Highway Route to Southern Interior Reopens

A route to the southern interior of British Columbia is open for goods movement and people travelling for essential purposes only, using Highway 7 and Highway 3.

Essential purposes for travel are defined in the Travel Restrictions Order through the Emergency Program Act. Checkpoints will be in place and travel restrictions will be enforced. This progress will enable the movement of goods and supplies from the Lower Mainland to get to the rest of BC and other provinces.

Drivers should expect sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 7 and three sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 3 east of Hope. Delays will be significant, given the amount of essential goods to be delivered and the many people eager to complete their trips home.

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

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.

Landslide or debris flow indicators may include:

• Sudden changes in stream flow

• Rapid changes or pulses in stream flow (e.g. changes in volume) or pulses of sediment (e.g. changes from clear to murky water)

• Abnormally dirty water

• Accumulation of large logs or debris

• Rapid accumulation of sediment or bed-load along a flat section of a creek channel

• Tension cracks near the top of a slope

• Falling rocks or boulders or flowing or sliding soil. This may precede a much larger landslide

Stay safe

Leave the area immediately if you observe the following:

• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume

• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together

• If you are caught in a landslide with no option to evacuate, curl in a tight ball and protect your head and neck

Landslide information guide

Prepare your household, protect your property and know what to do if a landslide occurs. 

• Landslide Information Guide (PDF, 2.05MB)

For more information or inquiries about this guide, please contact us at PreparedBC@gov.bc.ca.

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

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.

As noticed during COVID-19, disasters can fundamentally change the social and economic makeup of impacted communities. The better a community can recognize these impacts, the better they are positioned to take actions that will spur a more rapid economic recovery. This manual is designed to help local and indigenous governments be better prepared for when the next disaster strikes and help complement current efforts to overcome the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Topics Include:

• Local Economic Recovery Committees

• Managing Economic Recovery Centres

• Economic Recovery Action Plans

• Economic Recovery Communication

• Mental Health

Templates Include:

• Local Economic Recovery Committee - First Meeting Agenda

• Economic Recovery Manager - Duties and Responsibilities

• Media Release - Opening of an Economic Recovery Centre

• Economic Recovery Centre Intake Form

• Economic Recovery Centre Daily Briefing

• Economic Recovery Communication Strategy

Road Closures and Changing Conditions

Drivers are asked to avoid any unnecessary travel in B.C. after severe weather incidents in recent days led to multiple highway closures throughout the province, including the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) from the Lower Mainland to the Interior; the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) in the Similkameen; and the Coquihalla (Hwy 5) south of Merritt.

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

Road and rail closures will have a significant impact on the supply chain and distribution as reported by CBC News.

Shipments and deliveries will be delayed for the near future. Business operators should prepare accordingly.

Go Electric BC - CleanBC

Through the CleanBC plan, the Province is making clean transportation more affordable and accessible for British Columbians.

Not using gasoline means lower costs, which is good for families and businesses. Electric vehicle owners save big on fuel costs – about $1,800 every year for the average B.C. driver.

A provincial rebate of up to $3,000 is available to help with the up-front cost of an electric vehicle, which can be combined with other federal rebates for as much as $8,000 in savings. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, so they typically require less maintenance. That means saving time and money on regular vehicle upkeep and maintenance.

Electric vehicle drivers in B.C. can get a sticker that allows them to use our HOV lanes, even if there’s only one person in the car.

Apply for an HOV lane/electric vehicle permit and decal.

Making sure more of the vehicles we use are powered by clean B.C. electricity and hydrogen is one of the most important steps we can take to reduce carbon pollution. Ninety eight percent of the power BC Hydro generates comes from clean, renewable resources.

With an ever-growing network of charging stations, it’s easier than ever to charge an electric vehicle, whether your trip takes you around the corner or across the province. Rebates are available to help people with the costs of adding charging infrastructure in their homes and workplaces.

Learn more about charging station rebates

Range varies by vehicle, but most new electric vehicles have a range over 350 km. It’s also worth considering that most people live less than 25 km from work, so most modern EVs can meet the average commuter’s needs by plugging in just once or twice a week.

Immigrant Talent Integration Guide - Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon

CPHR BC & Yukon is working to support an increase in the knowledge, strategic capability and impact of the association’s members and increase the perceived importance and contribution of HR to the organization and economy. Part of this work includes the Immigrant Talent Integration guide:

• Tool One – Screening Tool

• Tool Two – Communication for Interviews

• Tool Three – Awareness of Body Language in Interviews

• Tool Four – Testing Performance and Skills on Key Job Criteria – Interview Stage

• Tool Five – Approaches for Integrating Skilled Immigrants

New Program Aims To "Spark" New Indigenous Tourism Ideas Across British Columbia | Apply by January 17, 2022

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), Destination BC and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program. The initiative will spark new Indigenous tourism ideas and experiences which authentically represent, celebrate, and promote Indigenous cultures, heritage, language, cuisine, and communities in British Columbia

The program works by matching selected applicants with a tourism mentor, providing a $5,000 seed grant as well as additional partner support to help develop new tourism experiences. Applications are encouraged from Indigenous entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in British Columbia, from November 9 to January 17, 2022. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session on January 25, 2022 where three winners will be selected.

