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The provincial government has enacted a State of Emergency - Effective January 13, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.
Re-opening and Recovery Information for Businesses in Cambridge
The INVEST Cambridge team remains available to assist with all of your business questions while our office is closed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We will update this page with business related supports, programs and resources directed towards recovery to ensure local businesses receive timely information during this difficult time.
Our staff can be reached by email at invest@cambridge.ca or by phone at 519-740-4685.
For general City-related updates, please visit www.cambridge.ca/COVID19.
On This Page
Regional Mask By-law
At their meeting of Monday, July 6, 2020, Regional Council adopted two bylaws that require face coverings on transit and in indoor public settings such as shopping malls and retail shops, restaurants, museums, recreational facilities, and more. These by-laws take effect on Monday, July 13, 2020 and will be repealed on May 31, 2021 unless further extended by Regional Council.
Face coverings will be required in the following locations, with some exceptions:
- Buses, bus shelters, ION trains and ION platforms
- Stores and shopping malls
- Indoor areas of restaurants and bars, with the exception of patrons consuming food/drink
- Professional services such as counselling, personal care, funeral homes, repair and rental services
- Lobby areas of commercial buildings
- Hotels and motels, with the exception of rented rooms
- Laundromats
- Indoor areas of fitness centres, gyms and recreational and sports facilities
- Indoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas
- Arcades and other indoor amusement facilities
- Museums, galleries, historic sites, etc.
- Places of worship
- Municipal buildings
On March 25, Cambridge City Council approved the Economic Response Plan which includes a series of measures to support local residents, businesses, and workers during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the news release Cambridge City Council approves Economic Response Plan, dated March 25, 2020. More information on the Economic Response Plan initiatives and activities are detailed in staff report 20-146(CRE) approved by Council on June 16, 2020.
Patio and Outdoor Dining Permits
In response to the challenges faced by restaurant and bar owners due to COVID-19, the City of Cambridge is providing a streamlined process to accelerate approvals for new or expanded temporary outdoor private and sidewalk patios.
The streamlined Temporary Patio Program is in effect till March 31, 2021
Restaurants and bar owners need to apply for a patio permit allowing them to do business on a temporary outdoor private patio or on a City sidewalk. To apply, visit www.cambridge.ca/BusinessLicence and download and application form.
Interested in seeing what patios are now open? Check out our restaurants/patio map!
Small Business Centre
The Cambridge Small Business Centre has changed all of its seminars and consultations to online or by phone. Please connect with us for consultations at invest@cambridge.ca or by phone at 519-740-4685
Re-opening Ontario
Beginning on Monday, May 4, 2020, the province began to ease restrictions on retail establishments. Further announcements were made on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 and Thursday, May 15, 2020 to phase in additional establishments, allowing them to reopen to the public (please see the schedule below). These announcements were the first step in the province's framework for reopening Ontario.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2020 the provincial government introduced a new COVID-19 Response Framework, which introduces preventative measures earlier to help avoid broader closures and allow for additional public health and workplace safety measures to be introduced or removed incrementally. It categorizes public health unit regions into five levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control, and Lockdown being a measure of last and urgent resort. Each level outlines the types of public health and workplace safety measures for businesses and organizations. These include targeted measures for specific sectors, institutions and other settings.
As of Tuesday, November 24, 2020, impacted businesses may be eligible to apply for property tax and energy bill rebates. To see if your business would be eligible, please visit the Provincial Business Support website.
The provincial government has enacted a State of Emergency - Effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work. For more information on what this may mean for you or your business, please review the provincial "Enhancing Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures in the Provincewide Shutdown" document.
If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, please contact (855) 216-3090.
