Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures

ResourceThompson Okanagan
Written By Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
 

On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.

TOTA Crisis Response

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.

TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.

TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.

We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Resources

Featured
Flood-Affected Communities Benefit from BC Recovery Funding
Flood-Affected Communities Benefit from BC Recovery Funding

Ten BC communities severely affected by the November 2021 floods are receiving $53.6 million in provincial funding to support recovery work and get people back into their communities. Due to the extreme effects of the flooding on their communities, several local governments are receiving direct grants to assist them in meeting the additional costs pressures of ongoing recovery and infrastructure planning.

Thompson Okanagan communities receiving funds are: Merritt, Princeton and Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

Read Announcement →

Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer
Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer

Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.

The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.

Learn More →

Updated Destination BC Messaging Guidance on How to Travel in BC This Winter
Updated Destination BC Messaging Guidance on How to Travel in BC This Winter

Both federal and provincial updates to current COVID-19 restrictions and border measures are now reflected in Destination BC’s Winter Travel Guide, which provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC.

Visitors will need to know what rules, recommendations and expectations are in place in BC to keep them, our residents, and our businesses safe, as they travel BC this winter. Refer people to Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page for the latest information; update any info on your site to reflect the latest recommendations.

Download Guide →

Supports Expanded for Flood-affected Residents
Supports Expanded for Flood-affected Residents

People receiving Emergency Support Services due to this fall’s flooding will receive personalized supports delivered by the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial government announced. Starting on Feb. 1 the federal and provincial governments will provide customized recovery support that includes interim housing and basic needs assistance. A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or to relocate to a new community. The Red Cross is reaching out to those currently receiving Emergency Support Services and those who have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.

View Announcement →

DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022
DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022

Destination BC has updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations, Sector Associations, and Tourism Businesses. Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. Messaging will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.

Coquihalla Hwy Set to Reopen for Commercial Traffic on December 20, 2021
Coquihalla Hwy Set to Reopen for Commercial Traffic on December 20, 2021

The Coquihalla Highway (Hwy. 5) is set to reopen on by end of day December 20, well ahead of the previously announced timeline. The reopening of Highway 5 will allow the province to remove the essential designation from Highway 3 and 99.

The reopening will be for commercial vehicles and inter-city buses only with reduced speeds in place to ensure driver safety. When the Coquihalla reopens to essential traffic, it will not be the same highway as before and travel will take longer, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advised.

Government has also advised against travel as normal at this time, citing road conditions and rising COVID-19 cases.

The plan is as follows:

  • Monday, December 20: Highway 5 – will reopen to commercial traffic.

  • Monday, December 20: Highway 99 – the essential travel restriction from the junction of Highway 99 and Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite access in Lillooet is expected to be lifted. The vehicle weight restriction of no more than 14,500 kg will remain.

  • Tuesday, December 21: Highway 3 – the essential travel restriction between the junction of Highways 5 and 3 in Hope to the west entrance to Princeton from Highway 3 will be removed 24 hours after Highway 5 opens.

While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, people can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation by driving an alternate route, taking a bus, or flying.

Travellers are reminded to visit the DriveBC website for updates on BC road conditions and advisories.

Visit DriveBC for Updates →

View Announcement →

Interior Health Resources for Food Service Establishments
Interior Health Resources for Food Service Establishments

The following links provide information that may help you address, remediate and manage operations to ensure public health safety, during and after flooding or landslide events. It’s important that you follow your emergency response plan.

Swoop Airlines Announces Air Bridge between Kelowna & Abbotsford
Swoop Airlines Announces Air Bridge between Kelowna & Abbotsford

Swoop has added new flights between Abbotsford (YXX) and Kelowna (YLW) for travellers in immediate need of transportation or those travelling to assist in the recovery efforts and emergency response.

These flights are being offered for $79 to $99 all-in, from November 22nd to December 15. Flights are available 4x weekly until December 15, and 3x weekly from December 16 to January 9.

Disaster Response & Recovery Quick Links
Disaster Response & Recovery Quick Links

We have compiled emergency preparedness resources to support tourism businesses, communities, and DMO's through this time. We encourage you to share these resources with anyone who may require support.

Register in TOTA's Emergency Contact Database
Register in TOTA's Emergency Contact Database

We request that tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region complete the Emergency Contact form to help TOTA's Crisis Management Coordinator support you and other communities in a crisis situation.

Employee Support During Floods & Other Natural Disasters: Tips & Resources from go2HR
Employee Support During Floods & Other Natural Disasters: Tips & Resources from go2HR

go2HR has shared a list of practical things employers can do to help support employees during and after a natural disaster.

Routes for Travellers to Return Home Due to Emergency Response
Routes for Travellers to Return Home Due to Emergency Response

By Road

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit DriveBC.ca.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that travellers who must transit through the United States to get to their residence in Canada are exempt from the COVID-19 pre-arrival test (S1.T2.I20), the test in Canada (S2.T2.I14), and quarantine requirements (S2.T1.I14).

Pre-existing exemptions within the Orders in Council (OIC) can be applied to travellers in this situation who must enter Canada through the United States to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada due to geographical constraints.

By Air

The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and other airports are working with its airline partners to add more capacity between Vancouver and Kelowna in an effort to get B.C. residents home safely.

Air Canada has added more seats to/from Kelowna (YLW) for Nov. 17/18/19 & Kamloops (YKA) for Nov. 17 to respond to highway closures and to move emergency medical supplies and passengers. This new capacity is available through AirCanada.com.

Affordable flights between Abbotsford and Kelowna will fly 6 days a week beginning Tuesday, November 23rd for only $79.00-$99.00. To book a flight visit FlySwoop.com.

Tips to Prepare for a Landslide - Province of British Columbia
Tips to Prepare for a Landslide - Province of British Columbia

Landslides are the down-slope movement of rock or debris. As more homes are built onto steep slopes, landslides become a greater hazard for both people and buildings.

It’s important to take time to prepare and understand what to do before, during and after a major landslide.

Get prepared

The best way to prepare for a landslide is to be aware of changes that could signal one. To report suspected landslide indicators, call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number at 1-800-663-3456, contact 9-1-1 or call your local fire, police or public works department.

BCEDA Resources for Flood Impacted Individuals & Businesses - Google Docs
BCEDA Resources for Flood Impacted Individuals & Businesses - Google Docs

The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA), has made a resource guide available on Google Docs, which contains information for individuals and businesses that have been impacted by the flooding in BC.

This guide contains information on travel, weather, pets & livestock, community information and ESS locations, sandbag locations, Red Cross, health, disaster financial assistance, Employment Insurance and much more.

IF you have a resource that you think should be added you can email info@bceda.ca

Local Economic Recovery & Restart Toolkit
Local Economic Recovery & Restart Toolkit

The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is pleased to announce the launch of their newest manual as part of the Economic Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Program. The Local Economic Recovery and Restart Toolkit provides a collection of resources developed to assist local councils, organizations and individuals involved in community economic recovery following an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and floods.

 
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