News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Tourism Development in the Thompson Okanagan grows with StrongerBC investment
Fourteen new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region with support from the Province. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
Fourteen new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region with support from the Province.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”
Initiatives underway in Thompson Okanagan tourism region include installation of iconic public Secwépemc landmarks in the Shuswap Lakes region, enabling accessible adventure experiences, and expanding iconic Nordic skiing destinations with night lighting and enhanced trail networks.
Examples in other parts of the region include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and series of Indigenous landmarks through a region. The Province has provided $2.3 million toward these projects.
“TOTA is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the ministry, regional districts, municipalities and other organizations to allocate the funds to important destination development initiatives across our region,” said Mike Overend, director of destination development, TOTA. “The successful projects highlight a variety of initiatives that will increase visitation over time, build cultural and social awareness and open up new outdoor activities.”
As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca
Quotes:
Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –
“Attracting more visitors to the Thompson-Okanagan is a boost for our local operators, their families and our communities at large. We are already fortunate enough to live in a world-class tourist destination that plays a crucial role in our economy, and I’m happy to see these investments helping make sure our communities recover quickly by creating even more opportunities for people to explore our beautiful part of the world.”
Shelley Buchanan Gilmore, CEO and general manager, CRIS Adaptive Adventures –
“This funding is going to ensure we can continue to make the outdoors accessible, improve overall health and wellness for everyone and increase diversity and inclusion in our region.”
Legislation for Paid COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Now in Force
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act providing workers with up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of their COVID-19 vaccine are now in effect, retroactive to April 19th. Bill 3 is now law and ensures that no employee will lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated. Both full-time and part-time employees can take up to three hours of paid leave.
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act providing workers with up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of their COVID-19 vaccine are now in effect, retroactive to April 19th. Bill 3 is now law and ensures that no employee will lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated. Both full-time and part-time employees can take up to three hours of paid leave.
Increased funding & expanded eligibility for BC Circuit Breaker Relief Grant
The BC government announced additional funding for the BC Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant
The grant is now also open to hotels, motels, and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between BC's regional zones
Additionally, the grant remains open to bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer's orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.
The BC government announced the addition of $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit BC businesses to over $125 million.
The grant is now also open to hotels, motels, and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between BC's regional zones
Additionally, the grant remains open to bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer's orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.
With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 (double the original grant amount) to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities. The individual amount a business received will be based on the number of employees with no cap on the number of employees.
To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, a business is required to:
confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health officer’s orders and emergency order;
provide electronic banking information;
confirm that it is registered as a B.C. business;
produce a business validation document, such as a business license, liquor license, notice of assessment or lease agreement; and
confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in B.C.
The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is open to businesses of any size impacted by the March 31 to May 25, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders and the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between B.C.’s regional zones.
Businesses that previously applied for or received the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that opened on April 12, 2021 do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the additional funding.
We strongly encourage you to apply now, if you haven't already. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or when the funds are disbursed.