The Milton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Milton and Milton Economic Development are closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19, as well as its impacts on Milton business.

As business owners, employers, employees, and citizens, we recognize that this rapidly changing situation with COVID-19 is causing worry and concern.

To support you through this uncertainty, we have gathered and prepared several resources that you can navigate through these challenging times. We will be updating this page as more information becomes available.

Monitor COVID-19
Business Support for COVID-19

Toolkits and Templates

Webinars

BDC: How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business

Recent Updates

AS OF March 25, 2020: The Provincial Government launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to support Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Full details here.

AS OF March 24, 2020: Milton Mayor Gord Krantz Declares State of Emergency for Town Amid COVID-19. Mayor Gordon Krantz, with the support of Milton Council and the Town’s Crisis Management Team has officially declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Milton. This declaration supports Halton Region and the Province of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and on-going measures to “flatten the curve”. Full details here.

The Provincial Government announced immediate electricity rate relief

  • For a 45-day period, the government is holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 ¢/kWh no matter what time of day the electricity is consumed
  • Time-of-use customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates
  • The pricing applies automatically – no customer action is required.
  • Some customers may receive a bill before their utility or unit sub-meter provider is able to implement the price change, in which case they will receive a credit on the following bill.

AS OF March 23, 2020: the provincial government announced it is ordering the closure of all non-essential businesses in the province to help deal with the spread of COVID-19.

  • The order will be effective Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. and will be in place for at least 14 days.
  • The province will release the list of businesses that will be allowed to stay open on Tuesday.
  • Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt. Essential services may continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.
  • A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.

AS OF March 21, 2020: the provincial government set up a website for businesses that can help Ontario during this crisis. Please visit ontario.ca/OntarioTogether.

AS OF March 18, 2020: The Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. Full details here.

AS OF March 18, 2020: Canada’s big six banks announced they will allow mortgage payment deferrals for up to six months as part of extraordinary measures to help customers struggling with the financial impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Effective immediately, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID-19; childcare disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID-19. Full details here.

AS OF March 17, 2020: the Government of Ontario announced that it is declaring an emergency effective immediately. As a result of this declaration, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:

  • All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
  • All public libraries;
  • All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
  • All licensed child care centres;
  • All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
  • All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
  • Concert venues

Further, all organized public events of over 50 people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. Continued operation of workplaces that employ more than 50 people is not prohibited.

These orders will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.

AS OF March 16, 2020: only four Canadian airports will accept international travelers: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Please note that these restrictions will not apply to trade or commerce. Canadians who are overseas have been asked to return home while commercial travel is still available. All travelers returning to Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. Canadians are also advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Support Milton Restaurants

During this period of uncertainty, we ask you to consider supporting our local restaurants. Whether this is ordering a meal or purchasing gift cards to be used at a later date, your help is truly appreciated.

Click here for a list of local restaurants, hours, and how to get food from them.

Milton Chamber of Commerce