News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
BC Resources for Coping With Disaster Stress
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division has compiled resources related to coping from stress from natural disasters, including helpful actions to take, emergency preparedness planning, health and mental health, and direct help.
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division has compiled resources related to coping from stress from natural disasters.
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)
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)BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry
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.
Glenn Fawcett Given the Award of Distinction from Wine Growers of British Columbia
Congratulations to Glenn Fawcett on being recognized for his considerable contributions to the wine industry by the Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) with its highest honour – the WGBC Award of Distinction. The Award of Distinction recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.
Congratulations to Glenn Fawcett on being recognized for his considerable contributions to the wine industry by the Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) with its highest honour – the WGBC Award of Distinction. The Award of Distinction recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.
Previous winners of this prestigious award include wine industry luminaries such as Howard Soon, Sandhill (Andrew Peller); Harry McWatters, Time Winery; and Tony Stewart, Quails’ Gate Winery.
During his 35-year career as an entrepreneur and innovator Fawcett has founded and/or consulted to numerous successful companies including Therapy Vineyards and Guesthouse and Black Hills Estate Winery. Fawcett is also a sought-after industry consultant under his company Vinequest Ltd.
New Biosphere Committed Members - July
We are very pleased to welcome five more amazing companies to the Biosphere Commitment Program: Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery.
We are pleased to welcome Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery to our Biosphere Community!
Clos du Soleil is a tightly-knit team with a common philosophy: our land and the life it contains is a gift, and as stewards of the land it is our privilege to produce wines which are a reflection of this land. Based in the Similkameen Valley, Clos du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard. Managing Director and Winemaker Michael Clark states, “Organic certification is really central to our whole approach at Clos du Soleil. We put a great deal of effort into producing wines of place; wines that speak of the land on which they were grown. Organic practices are a crucial part of that process by encouraging healthy soils, and healthy vines, which make for more expressive wines”.
Learn more about Clos du Soleil here.
From the beginning, Graham & Lyndsay knew they wanted Tightrope Winery to be a sustainable business. After all, the property was also to be the home to their young family, and they wanted to ensure it would be a healthy environment for their family for generations. Graham embarked on a journey to create a framework for sustainability and became one of the founding Directors with Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Tightrope’s sustainability efforts go beyond environmental stewardship and they also focus on social equity, economic development and how the greater community is affected.
Learn more about Tightrope Winery here.
Sperling Vineyards has been four generations in the making and they have been certified organic since 2017. Sperling Vineyards also recently became a member of Regeneration Canada, a movement supporting soil regeneration. Ann Sperling explained, "We are part of this organization to help get the word out about farmers who are committed to grasslands, permanent cover crops, and farming that benefits the environment. Our treed perimeters, bushes and permanent cover crops sequester carbon from the atmosphere unlike conventional agriculture with tillage that releases CO2."
Learn more about Sperling Vineyards here.
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort is proudly owned by the Little Shuswap Lake Band. The Resort sits on Skwlax Territory and is home to the Secwepemc people. Little Shuswap Lake Band members conceived the idea of a hotel to spur economic development with a sustainable business venture, offering employment and long term security for the band and its members. Guests can reconnect with nature and the culture of the land, with Secwepemc culture woven into each experience.
Learn more about Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort here.
Named for the solitary majestic old growth pine of their Oliver estate, Le Vieux Pin sits perched amidst the famed vineyards of the Black Sage Bench. Since releasing their first vintage in 2005, Le Vieux Pin has captured the essence of traditional French winemaking, along with the bold New World character distinct to the region. Le Vieux Pin uses low input viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking to make exclusive vintages that carry with them a sense of time and place. They believe that engaging in sustainable and organic practices should be done for the good of the land for the good of those who work it.
Learn more about Le Vieux Pin here.
