COVID-19 Update for May 6, 2020 – 2:15pm
Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the province is moving forward with “cautious optimism” and will be gradually reopening additional businesses and allowing for additional construction. The government also announced earlier in the day that the electricity rate relief program is being continued until the end of May.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not hold his daily briefing today as he attended the repatriation ceremony for the six Canadian soldiers who were killed in a helicopter crash last week off the coast of Greece.
Additional Businesses Allowed to Reopen
The government is allowing certain businesses to reopen with a measured approach over the next number of days. Nurseries and garden centres will be allowed to open as of Friday, and hardware stores and safety supply stores will be allowed to re-open their doors the following day. In additional, retail stores with street-level access will be allowed to provide curbside pick-up beginning on Monday, May 11.
The Premier was also asked about when restaurants will be able to re-open and responded, “Hopefully sooner than later.” Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli noted that restaurants should visit Ontario.ca for guidance on preparing for a safe re-opening.
Essential Construction Expanded
The government is also expanding essential construction to allow below-grade, multi-unit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums to begin and existing above-grade projects to continue.
You can read the government’s full news release here.
Electricity Rate Relief Extended
According to a news release posted this morning, the Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief during the COVID-19 outbreak to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020. Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team