Monday, May 4, 2020 |
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Friday, May 8, 2020 |
Garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases, operating under the same guidelines as grocery stores and pharmacies. |
Saturday, May 9, 2020 |
Hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases. |
Monday, May 11, 2020 |
Retail stores with a street entrance can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in accordance with the Ministry of Health's Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and occupational health and safety requirements. |
Saturday, May 16, 2020 |
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Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Step 1 of the "Framework for re-opening our Province" begins |
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020 |
Healthcare providers outlined below are permitted to reopen once their respective regulatory bodies release guidelines to ensure high-quality and safe clinical care:
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Friday, June 12, 2020 Stage 2 of the "Framework for re-opening our Province" begins for Waterloo Region |
Ontario will be taking a regional approach to move into Stage 2. As directed by the province, each region will be permitted to enter Stage 2 when safe to do so as public health criteria outlined in the framework are met. Waterloo Region has been identified to begin to implement Stage 2 of the framework. While Stage 2 businesses and workplaces can open as soon as June 12, dates and approaches may vary based on each community's local needs and the ability of each business or service to meet workplace safety guidelines and public health advice. Please be patient while our businesses navigate the regulations and slowly reopen to the public. See below for a list of establishments that will be able to open under stage 2:
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Friday, July 17, 2020 Stage 3 of the "Framework for re-opening our Province" begins for Waterloo Region |
On Monday, July 13, 2020, the Ontario government announced that nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province's reopening framework in 24 health regions throughout Ontario, beginning on Friday, July 17. As part of the Stage 3 reopening, Ontario will be increasing gathering limits for those regions entering the next stage to the following:
Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals or open houses. A two metre distance must still be maintained at such events. The Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health experts and other officials have advised the following, high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
For more information on the restrictions that will remain in place during Stage 3, as well as the public health guidance necessary to keep the people of Ontario safe, visit Ontario.ca/reopen. |
Saturday, September 19, 2020 - Private Gathering Limit Rollback |
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted. |
Saturday, September 26, 2020 - New restrictions for Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs and Adult Entertainment Establishments |
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 26:
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Tuesday, November 3, 2020 - Introduction of new COVID-19 Response Framework |
The framework takes a gradual approach that includes introducing preventative measures earlier to help avoid broader closures and allow for additional public health and workplace safety measures to be introduced or removed incrementally. It categorizes public health unit regions into five levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control, and Lockdown being a measure of last and urgent resort. Each level outlines the types of public health and workplace safety measures for businesses and organizations. These include targeted measures for specific sectors, institutions and other settings. |
Monday, December 21, 2020 - Ontario Announces Provincewide Shutdown |
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a Provincewide Shutdown. Additional restrictions will be put into place and reinforce that Ontarians should stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. The Provincewide Shutdown will go into effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. |
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - Ontario Declares Second State of Emergency/Stay at Home Order |
The provincial government has enacted a State of Emergency - Effective January 13, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work. This order and other new and existing public health restrictions are aimed at limiting people's mobility and reducing the number of daily contacts with those outside an immediate household. In addition to limiting outings to essential trips, all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home. The government will enact the following additional public health measures:
For more information on this order and how it may affect you or your business, please visit the provincial website at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ |
Important Resources for Businesses as they Re-open
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace | ||||||||||||
The province has developed numerous resources and information to provide sector specific guidance for keeping employees and workplaces healthy and safe. The province has also developed a guide for employers looking to develop workplace safety plans. Whether you are currently operating or planning for your workers to return to work, the guide will help you develop a plan to work safely. It will help prepare you to put controls into place to make the workplace safer for everyone. You can also view a restaurant specific guide on Updates and resources for food service operators. |
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Building considerations and water flushing | ||||||||||||
The City of Cambridge Public Works department would like to advise businesses that might be re-opening after an extended closure to flush their water lines before re-opening. Resources on how to prepare your building for re-occupancy and important steps for reopening your building water supply are available. | ||||||||||||
Personal protective equipment | ||||||||||||
If your business requires personal protective equipment (PPE), the Province of Ontario has developed a directory of Workplace PPE Suppliers. If your business is a manufacturer or supplier of PPE, you may apply to have your business listed in this directory. Listing of local businesses supplying PPE:
To have your business added to this listing, please contact our staff at invest@cambridge.ca. |
Ontario Made Program |
Ontario Made is a celebration of Ontario Manufacturing led by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Manufacturers are encouraged to add their Ontario Made products to the searchable website and receive a digital Ontario Made logo to promote the very best that the province has to offer. Please visit the Ontario Made website for further details on how to participate and support Ontario manufacturers. |
** For a comprehensive listing of industries and their status for reopening, please visit the provincial essential businesses website or review O. Reg. 82/20: Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses in full.
Business Support Links
We know these challenging times are causing concern and anxiety for many people, especially small business owners. We hope to continue to support you during this difficult period. Please see below financial resources and information.
Financial Resources
Government of Canada (updated October, 2020) |
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses (updated October, 2020) - this plan includes:
** Please note - this is a list of the programs staff receive the most inquiries regarding. For a comprehensive list of all available programs and supports, please visit the federal economic response plan website. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses |
Government of Ontario |
Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Reopening Ontario after COVID-19 - Reopening the province will be gradual and occur in stages, allowing health officials to assess conditions prior to progressing to the next stage (released April 27, 2020). The New Ontario Small Business Support Grant - The government is announcing the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to help small business owners during this challenging period.
