COVID-19 Business Information
The Economic Development department remains committed to working closely with local businesses and partners to support economic recovery in Oakville.
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Halton Regional Council Adopts Mask By-Law
On Wednesday, July 15, Halton Region passed a temporary by-law for the mandatory use of masks. Effective July 22, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is mandatory in certain enclosed indoor public places in Halton region. Some individuals are exempt. Please be kind and support each other. The by-law is in effect until November 30, 2020, unless extended by Regional Council. For more information, visit Halton Region.
Owners/operators of public places are required to:
- Create a mask policy for the establishment.
- Communicate the mask policy to employees, customers and patrons and have it readily available.
- Train staff on the Regional by-law and your policy, including applicable exemptions.
- Ensure that all employees, volunteers or patrons wear a mask indoors, unless exempt.
- Post signage at all entrances and other high visibility areas. Download and print the general use poster, exemptions poster or create a sign containing the text from the FAQs for business.
Oakville's Economic Task Force
Mayor Burton, along with the Economic Development department, Oakville Chamber of Commerce, Visit Oakville, and Oakville Business Improvement Associations have formed an Economic Task Force. The Task Force is working in collaboration to provide immediate short-term relief measures to the business community, as well as explore options to support Oakville's long-term economic recovery.
On May 25, 2020, Town Council unanimously passed a motion to implement the Commercial Recovery Initiative that will permit commercial services outdoors, including expanded patio service when the Provincial order is lifted; along with other measures to help local businesses.
2020 patio applications
Through the Commercial Recovery Initiative, a new patio program has been launched for 2020.
What’s new for 2020
- Town lands, such as sidewalks and parking spaces and will be available in 2020 for patios subject to permitting requirements.
- Opportunities for new or extended patios on private property with temporary exemptions from required parking.
- Application fees related to processing permits have been waived for 2020.
- Municipal information and documentation required by the AGCO can be processed at the same time, if applicable.
To apply for the 2020 patio program, visit the town's patio application page.
Halton Region Public Health Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions: Reopening of Restaurants and Patios
On March 26, 2020, Town Council passed an Economic Action Plan for Oakville. The plan was developed by the Economic Task Force to help address immediate concerns voiced by the Oakville business community.
Property tax assistance
- Tax installments due dates deferred to August and October.
- Penalty and interest for non-payment, and non-sufficient funds charges for returned payment will be waived until December 31, 2020.
- Pre-authorized payment plans: Property owners must contact finance@oakville.ca by the 15th of the month to opt-out before payment is set to withdraw.
Parking fees
- Free parking in municipal lots and on-street parking in commercial districts.
- Fees for monthly parking permit holders will be assessed on a monthly basis.
- Enforcement to continue for safety and accessibility.
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. The new $57-million investment to the program includes:
- $2,500 Digital Main Street Grants available to main street businesses (opens Jul 1)
- $10,000 Digital Main Street Service Squad Grants available to municipalities and BIAs
- Future-Proofing Program focused on helping future-proof main street businesses (details, coming soon)
ShopHERE program
Small businesses and artists can apply to the ShopHERE Program to have an online Shopify store created at no cost. Digital Main Street funding has been allocated to the Program to make selling online quick and easy for small businesses across Ontario.
Oakville’s Digital Main Street Squad
The Digital Main Street Squad is a resource for small businesses to help build or enhance an online presence, promote products/services and sell online. This service is free for Oakville BIA members. For information, please contact mary.vallee@oakville.ca.
To access free online tools and webinars for small business in Ontario, visit Digital Main Street Events.
Planning applications
- Development applications received by March 18, 2020 are being processed.
- Time sensitive inquires will be handled by Planning staff.
- The town is now accepting planning, building and development permits electronically. Visit the Electronic Permits and Applications page for details.
Building permits and inspections
- Building permit applications received by March 18, 2020 are being processed.
- Staff are implementing a modified level of building inspections.
- Development charge indexing effective April 1, 2020 will not apply to Part 9 residential building permits deemed complete by March 17th and Part 3 residential/ICI building permits deemed complete by March 3rd.
- The town is now accepting planning, building and development permits electronically. Visit the Electronic Permits and Applications page for details.
Signage in commercial districts
Additional A-frame signage on town boulevards in the commercial districts will be allowed without a permit or fee for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.
Business license renewal
Existing business licenses that require renewal will be extended during the COVID-19 crisis.
Noise by-law
New Provincial legislation in response to COVID-19 restricts municipalities from regulating noise made in connection with the delivery of goods.
Information resources
Economic Development staff will continue respond to inquiries and provide up-to-date information and resources to the business community. Staff are available via phone or email to provide information and support.
Economic Task Force
The Oakville Economic Task Force will continue to collaborate and seek feedback from the business community in order to provide on-going support.
