NFN. Niagara Falls Navigator Vol. 1 | Issue 1

NFN NIAGARA FALLS NAVIGATOR

We are all in this together

Inside: OUR CITY, OUR HOME during Canada COVID-19 Response

NFN F R O M

T H E

M A Y O R ’ S

O F F I C E

Thank you to all who are doing your utmost to keep Niagara Falls strong during this challenging time. The many acts of kindness and generosity of our citizens and local businesses make me proud of our community.

Adversity gives rise to opportunity. Our current situation can teach us new and better ways to work, innovate, and care for each other.

The Crush The Curve awareness campaign was created to empower and inform people that each of us can become part of the solution to defeat the COVID-19 virus. I welcome you all to join with us by helping to #CrushTheCurve here in Niagara Falls.

We are all in this together!

Hon. James Diodati City of Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada

Serge Felicetti, Director of Business Development Angela Davidson, Economic Development Officer Wendy Canavan, Economic Development Officer Michael Warchala, Small Business Consultant

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NIAGARAFALLS.CA | BUYLOCAL.NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA

sfelicetti@niagarafalls.ca, 905 356 7521 ext. 5102 adavidson@niagarafalls.ca, 905 356 7521 ext. 5001 wcanavan@niagarafalls.ca, 905 356 7521 ext. 5002 mwarchala@niagarafalls.ca, 905 356 7521 ext. 5004

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Our front line workers, bravely serving the community each day

we salute you

thank you... to our current day guardians & protectors !

COVID19

Healthcare & Social Services True guardians and heroes, risking themselves daily.

First Responders Police, firefighters and paramedics tirelessly serving and protecting the community.

Amidst a global transition, we are all experiencing tremendous changes in our daily lives. As we look upon our quiet streets, we are reminded of those who are still leaving their homes. We express our sincere gratitude to all our true guardians on the front lines each day serving and protecting our community. You are our modernday heroes playing a large role to keep us safe, keep us fed, and to keep us healthy.

Food Services Our farmers, restaurants, and grocery clerks who keep us stocked and fed.

Thank you to all healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store staff, farmers and food producers, gas station attendants, postal employees, delivery drivers, auto mechanics, waste collection services, construction workers, logistical specialists, and so many more. Each essential service provider is taking great personal risk to defend, protect, and keep our city moving forward.

Delivery & Distribution From postal workers to truck drivers, keeping the movement of goods and services.

Service Prodivers From gas station attendants to waste collectors, keeping our community running.

Thank you for playing your role in truly saving lives. from all of us

Construction Workers Monitoring safe working environments to keep our economy moving forward.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS | NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA

cause Our community responds by lifting up one another in Niagara Falls

It has been inspiring to bear witness to hundreds of acts of kindness, community leaders and business owners have stepped up to donate, produce and offer what the community needs in time of crisis. Former resident, John McCall MacBain, has held close ties with our community and was able to make sizeable donations totalling $250,000 from the emergency fund created through the McCall MacBain Foundation. In addition to this, many others have come forward to make a positive impact through a variety of actions.

Personal Protective Equipment COMPANIES

International SewRight, a safety clothing manufacturer in Niagara Falls, has stepped up to lend a hand. Working with their suppliers to donate enough materials for 55 volunteer seamstresses to make 32,000 face masks. safetyclothing.com

Seeking ways to provide any support possible, Marineland partnered with FDK Supply Canada Inc to supply 22,000 KN95 masks for first responders in our community and are committed to finding more ways to assist. marineland.ca

Solvay/Cytec ordering 6,000 surgical masks from China to donate to hospital staff, Fire Department and more.Currently looking into ordering hand-sanitizers to donate as well. solvay.com

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Bleach & HandSanitizers are made with a Health Canada and W.H.O approved formulas Disinfectant & Hand-Sanitizers

Niagara Falls Craft Distillers are producing hand sanitizers and getting into the hands local food banks free of charge. 10% of sanitizers produced will be donated to local front line workers. niagarafallscraftdistillers.com

Mancuso Chemicals creates disinfectant (bleach) in response to the COVID-19 emergency. For personal or commercial use.

