The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
TOTA and BCHA are conducting a survey to collect details on the impacts of the order on tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS) to share with the other ministries.
To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey
Read MoreThe Thompson Okanagan is most definitely open and ready to welcome visitors back to the region. The industry looks forward to embracing those that already have trips booked, and invite visitors to plan a trip to one of the many communities that call the Southern Interior home through ThompsonOkanagan.com.
Read MoreThe order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region has been lifted, except for the community of West Kelowna.
To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.
Read MoreTOTA and BCHA seeking financial relief and expedited lifting of the order prohibiting non-essential travel into Southern Interior Areas to stay in temporary accommodation, citing a surplus of available accommodations compared to evacuees.
Read MoreThe Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency, effective August 19 until end of day on September 4, 2023: people may not travel to stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several Thompson Okanagan communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.
Read Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023
Read MoreTen 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 MorePeople 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
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