Travel Order Impact Survey

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders from Accommodation Travel Restrictions (Southern Interior Areas) Order by the Province of BC, originally effective August 19 - September 4, 2023.

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.

Survey

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Your input is critical to understanding the impact of the order on businesses.

If you represent more than one business, please complete additional surveys for each business so that we have a better understanding of the impact of the order.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey

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Additional Support

We understand this is a challenging time for businesses. The TOTA team would like to help. If you have any questions or concerns to discuss, please email Recovery@TOTABC.com.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Ready to Welcome Visitors Back After Travel Order Lifted

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is grateful to Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, for coming to tour many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region yesterday. After speaking with residents and viewing the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with us to reopen the region sooner than anticipated, it was an essential step to protect our tourism economy,” shares Ellen Walker-Matthews of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “On behalf of the industry, I would like to extend sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires.”

Walker-Matthews adds, “The 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.”

Booking a trip is going to be one of the best ways to assist with recovery efforts for the tourism economy through the months ahead, and it is essential to have the movement of visitors back in the area. Whether visiting the Thompson, Gold Country, Okanagan, Boundary Country, Similkameen Valley or Shuswap, each has unique experiences to discover in every season that can only be found in this place. Explore the destinations, or connect socially @thompson_okanagan for further trip inspiration.

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About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the trip planning website ThompsonOkanagan.com.

Media Contact:

Krista Lochhead

krista@hatchhos.com

778.227.2396

Hatch Hospitality Inc. dba hatchcomms.ca

Travel Restrictions Order Lifted for Most of Thompson Okanagan

Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, toured many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region to speak with residents and view the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires. 

In a press conference late yesterday afternoon, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region, except for the community of West Kelowna, where there are still many residents out of their homes and much work ahead. Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodations are available for those who have been evacuated and are still unable to return home.

We appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with industry and communities to reopen the region sooner than anticipated. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these wildfires throughout the region.

Additionally, we want to acknowledge the accommodation providers in the Thompson Okanagan region who have been diligently reporting their availability to provide safe shelter for evacuees and emergency responders.

Although the non-essential travel restriction is now largely lifted, we are also acutely aware of the effect this restriction has had and continues to have on tourism businesses in the region. Besides the obvious financial impacts of losing visitors during the last few weeks of the peak tourism season, operators face uncertainty regarding labour, cancellation of significant events and product loss.

Lifting the order is an important first step in recovery, and while our industry remains steadfast in our commitment to support our communities and the evacuees, TOTA, along with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Government of British Columbia to advocate for financial supports necessary to ensure full recovery. 

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We Want to Hear From You

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.

Advocacy Update: Accommodation Travel Restrictions

As the fire fight continues in multiple areas of the Thompson Okanagan and BC, our hearts are with those evacuated and those that have lost their homes. We can't say enough about the amazing work of the firefighters and BC Wildfire Service, working together with numerous community fire departments from around the province.

Accommodators are providing ongoing updates on room availability to be shared with Emergency Support Service (ESS) Centres to coordinate room bookings for evacuees and first responders.

Having said that, we are also acutely aware that the Accommodation Travel Restrictions Order for Southern Interior areas up to September 4 has decimated the tourism industry in a critical time of the season, resulting in tremendous financial repercussions.

We all stand at the ready to support the evacuees but this need has not been realized. Presently, considering the evacuation requirements and available accommodations, we have a surplus available within Kelowna and West Kelowna. Although the fires' threat persists, the cooler temperatures and potential rain forecast offer some relief.

Over recent days, TOTA and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have actively engaged with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, advocating for a number of measures aimed at supporting tourism and hospitality businesses. We've presented a comprehensive overview of the on-ground situation, laying out the facts to facilitate an informed decision-making process.

On August 21, we formally urged the Tourism Ministry to have EMCR, Minister Ma, and the Premier to move forward with the following measures:

• A safe and expedited lifting of the essential-only travel order, particularly in areas like Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, and Kamloops, where accommodation is not currently being fully utilized to support evacuation efforts.

• A commitment from the Premier that financial relief will be explored to offset the substantial economic losses experienced by operators due to the implementation of the travel order.

We continue to meet with the ministries as the situation progresses.

We encourage you to share your insights and feedback by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com so that we can bring your concerns to the government.

In the meantime, we are working to get the region open and operating again as quickly as possible, recognizing that the current and potential losses.

Kind regards,

Ellen Walker-Matthews
CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) 

Provincial Order: Accommodation Travel Restrictions for Southern Interior Areas

To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province of BC is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, 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.

This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:

• Kelowna-West Kelowna;

• Kamloops;

• Oliver;

• Osoyoos;

• Penticton; and

• Vernon.

The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Province is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior and southeast to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC, and DriveBC before heading out.

Essential travel includes:

• providing emergency or critical services;

• sheltering for evacuees;

• travelling for health or medical reasons;

• transporting essential goods and supplies;

• attending court or complying with a court order;

• attending a funeral service;

• avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;

• exercising parental responsibilities;

• moving or assisting with moving to a different principal residence;

• carrying out a temporary work-related purpose, including volunteer work;

• attending classes or training; and

• exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.

View Announcement →

Read the Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023

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

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.

This funding is in addition to more than $2.1 billion that Budget 2022 provides to help people recover from last year’s floods and wildfires, and to better protect communities against future climate disasters.

In addition to supporting intermediate temporary housing for displaced residents of Merritt and Princeton, the grants will enable all 10 local governments to:

• take care of initial flood-recovery costs not covered by other assistance programs;

• carry out initial small-scale recovery-related capital projects;

• implement planning, feasibility studies and design work to support resilient infrastructure; and

• restore infrastructure in a way that provides additional resilience to climate events.

Read Announcement →

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 →

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

As announced by Transportation Minister Rob Fleming on December 15, the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy. 5) is set to reopen on Monday, December 20, which is 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 happen by the end of the day, however, 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 advises.

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.

Key Links

Visit DriveBC for Updates →

View Announcement →

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.

• Power Outages at Food Facilities: Food safety considerations for operators after a power outage (e.g., following a flooding/landslide event and power shut-down/evacuation).

• Flood Information for Food Premises: Information for food premises to help prepare for the potential impacts when a flood is imminent, and when re-entering premises and cleaning up to resume normal operations.

• Drinking Water and Use Notifications: General information on drinking water notifications and food preparation and service. Floods and landslides will often result in public water advisories.

• Assessing Sewage Disposal Systems for Damage after an Emergency Event : Information on how to contact an Authorized Person to assess the status of and repair your system if needed.

• Environmental Public Health – Environmental Health & Licensing – Contacts: Information on how to contact an Environmental Health Officer or Licensing Officer.

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:

Official Information:

• River Forecast Centre Flood Warnings and Advisories

• EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders and alerts

For Trip Planners:

• Destination BC's "Know Before You Go"

• Thompson Okanagan’s “Know Before You Go”

Emergency Preparedness:

• B.C. Guide to develop a household emergency plan

• go2HR Emergency Planning Resources for Tourism Operators including templates, tools, and checklists

• PreparedBC's 3 Steps for Preparedness

Emergency Response:

• Red Cross Support Centre or call 1 800 863-6582 for support

• Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) can provide answers to individuals and businesses with insurance questions and concerns.

• Recovering after a flood - Guide from the provincial government

For future reference, resources can be found on the TOTA Emergency Preparedness page.

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.