150 Time Immemorial Grant Program | Apply by December 24, 2021

Indigenous communities, local governments and eligible organizations can apply for funding under the 150 Time Immemorial Program for projects that promote and educate British Columbians about diversity, inclusion, reconciliation and resiliency.

Funding will be provided to successful applicants through three streams:

1. Indigenous Cultural Heritage Infrastructure grants;

2. Sense of Place grants; and

3. Cultural Heritage Stewardship grants.

Eligible applicants include:

• A local government established by or under British Columbia statute

• An Indigenous government or organization

• A not-for-profit society registered in B.C. in good standing and governed by Indigenous people (at least 51% of directors identify as Indigenous)

The deadline for submission is December 24, 2021.

Managing Mental Health in a Changing Workplace

Our work environment has shifted over the past 19 months – whether new hours, new responsibilities or working remotely. Rather than letting the stress take over, you can control how you respond. Visit BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health to learn how to cope and prioritize your mental health.

Features Resources:

• Coaching Supports for Stress, Low Mood, and Worry

• Coping with Natural Disaster Stress

• Returning to Normal

• Body Image at Work

• Tourism Resiliency Network Business Advice

• Workplace Mental Health Training & Safety Talks

• and more

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.

Employee Support During Floods & Other Natural Disasters: Tips & Resources from go2HR

go2HR has shared a list of practical things employers can do to help support employees during and after a natural disaster:

1. Check in – Remember that employees may be dealing with the impacts of a disaster both at home and at work. Check in regularly with them and encourage them to do the same. Where possible, provide support such as contact information for your employee family assistance program, benefits provider, employment insurance or mental health resources.

2. Communicate – During and after a disaster, communication will be critical. Provide ongoing communication, updates and information using as many channels as possible (texts, email, social media, phone, communication apps, etc.). Access to power may be limited or interrupted during a disaster so be sure to keep messages brief and concise.

3. Offer flexibility – Often in times of disaster, individuals, businesses and communities join together to support each other. While some employees may need time off to deal with their personal situations, others may have a desire to be involved in clean up or rebuilding efforts however they may not be able to financially afford to take the time off. Offer flexibility such as additional time off (paid or unpaid), alternate work schedules, or adjust shift start/end times for employees who need or seek to be involved.

4. Move forward – As the initial shock and emergency response period passes and recovery efforts start, everyone’s attention will turn to regaining a sense of normalcy. Employees will want and need to know what is happening in their workplace and what is expected of them. Be sure to let your employees know how the business has been impacted and their job/shifts, etc. as a result. Depending on how your business has been impacted, this may include communicating information such as:

• When they can expect to get back to work

• What their schedule will look like

• What they should do if they need additional time off to deal with insurance, clean up or other personal challenges related to the flood

• What they should do if they are working from home and their work equipment has been damaged, etc.

As recovery and clean-up efforts start to get underway, it is important to recognize that it will take time and that individuals will respond and process the events in their own way.

Additional Mental Health Resource

• Tips for Coping with Natural Disaster Stress - If you or your employees are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone and support is available. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC offers tips and resources to help cope with natural disaster stress.

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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.