Support Museums in Ontario's 2022 Budget

1. An Ontario Museum Relief Fund, valued at $10 Million, in immediate response to the impacts of COVID-19—to support museums’ survival during periods of closures
2. A Digital Response Fund, valued at $10 Million over three years
3. Increased support for community museums by $10 Million per year to reach 300 communities across the province—towards stabilizing operations and local recovery

The OMA has maintained consistent messaging since the start of the pandemic--emphasizing the need for targeted provincial support so museums can survive the current wave of closures to participate in the province’s economic and social recovery.

Read the OMA's Budget Submission HERE.

Eligible businesses required to close or reduce capacity due to the current public health measures put in place to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can apply for the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program starting today. Through the new program, the government will provide eligible businesses with a rebate payment of up to 100 per cent for property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these restrictions.

Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs. Eligible businesses include:

• Indoor museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions

Businesses will be required to submit proof of costs associated with property tax and energy bills as part of the application process. All eligible businesses must submit an application to be considered, including those that received previous COVID-19 support payments. 

Read the full News Release HERE. 
Visit the online application portal and find a full list of eligible businesses HERE.