Check out their website to find out more. mancusochemicals.com

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lthcare for Hea vailable ooms A Hotel R

Worker

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Our innovators, volunteers, sponsors, and donors providing solutions and support

Innovators & Inventors BISEP, an assistive device manufacturing startup company from Niagara Falls, now making face shields for healthcare system. Face shields are donated to hospitals, long-term care centres, and retirement homes in the Niagara region.

Hot Meals

Hoteliers are proactively offering safe and isolated accommodations to healthcare workers unable to be with their families or avoiding the risk of exposing their families to COVID-19 in between shift work duties. <READ MORE>

Donating hot meals to show support and appreciation to our frontline workers, such as Casa dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Pizza and Johnny Roccos providing thousands of pizzas, goes a long way to fuel the frontline. <WATCH THE VIDEO>

d Cash & In-kin

The flow of cash and in-kind donations is uplifting, with a long list of organizations to thank and more are anticipated as we continue. <READ MORE>

Donors & Sponsors There is an immense appreciation for the invaluable commitments of one-time donors, recurring givers, peerto-peer fundraisers, and sponsors. The show of support is felt across the community especially throughout these times of uncertainty.

Volunteers Working tirelessly behind the scenes to serve the community, The dedication that our volunteers possess is unwavering. Many charities and non-profit organizations depend on volunteer support and our community is grateful for their continued commitments.

We encourage our residents to review the ongoing listing on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, niagarafalls.ca.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS | NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA

resolute solitude

Today is Your day What Better Time than Now to Make Some Positive Changes Taking a few steps back and focus on activities that can benefit your health and state of mind, your households, and your community

1 Take the opportunity to learn something new.

There has never been a perfect time to reflect on what truly matters the most in our lives than now. This circumstance has become the catalyst for our utmost sense of wellbeing and protecting people around us.

In the meantime, do you know what day it is today? Today is your day. It can be customized in any way you desire. As a business, home, and even school all merged into one for so many of us, it is critical to remember that we are not alone, we are all making adjustments, changes, and formulating our Embrace own household rules as we go.

As life goes on, whether at the comfort of our own homes, outside running essential errands, or connecting with Every nature outside enjoying some fresh air whenever possible, we are grateful that our Niagara community offers the quality of life we need especially during this critial time.

Each new day brings forth more change, and now more than ever, we need to rely on timely updates and accurate resources.

#todayismyday 6

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Moment

Every household is carving out a new routine and a new set of guidelines for themselves, leveraging the community for resources and support.

The City of Niagara Falls provides access to as many tools and resources required to maximize the health and wellness of each household. Let us share wonderful activities one can do that make their day:

4 Find your balance.

Intentionally schedule time to get fresh air throughout the day.

2 Take a deep breath and enjoy simplicity, tranquility, and sunshine.

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Find ways to move your body and keep active at home, using your indoor and outdoor spaces wisely.

Adjust your space to meet your current needs, such as creating a personalized workspace to feel organized and focused.

Every Family has a Story...

Welcome to Ours

We’d like to welcome tens of thousands of great family stories across our region. Join us on social media and tell us yours! f

#familyiseverything

1 The heart of many homes is found right in the kitchen, and we’re receiving inspiring stories of families cooking together and using the kitchen creatively to learn, teach, and connect as a family. Keep sharing your stories with us by email or through our social media platforms.

4 We make delicious food at home or order from our local Niagara Falls restaurants for some delectable cuisine.

5 We spend time with our pets or have adopted a pet in need.

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2 Celebrating milestones like birthdays and anniversaries with locally made cakes from one of our many bakeries or independent bakers is a great way to show you care and spread joy. Many offer contactless pickup or delivery, and will even drop it off to a loved one that you aren’t able to visit personally.

