News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Training Program Empowers People to Address Racism | Apply by August 11, 2022
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
The pilot project is the first anti-racism training of its kind - developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS).
People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/gathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Vernon.
Online applications will be accepted until August 11th. Twenty spaces are available in the program. Successful applicants will begin their training in October 2022. Participants will receive an honorarium and travel expenses will be covered.
ITAC Launches Original Original Accreditation Program
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. Accredited businesses will fall into three categories of Market Ready, depending on the market they are prepared to serve, which include Business Ready, Visitor Ready or Export Ready. This accreditation program is important to travel trade associations, international tour operators, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), local communities and others to promote a quality tourism experience. The program also enables Indigenous tourism businesses to access lucrative travel trade networks and new visitor/consumer markets.
go2HR Announces Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR modelled the new Regional HR Consultants initiative after a successful pilot project in the Thompson Okanagan region that started six years ago.
The consultants provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC including recruitment, onboarding, retention, HR Advice and more.
Emergency Evacuation Planning for Your Workplace
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Connect with a member of go@HR’s health & safety team for additional guidance. Email safety@go2hr with any questions you have.
Canadian Red Cross Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program | Apply by September 30, 2022
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for $5,000 in funding.
This financial assistance is to provide support for things such as:
Uninsured direct losses damage, lost equipment/inventory
Insurance deductibles
Specialized clean-up costs that might not be eligible under other programs
Ongoing expenses such as rent for a commercial space or utility costs
Federal Wine Sector Support Program | Program Ends March 31, 2024
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
Canada's vibrant wine sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with growth taking place in all areas of the value chain, from grape growing to retail sales and tourism.
All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program.
The application intake period for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April-March) is now open for grape wine and other primary agricultural product-based wine products, excluding cider and mead.
Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance.
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.
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
Free Digital Marketing Bootcamp Available for B.C. Businesses
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills through a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
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
PrepareBC Heat Wave and Wildfire Resources
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources.
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources, such as:
Become a Hipcamp Host
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Whether you have a treehouse, a cabin, a hobby farm, or a cottage, odds are our community can’t wait to visit!
Listings on Hipcamp range from basic tent and RV sites to cabins, glamping tents, onsite trailers, and more
Free to list, no contracts or hidden fees
Support building a Hipcamp listing
Hipcamp takes a flat 10% commission on bookings they send you (this covers credit card fees, $1 million Host Liability Insurance, promotion and support)
Additional Hosting Resources:
Extras:
Extras allow Hosts to offer Hipcampers customizable goods, rentals, workshops and experiences for an additional fee at checkout so they can then enjoy them during their stay.
Here are a few examples of hosts with extras:
HipCamp would also be happy to work 1:1 with any new hosts and arrange for a Hipcamp photographer to take 10-15 professional photos of their land (Hipcamp covers all costs).
Here is an example of a listing with professional photography:
Vancouver Foundation Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Apply by September 30
B.C. non-profit societies, charities, and Indigenous-led organizations can apply for multi-year, flexible grants from the Vancouver Foundation. Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Through a partnership between the Province of BC, Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC, and New Relationship Trust, $34 million in multi-year, flexible grants will be available for charities and non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
For the first time, they are awarding grants through a randomized selection process that assesses eligibility rather than merit, minimizes biases, and removes competition between organizations.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Workplace C.A.R.E Certificate
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
Legal Considerations When Developing a Work From Home Policy
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
The Airbnb OMG! Fund | Apply by July 22, 2022
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
Promote Safe Travel this Summer
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below
Emergency Preparedness Resources
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
The updated Emergency Messaging Guidance document outlines official emergency information resources for British Columbia, as well as suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
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.
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.
Bridge to Culinary Arts Program
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This free 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food.
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food. The program is free for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
This cohort runs from July 25 – Sept 2, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 9:30-2:30 in person cohort at the Okanagan College, Kelowna campus, for Culinary Arts.
Eligibility:
Identifies as having a disability (Cognitive, Mental Health, Physical, Sensory or Developmental),
Unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or precariously employed)
Legally eligible to work in Canada
If interested, please contact 1-866-377-3670 or email oppsfund@opendoorgroup.org.
Pour More BC Program
Wine Growers British Columbia is relaunching the Pour More BC program to support our local BC restaurant industry and connect you with consumers craving local wine and food experiences.
Wine Growers British Columbia is relaunching the Pour More BC program to support our local BC restaurant industry and connect you with consumers craving local wine and food experiences.
Reasons to Register:
Participating restaurants will be rewarded and supported with WGBC led marketing initiatives such as sponsored social media posts, targeted Google Ad words, influencer blog features, The Vine consumer e-newsletter (25K+) and WineBC.com landing page. All designed to help promote your BC wine listings at no cost to you.
Quality content reaching a wide audience, with your restaurant named (and tagged) directly.
Spotlight listing on our global award winning Wines of BC Explorer App. The geo-location feature connects the (15K+) users directly with participating restaurants within their radius, which means BC wine lovers looking for a place to enjoy a great meal will find themselves being recommended to your venue.
Trade certified education tools will be available under the Pour More BC banner for restaurants to engage, educate and encourage their staff to become leading experts and ambassadors for BC wine.
Social media and print assets to use on your own channels and in store
Best of all-support your local wineries while supporting your own business!
BCHA Participates in Fully Funded Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Project
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”. This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”.
This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
Eligibility
Unemployed or part-time employed (working less than 30 hours per week) or precariously employed
High school graduate or 19+
Be a resident in BC and be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee Protected person with authorization to work
Proof of English language proficiency
Currently living in British Columbia
Benefits & Certificates
Pandemic Awareness
PPE
Food Safe
Privacy Awareness
Serving It Right
BSAFE Certificate
Heart of Hospitality Certificate
OFA Level 1
WHMIS
Super Host
GBA+
Safe Lifting
For registration and more information please contact Claudia Tran at 604.596.7722 ext. 177; claudia.tran@pics.bc.ca
For hotels who may be interested in candidate recruitment during the final phase of the 23 week program, please contact Alison Langford at alison@bcha.com