rickford MPP is offering assistance with accessing these programs. Website
https://www.gregrickfordmpp.ca
NOTO has provided a comprehensive guide for businesses offering meal and accommodation services. To download click the link below.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/develop-your-covid-19-workplace-safety-plan
For access to all the Destination Northern Ontario Webinars go to:
Check in here regularly to access information that will assist you with your current business or if you are looking to establish or purchase a business in Pickle Lake.
LOAN PROGRAM FOR COVID AFFECTED BUSINESSES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE OTHER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH PACE
Please see the below funding announcement. Interested businesses can contact PACE’s Business Development Coordinator, Noreen Cox at noreenc@pace-cf.on.ca or by visiting https://www.pace-cf.on.ca/contact
To be eligible for PACE’s stream, businesses will need to have been established and viable prior to March 1, 2020. They will need to demonstrate that they have been impacted by COVID-19. Businesses will need to have fewer than 500 employees, annual sales revenue of less than $20 million, and provide goods and services for the market economy. Businesses will also need to have attempted to access other COVID-19 relief measures like CEBA, AFI, etc.
The RRRF loans offered will include the following terms:
- 0% interest until December 31, 2022.
- No principal payments until December 31, 2022.
- Principal repayments can be voluntarily made at any time.
- 25% up to a maximum of $10,000 in loan forgiveness is available, provided the outstanding balance is paid back by December 31, 2022.
- If any part of the balance is not paid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a term loan at up to 5% annual interest. Effective January 1, 2023.
- The full balance must be repaid no later than December 31, 2025.
- No security will be required.
DESTINATION NORTHERN ONTARIO WEBINAR SERIES
The following Link will take you to Destination Northern Ontario’s Webinar Channel where you will find a rich resource of information generated from their Adapt 2020 series. While mostly relating to Covid-19, there are a number of sessions that are applicable to ongoing operation (exclusive of the challenges arising from the pandemic).
https://www.gotostage.com/channel/adapt2020
The New Normal way of Operating – Dealing with Cleanliness and Distancing in your Business for the long term.
I recommend all business owners watch this webinar to ensure they are complying with regulations and meeting staff and customer’s needs for meeting safety requirements.
Succession Planning – Are you a Buyer or a Seller? Even if you plan to retire of sell “someday”, I highly recommend you watch this webinar and begin your succession plan. Lots of resources are outlined to assist both buyer and seller to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Revitalized in 2021
CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Interested in our community? Willing to participate and provide input and direction to the Economic Development Office? Please let us know about yourself and your interests.
Application requirements to sit as a Community Economic Development Committee member for the Township of Pickle Lake.
To formally apply for a position on the committee please submit the following to the Township office:
- A resume describing past experience and involvement with community and/or economic development, for both professional/employment and volunteer involvement. Please include full contact information.
- A cover letter outlining your interest in being a part of the committee, your commitment to attend meetings and to provide positive input to the group and your willingness to meet the mandate of the Terms of Reference for the CEDC (see attached Terms of Reference).
Applicants must also:
- Be prepared to sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Be prepared to represent the Township of Pickle Lake at various information meetings as required.
- Work toward the greater good of the community by working with other members and Council and Township staff to arrive at the most effective and worthwhile recommendations.
- Be willing and able to attend on-line zoom meetings and in person meetings at least once a month and as required. In person meetings will occur when current pandemic restrictions are lifted.
- Be governed by the Municipal Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and other applicable legislation and the CEDC Terms of Reference, Municipal Policies and procedures.
Committee members are appointed by Mayor and Council as is the Chair of the committee. We invite the applicants not selected to sit on the committee to participate in the open house information sessions scheduled for various projects.
Thank you very much for your dedication and interest!
PACE is offering to reimburse expenses that small businesses have incurred as a result of meeting COVID-19 requirements. Claims may be made up to $500 per business when copies of receipts are supplied. Below is the application form to use when making a claim. Deadline is September 1st so apply now before funding availability is gone!
April 17, 2020
The Township of Pickle Lake Economic Development Office
Greetings to the Citizens of Pickle Lake, residents, entrepreneurs, business owners, employees, service workers and a warm welcome to the visitors and temporary and re-located employees and businesses working in and around the Pickle Lake area.