The organizers are especially interested in new Indigenous tourism ideas that support and/or offer shoulder season activities in rural areas, opportunities for guided interpretive programs, learning and creating authentic crafts with artists, culinary experiences, and ideas that support truth and reconciliation, sustainability and/or address climate change.

Funders and supporters of the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program include Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, and TD Bank Group.

Developing Winter and Shoulder Season Tourism - Elevating Canadian Experiences

TIAC launched its Elevating Canadian Experience (ECE) program to provide tourism stakeholders with free learning resources in culinary tourism and tools for the winter/shoulder seasons.

The ECE program provides content ranging from strategy development to practical tools and tips - all designed to help grow and adapt your tourism business as an operator and build tourism capacity in your region as a destination partner.

The latest module "Embracing Canada’s Winter and Shoulder Season" has been developed to assist tourism operators and destination partners in broadening the shoulders of your tourism season and provides valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies.

November is Fall Prevention Month

Fall Prevention Month encourages organizations to coordinate their efforts for a larger impact. Canadian organizations participate by planning initiatives and sharing evidence-based information on fall prevention. Together we can raise the profile of fall prevention and encourage everyone to see their role in preventing falls and fall-related injuries across the lifespan.

Does your workplace have preventative measures in place to avoid slips and falls? Not sure where to start? go2HR has a resource in place for preventing slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Learn more about how you can avoid slips and falls in the workplace.

There are many ways to get involved in Fall Prevention Month and showcase the great work of your organization. Find out more here.

Okanagan College Hospitality Professional Program for Unemployed Workers - Applications Now Open

The Province is providing more than $450,000 to the Okanagan College Kelowna campus to deliver two intakes of its hospitality professional program for people on EI.

Participants will receive 17 weeks of occupational and employability skills training, 10 weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers and three weeks of follow-up support to assist in their job search. Courses will include computer software, marketing and sales, soft skills, COVID-19 health and safety training, human resources and management, project management and accounting. Participants will also receive certification courses in FoodSafe, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Serving it Right, as well as basic accounting or hospitality service training.

The hospitality professional program project is recruiting eligible applicants living in and around Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Revelstoke.

Full-time online and classroom learning for the first intake will start on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, and project activities will run until June 17, 2022.

Applications Open for Arts Infrastructure Program

Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can look forward to new and enhanced spaces with $4 million to support the Arts Infrastructure Program.

This is the second year this funding has been made available in response to the needs of arts and culture groups. In 2020-21, the program had an initial budget of $2 million. However, an additional $2 million of one-time funding was made available, resulting in funding for 97 organizations and $4 million in support.

The Arts Infrastructure Program dedicates money that allows arts and cultural organizations to improve infrastructure, enhance safety features, increase accessibility, buy equipment and continue to offer virtual programming to contribute to B.C.’s economic recovery.

The application deadline January 14, 2022.

Quick Facts:

• Through the next intake of the Arts Infrastructure Program, arts and cultural organizations can receive these grants:

  • an increased limit from $75,000 to $250,000 to improve arts and culture spaces;

  • $40,000 to buy special equipment to support art programming; and

  • $25,000 to support capital planning and consultation.

• The BC Arts Council administers the Arts Infrastructure Program and a peer committee reviews the funding applications.

• Budget 2021 committed $6 million over three years to expand the Arts Infrastructure Program.

• As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the Province provided $35 million to support arts and culture organization's recovery through the BC Arts Council.

Destination BC - Tourism Digital Academy, Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the next two intakes of the Tourism Digital Academy, which will run on January 10 and 17. It is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that includes building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.

This Online Program Includes:

• 8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)

• Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)

• One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions

• Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation

• A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan

• Opportunities for peer support and networking

Eligibility and Application:

The application-based program is free for all participants. To be eligible for the program you must:

• Be a BC-based tourism business, whose product or service is regularly available for purchase within BC (community tourism and sector organizations are also eligible);

• Have an active business website;

• Demonstrate, through the application form, a minimum level of digital marketing experience; and

• Be able to dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions during business hours, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go.

If you have any questions, please email: IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca

Accessible Graphic Design - Destination British Columbia

Destination BC has published an article to help provide information on Accessible Graphic Designing.

While it’s easy to get hung up on the visual details, graphic design is first and foremost a visual communication method used to convey information with a specific objective. Ease of understanding is the main goal. Everything else – colour, layout, and typography, etc. – is the means designers use to communicate messages more effectively.

