Local Lockdown Program for Non-Tourism Organizations

The new Local Lockdown Program is a way non-tourism and hospitality businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).

Learn More & Apply →

View Backgrounder →

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Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Program - Apply by January 31, 2022

Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.

All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.

Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.

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Winter Travel Toolkit for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated December 16, 2021

Download Winter Travel Toolkit

British Columbians have faced unprecedented challenges from severe weather and flooding that have impacted the normal ability to travel between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.

While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, we can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation if we plan ahead and prepare for situations that can shift rapidly. Many of us are eager to travel and see family and friends this winter.

This toolkit is designed as a guide for operators with the information needed by the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter.  Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.

People can get from the Lower Mainland to the Interior by driving via Highway 99 as of Dec 20, via Highway 3 as of Dec 21, and via the United States. They can also take advantage of the lower rates and extra capacity a number of airlines have added, or travel via existing commercial bus operators.

Situations can evolve rapidly, and we’ll do our best to keep everyone informed by updating this toolkit and the links to critical information that should reflect changes to travel information.

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Commemorate Canada Re-opening Fund | Apply by January 10, 2022

The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:

1. increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or

2. build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or

3. support the revival of local economies through in-person events.

Who Can Apply?

1. Canadian not-for-profit organizations

2. Canadian for-profit organizations where proposed projects are non-commercial in nature

3. Canadian educational institutions

4. Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal governments, Indigenous governments (or equivalent authority) or other municipal, provincial or territorial institutions.

Eligible Projects

To be eligible for funding from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund, your project must:

1. be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry)

2. be open to the general public and promoted as such

3. support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic

4. commemorate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, either as a general theme or by specifically honouring first responders, front-line workers, communities, pay tribute to lives lost or

5. provide an opportunity for Canadians impacted by COVID-19 to share their stories, experiences and contributions during the course of the pandemic in Canada

The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.

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Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures

On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.

TOTA Crisis Response

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.

TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.

TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.

We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Resources

Border Measures for Air Travel Infographic

The Government of Canada and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have developed an air travel infographic to assist travellers with a better understanding of what is required when both arriving and departing the airport.

Through direction from government, airport officials will be conducting COVID-19 testing for all fully vaccinated passengers arriving from an international destination at YVR with the exception for those coming directly from the US. This will be in addition to a number of existing travel requirements already in place at airports. The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.

Key points include:

• To depart YVR and any Canadian airport, travellers must be fully vaccinated. Passengers must be able to prove vaccination status and their documentation will be verified by the airline at check-in. For Canadians, the best documentation is the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, with limited exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

• Each destination has its own set of entry requirements. Passengers are required to understand and prepare for the entry requirements of their destination before travelling from Canada. Starting Dec. 6th, everyone travelling to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within a day of boarding their flight or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 day.

• When passengers return to Canada, they must complete ArriveCAN. This includes entering negative COVID-19 test information and a quarantine plan – and pre-registering for the arrivals test. Everyone will need to quarantine until test results are received, typically within 24 to 72 hours.

For passengers connecting through the airport, they will be subject to COVID-19 testing at YVR before continuing onward to their next destination. After taking the test, passengers can carry on to their final destination to quarantine while they await test results.

Note: Fully vaccinated Canadians who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving are exempt from providing a pre-entry test result. It is recommended that travellers pre-register for the COVID-19 testing in advance to avoid long delays upon arrival at YVR.

The Forum Virtual Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism | Apply by January 6 for January 2022 Sessions

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, a B.C.-based charity for women entrepreneurs, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

This free two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts on January 13 and 20, 2022.

Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2022 or until all available spots have been filled.

New Resources for Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

The workplace can play an important part in promoting positive mental health and supporting people when they are going through a tough time.

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The most recent Safety Talk introduces the topic of Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, including videos and print outs on what it is, why it matters, risks to mental health at work, and tips for wellness.

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Create a Profile on the BC Marketplace by Small Business BC

The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure.

Creating a listing is quick, simple, and free. Simply complete the intake form and your businesses will be listed within two business days. You can edit and change your account as much as you like, including updating offers. The Small Business BC team can provide further support if needed.

For businesses with a website, the BC Marketplace will provide relevant site links, helping to boost online presence. For businesses not currently online, the BC Marketplace offers space to create a digital footprint, making it easier for customers to discover them.