Your Economic Development Office’s mandate is “…focused on inspiring economic growth and fostering collaborative partnership for our community. Located in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, we are a key shipment point for goods and services moving between northern communities and southern city centers. With the expansion of hydro transmission through Pickle Lake and the increase in mining exploration and development, our future is brimming with commercial prospects. Our strategic location and lifestyle opportunities for outdoor enjoyment in combination with professional support in a safe and spirited community are among the many reasons to build and grown your business in Pickle Lake.”
This mandate was written at the outset of the establishment of the office in 2016 and it still remains relevant even during this unprecedented time of global change facing all of us due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak.
As you are aware, the Federal and Provincial governments have rolled out a number of programs to assist businesses overcome challenges as a result of closure, shutdown and reduction of revenue.
The following pages provide links to the various programs available depending on individual circumstances. The information is admittedly overwhelming but there are ways to connect to various people who are in place to assist you with accessing these programs and to provide information and guidance.
As the newly reinstated Economic Development Officer for the Township, I am available by email or cell phone. My start coincided with the pandemic outbreak, so I too, am still learning and reading and investigating, so I will do my best to help you or to provide direction to an office and individual who may be able to assist you with your application for assistance and funding.
Please keep in touch with this webpage for updates. I will be tracking down as many emails as possible for mass email updates as they become available and as I learn more about these programs. Feel free to send an email to me directly with the following in the subject line “Please add me to your EDO email list”.
So until this period of uncertainty, concern and challenge has subsided, I wish you and your family and circle of friends the smoothest sailing possible over the choppy waters that face us all. The people of Pickle Lake have a heart of gold and during the toughest times is when this gold shines brightest.
My contact information is as follows: lcox@picklelake.com and my cell is (807) 474-9461. Of note – I am in BC right now in the pacific-time zone which is 2 hours behind Pickle Lake.
Warm regards,
Lynn Cox
Economic Development Officer – Township of Pickle Lake
ALL BUSINESSES NOTE: PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY IN EFFECT
The Medical Officer of Health has instructed all businesses and organizations in the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) area to adopt a policy that requires all members of the public and employees who enter or remain in an enclosed public space to wear a mask or face covering. This policy will be effective Monday August 17, 2020 at 12:01 am.
From: Allyson Pele <apele@kenora.ca>
Date: August 10, 2020 at 10:26:14 AM PDT
Cc: Megan Dokuchie <mdokuchie@kenora.ca>
Subject: FW: Resources from NWHU to support businesses in meeting the new mandatory mask requirements
Good afternoon REDO group,
Please see the information below from the Northwestern Health Unit in regards to masks. Kindly forward onto your contacts. I am also hosting a Business Conversations session for businesses with the NWHU on August 13 at 9am specifically related to the mask policy. See below for registration details and encourage the businesses you are working with to register.
NWBC Business Conversations: Northwestern Health Unit
· Date: Thursday, August 13
· Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
· Details: This time around we will be welcoming the Northwestern Health Unit. Paige Moreth, a Health Promoter will review and explain the mandatory mask use and COVID-19 for businesses. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
· Register here: https://nwbcbusinessconversations.eventbrite.ca
Thanks!
Allyson
Allyson Pele
Manager, Northwest Business Centre
807-467-4643
Hello
First, I apologize if you receive this email more than once; several NWHU staff are forwarding this email to our local contacts to support them to comply with the new mandatory mask requirements.
As you probably know, the Medical Officer of Health has instructed all businesses and organizations in the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) area to adopt a policy that requires all members of the public and employees who enter or remain in an enclosed public space to wear a mask or face covering. This policy will be effective Monday August 17, 2020 at 12:01 am.
NWHU has created resources that are now available on its website to support businesses and organizations to meet this new requirement. These include:
· The Letter of Instruction from the Medical Officer of Health that outlines the background and requirements;
· A sample policy that businesses and organizations can use to develop their own policy; and
· Signage that can be printed and posted.
We’re sharing these materials with you now so that you can print them out and use them as needed to comply with the new requirements. If you do not have access to a printer, you can get copies of these materials at your local health unit office.
The website also includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for businesses and organizations, as well as for the general public. The website materials will be updated regularly as new materials are developed.
If you have any questions or comments about the mandatory mask policy requirement, please contact us at talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.
Thank you for the significant amount of work you have had to do, and will do, to adapt your business and organizational practices to keep your workers and the public safe and, by doing so, helping to keep our communities safe.
Paige Moreth
Health Promoter
Northwestern Health Unit
210 First Street North
Kenora, ON P9N 2K4
(807) 468-3147 , ext. 301250
www.nwhu.on.ca
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