Increasing consumer confidence in Vaughan
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Businesses can take part in the POST Promise and Safe Travels Stamp programs
As Vaughan and most of the province progress through Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopening, many businesses are preparing to welcome back visitors. To help reassure customers of a safe experience, businesses can take part in displaying the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp in their windows.
These nationally and internationally recognized identifiers provide businesses with a visual cue showing customers that they are working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public health measures and supporting a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department, including the Tourism Vaughan Corporation.
How business can apply:
- Make the POST Promise – a self-declaration for any type of business through a national not-for-profit corporation built specifically for this effort. Taking the POST Promise is a pre-requisite for the Safe Travels Stamp and the Vaughan Safe Travels Toolkit.
- Apply for the Safe Travels Stamp and Vaughan Toolkit – an internationally recognized program through the World Travel and Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for tourism businesses, including restaurants. To apply, complete the Safe Travels Stamp application form (PDF) and email it to info@tiaontario.ca with your POST Promise certificate, and copy tourism@vaughan.ca to receive the Safe Travels Vaughan Toolkit. This includes marketing assets to share the stamp on a business website, social media, e-newsletter and things like counter signs and window decals, shipped free of charge.
For more information and to apply, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/ConsumerConfidence.
To find Vaughan businesses who have received the Safe Travels Stamp, and for itineraries to help you plan safe and exciting experiences in Vaughan under Step 2 of the roadmap, visit visitvaughan.ca and follow @visitvaughan on Instagram.
Here are some other ways the City is supporting businesses as they reopen and welcome customers back through their doors.
#DineVaughanLocal
The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining out safely, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.
Open for Business
While the City continues to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of citizens and staff remains the priority. During this challenging time, the City has developed an online list of local businesses that are open and available at vaughan.ca/OpenForBusiness. Vaughan businesses wishing to list their services may submit an application for review.
Outdoor dining
Businesses can begin the dining patio expansion process by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application. Establishments with a valid business licence with a patio endorsement from 2020 do not need to reapply.
If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, the following steps must be followed:
- Limit the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time to ensure required distancing is maintained at all times
- Ensure there is enough space between tables to allow for movement and a minimum of two metres between patrons who are seated is maintained
If outdoor portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
- ensure the heater is officially certified with CSA Group/ULC Standards.
- designate the heater for outdoor use only.
- have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater.
- install the heater on a non-combustible solid surface, and avoid setting up on grass, uneven walkways or under fire escapes.
- follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel if using a propane or other fueled heating appliance.
In accordance with Ontario regulations, patios cannot be enclosed. However, they can be covered with the use of an awning or tent. If covering a patio area, here are some guidelines:
- At least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open. These open patio sides must also not be substantially blocked by a physical barrier.
- Building permits are not required for tents covering less than 60 square metres of combined floor area and are not attached to a building.
To stay informed on the City of Vaughan’s newest business resources and initiatives, entrepreneurs can sign up for the Economic and Cultural Development department’s eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
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