Help for Businesses

Richmond Hill businesses can accept after-hour deliveries to allow supplies to be replenished for both resident and businesses. We support local business and will not enforce the existing By-law at this time

For businesses looking for support, Richmond Hill has launched a dedicated business support hotline in collaboration with the Richmond Hill Board of Trade. Through the hotline, business owners will receive help to access support, reopening and recovery programs offered by all levels of government.

From Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., local business owners are encouraged to call 905-771-5558 to access support. The business support hotline will be in effect until the end of 2020.

City of Richmond Hill launched the Municipal Business Innovation Contest. We invited Richmond Hill companies to submit ideas on technologies/products/services that solve civic challenges, help the municipality be more innovative and find cost effective ways to do business.

• Residents and businesses who are able should pay their property taxes on the scheduled due dates as this will help Richmond Hill to continue providing essential services. However, the City recognizes under the current unique circumstances some residents and businesses may require additional time.
• Richmond Hill has waived penalties and interest on late property tax payments through January 1, 2021 to support individuals and businesses struggling financially due to COVID-19.
• Account holders on the pre-authorized debit program who wish to withdraw from the program should visit the pre-authorized debit program page for more information.
• The City’s NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $45 is waived for the remainder of 2020. 

Visit the Property Tax Billings page.

Several online delivery platforms are available in Richmond Hill to support the transition of a dine-in restaurant to take out and delivery options.

1. CMEOW - Sign Up Here
   • Supporting Richmond Hill businesses through COVID-19
2. Door Dash - Sign Up Here
3. Skip the Dishes - Sign Up Here
4. Uber Eats - Sign Up Here
   • Uber Eats just introduced a new "no delivery fee" program

 ** Free Webinar: How to Set Up Uber Eats for Your Restaurant - On Demand - Watch Here **

The Richmond Hill Board of Trade has launched Shop Local Richmond Hill - a website dedicated to promoting local restaurants and food service businesses that are able to offer delivery and takeout options to local residents during the current COVID-19 shutdown. It also features local businesses offering any type of e-commerce, online and virtual services. If you wish to add your business to the list, please email info@rhbot.ca.

The City of Richmond Hill has implemented Temporary Use By-law 91-20 respecting new and/or expanded patios and sales areas on privately-owned land. 

In addition, the following guidelines are applicable to new and/or expanded patios and sales areas or privately-owned land. 

To establish a new or expanded outdoor patio or sales area the following must be complied with:

1. Permission from the landlord or Condominium Corporation as applicable;
2. Adherence to the Province’s Restaurant and Food Services Guidelines, including physical distancing requirements and any applicable directives from York Region Health (if applicable);
3. Maximum area of the outdoor patio or sales area is limited to the equivalent gross floor area of the premises to which it is associated with;
4. No more than 30% of the on-site parking spaces are displaced for an outdoor patio (see item 1 respecting permissions and the related coordination to ensure that the overall on-site supply of parking is not decreased by more than 30%);
5. Vehicular loading spaces/areas/bays are maintained;
6. Accessible parking spaces are maintained;
7. Established pedestrian or vehicular circulation on the site or through the site is maintained;
8. Appropriate protection/barriers are provided between outdoor patios or sales areas from motor vehicular areas;
9. Fire routes are not obstructed;
10. Minimum setback(s) are complied with being the LESSER of:
    • 15 metres to properties that contain an existing single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling OR, the closest building wall to a property that contains an existing single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling; and,
    • Where a patio is located in an open area facing Yonge Street, the 15 metres setback noted above does not apply; and,

11. Compliance with the Ontario Fire and Building Codes (including ensuring that exits are not obstructed).

In addition, owners and operators of outdoor patios and dining areas are urged to consult and follow these patio safety tips. 

The Temporary Use By-law and guidelines will expire on January 1, 2021.

For more information, visit the Applications, Licences and Permits webpage. 

