BC Workplace Accessibility Standards: Business and Industry associations virtual feedback session on July 4

The Province, in collaboration with the Provincial Accessibility Committee, is inviting British Columbians to comment on how the government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in the workforce and accessing community services. The public engagement on the draft accessibility standards is open from May 31 to July 31.

The public and organizations can share their input/feedback on the draft standards through:

• The public consultation on draft accessibility standards is open and you are invited to provide input on BC's draft accessibility standards recommendations.

• PAC is hosting a virtual workshop on July 4 - share your perspectives on the draft accessibility standards.

• If you are unable to attend the Workshop, but would like to provide feedback, complete the Online Survey, or submit your written feedback to: AccessibleBC@urbansystems.ca

Learn more

New Supports for People Evacuated Due to Emergencies

The Province of BC announced additional and faster support for people evacuated from their homes during an emergency.

To better support people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuations from wildfires and other climate emergencies, the Province is introducing several improved measures stemming from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, including:

• Introducing an accommodation allowance of $200 per night, which is available through Interac e-transfer or at reception centres. This will provide people with greater flexibility choosing where they stay during an evacuation, whether to stay with family or friends, find a hotel on their own or stay at a campground.  Alternatively, people can still receive a direct referral to a hotel or other accommodation from their local government or First Nation.

• A new Interac e-transfer direct deposit payment option for people who need help securing accommodation during large-scale evacuations. This will help cut down on long lineups at evacuation reception centres and allow people more flexibility and quicker access to emergency funds during an evacuation. People will also have the option of visiting a reception centre to receive financial support in person. 

• Updating and redesigning the EmergencyInfoBC website (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/) to improve user experience, especially on mobile devices. This includes introducing a new easy-to-use share feature, inviting people to share validated and accurate emergency information with their social network, such as X and Facebook.

People can access the Interac e-transfer support by creating a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. When there is a large-scale evacuation, people who have created an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions about the types of supports available to them and how they can be accessed. People are encouraged to create a profile before an emergency as part of their preparedness. The online self-service registration tool may only be available during large-scale evacuations.

People are encouraged to consider getting home or tenant insurance, which is one of the best ways people can protect their families in the event of an emergency. In B.C, home insurance that provides coverage for fire damage and losses is widely available in every community across B.C. Both home and tenant insurance policies typically have additional coverage for living expenses while the person is under evacuation order.

View announcement →

People invited to test drive the next DriveBC website

The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.

Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.

Learn more and view test site →

Emergency Preparedness Week Resources (May 5-11, 2024)

May 5-11, 2024 is Emergency Preparedness Week in BC, and it's a great time for individuals and businesses to learn about getting prepared for emergencies.

The Province has a wealth of resources available including;

• Using technology in emergency management

• Knowing the hazards in your community, using the PreparedBC Hazard Map

• How to make an emergency plan

Throughout the week, Destination BC will be highlighting the Tourism Emergency Management Committee's (TEMC) work, messaging and resources through their newsletter, website, and LinkedIn, under the slogan “Prepare and Share”.

Here are a couple of examples:

• Updated emergency messaging guide, infographics, and resources for industry

• New and updated Infographics (in the TEMC’s public Google Hub)

• Updated water conservation guide with new drought portal 

• Reminders to create emergency plans (PreparedBC)

• Reminders to create crisis comms plans (TEMC comms guidance and check-lists)

• Suggested emergency apps/platforms: Alertable, BC Wildfire, Drive BC etc.

Also to note, as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an emergency alert test will be issued to cellphones, television and radio at 10:55 am (PT) on Wednesday, May 8.

The test alert will go to all compatible cellphones, and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts. This test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.

Learn more and access more provincial resources

Applications open for Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund | Apply by February 25, 2024

The Province of BC opened applications for the 2024 Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund. BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.  

Event organizers will be able to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships, and rising costs of equipment and services.

Event funding will also support those areas affected by the 2023 wildfires and will help boost visitation and generate economic activity for those communities.

Eligibility

Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos with a budget of  at least $10,000, between April 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025.

Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, Indigenous consultation and honorariums, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.

Application Details

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 25, 2024. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Learn more & apply →

View announcement →

Apply for Tourism Growth Program: Funding up to $250,000 | Info Sessions on December 6 & 7

PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities.

Eligible businesses can apply for interest-free repayable funding of up to $250,000 to support the growth of tourism operations.

Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for non-repayable funding of up to $250,000 to support the growth of the tourism industry.

Projects must target one of six priorities:

• Support active tourism

• Increase tourism benefits for communities

• Support the Indigenous tourism industry

• Support economic, environmental and culturally sustainable tourism

• Extend the season

• Complement support provided through provincial programs.

Apply by February 20, 2024.

Learn More & Apply →

View Announcement →

Info Sessions

PacifiCan is hosting virtual and in-person information sessions:

• Virtual session for non-profit organizations / Governments: December 6, 3 PM

• Virtual session for tourism businesses: December 6, 1 PM

• In person session - Kelowna, December 7, 10 AM. To register, email southern.interior@pacifican.gc.ca

Share your input on new provincial disaster financial assistance regulations

British Columbians are invited to provide input to help shape and improve new emergency-management regulations.

Public engagement is open until Dec. 31, 2023, to gather input on the development of two new regulations under the recently introduced emergency and disaster management act.

Individuals, communities and small businesses are invited to share written feedback or take part in virtual workshops in November.

Participate in the public engagement

Virtual Workshops for Businesses

• Wednesday, November 1, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

• Friday, November 10, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Friday, November 17, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Register

Background

A post-emergency financial-assistance regulation will replace the existing Compensation and Disaster Financial Assistance Regulation. The Province is also seeking feedback on new regulations to supplement and complete provisions under the new legislation for local authorities.

