COVID-19: UrbanToronto Updates from the Industry for June 30, 2021: Vaughan is open for business

Urbantoronto.ca
July 2, 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having far-reaching effects in Toronto, including major impacts on the real estate and building industries. As a means to keep the public in the loop about the shutdowns, we'll be sharing information and status updates from around the industry on a regular basis.

In today's report: Vaughan is open for business

Vaughan is open for business! Today, York Region -- and Vaughan -- moves into Step 2 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening. This means there will be many more opportunities to support the local economy in the days and weeks ahead. The following is now permitted:

• Essential retail capacity increased to 50 per cent (including discount and big box)
• Non-essential retail at 25 per cent capacity
• Including indoor shopping in shopping malls, with some restrictions
• Outdoor dining for up to six people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions
• Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times
• Outdoor meeting and event spaces
• Outdoor amusement and water parks
• Outdoor sports games, leagues and events with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity
• Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity
• Overnight camps

Here are some ways the City is supporting businesses as they reopen and welcome customers back through their doors.

Outdoor dining

Businesses can begin the dining patio expansion process by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application. Establishments with a valid business licence with a patio endorsement from 2020 do not need to reapply.

If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, the following steps must be followed:

• Limit the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time to ensure required distancing is maintained at all times
• Ensure there is enough space between tables to allow for movement and a minimum of two metres between patrons who are seated is maintained
• If outdoor portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
• ensure the heater is officially certified with CSA Group/ULC Standards.
• designate the heater for outdoor use only.
• have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater.
• install the heater on a non-combustible solid surface, and avoid setting up on grass, uneven walkways or under fire escapes.
• follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel if using a propane or other fueled heating appliance.
• In accordance with Ontario regulations, patios cannot be enclosed. However, they can be covered with the use of an awning or tent. If covering a patio area, here are some guidelines:
• At least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open. These open patio sides must also not be substantially blocked by a physical barrier.
• Building permits are not required for tents covering less than 60 square metres of combined floor area and are not attached to a building.

Reporting violations

All outdoor dining and patio inquiries should be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All violations reported through the City’s contact centre will be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation.

Increasing consumer confidence

Vaughan businesses can assure local customers and future travellers that they can safely dine and shop in Vaughan through two consumer confidence identifiers: the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp. These nationally and internationally recognized identifiers provide businesses with a visual cue to show customers that it is working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public-health measures and support a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department, inclusive of Tourism Vaughan Corporation.

How business can apply:

Make the POST Promise -- a self-declaration for any type of business through a national not-for-profit corporation built specifically for this effort. Taking the POST Promise is a pre-requisite for the Safe Travels Stamp and the Vaughan Safe Travels Toolkit.
Apply for the Safe Travels Stamp and Vaughan Toolkit -- an internationally recognized program through the World Travel and Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for tourism businesses, including restaurants. To apply, complete the Safe Travels Stamp application form (PDF) and email it to info@tiaontario.ca with your POST Promise certificate, and copy tourism@vaughan.ca to receive the Safe Travels Vaughan Toolkit. This includes marketing assets to share the stamp on a business website, social media, e-newsletter and things like counter signs and window decals, shipped free of charge.
For more information and to apply, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/ConsumerConfidence. To learn more about what is open in Vaughan during Step 2, read Tourism Vaughan’s blog post.

#DineVaughanLocal

The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining out safely, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.

Open for Business

While the City continues to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of citizens and staff remains the priority. During this challenging time, the City has developed an online list of local businesses that are open and available at vaughan.ca/OpenForBusiness. Vaughan businesses wishing to list their services may submit an application for review. 

Small business and entrepreneurship

The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department offers support for local businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages. Within the department, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Unit operates the Small Business Enterprise Centre and fosters innovation. The team provides one-stop services for Vaughan’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business in Vaughan. They also help innovators take new ideas from conception to market by offering local commercialization support and access to a robust innovation ecosystem. Learn more about resources available at vaughanbusiness.ca.

Business advisory services

The City offers advice to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic and Cultural Development team continues to provide one-on-one consultation services via tele- or video-conferencing. To learn more visit vaughanbusiness.ca.