Attractions Get Support to Anchor Their Communities
More than 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in B.C. will receive direct support for their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 16 Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
More than 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in B.C. will receive direct support for their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thompson Okanagan recipients include:
Kamloops Art Gallery - Kamloops
Thompson Valley Charters Ltd.- Kamloops
Big White Ski Resort Ltd - Kelowna
Bluestar Coach Lines - Kelowna
Energyplex Family Recreation Centre Kelowna Inc.-Kelowna
Sky Trek Adventure Park Ltd. - Malakwa
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. - Penticton
Penticton Art Gallery - Penticton
S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society - Penticton
Top Cat Tours Ltd. - Penticton
Kettle Valley Railway Society - Summerland
A1 Bus Ltd. - Vernon
Splashdown Vernon - Vernon
Vernon Science & Discovery Society - Vernon
Splash ON Water Parks Ltd. - West Kelowna
“Today is an exciting day for our major anchor attractions that, because of the restrictions that have been in place throughout the pandemic, made sacrifices to keep us all safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The sector called on government to provide grants, not loans, and we worked with tourism sector leaders to make sure these vital businesses and non-profits can continue to employ residents and draw visitors to attractions throughout B.C.”
B.C.’s anchor attractions play an important role in B.C.’s economy by drawing visitors to communities and supporting local small businesses throughout the province. Tour bus companies are a key link to bring travellers to many of the regional destinations, attractions and experiences.
The Major Anchor Attractions Program, first announced in May 2021, was one of the seven calls to action from the Tourism Task Force. Grants of up to $1 million will be provided to both businesses and not-for-profits, including:
23 urban anchor attractions;
34 rural anchor attractions; and
26 tour bus operators.
Organizations can use the grants to pay for rent and utilities, payroll and costs related to restarting or ramping up operations and other business expenses that will help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic. For example, Richmond Night Market will use its $1-million grant to help it maintain its role as a significant attraction in the City of Richmond.
Since the start of the pandemic, the B.C. government has worked with industry to provide relief and support. In addition to the Major Anchors Attraction Program, the Province has provided the following:
A $100-million tourism-specific stream under the Small and Medium Size Business Recovery Grant program.
$5 million was allocated in dedicated relief funding delivered by Indigenous Tourism BC for Indigenous tourism businesses.
$53 million has been invested in community-based tourism infrastructure and destination development to help tourism in B.C. recover, create jobs and spur economic development.
The Province partnered with go2HR to design a COVID-19 safety certificate course for the tourism and hospitality workforce.
Budget 2021 includes an additional $50 million in to support tourism recovery and $20 million for community-based tourism infrastructure.
For a complete list of supports, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan-boosts-bc-tourism-industry
Quick Facts:
Applications for the Major Anchor Attractions Program opened June 7, 2021.
Major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $1 million.
Major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $500,000.
Tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year were eligible for up to $500,000.
A total of $36.3 million was allocated to grant recipients throughout the province.
Learn More:
For a list of BC Major Anchor Attractions recipients by region, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-23_BCMAA.pdf
FireSmart Community Funding & Support
Applications are currently being accepted for the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program, which provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.
The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) are working with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to deliver the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program.
Eligible applicants:
Include all local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and First Nations (bands, Treaty First Nations and Indigenous National Governments with authority for lands and resources) in BC are eligible to apply.
May apply for up to $50,000 or $150,000, depending on their specific risk of wildfire. There are opportunities to apply for additional funding for regional districts, and for fuel management proposals that include Provincial Crown land within and adjacent to community boundaries. Information on determining risk is provided in Appendix 2 of the Program Guide.
For enquiries about the program or application process, please contact UBCM at cri@ubcm.ca or 250-356-2947.
The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires.
Download FireSmart Guides & Manuals here.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund. This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund.
The fund supports the operation of the businesses as well as costs to support the adaptation, planning and reopening of businesses.
It is intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these businesses and micro-businesses to strengthen operations and support their viability during the pandemic, with the goal of positioning them for recovery.
This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Who can Apply
Your community or collectives are eligible if the business:
is First Nations, community or collectively-owned business
is located in the provinces of BC
has been in operation since October 1, 2019
has either incurred a negative financial impact due to COVID-19 or that financial support will prevent layoffs, bankruptcy or permanent closure
has been solvent, financially viable, and not declared bankrupt prior to the economic disruptions associated with COVID-19
currently operates as a for profit entity and expects to continue to operate with a reduction in revenues from the previous year over the coming months as a result of COVID-19 in line with the terms of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
has previously applied for federal business support and been declined, in whole or in part, or does not qualify under business support eligibility criteria:
this may include applications to more than 1 federal program depending on the requested support
First Nations, may apply for funding for 1 or more community-owned businesses.
A Need for an Accommodation Plan in B.C.
Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms. If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option. If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online.
Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms.
If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option.
If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online.
If you cannot self-register online, go the reception centre designated by your local government or First Nation to register in-person. By registering, your community will know where you are, and loved ones can find out if you are safe.
Emergency Management BC urges people who have self-evacuated to larger communities due to smoky conditions to consider returning home. Because smoky conditions shift and move, self-evacuating to another community does not guarantee a person’s exposure will be reduced. Unnecessary relocation or travel will only add stress and anxiety that can also have negative health effects.
In many communities, accommodations are reaching capacity. By returning home, people can help host-community ESS create capacity for people who have been evacuated from their homes due to a direct wildfire threat.
If you are not on evacuation order and you are worried about smoke issues in your area:
Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming).
Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate.
Visit places with controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, public libraries, etc.
People with asthma or other chronic illnesses should ensure they have an adequate supply of inhalers/medication, and should activate their asthma or personal protection plans.
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, stay tuned to your local authority’s public information channels and Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
Click here to read the full news release.
Changes for Travellers Entry to Canada
Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine - or combination of vaccines - accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.
Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine - or combination of vaccines - accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide evidence supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation (along with the original).
What Changes August 9th:
Allow discretionary (non-essential) travel for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S., who meet all required criteria. This includes the need to submit information electronically through ArriveCAN.
Allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who either has a right to enter Canada (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident currently residing in the U.S, or is otherwise is permitted entry under the US Prohibition on Entry Order made under the Quarantine Act. They must meet all other required criteria, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements.
Travellers who do not meet all the required eligibility requirements for discretionary (non-essential) travel will be denied entry into Canada, precluded from boarding their flight, and/or could face additional fines on arrival. It is therefore important that all travellers find out about whether they are eligible to enter Canada well in advance of their travel, and understand applicable requirements.
Testing Requirements
Allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents travelling to the U.S. for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry test in Canada.
Allow individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, but continue to test positive, to present a positive COVID-19 molecular test result on a specimen taken 14 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada as part of the pre-arrival test requirements.
Adjust post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. This shift responds to the pandemic's evolution and will monitor prevalence in travellers. It will also identify new variants of concern entering Canada and provide intelligence, including vaccine effectiveness.
There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers.
Temperature screening requirements
Due to the improving epidemiological situation in Canada, effective August 9, 2021, Transport Canada will remove the requirement for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to perform pre-board temperature screening of passengers on all domestic flights and international departures (including Transborder), as well as airport workers.
Quarantine Requirements
Eliminate the three-night government-authorized hotel stay requirement for all travellers arriving by air as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 9.
Continue to require unvaccinated travellers to undergo Day 1 and Day 8 COVID-19 molecular tests, and complete a mandatory 14 day quarantine, subject to limited exceptions.
Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition) of fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to complete a 14 day quarantine, but must follow strict public health measures. This includes those travelling from the U.S for discretionary purposes. This means they can move around with their parents, but must avoid group settings - such as camps or daycares - during the first 14 days after their arrival. Unvaccinated children will remain subject to the Day 1 and Day 8 testing requirements. Provinces and territories may have more stringent rules around people who have recently returned from travel. More details will be available in the coming days.
Proof of vaccination for foreign nationals permitted entry for discretionary purposes, who enter on the basis of their vaccination status
Starting August 9, 2021, air carriers will be verifying that the travellers coming to Canada have submitted their information digitally by using the ArriveCAN app or website before they board their flight. Discretionary travellers who are unable to show their ArriveCAN receipt – either on their mobile device or a printed copy - will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada, as they are ineligible to enter Canada. In addition to their ArriveCAN receipt, travellers should carry their actual vaccine certificate with them to show officials at the border entry point.
Discretionary travellers include:
Fully vaccinated American citizens or permanent residents who reside in the U.S., and are entering from the U.S. for discretionary (non-essential) travel (starting on August 9, 2021); and
Other fully vaccinated foreign nationals coming to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes (intended to start on September 7, 2021)
Travellers with a right to entry, (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), or travellers who qualify for entry under another exemption (e.g. immediate or extended family member) or who are coming to Canada for essential reasons (such as temporary foreign workers, or international students) will not be denied boarding, but will be required to submit information relating to their vaccination status via the ArriveCAN app or website.
Read the full announcement from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
BC Provincial State of Emergency Declared
The B.C. government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021 and will be in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary.
The B.C. government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration on July 20, 2021, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021.
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government's top priority.
“Public safety is always our first priority, and as wildfire activity is expected to increase, this is a progressive step in our wildfire response to make sure British Columbia has access to extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act,” Farnworth said. “In a briefing last night, I received word that we’ll be facing a few days of very difficult weather in the Interior. This declaration will address the potential of a mass evacuation scenario and provide our government with the means to secure the accommodation spaces necessary to house our citizens, if necessary.”
As of July 20, there were 299 wildfires burning in B.C., with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties). The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with heightened wind activity in the Interior and southeastern B.C.
More than 3,180 firefighters and resource staff are currently actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions in the province. This includes 1,080 contractors and 135 out-of-province resources.
The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s request for firefighting assistance. In the coming days, federal personnel and resources will be arriving in B.C. to assist with wildfire efforts.
The state of emergency gives agencies, such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Emergency Management BC, the fire commissioner and the RCMP, the authority to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires and protect people and communities.
Quick Facts:
Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of time.
Learn More:
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Keep up to date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca
Government of Canada Announces Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
The Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific entry requirements as of September 7. As a first step, starting August 9, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents residing in the United States for non-essential travel.
We look forward to welcoming back fully vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, and those from other countries on September 7.
On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the federal government intends to open Canada’s borders for recreational travel by fully-vaccinated travellers from any country. Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for recreational travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.
Fully vaccinated travellers must also:
provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions);
meet the pre-entry testing requirements;
be asymptomatic upon arrival; and
have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request.
We encourage all tourism businesses to share information around this next phase of re-opening, so we can all be ready to welcome back visitors first from the US, and then around the world. Destination BC will update the Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry prior to August 9, but for now, here are some key messages to share with your partners:
Visitors can feel confident in making travel plans as tourism businesses throughout Canada have made huge investments in new hygiene protocols.
Canada’s adult population has one of the world’s highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.
Travel to Canada is going to be different than it was prior to the pandemic.
We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.
For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism page.
In alignment, Destination BC will launch marketing campaigns for US and international markets beginning in August, with more details available soon. Throughout the pandemic, Destination BC has continued to work in lockstep with federal and provincial government partners, and any new marketing campaigns or existing campaign extension tactics will continue to fall in line with BC’s Restart Plan.
For the full announcement, please see the Government of Canada press release.
Related Government of Canada Information
Associated Links
IArT Kicks Off Meet Me On Bernard in Downtown Kelowna
The IArT Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
The outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran sharing opening remarks for Meet Me On Bernard from the IArT stage, July 2021.
The Indigenous Artisan Trails (IArT) Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
IArT’s outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Syilx First Nations people. IArT highlights Indigenous art and culture, particularly from Indigenous artisan crafters and performers of the Thompson Okanagan region.
Featured Exhibition: Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures
From July 6 to August 18, IArT is housing a digital Indigenous art exhibition curated by UBC Okanagan Assistant Professor Tania Willard as part of the Indigenous Art Intensive, in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts. The exhibition, Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures is a series of video works by artists Maureen Gruben (Inuvialuk), Krista Belle Stewart (Syilx), and Christine Howard Sandoval (Obispeño Chumash and Hispanic), following as the artists trace out pathways, trails, and positions of engaging with the indigeneity of land.
The outdoor stage will be used for Indigenous cultural performances. The schedule will be announced shortly.
Experience IArT
From July 6 to August 18, IArT will be located on Bernard Ave near Ellis St, with the exhibition open for viewing Wednesday to Friday, 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
IArT will travel to Riverside Park in Kamloops on August 21.
For performance and location schedules, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/iart
Several TOTA team members worked together to move the trailer from the Rotary Centre of the Arts to Meet Me On Bernard, including the wheelchair accessible ramp:
TIABC Board Appoints Sandra Oldfield
TIABC welcomes Sandra Oldfield to the Board of Directors, filling a vacant position within the business category. Sandra brings a wealth of industry and wine sector knowledge to the table. She has steered innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench–establishing Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning both Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards in 2016.
TIABC welcomes Sandra Oldfield to the Board of Directors, filling a vacant position within the business category. Sandra brings a wealth of industry and wine sector knowledge to the table. She has steered innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench–establishing Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning both Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards in 2016.
She is an active board member on the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the BC Hospitality Foundation, Chair of the BC Winery Health and Safety Committee and previous board member of TIABC.
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
Tourism businesses and destinations are stepping up their commitment to sustainability. Aimed at reducing waste and pollution across the sector, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) is welcoming 32 new signatories, with every global region represented behind the shared goal.
The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments and other tourism stakeholders to lead by example in the shift towards a circular economy of plastics.
The Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments and other tourism stakeholders to lead by example in the shift towards a circular economy of plastics. Among the signatories are organizations such as Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, TUI Group, Palladium Hotel Group, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Hostelling International, and Visit Valencia.
These new additions bring the total number of signatories up to 93 companies and organizations. These include organizations from stages of the tourism value chain, including accommodation providers, tour operators, online platforms, suppliers, waste managers and supporting organizations.
Addressing plastic pollution is essential to sustainably restart tourism, preserve destinations and contribute to climate action
To mark the confirmation of the new signatories, UNWTO and the United Nations Environment Programme, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, held a special panel discussion with the theme Eliminate. Innovate. Circulate. Strategies from the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
Alongside this, a keynote presentation on “A Life Cycle Approach – Key messages for tourism businesses” further highlighted the aims of the GTPI, with a special focus on innovation and the importance of context-based approaches to ensure plastics are circulated back into the economy rather than thrown away after use.
Workplace Accessibility Grant: Applications Now Open
The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons requiring universal design elements.
The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).
The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):
Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.
Attitudes: anti-bias training
Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.
Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.
Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.
Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.
This Grant Program is available for companies with between 1 and 50 employees (both part time and full time), including yourself. Businesses must be based in and operate within British Columbia, and have been registered in BC at the time of submission.
Tin Whistle Brewing's quest to become a carbon-neutral brewery
New owners, wife and husband duo, Alexis Esseltine and Timothy Scoon took over Tin Whistle Brewery in October, 2020 and are making their mark on the iconic brew-spot by announcing a new look and an environmental focus.
Founded in 1995, Tin Whistle Brewery is the original craft brewery of the South Okanagan and now they are one of the first carbon neutral certified breweries in BC. Tin Whistle worked with Climate Smart to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately achieved certification by reducing its electricity, natural gas, refrigeration and transportation use, installing a new compressor and lighting and purchasing carbon offset credits from the Great Bear Rainforest.
"You have to understand what your carbon footprint is and then go about getting that to zero," said Alexis Esseltine, owner of Tin Whistle Brewery. “We know beer, like all products, has an impact on the natural world, whether it’s through the grains grown and transported to our facilities or the energy, water and waste from production,” she said. “We knew we could make great beer, and we also knew we could lessen our impact.”
Four key areas were identified as impacts
Ingredients
Sourcing locally and thoughtfully makes a difference
Water & Energy
Big batch brewing can be wasteful
Packaging
How we package our products matters
Transportation
Shipping and delivery can quickly add up
By identifying these impacts, Tin Whistle Brewing has created action plans for each of the four areas.
In addition to Tin Whistle’s commitment to being carbon neutral, they promote investing in their local community by donating 5 cents from every can to a local charitable partner and sourcing ingredients as locally as possible. The next milestone that Tin Whistle is pursuing is making a selection of their beer certified organic.
They also plan to work towards a near-zero waste production process. Right now, the spent grains leftover after the brewing process are given away to a farmer who feeds it to his pigs and cows. Tin Whistle is looking at monetizing the spent grain by selling it to a company that will dehydrate it and mill it into flour.
Direct Flights from Downtown Vancouver to Okanagan Lake Now Available
Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort have partnered to provide weekly round trip flights from Downtown Vancouver to a private dock situated in the Eldorado Resort Marina on Okanagan Lake for summer 2021. A special package will combine air travel through Harbour Air and accommodation at the Eldorado Resort.
Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort announced an official partnership to provide weekly round trip flights from Downtown Vancouver to a private dock situated in the Eldorado Resort Marina on Okanagan Lake. A special package will combine air travel through Harbour Air and accommodation at the Eldorado Resort.
Mark Jeanes, the General Manager of Eldorado Resort said, “the Eldorado Resort is delighted to be working in partnership with Harbour Air who, as many people may know, is the largest all-seaplane airline in the world. Harbour Air customers have come to expect the very best in terms of service excellence and safety, and so for the Eldorado Resort, working with Harbour Air was a natural fit for us. This new air service also creates another seamless option for guests from the Lower Mainland wanting to come and explore the Okanagan, with the flight time being just over an hour from city centre to city centre.”
“Getting people directly to the heart of where they want to be on the coast is what we are known for,” said Harbour Air’s CEO, Greg McDougall. “Now, with working with the beautiful Eldorado Resort, we finally have an opportunity to offer that same service into a beautiful property on Okanagan Lake and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Eldorado Resort is a world class full-service waterfront resort and Kelowna’s only full waterfront resort, with two hotels beautifully located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, minutes from downtown, golf, wineries, and ski resorts. The Eldorado Resort onsite dining experiences uses fresh, regional farm-to-table ingredients and local Okanagan wine.
This unique opportunity will operate from July to September 6, 2021.
South Okanagan Biodiversity Protected
A breathtaking natural landscapes in the South Okanagan will now be protected from development forever, thanks to a $1.8-million land purchase by the Nature Trust of BC. The biodiversity hot spot is home to at least five federally listed at-risk species, including the Lewis’s woodpecker, western tiger salamander, Great Basin spadefoot, Great Basin gopher snake and western rattlesnake.
A breathtaking natural landscape in the South Okanagan will now be protected from development forever, thanks to a $1.8-million land purchase by the Nature Trust of BC. The non-profit land conservation organization bought 151 acres (61 hectares) of ecologically important land, known as the Park Rill Floodplain, to expand the White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch conservation complex in the South Okanagan.
“It’s important to conserve and protect this land, especially in this area, because of pressures from development and climate change,” said Okanagan conservation land manager Nick Burdock. “We were actually approached by this landowner. The landowners are very much interested in the conservation of nature.”
The biodiversity hot spot is home to at least five federally listed at-risk species, including the western tiger salamander, Lewis’s woodpecker, Great Basin spadefoot toad, Great Basin gopher snake and western rattlesnake. Other animals in the protected landscape include peregrine falcons (special concern), Western Screech Owls (threatened), American Badgers (endangered), Nuttall’s Cottontail, black bears, and mule deer.
It is difficult to find low-land habitats unaffected by development, but three-quarters of the Park Rill Floodplain remains in a relatively natural state, allowing it to support six sensitive ecosystems: sagebrush steppe, open coniferous woodland, seasonally flooded fields, wet meadow, sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops and, importantly, grasslands.
The diversity of species and habitats protected by this project exemplifies the importance of the native grasslands within the South Okanagan. The Nature Trust of BC has a sterling track record for protecting, managing and restoring these and other critical habitat types in BC. For that reason, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Nature Trust and of our shared goals of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats through the protection and conservation of BC’s natural landscapes.
- Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Conservationists plan to restore the natural floodplain and mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires through prescribed burns and the thinning of trees.
Coordinated Emergency Supports in Kamloops
Representatives from the City of Kamloops, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), and Emergency Management BC (EMBC) met on July 7, 2021 to discuss the Emergency Support Services (ESS) response of each organization.
Note: Donations of gift cards, especially for food and fuel, for evacuees can be dropped off at Moccasin Square Garden on Chief Alex Thomas Way.
Downtown Kamloops. Destination BC/Tanya Goehring
The support for residents evacuated throughout British Columbia is vast and complex. There are currently three Emergency Operations Centres activated in Kamloops.