We host at home “date nights” with our children or spouses.

3 We send flowers to loved ones especially this mother’s day.

7 We enjoy variety of wine from our world class wineries.

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Dear Business Owner, If you are one of the many businesses in Niagara Falls who has made adjustments to continue serving your customers during the COVID-19 crisis, sign up for our new Buy Local business directory.

Let people know that you are OPEN FOR BUSINESS by sharing details on: modified hours of operation, online and delivery options, curbside pickup, and more.

Our Community Has What You Need

Submit your business today and reach out to your customers!

Support Local, Buy Local

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epending upon your current household structure, any combination of home, work, school, and social requirements under one roof can be overwhelming.

By leaning on what we have right here within our community, we can service our individual needs while supporting the local businesses and economy.

The city of Niagara Falls is home to over 6,000 businesses, and a variety of restaurants, retail stores and service providers across the city are working hard to provide our residents with what they need in the safest way possible. Visit our BUY LOCAL business directory for a onestop hub to see who is open for business and ready to serve you

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREE!

home sweet home

Visit our website and follow Niagara Falls on social media

BUYLOCAL.NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS | NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA

resolute solitude

Notes To Self Every member of the community has a significant role to play

It is so important to be thinking and planning ahead by understanding what actions can be taken to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.

KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE Understand how to recognize the virus, know how it spreads, how you can do your part to prevent illness, and how to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing.

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taying informed is critical to protect yourself from COVID-19.

The virus is a serious threat, and our experts are uncovering new information every day. COVID-19 and other influenza viruses have similar signs and symptoms as simple as sneezing and coughing that can lead to respiratory failure.

However, the severity of COVID-19 can lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

The speed of transmission between the time of infection and manifestations of infection is one of the most dangerous factors to keep in mind considering transmissions can take place through person to person contact with little to no visible signs and symptoms.

A vaccine is yet to be discovered, so it is imperative to comply with official orders and recommendations especially the practice of social and physical distancing and vigilantly protect yourself and those around you.

YOU CAN STOP THE SPREAD Current evidence suggests transmission occurs through close physical contact, including basic touching or shaking hands, as well as respiratory droplets generated and transferred through coughing or sneezing.

With recent cases identified in different communities, it has been affirmed that everyone must take all necessary precautions, even those whom have not travelled outside of Canada.

Remaining at home as much as possible is the best course of action to limit exposure. Avoiding any non-essential trips and not visiting with anyone outside of your household is advised.

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1 Stay home if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sick

2 Clean your hands often

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SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT Symptoms of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe.

Typical treatment at home for common coronaviruses includes:

Let’s help those in need

The most common symptoms include: ▀ fever ▀ cough ▀ difficulty breathing ▀ muscle aches

▀ fatigue ▀ headache ▀ sore throat ▀ runny nose

▀ Drinking plenty of fluids.

Complications from COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia, or kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, and there is no vaccine that protects against the coronavirus that causes it. Most people who get COVID-19 will recover on their own.

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▀ Getting as much rest and sleep as possible

TAKE A SELF-ASSESSMENT

▀ Using a humidifier or taking a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough

If you begin to feel symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home and self-isolate immediately and take a selfassessment to help determine how to seek further care.

Source: Government of Ontario | ontario.ca

ONLY CALL 911 IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY.

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6 Clean and disinfect

Cover your cough or sneeze

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Niagara Falls Community unites, we are all in this together.

To help protect our seniors, many stores are offering adjusted hours for them to conduct their essential errands and feel safe. The City also encourages increasing the frequency of phone calls to check-in and ensure their safety.

Our community’s most vulnerable will need continued support through these difficult times. If able to do so, please continue to donate or consider donating to our local food banks, shelters, and support programs.

Keep your distance

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crushthecurve.ca

Ensuring that we stay connected with our extended family and friends frequently is important to maintain the strength and health of our community. Reaching out by phone or video call to check in and offer support, even if not needed, goes a long way.

Avoid sharing personal items

For more information visit the source: Niagara Region Public Health - COVID-19 Prevention | niagararegion.ca

Take Note: Critical Health Resources

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Public Health FAQ The most up to date answers to your questions.

Mental Health Resources Current listing of services available online or by phone.

Canada COVID-19 APP The app will support you to track your symptoms, receive the latest updates, and access trusted resources.

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bright OUTLOOK in Niagara Falls

EVALUATE. ENHANCE. EXECUTE. Times of crisis often help businesses rise to meet the challenges, resulting in medical breakthrough, technological innovation, enhanced process and procedures, improved communication protocols, and increased viability and productivity.

COVID-19 has presented business owners with the opportunity to test continuity plans, identify gaps in processes, and review what changes can be made now that will strengthen the overall business not only during the crisis but ensuring a stronger future beyond the crisis.

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for your business

To do list... information you can customize to strengten your business during and after this health crisis RESIL IENCE

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FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY ▀ GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE RELATIONS

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

CANADA’S COVID-19 ECONOMIC RESPONSE PLAN The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

▀ PRODUCTS & SERVICES

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Support for Individuals.

Find out more here.

Support for Businesses.

Find out more here.

▀ MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ▀ HUMAN RESOURCES

Are you a business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19?

▀ OPERATION & FINANCE

now is the time

Canada wants to hear from you.

Find out more here.

Your areas of focus as it applies to your overall business goals

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

take ▀______ ▀______ ▀______ ▀______ ▀______

action

AREAS OF FOCUS

OPERATION & FINANCE

Rethinking or increasing the focus on safety measures for employees and consumers with compliant operation reconfigurations being the necessity will stike a new balance between physical versus virtual workflow. Review and understand your current supply, demand, production, and assets for any uncertainty and be prepared to measure, protect, and improve your current liquidity.

Support for Industry Sectors.

Find out more here.

The global impact of COVID-19 has placed restrictions affecting all aspects of product and service delivery, from relevance and demand to disrupted supply chains. Seize this opportunity to improving what you offer along with diversifying your protocols relating to acquisition of goods and distribution of products, inclusive of local/domestic supports that are readily available.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Assess your brand messaging and make the necessary changes/updates to your current communications to meet the safety expectations of your consumers.

By increasing your participation with your local community/industry crisis response/recovery plan and leveraging online mediums to share your bright outlook with the captive audience during this critical time, you can have both short-term and long-term benefits that can positively impact your brand and your overall business performance.

GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE RELATIONS

Be prepared to align your safety compliance with evolving government official orders and understand the criteria and qualifications to access available government assistance and financial resources at both provincial and federal levels. Leverage applicable funding, relief, or deferral programs to create the appropriate recovery strategies and mitigate the strain on your production and labour operations.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Strengthen your workforce by allocating proper investments into online learning and digital skill development as it applies to navigating a more virtually productive environment. Consider your investments on implementing digital/ online tools that are designed to merge the physical and digital aspects of your future work environment.

Top

5 Helpful Tips

for businesses operating from homes

1 Have a Dedicated Workspace helps to keep focused 2Make a Schedule helps with productive routine 3 Take Breaks helps to keep your mind sharp

4Get Dressed

helps with business mindset

5More Communication

helps to be mindful of time If you have tips you’d like to share that works for you, send it via email at:

nfnavigator@owneramedia.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS | NIAGARAFALLSBUSINESS.CA

“

Adversity gives rise to opportunity. Our current situation can teach us new and better ways to work, innovate, and care for each other.”

Mayor Jim Diodati

NIAGARA FALLS NA V I GAT O R brought to you by: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT | Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON Canada L2E 6X5 | Phone: 905-356-7521 | Email: bdd@niagarafalls.ca