Thunder Bay District COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

Survey seeks data on Thunder Bay regional business’ unique struggles with COVID-19 to inform government interventions and supports

To ensure the unique circumstances of Thunder Bay District businesses are considered in government planning, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is working together with the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, the Thunder Bay CEDC and Northern Policy Institute to conduct a monthly business impact survey that will assess the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on businesses operating in the region until September 2020.

The 5-minute survey will be repeated each month through September in communities across the region. We strongly encourage respondents to participate in the survey each month. Participants returning regularly will allow for information to show how the effects of COVID-19 evolve over time for businesses.

The information gathered will inform advocacy work that helps shape federal, provincial and municipal government policies, ensuring Thunder Bay’s needs are identified and considered. It may also be used by community partners as a way of identifying workforce and business needs and developing supports unique to the region.

“We need to know what our businesses need – now, and as time progresses,” said Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. “In our role as business advocates we want to help the government develop supports that make sense for our region’s specific needs. To be effective, we need businesses of all sizes to tell us what those needs are as they are evolving.”

Madge Richardson, Executive Director of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, says their interest is in preparing the workforce to meet the ‘new normal’. “The information we collect through this survey will help develop programs that bridge gaps between the emerging needs of employers and the existing workforce,” she said. “We’re looking to employers to help us anticipate their labour requirements and be ready to meet them.”
The survey is open to businesses of all sizes and can be found at: https://bit.ly/2VQTD5d

Ontario Energy Board COVID-19 Update – Time of Use Pricing

New electricity pricing for TOU customers begins June 1, 2020
To support families, small businesses and farms while Ontario plans for the safe and gradual reopening of the province, the Government of Ontario has introduced a new fixed electricity price of 12.8 ¢/kWh for customers that are on time-of-use (TOU) prices. Starting June 1, 2020, that price applies to electricity used at all hours of the day, seven days a week. Having the same price apply at all hours of the day is a more predictable way to pay for power at a time when Ontarians continue to work and learn from home.
For more information, visit the Ontario Energy Board website.

O’Connor Community Centre Blessing Box

The "Blessing Box" is a community pantry operated by Giant Hearts. In tough times such as these, what better way to show your community that you care than by donating an item or two to the blessing box. The Blessing Box needs your donations more than ever now. The blessing box is being filled at least once a week, but could really use everyone’s help in keeping it stocked. If you are able to donate, please contact Shelley at 629-2851. It would really help our neighbours that are truly in need of getting food. We are looking for non-perishable foods to supply the box (canned veggies and fruit, peanut butter and cereals). Please take items if you are unable to get to the grocery store, but also try to give back when you’re able. We’re all in this situation together. Everyone is welcome to donate supplies and take items as needed. The Blessing Box can be found outside of the O’Connor Community Centre at 330 Highway 595.

THANK YOU! Thank you to the O'Connor Free Methodist Church for their generous donation towards the Blessing Box.  Their generous donation of funds will help to purchase supplies to support the residents of the O'Connor community.

PLEASE NOTE: As this is a community pantry, it is being used by many others. Please take full precautions as you would anywhere else. Wipe down and sanitize items as you take them. Sanitize your hands before and after using the box and wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.

Diabetes Canada

With the reopening of some retail and thrift stores across the country, we hope to resume some clothing collection operations in the coming weeks. Our opening plans will coincide with the plans of our thrift partner, Value Village, and their requirements. The net proceeds generated through the sale of donated items to our partner are directed to Diabetes Canada for critical research to help End diabetes.
We will continue to follow provincial health and safety guidelines and we're working diligently on our safety and social distancing procedures to ensure the safety of our staff and donors.
We appreciate your patience and continued support during this unprecedented time. We kindly ask that you hold on to the clothing or small household items that you intend to donate until we resume operations. Thank you for choosing Diabetes Canada.
As we re-open we will notify our generous partners and donors, so please stay tuned and check back at declutter.diabetes.ca/

O’Connor Community Centre Blessing Box

Ashlee Burton of Giant Hearts Thunder Bay with fellow volunteers, Eric Klages and Darcy Penasie, came out on November 4th to install their 15th blessing box at the O’Connor Community Centre.

The "Blessing Box" is a community pantry.  It is open for anyone struggling with food insecurity and everyone is welcome to donate supplies. Giant Hearts are looking for non-perishable foods, hygiene products and baby items as supplies for the box.

Thank you to Shelley Thorne, O’Connor resident, for arranging the placement of O’Connor’s Blessing Box.

Lake Superior Scottish Regiment

On September 21st, Mayor Jim Vezina attended a Memorial Dedication, located at Current River Park, for the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR) to honour the 52nd (New  Ontario) Batallion.  Please note that on the monument are names of residents from the Township of O’Connor. Please click on the links below to see pictures and watch videos of the  dedication and why this memorial was built.

Picture #1

Video #1

Video #2

Clean Water Waste Water Fund (CWWF)

The Township of O’Connor was fortunate this year to receive funding from the Clean Water Wastewater Fund (CWWF), through both the   Federal and Provincial governments, to replace several road culverts throughout the Township.  This fund covers 50% of the total cost of the  project.

To cover the Township’s share of the project we will also be using funds from the Federal Gas Tax Fund (FGT) and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) to change approximately 60 culverts in our road system.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has developed communications material to promote awareness of the change to income thresholds under Seniors Co-Pay Program (SCP) and encourage eligible seniors to apply.

Updated income thresholds:

• Single senior - an income of less than or equal to $19,300; or
• Senior couple - a combined income of less than or equal to $32,000.

Patient benefits:

Eligible seniors:

• Can save an average of $130 per year in out-of-pocket drug costs
• Pay no annual deductible and a co-payment of up to $2 for each prescription.

To find out more go to Ontario.ca/SeniorDrugSavings

NorWest Community Health Centres – Mobile Health Services

New Hours for the Norwest Community Health Centres - Mobile Health Services

Please note:  The New Hours for the Thursday Clinics at the O'Connor Community Centre - 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clinics are every second Thursday at the O'Connor Community Centre - 330 Highway 595.  They are also here on the third Wednesday of the month by appointment only. See events calendar for dates.  For more information or to make an appointment please call 626-8474.

A video produced by the Canadian Institute for Health Innovation and funded by the Ontario Government was filmed in the Township of O'Connor and surrounding area.  This video details the need for their mobile service and the services they do provide.  To view this video please click on this link.  Password is "thunderbay".

Service Ontario Launches Not-For-Profit  

Service Ontario has launched a new section for not-for-profits in Ontario making it faster and easier for organizations to get the services and information they need to start, operate and grow their NFPs.

The new site features information on government open call programs for funding, ideas on how to start and manage a not-for-profit organization, a section to help organizations understand the laws that affect the sector, research about the sector, government initiatives that support the sector, and much more.

Please follow the link to visit this new resource: www.ServiceOntario.ca/NotForProfits