Small businesses required to close or restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown will be able to apply for this one-time grant. Each small business will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business. For example, some businesses will need support paying employee wages or rent, while others will need support maintaining their inventory. (announced December 21, 2020) COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers - The province has launched a portal to allow businesses to request temporary changes in rules and regulations in an effort to remove barriers that are hindering business and negatively impacting Ontario's supply chain. Businesses working to retool their operations to produce health-related products, or those that want to continue their operations in this new environment of physical distancing, can submit any potential roadblocks to the website (announced April 28, 2020) Workplace Health and Safety Resources - Ontario is releasing safety guidelines to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy. Sector guidelines contain recommendations and tips for employers on how to keep workers safe on the job. Eligible businesses are able to claim grants of up to $1,000 to cover the unexpected costs relating to the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To see if your business is eligible and to apply for a PPE grant, please visit the provincial business support webpage. Waterloo Region entered the Control stage of the provincial framework on Monday, November 23, 2020 and in recognition of the hardships this places on certain industries, eligible businesses will be able to apply to the province for rebates on
** Please note - this is a list of the programs staff receive the most inquiries regarding. For a comprehensive list of all available programs and supports, please visit the provincial economic response plan website. |
Digital Main Street Program |
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is helping small businesses reach more customers through the Digital Main Street platform. It is a $57-million program which will help up to 22,900 Ontario businesses create and enhance their online presence and generate jobs for more than 1,400 students. Through the $57-million contribution to the Digital Main Street platform, businesses will be able to take advantage of three new programs to support their digital transformation:
For more information regarding these grants, please visit Digital Main Street. |
FedDev Ontario |
COVID-19 Collaboration Platform FedDev Economic Development Newsletter and Resources Regional Relief and Recovery Fund - Priority may be given to SMEs in the manufacturing, technology, tourism and other sectors key to the region, that are major employers in small communities or that support the government’s commitment to underrepresented groups. |
Business Development Bank of Canada |
Financial Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by Coronavirus Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs Webinar: How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business |
Business Support Information
Region of Waterloo |
The Region of Waterloo, all seven area municipalities, Waterloo EDC (Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation) the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Communitech, and local partners have created the Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (BESTWR) to help all types of local businesses cope with challenges caused by COVID-19. |
Ontario Ministry of Health |
Stats and Self Assessment Tool Guidelines for Food Premises COVID-19 (released March 20, 2020) Guidelines for Personal Service Settings Covid-19 (released March 20, 2020) |
Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce |
Chamber Business Ready - This project was founded through the teamwork of the BESTWR. As the Ontario government has begun easing up on some restrictions and businesses are starting to re-open, this new training platform, Chamber Business Ready, has been pre-loaded with training to keep you up to date on the Region’s guidelines. You can expect to find the latest training content such as hand hygiene for office and frontline workers, how to protect yourself from viruses, mental health resources, and tips for working from home. New content will continually be added and updated as guidelines change. Ask the Expert! - Held online every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3 p.m., Ask the Expert provides business operators the opportunity to receive free advice and guidance from a variety of professionals surrounding issues they may be having trying to steer their way through Federal and Provincial support programs. Ask the Expert is produced in collaboration between the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Check (powered by Axonify). |
Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin |
The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (WPB) leads local workforce development by identifying local labour market needs/trends/priorities and working with the community to develop action plans to address these issues. In response to the COVID crisis and the large increase in people looking for work, the WPB has implemented an early launch of their new local job portal - https://www.findyourjob.ca/. |
Waterloo Economic Development Corporation (Waterloo EDC) |
Waterloo EDC has developed a Recovery and reopening webinar series, reviewing topics such as: General Overview, Manufacturing Sector, Small to Medium Sized Businesses, Loan Programs, and Workforce and Labour Considerations. |
For general City-related updates, please visit www.cambridge.ca/covid19.
** Please note: these programs are constantly evolving, and staff will attempt to update this page as changes occur. The best source of information for all available government supports is each level of government's COVID-19 response plan. Please report any broken links to invest@cambridge.ca.
#DineFromHome
Restaurants are considered an essential business and many in Cambridge remain available for take out/delivery orders. Consider supporting our businesses and ordering from one of our local establishments or trying a new restaurant!
Patios across Waterloo Region are now open! Visit the map to discover a new restaurant, or or see if your favourites are offering patio service! Let's work together to support our local restaurants!
Please contact us at invest@cambridge.ca if you experience issues with our map.
Take Out Tips: Staying safe while you #DineAtHome
Experts agree that takeout/delivery items from restaurants are generally considered to be a safe food option. However, following these precautions can help ensure a healthy dining experience:
- Double Check. Before ordering any services, residents should double-check with the business that Public Health requirements are in place in terms of safety protocols and social distancing measures.
- Remove the packaging: Use your own dishes and cutlery to eat from, disposing of all paper and food containers.
- Wash your hands: After handling food packaging, be sure to wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds prior to eating.
- Practice physical distancing: For takeout experiences, ensure you maintain physical distancing by waiting for an order in your car or using the drive thru. For delivery, designate a space outside your front door for the driver to leave the order. Pay electronically where possible, and use your own pen if signature is required, or tap is not an option.
- Avoid peak hours: By ordering earlier or later than usual, your food may be ready more quickly and it could be easier to observe physical distancing recommendations.
- If you are sick, stay home: We all need to do our part to keep our communities healthy.
Disclaimer: Please note this is not an exhaustive list of services currently provided within Cambridge, Ontario. It is intended for information purposes only, and does not endorse any of the listed businesses.