• Government of Ontario
  
  • Public Health and Testing Measures - Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health and Testing Measures to Keep People Safe
  • Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
  • Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace (Sector-specific guidelines and posters)
• Protective Equipment Supplier Guide - Sourcing local personal protective equipment (produced by the York Region Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce)
• York Region - The Re-opening and Resuming Business Toolkit provides public health guidance around COVID-19 as businesses re-open their doors to employees and customers

• Province Proposes Cap on Delivery Fees to Support Local Restaurants - Mandatory lower fees for restaurants where indoor dining is prohibited due to COVID-19
• Get help with COVID-19 costs - Starting Nov 16, businesses that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures (modified Stage 2 restrictions) can apply for rebates to help with fixed costs, such as property tax and energy bills 
• COVID-19 Response Framework - Ontario releases COVID-19 Response Framework to help keep the province safe and open. Government provides additional details on $300 million to support eligible businesses
• Support Ontario Made - Province proudly promoting Ontario-made products to spur economic recovery. CME program helps consumers support local business and manufacturing jobs
• Ontario's Main Street Recovery Plan - Ontario Supports Small Main Street Businesses with $60 Million in Funding through PPE Grant 

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will be extended through to June 2021
• Canada United Small Business Relief Fund - Starting on October 26, small businesses can apply online through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to be eligible for a relief grant of up to $5,000
• Government of Canada announces new, targeted business support - Updates on the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and other COVID-19 business support programs including Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account
• Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Support for businesses including wage subsidy, commercial rent assistance, interest-free loan, support for sectors, work-sharing program, etc
• Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) - This program will provide emergency funding support for large Canadian enterprises facing financial challenges
• Canadian Business Resilience Network - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) in partnership with the Government of Canada to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

• BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) - Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19. Two financing programs are available through the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP): The Canada Emergency Business Account and SME Loan and Guarantee program
  
  • COVID-19: Resource Guide for Businesses - A list of support measures available from the federal government, provinces and territories
  • Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs

• Export Development Canada - EDC stands ready to support Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19

• Richmond Hill Board of Trade
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Pandemic preparedness guide for business 
  • Canadian Chamber and Government of Canada team up to launch Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses get through COVID-19
• Actors' Fund of Canada (AFC) - AFC supports entertainment industry professionals working in TV and film, music, theatre, and dance. The AFC can provide short-term emergency financial assistance for essential household bills and costs that cannot otherwise be paid
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business - Coronavirus and small business: Keeping you and your employees safe
• Canadian Manufactures & Exporters (CME) - Provide up to 175 small- to medium-sized manufacturers in southern Ontario, with in-depth productivity and technology assessments, aimed at stimulating investments and the adoption of new technology solutions
• Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) - Help Canadian manufacturers meet critical shortages in the fight against COVID-19
• ShopHERE powered by Google - Registered local businesses with fewer than 10 employees, restaurants with less than 25 employees and artists can apply to Digital Main Street’s ShopHERE program to have their online store built at no cost
• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) - COVID-19: Keeping safe during the pandemic. Information, resources and updates to equip employers to face the months ahead

• The Richmond Hill Board of Trade has launched Shop Local Richmond Hill - a website dedicated to promoting local restaurants and food service businesses that are able to offer delivery and takeout options to local residents during the current COVID-19 shutdown. It also features local businesses offering any type of e-commerce, online and virtual services.
• If you wish to add your business to the list, please email info@rhbot.ca.

• TechConnex - Focused on providing a collaborative infrastructure to foster innovation, business networking and professional skills development 
• YorkLink (York Region) - COVID-19 Business Support Webinars 
• York Region's AgriFood Webinar Series - Provide small food and beverage processors in York Region with an opportunity to learn about practical solutions and strategies to support their recovery from COVID-19
• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Watch the free "Ontario Safe and Open Building Your Safety Plan" webinar and gain insight into public education and prevention measures that businesses will need to help build a COVID safety plan under this new framework.