Background

Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses through the impacts of COVID, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

The BC Marketplace aims to simplify the “shop local” experience by making it easy for BC residents to discover small businesses across the province. At the same time, the marketplace offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their visibility and gain new customers.

The BC Marketplace highlights regional markets to help local residents discover the diversity of small businesses, right in their backyard.

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BC Increased Employment Incentive

The B.C. Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021.

The Increased Employment Incentive allows employers to apply for a one-time tax credit. The credit is 15% of the amount that the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the qualifying period exceeds the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the base period.

The base period is from July 1 to September 30, 2020.

The qualifying period is from October 1 to December 31, 2020.

All employers are eligible for the credit if they:

• Increased their eligible remuneration for the qualifying period compared to the base period

• Had a permanent establishment in B.C. for the qualifying period, even if they didn’t begin to have a permanent establishment in B.C. until after September 30, 2020

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Arts Impact Grant Now Available: Apply by January 20, 2022

Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can now apply for the Arts Impact Grant to receive as much as $30,000. This adaptable grant is available through the BC Arts Council in response to feedback from arts and culture groups. It provides greater flexibility for organizations as they prioritize how to use the funding.

All non-profit organizations with an arts and culture mandate, and Indigenous governments and community organizations offering dedicated arts and culture programming, are eligible to apply.

The application deadline is Jan. 20, 2022.

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New Destination Canada Report Identifies Top Drivers & Recovery Trends for Tourism Sector

Destination Canada released a new report, Tourism’s Big Shift: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry. The report identifies the key trends that will have the greatest impact on the travel and tourism industry in Canada in the next one to three years and beyond.

With more than 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, some of the potential long-term effects are becoming clearer while others are still emerging. Developing a collective understanding of these changes in the tourism industry and in consumer behaviours, as well as their potential implications, is key to the industry’s recovery. This new analysis of trends will help Destination Canada, and the wider tourism industry, adjust strategic areas of focus, mitigate risk, and maximize market opportunities helping our sector emerge stronger and more resilient.

For industry partners, tourism businesses and operators across the country, this trends analysis will also help inform their strategies and understand the key immediate changes anticipated as well as, the longer-term implications.

In short, in the next couple of years, travel and tourism will be more local and domestic, focusing principally on leisure travellers, facing increased competition, adapting to a digitalized society and continuously evolving.

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Coping with Natural Disaster Stress

Smoke, evacuations, loss, worry—BC’s floods and wildfires affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association has outlined some helpful steps and resources:

• Prepare – Having a clear emergency plan and kit ready for your family, pets and livestock can ease your mind and allow you to focus on other needs.

• Take care – Stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep lowers stress and helps us cope.

• Ask for help – Talking helps. Whether it’s with family, friends, a doctor or counsellor. Crisis lines are available to listen and help anytime—not just during a crisis. If you have been evacuated, you can also ask an Emergency Support Services volunteer about the mental health or counselling support available to you.

• Help others – Reach out to the vulnerable. Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together.

Helpful Links and Resources

Preparing for wildfires

• Get prepared for a wildfire in BC (Government of BC)

Health and mental health

• Coping through a natural disaster emergency – mental health tips for you and your family

• Recognizing and addressing trauma and anxiety during wildfire season (First Nations Health Authority)

• Recognizing and resolving trauma in children during disasters (First Nations Health Authority)

• Disaster emotional response timeline – what to expect before, during and after a disaster

• Your health during a wildfire (Government of BC)

• Wildfire smoke and health (BC Centre for Disease Control)

• Guidebook for Well-being in Recovery (Red Cross)

Direct Help for Stress

• Free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
  KUU-US Indigenous line 1-800-588-8717
  Interior BC Crisis Line 1-888-353-2273 – chat and text services available
  Northern BC Crisis Line 1-888-562-1214
  BC Mental Health Support Line 310-6789 (no area code required)

• Find virtual mental health supports available in BC

• BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry

• Find your local Canadian Mental Health Association

Information provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association in partnership with the Province of BC, First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, Northern Health and Provincial Health Services Authority.

Worker COVID-19 Resources: There's an App for That

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCHOS) has launched a new app to make workplace COVID-19 health and safety resources available to workers across Canada. The free app is a wealth of information with sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos and other guidance materials to help keep workers and customers safe. The downloaded app can be used without an internet connection, a handy feature when connectivity is unreliable or absent.

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.

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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