The emergency and disaster management act, introduced on Oct. 3, 2023, incorporates lessons learned from recent emergencies and reflects modern risks and realities, including climate change. The legislation adheres to the United Nations’ best practices for disaster-risk reduction and incorporates all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

View announcement

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

Survey | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.

That National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which commemorates the history and legacy of the residential school system, honours the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors, and remembers the children that never came home. Designating this day as a provincial statutory holiday would entitle BC employees covered by the Employment Standards Act to an employer-paid day off to personally commemorate the day, or to payment at premium rates if they are required to work on that day.

You are encouraged to submit your views until September 21st. Please forward the link to the survey to your colleagues, members of your organization, and anyone else whom you think will be interested in participating.

Learn More →

Province Seeks Nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship | Apply by Sept 6

BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts?

British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community.

Nominations for this year’s Medal of Good Citizenship are being accepted until Sept. 6, 2022. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the 2023 cycle. British Columbians can nominate individuals, organizations or youth in their communities.

Learn More →

BC Fairs Launches Buy BC Agriculture Trivia Contest

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is partnering with the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to launch a Buy BC Trivia Contest during the 2022 B.C. fair season to help increase awareness of the Buy BC brand and encourage people to purchase B.C food and beverage products.

British Columbians can take part in the contest by visiting participating fairs’ websites and social media pages to find digital scavenger items, which are agricultural facts related to a fair’s region. To enter the contest, individuals must answer at least five trivia questions and submit the answers through the BC Fairs mobile app or by completing an entry form on the BC Fairs’ website.

Learn More →

Province of B.C. Launches E-Transfer for Evacuees

The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.

E-transfer is now available in many communities for people receiving ESS after being evacuated and registering with the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. To be eligible for an e-transfer, people must log in to ERA online with their BC Services Card app and register. The BC Services Card app is available to download from the Apple and Google app stores.

People in B.C. forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive ESS for immediate needs when alternative supports, including insurance or accommodation with friends and family, are not available.

Pre-register for Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca

Learn More →

New Funding Supports Farmers, Takes Action on Climate Resiliency | Apply by August 10, 2022

To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The funding will help B.C. farmers and ranchers better prepare for dry spells by supporting the building or expansion of on-farm water storage facilities; upgrading dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems used for livestock and crops; and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices.

The  Beneficial Management Practices program is open to farm and ranch businesses throughout the province and is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Program criteria and application packages will be accepted until Aug. 10, 2022, and are available at: www.iafbc.ca/bmp

Read the Announcement →

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Free Digital Marketing Bootcamp Available for B.C. Businesses

Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills with a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.

The Province has provided the platform Alacrity Canada with an additional $1.5 million to run the program and support more than 2,000 B.C. businesses and their employees to acquire the digital marketing skills they need to shift through economic recovery and beyond. In total, the Province has provided $6 million to the online program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have access to computer and wifi

• The business’ sole or primary operations are located in B.C

• The business is currently operating

• The business is registered in B.C

• The business employs less than 149 B.C Residents

View Announcement →

Learn More →

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Communities Benefit from Emergency Operations Centre Funding

84 First Nations and local governments, including 19 Thompson Okanagan communities, will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.

With this $3.2 million in Community Emergency Preparedness funding, communities will be able to build or upgrade EOCs, purchase equipment, and enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training. The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations communities, local governments, and residents.

Thompson Okanagan funding recipients include:

• Adams Lake Indian Band – EOC capacity-building initiative, Total approved funding: $24,902.32

• Ashcroft Indian Band – EOC project, Total approved funding: $23,500

• Central Okanagan Regional District – large-format printer and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,959

• Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – emergency operations and training, Total approved funding: $20,910

• McBride – EOC equipment and training, Total approved funding: $12,263

• Merritt – EOC 2022, Total approved funding: $24,959.01

• Midway – 2022 EOC project, Total approved funding: $24,860

• North Okanagan Regional District – EOC emergency power generator, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Okanagan Indian Band – EOC improvements, Total approved funding: $24,984.40

• Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, Summerland, Keremeos, Oliver, regional – 2022 joint EOC training and technology, Total approved funding: $99,130

• Osoyoos – EOC computer network upgrade, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Penticton – staff training, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Penticton Indian Band – EOC improvement, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Princeton – generator back-up power for EOC, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Simpcw First Nation – EOC virtually, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Skuppah Indian Band – emergency preparation, capacity building and training, Total approved funding: $24,640

• Spuzzum First Nation – EOC development, Total approved funding: $25,000

• Tk’emlups te Secwepemc – EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,130.91

• Vernon – 2022 EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $25,000

Learn More →

Electric Vehicle Charger Rebates for British Columbians

The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities. BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.

For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.

Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.

Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as 75% to a maximum of $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and 75% to a maximum of $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.

View Announcement →

Learn More →

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B.C. Strengthens Actions to Prepare for Climate Change with New Strategy

The Province released B.C.’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy strengthens B.C.’s collective capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of climate change. This includes sudden events like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves as well as changes that happen more slowly like rising sea-levels, receding glaciers, and shifting ecosystems.

Actions fall under four key pathways that work to strengthen the foundations for success, build safe and healthy communities, foster resilient species and ecosystems, and advance a climate-ready economy and resilient infrastructure.

Learn More →

Permanent Repairs Begin Soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway. Work is expected to be substantially complete by winter. All efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours and crews will work overnight when possible.

Learn More →