, Premier of The Honourable Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario The Honourable Lisa MacLeod , Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture , Member of Provincial Parliament

March 19th, 2020 I am writing on behalf of the Niagara Falls Canada Hotel Association. As I am sure you are all aware, the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 virus has devastated the Niagara Hotel market; normally host to a vast mix of international and domestic visitors. It appears that our occupancy will dip below the 5 % mark, and this should likely endure for many months. There is no relief in sight, as the world has stopped travelling. Please understand that this is already a fragile market with its acute seasonality. Likewise, the ownership profile is comprised of small entrepreneurs, (not large reits like other markets in the country), with limited financial resources, consequently, many of these businesses are highly at risk. This market is more affected, than any other market in the country. The Hotel industry is capital and labour intensive. Hotels in Niagara provide over 25,000 full time equivalent positions, not including the secondary and tertiary positions, one of the largest employers in the peninsula. Today, 90% of the workforce has been laid off. The livelihood of our collective employees will continue to be a primary concern and as such, we need to ensure that our businesses can withstand this crisis and reinstate employment as soon as possible. I am writing to seek your assistance with these various forms of financial aid:

 We are requesting liquidity in the form of cash grant, (disaster relief), to help with fixed costs, and the big overhead inherent in our industry  We are requesting funds to help maintain a core nucleus of management and staff; most have been laid off  We are asking to provide a waiver on HST payments, to allow these businesses to use this cash in hand to help survive the crisis  A grant, to help hotels with their fixed costs and allow a mechanism to keep some staff employed  Encourage city governments to waive property taxes interest free for up to a year  Any other financial assistance to these businesses to help them through this unprecedented time This is an unprecedented situation that calls for unprecedented, real financial help, that will have a major benefit to this community Thank you for your considerations, Sincerely, A. Douglas Birrell B. Executive Director, Niagara Falls Canada Hotel Association