So, if getting a message across is the goal, then shouldn’t it be accessible to everyone – or at least to the widest audience possible? To that end, it’s important to consider the diversity of peoples’ abilities, needs, and preferences; What works for one person, may not work for everyone. Some people may perceive colour differently. Others might find it hard to see very light fonts with thin strokes. Many find busy layouts and too much information overwhelming. The more we consider these things when making design decisions, the more likely we are to reach a wider audience with our message.

Whether the design is for print or online, every format has its own considerations and complexities. There are some general rules you can follow regardless of whether you’re creating a website, social media post, digital ad, poster, or slide deck.

REMINDER: Revised Public Health Orders Now in Effect

Public orders for Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events were updated on Monday, October 25th to reflect the restrictions that had been lifted.

Food and Liquor Serving Premises Public Order

The order is directed towards restaurants with table service, cafes, food primary or liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms with seating, and private clubs.

Highlights of the public order:

• The requirement for patrons to remain seated has been removed. Patrons are also allowed to mingle and move between tables.

• However, if patrons consume food or drink on the premises, there must be sufficient seating for them, whether at a table, booth or counter. Patrons must be assigned a table, booth or counter, and shown to their seat.

• Dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• A patron must not dance on the premises.

• A food service establishment with a liquor license which does not have table service, and which only sells liquor for takeaway, does not have to check for proof of vaccination.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Gatherings and Events Public Order:

Outside Events:

• There are no changes to the rules for outside events

• No more than 5,000 persons, or 50% of the seated capacity of a place, excluding event staff, whichever number is greater, are present.

• Participants are seated throughout the place in such a way to use all available space

Inside Events:

• Updated capacity restrictions: up to 100% of the of the seated operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a seated inside event, and up to 100% of the standing operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a standing inside event.

• Dance floors are closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• Participants do not dance unless they are registered participants in and attending a dance class at a dance studio or a recreation facility, or a child or youth participating in a program for children or youth.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Travel and COVID-19: Province of British Columbia

The Government of Canada has created a federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination document for travel. It's the most reliable way to show proof of vaccination for travel within Canada. This proof of vaccination will now be required when travelling in Canada by air, rail or cruise ship.

The federal proof of vaccination can also be used for international travel. Before leaving, all travellers are encouraged to check the Government of Canada’s travel requirements and the requirements of the country to which they are travelling.

As with the BC Vaccine Card, the new federal proof of vaccination can be accessed through Health Gateway, the Ministry of Health’s web service, by phone or in person at most Service BC offices.

Two doses of any federally approved COVID-19 vaccines, with the second dose administered at least 14 days before travel, are required to be considered fully vaccinated. Canadians who are not fully vaccinated must complete testing requirements and mandatory quarantine when returning to Canada.

BC's Vaccine Card will continue to be used for non-essential activities in BC, including going to a restaurant or sporting event

The Government of Canada has also indicated it will allow people in BC to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel within Canada until Nov. 30, 2021, while the new federal proof of vaccination is rolled out.

New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces - Canada.ca

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.

The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.

Users can search the app by topic or type of resource, save items to their favourites list, and share videos and other resources with colleagues. Once downloaded, there is no need for an internet connection to run the app. It can be used in remote areas and manufacturing shop floors where connectivity is absent or unreliable.

Download the CCOHS Safe Work app for free.

Shop Local BC - BC Chamber of Commerce

Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.

The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.

The BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver the Shop Local initiative in BC, ensuring that the program is inclusive, and funds are distributed equitably across the following seven economic development regions:

• Central-Cariboo

• Kootenay

• Mainland/Southwest

• North Coast/Nechako

• Northeast

• Thompson-Okanagan

• Vancouver Island/Coast

Key program dates:

• The Shop Local BC program will launch November 1, 2021.

• Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.

• Funds will be disbursed on an ongoing basis through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021.

Successful applicants will receive:

• 80% of the funds requested through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021

• 20% of the funds requested following submission of a satisfactory post-campaign report

• Chamber of Commerce will report the outcomes of the Shop Local BC initiative to the federal government by March 31, 2022.

There will be two information webinars during which the presenters will walk through the application process, including the steps to submit an application via the Shop Local BC portal.

• Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am PDT. Register here.

• Friday, October 29, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm PDT. Register here.

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.

The new benefit would be: 

• $300 a week.

• Strictly available to workers whose work interruption is a direct result of a government-imposed public health lockdown.

• Available until May 7, 2022, with retroactive application to October 24, 2021 should the situation warrant it.

• Accessible for the entire duration of a government-imposed public health lockdown (up until May 7, 2022).

• Available to workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and those who are eligible for EI, as long as they are not paid benefits through EI for the same period.

Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.

Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks.