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| March 25, 2016 |
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OMCA
OTE 2016 promises to offer excellent
education sessions and networking opportunities. Get the latest information on key industry
topics that affect your operations and discover new tools to improve your organization. OTE is
the place to expand your professional network and elevate your business. Take a look at the preconference
detailed program http://ote.ca/docs/OTE2016PreConBrochure.pdf and you'll see how
this year's OTE business session line up covers many of the topics and issues facing the bus
industry today.
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OMCA
Ontario is raising the general minimum wage from $11.25 to $11.40 on Oct. 1, 2016 — making Ontario's minimum wage the highest of any province in Canada. It's the tenth Ontario minimum wage increase since 2003. Minimum wages for liquor servers, students under the age of 18, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers will also increase at the same time. The government says the increase is the result of changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, that tie minimum-wage increases to Ontario's Consumer Price Index. For further information go to: https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2016/03/minimum-wage-increases-for-october-1-2016.html
| It is illegal to cover the signs on a school bus
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OMCA
It came to our attention last week that at least one DriveTest Centre in Ontario was requiring applicants who brought a School Bus for a Class C road test to cover the words "School Bus" on the front and rear of the bus, and the "Do Not Pass When Signals Flashing" on the back of the bus. While covering the front and rear signs means the bus is no longer a "School Bus" by definition, doing so creates other violations for which the driver or the operator could be charged:
1. Charges could be laid under HTA 175(4) as only a "School Bus" can be equipped with a stop arm.
2. Charges could be laid under HTA 175(3.1) for operating a chrome yellow bus that is not a "School Bus"
3. Charges could be laid under HTA 62(15) for operating a vehicle other than a "School Bus" or an emergency vehicle equipped with lamps capable of showing a red light to the front.
To legally operate the bus with the signs covered, the operator must paint the entire bus another colour, remove the stop arm device and disconnect the overhead red warning lamps. DriveTest has been reminded by MTO that if a Class C road test is to be conducted using a School Bus, the signage cannot be altered and that during the road test the driver must stop at all railway crossings (protected and unprotected).
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Promoted by
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• Live here: provides many services to its residents. We have amazing parks and recreation facilities and cultural centres.
• Play here: The best outdoor adventures in Ontario. Our cycling, snowmobiling and skiing are first class.
• Work Here: List it in our Business Directory and visit your local Municipality for Economic development information.
Find out more >
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Tourism Industry Association of Canada
Tourism Industry Association of Canada welcomes the proposed $50 million funding increase to Destination Canada's international tourism marketing over the next two years. Unlike many Canadian industries, travel and tourism is experiencing optimal business conditions, particularly from the U.S. market where the combination of economic recovery, increased passport ownership and currency exchange provide an excellent opportunity to generate interest in travel to Canada.
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Travel Industry Today
The TICO Board of Directors is proposing to increase the Compensation Fund contribution rates effective July 1, 2016. The proposal reflects an increase from $0.15 to $0.25 per thousand dollars of Ontario travel sales. A Consultation Paper has been sent to all registrants and is posted on TICO's website.
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Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is one of Ontario’s largest ferry operators with a highly experienced and dedicated staff providing state-of-the-art passenger, vehicle and cargo transportation services to northern and southwestern Ontario waterways.
Explore the Chi-Cheemaun and Manitoulin Island!
For more information
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CBC News
Travel to Canada continues to pick up, while Canadians are reducing the number of trips to the U.S. and other destinations, according to Statistics Canada.
The number of foreign tourists coming to Canada has increased 11 per cent in the 12 months to January 2016, with 2.4 million travelers arriving in Canada in the month, Statistics Canada said.
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Toronto Star
The Liberals' push to fund public transit and unglamorous projects like upgrading water systems is being met with approval from the mayors of Canada's two largest cities.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau's first budget committed $11.9 billion over five years for new infrastructure spending, calling it the first phase of a two-phase push to get $60 billion out the door over the coming decade.
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Experience a full range of international masters and the best in Canadian art at National Gallery of Canada. This fall featuring Monet: A Bridge to Modernity on view until 15 February 2016. Guided tours and activities available. A highlight of your visit to Ottawa. Contact Helene for more information at 613.990.1938.
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Tourism Sarnia-Lambton has moved to a new location in the Ontario Travel Information Centre
at the foot of the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia/Point Edward. We invite tour operators to join us for a complimentary welcome reception with refreshments.
Contact Beverley to reserve your group at 1-800-265-0316.
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CityLab
In Ohio, U.S. Department of Transportation researchers are thinking seriously about how to get drivers to take school bus signs, well, more seriously. Their solution is inextricably linked to the human desire for anything bright and shiny.
In a paper released last month, the researchers suggested installing flashing lights to snap drivers to attention.
READ MORE
NorthernLife.ca
Ontario is investing $34.5 million to improve highway infrastructure in the northeast, the province said in a press release.
Through the Northern Highways Program, the province said it will use the funds to support three projects.
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Toronto Star
Niagara Falls? Been there. Algonquin Park? Done that. The CN Tower? Passé.
Ontario could get a whole new generation of hot tourist attractions if an idea being floated by Queen's Park works out.
Procurement documents posted to the government's website show that in February the province issued a tender to study the possibility of setting up "vacation villages" across Ontario.
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Tourism Sarnia-Lambton invites tour operators to join us for a
complimentary welcome reception with refreshments at our new location.
Contact Beverley at 1-800-265-0316. MORE
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Blockbuster musicals and award-winning productions from around the world come to four Mirvish theatres in the heart of downtown Toronto. MORE
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CBC News
Businesses in northwestern Ontario's tourism sector can now benefit from new tools to help the industry grow, thanks to a new program that was recently introduced to Thunder Bay. Karen Peacock, a co-ordinator with Tourism Excellence North, said the online tools — which are slated to consist of self-assessment programs, as well as opportunities for group and individual training — are designed to better the industry.
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Government of Ontario
Ontario is providing more than $5 million to the communities of Penetanguishene, Orillia, New Tecumseh, and Collingwood, through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund — four of 59 approved projects across the province that are receiving funding this year.
The Town of Penetanguishene will receive up to $1,075,000 to rehabilitate and improve drainage along Champlain Road from Robbs Road.
READ MORE
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Come see all that Casino Rama Resort has to offer. Whether you are coming for the day, need a place to stop for lunch or would like to stay overnight we can create a group package that will work for you. Contact our Sales & Charter Bus Team today at 1-888-817-7262.
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To Landis Valley Village, the Largest Living History Pennsylvania Dutch Village in the country!
History comes alive with costumed interpretation in historic buildings and demonstrating craftsmen in a village that expands from 1700s to 1900s. Many tours offered including horse-drawn wagon rides, meals and Teas.
Find out more about Lancaster County
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Hotel News Now
Given the strong correlation between access to a reliable and fast Internet connection and guest satisfaction, hoteliers are forced to continuously invest in higher bandwidth and more sophisticated equipment to allocate bandwidth. Many hoteliers struggle with how they can offset this ever-increasing cost.
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Missed last week's issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.
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50 Minthorn Blvd. Suite 800, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7X8
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