Reopening Toolkit
Information compiled by Durham Region Health intended to provide guidance to businesses to prepare for safe reopening.
COVID-19 is significantly impacting your business.
The Durham Economic Task Force is here to help you navigate this crisis.
Safety and PPE
As Durham Region businesses prepare to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a need for personal protective equipment as required by Provincial guidelines for various sectors.
Downtowns of Durham
Support main street businesses now to help preserve our vibrant communities. Explore the downtown areas of Durham Region.
Local Food
An information resource to residents of Durham Region about where local food can be accessed, and to support our local agri-business community through promotion of their goods.
The Durham Region Economic Task Force
Durham Region economic organizations are working together to help businesses.
The Durham Economic Task Force is made up of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism team; all 8 Durham Region-area municipal economic development teams, Business Advisory Centre of Durham; and all of Durham’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. The members have also been engaging with other key stakeholders, such as local Business Improvement Associations.
The Durham Economic Task Force’s immediate priorities are to:
- Advocate for the urgent needs of our business community to the Provincial and Federal Governments.
- Provide resources and information about business supports available from various levels of government.
- Work with other levels of government and stakeholders to develop and implement support programming for business owners, affected employees, and their families, who are experiencing financial impacts as a result of COVID-19.
- Provide direct support to help guide businesses through the process of accessing emergency financial assistance and programming from all levels of government.
- Promote Durham small businesses that are still open, particularly the local food and agri-businesses who are offering safe, no-contact delivery and pick-up services.
Together, we are #DurhamStrong.
Business Recovery Webinars
Featured Upcoming Webinars:
Dec 4: Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade - Post Budget Q&A with Finance Minister Rod Phillips and Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy
Dec 4, Dec 9: Government of Canada - Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) question and answer sessions
Dec 9: Whitby Chamber - Protect, Support & Recover: Fall Budget 2020 with Minister Phillips and MPP Coe
Dec 10, Dec 17, Dec 24: Digital Main Street - Why Your Business Needs An Online Store - ShopHERE Powered By Google
Dec 10: Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Successfully Managing Your Workplace During a Global Pandemic
Dec 16: Oshawa Chamber - Women in Business Seminar
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
Nov 11: Durham Region announces Shop Durham Region Online Marketplace
Oct 1: Durham Region introduces free online ordering service
Aug 26: Free digital services are now available for Durham businesses through Digital Main Street
July 28: Updated instructions for all enclosed (indoor) public spaces regarding the use of non-medical masks and face coverings effective July 28
July 6: Wearing non-medical masks or face coverings will be required in commercial establishments in Durham Region as of July 10
June 4: Region joins ShopHERE; offers no-cost option for businesses to create digital presence
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
Nov 20: Ontario Taking Further Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Nov 6: Ontario Moves Public Health Unit Regions into COVID-19 Response Framework to Keep Ontario Safe and Open
Oct 13: Ontario Continues to Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic
Sept 17: Ontario Introduces Legislation to Freeze Residential Rent in 2021 - Proposed Bill Would Also Support Small Businesses by Extending the Ban on Commercial Evictions
July 31: Ontario Implementing Additional Measures at Bars and Restaurants to Help Limit the Spread of COVID-19
July 20: Ontario moving Durham Region to stage 3 reopening on Friday July 17
June 16: Ontario moving Durham Region to stage 2 reopening on Friday June 19
June 12: Ontario Protecting Agri-Food Workers during COVID-19
June 11: Ontario and Canada Helping Small Businesses Go Digital
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
Nov 5: Details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension
Nov 3: Minister Ng announces new measures to help Canadian small businesses access global markets amid COVID-19
Sept 9: Prime Minister announces support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners
May 25: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications
May 19: Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
May 11: Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save jobs
May 5: Prime Minister announces support for farmers, food businesses and food supply
>See all Federal updates