To share information and plan ways to work together, four key organizations met in Kamloops to discuss joint emergency management and support of the regional fire events.
Representatives from the City of Kamloops, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), and Emergency Management BC (EMBC) met on July 7, 2021 to discuss the Emergency Support Services (ESS) response of each organization. The goals of the session were to share information about each organization's role in emergency response, to provide a situation update on current events, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The key themes of the discussion were:
Capacity (both personnel and evacuation centres)
Communication
Evacuation protocol
Donations management
Comfort of evacuees
Safety
Mental health of all involved
The group reviewed lessons learned from 2017 and discussed how to apply those insights to planning for what appears is going to be a difficult summer.
The situation in Kamloops is that there are limited hotel rooms currently available, and limited municipal facilities available for evacuees. The City ESS team, with support from EMBC, are registering evacuees; however, accommodation options are a challenge.
The TNRD and the City extend a tremendous thank you to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for opening their facilities and lands to host evacuees.
"City ESS personnel have been assisted by other ESS teams in the region and 15 more staff have been requested from the Province. These ESS staff support the registration of evacuees and provide accommodation where possible. Hotel room availability is limited, but we are working closely with all suppliers and partners to increase capacity," said Dan Sutherland, Emergency Program Coordinator with the City of Kamloops. "The Sandman Centre concourse was opened on July 1 during the Kamloops East Fire for temporary shelter and water for residents from Juniper Ridge and Valleyview who needed a place to go."
TteS has been welcoming all fire evacuees to the Kamloops Powwow grounds for several days already.
“The Powwow Arbour is open and Moccasin Square Garden is stocked with supplies for people in need," said Councillor Thomas Blank, who is also the TteS EOC Director. "We opened our Emergency Operations Centre on June 30 and expanded to assist more evacuees on July 3, providing better coordinated supports. We are currently serving hundreds and hundreds of people every day. Approximately 100 breakfasts, 150 lunches, and 200-300 dinners are currently being served to evacuees. Today we are setting up a tent for evacuated children to stay cool and have a place to play."
"We need to continue to have lots of dialogue and to support each other," Councillor Blank continued. "We have some highly sensitive issues in TteS right now and we are raw to say the least, but we are doing our best and focusing our very limited resources in a way that can be most impactful to the most people."
“We raise our hands to every member of this team here today who has opened their community to residents of Lytton to support their evacuation last week," said Kevin Skrepnek, Emergency Program Coordinator with the TNRD. "Our immediate focus is to support the evacuees of Lytton as they begin to process the events in their community and consider the steps to rebuild their future."
A key representative from Emergency Management BC also attended the meeting to offer support to the three EOCs – the City’s, TNRD’s and TteS’s.
"EMBC is committed to supporting any community’s EOC activation through funding and capacity building," said Kayla Pepper, Director, Indigenous Partnership with EMBC “We don’t want communities to be out of pocket to host other communities. You tell us what you need, you tell us who you need, and we’ll help make that connection.”
Donations of gift cards, especially for food and fuel, for evacuees can be dropped off at Moccasin Square Garden on Chief Alex Thomas Way. There is no room for donations of items at this time.
B.C. Campfire Ban in Effect
Effective until noon on October 15, 2021 or until the order is rescinded, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, and other fire activities are prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
Effective until noon on October 15, 2021 or until the order is rescinded, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
The following activities are also prohibited: Fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels/cages, tiki torches, binary exploding targets, chimineas, outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating, air curtain burners in Cariboo, Coastal, Northwest, Prince George and Southeast fire centres.
The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires.
> Download FireSmart Guides & Manuals
> View more BC Government fire prevention information and resources.
Rise of Organic Viticulture in the Okanagan
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world! By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world!
Organic viticulture and winemaking is certainly nothing new to the region, with producers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Beaumont Family Estate producing organic wines for more than 20 years, however, with the recent transition from producers like Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery, the number of organic vineyards has dramatically increased. By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With the overall trend moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, consumers are looking for simple ways to reduce their impact, including their wine choices. In fact, the global consumption of organic wine doubled between 2012 and 2017 and continues to increase today.
Kelowna Biosphere Committed Members that are also organic wineries:
