B.C. Launches Plan to Revitalize Tourism, Creating Opportunities for People

B.C. has launched a new three-year roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing tourism, creating jobs and opportunities for people and communities in every part of the province.

The renewed Strategic Framework for Tourism responds to the call to action from the sector to support its recovery from COVID-19. It outlines a roadmap for a more resilient tourism sector by rebuilding to 2019 levels by 2024.

Requested by B.C.’s tourism industry leaders and the Tourism Task Force, the update of this framework focuses on provincial priorities of putting people first; lasting and meaningful reconciliation; equity and anti-racism; a better future through fighting climate change; and a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone.

To continue to support tourism businesses in B.C. to come back stronger, the Province is investing $1 million toward investments in event-bid preparation and sponsorships to attract large-scale arts, culture, and sport events, and public conferences and exhibitions.

Investing now in event programs will kick-start the events industry’s recovery and will position B.C. as a safe, world-class, event-hosting jurisdiction once again. This is in addition to the $8 million government recently announced for the Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund to help restart business travel by attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions.

The Tourism Task Force emphasized how challenging it has been for industry to find the skilled workers it needs. This is why government is investing a further $2 million for post-secondary education and training to support B.C. students who enrol in tourism and hospitality certificate, diploma or degree programs, tourism-related apprenticeships, and trades training and development programs. This program, will prioritize students who are Indigenous, immigrant, or refugee applicants, as well as those from rural or remote locations, and people with accessibility needs. More details will be provided soon.

As part of the Province’s continuing tourism recovery initiatives, government has committed $6 million this year through 2024 for Destination BC to market B.C. as a destination of choice in the highly competitive international market.

This funding builds on the $570 million the B.C. government has invested in recovery supports for the tourism sector, including the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that are providing funding to nearly 8,200 tourism and hospitality businesses.

View Announcement →

View Strategic Framework →

View At A Glance →

B.C. Lifting Mask Requirement on March 11, 2022

Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.'s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, these activities can return to normal:

• Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order

• Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required

• Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises

• Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• No restrictions on worship service capacity

• Overnight camps for children and youth allowed

By March 18, there will be no visitor limits at long-term care and seniors' assisted living facilities.

When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.

On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services

  • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry

  • Proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

Learn More →

Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer

Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.

The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.

Learn More →

New Biosphere Member: Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

Since opening their doors in 2013, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room has operated on a triple bottom line model of People, Planet, and Profit. This has designed their stores and products to match the same ethos. Olive Us sees the Biosphere Commitment Program as an opportunity to take their environmental efforts to the next level and join a community of likeminded Okanagan businesses who are passionate about sustainable tourism. Beyond the steps they’ve already taken, like collecting and washing thousands of Olive Us bottles for reuse, they are excited to get started on the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, they are looking forward to learning how to exemplify the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Regional Pledge.

“Sustainability means living in ways that support the environment, our community, and ourselves. At Olive Us we believe that encompasses treating our team with respect and compassion, doing business with integrity, delivering excellent customers service, and finding ways we can be gentler to the earth. The foundation of our tasting rooms is just that - tasting! We use compostable tasting cups and spoons to lighten our footprint. To support our community we sell local, artisan products that support growers and makers around BC, and we donate thousands of dollar of product per year in silent auctions and giveaways to causes that spark our hearts. Most of all, we love to have fun in our stores, share delicious food, and create memories. We will even encourage you to “Go ahead… play with your food!”

- Janet Cody & Bailey Morin, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

At their tasting rooms in Vernon, Lake Country, and Salmon Arm, Olive Us features high-quality extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and an array of gourmet eats. They source responsibly, delivering the freshest olive oils possible, from growers who value the land they farm. To build their beautiful tasting rooms they repurposed materials destined for the landfill, installed LED lighting, and invested in a bottle washing system to rescue their used bottles from recycling. They are excited to take on new challenges and expand their sustainable efforts!

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Free Business Energy Assessment

TOTA offers complimentary virtual Energy Assessments to tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. Since beginning the program in July 2020 with FortisBC, TOTA has helped businesses identify annual cost saving opportunities ranging from $100 to $2,500, with additional cost savings available through rebates.

Whether you are a business owner or are a long-term leaseholder of a commercial building or industrial facility, the Energy Analyst can help you save on operating costs by improving the efficiency of your energy usage, furthermore reducing your environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOTA's Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, has a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and relevant industry experience. Harshit is eager to work with regional tourism stakeholders to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Register for Free Energy Assessment →

Schedule an Introduction Call with Harshit →

Entrée Destinations Stories of Canada: B.C. & Thompson Okanagan Itinerary

Entrée Canada signed an historic agreement with Destination Canada to create the Stories of Canada™, a collection of 20 new travel itineraries covering all 13 provinces and territories. These itineraries dig deep on Canada’s landmarks, cultures and people, and aim to facilitate authentic, memorable connections between visitors and the communities where they travel.

The Stories of Canada British Columbia is an eight-night itinerary with 3 nights in Kelowna, featuring the Eldorado Resort, a walk on Ancestral Paths and welcoming Smudge Ceremony with Moccasin Trails, lunch at two wineries, an orchard tour, a day trip to Penticton, paddling on Okanagan Lake, and biking on the Kettle Valley Railway.

View B.C. Itinerary →

Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) & Winery Sampling Areas

Wine Growers BC has been working with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to mitigate challenges wineries are experiencing making Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESA) associated with their sampling areas permanent.

Accordingly, Policy Directive 22-01 was announced on Feb. 25 to clarify the options available and advise of recent policy changes which will provide greater flexibility within those options.

Policies that apply to picnic area endorsements have changed to provide additional flexibility in application requirements and their use, while also maintaining the public interest.

Manufacturers seeking to make TESAs associated with outdoor sampling areas permanent may choose one of the following options:

1. Apply for a lounge endorsement with a patio

2. Apply for a picnic area endorsement

The LCRB strongly recommends that manufacturers consider their needs and carefully review the policies below relating to lounge patios and picnic areas before deciding which application to submit.

Questions about the application process for a lounge or picnic area endorsement should be directed via email to LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca.

Major Mountain Bike Expansion Set to Open This Summer in Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort announced a $1.5 million combined resort and community investment includes new summer chairlift access and 31km of new trail.

The highlight of this summer’s projects is a second chairlift access for the Bike Park on Sundance Mountain, including six new trails totaling 19km. This all-new construction encompasses a full range of machine-built flow and jump options for novice to expert riders, which complement the overall trail progression and development of recent years on Tod Mountain, accessed by the Sunburst chairlift.

Built by industry-renowned trail builders, countless hours and a $1 million investment will have been poured into the new trails and chairlift retrofit by the early summer opening. This includes a vital $200,000 of funding through the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI), facilitated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport to help make the overall project a reality.

The Sundance zone of the park will launch with a new black (advanced) signature jump trail designed and built by Landmark Trail Works of Kamloops, a second black trail, two blue (intermediate) trails, and a green (novice) trail built by Lifetime Outdoor Inc., and a top-to-bottom green (novice) trail built by the Sun Peaks trail crew.

Future phases will see further builds including the addition of single-track technical trails. This will solidify and pay homage to the roots and reputation of Sun Peaks as a Bike Park destination known for rugged, raw trails that have attracted both the core bike market and pro athletes for the past two decades.

Cross country and enduro style pedal access trails are the other important component of the overall growth and expansion of mountain biking taking shape in Sun Peaks. Community-based Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is the driving force behind free access trails in the valley and on Mt. Morrisey. In partnership with the resort, their multi-year plan will provide community and destination riders alike with a thorough network of trail options, both now and in the future.  

Funding of $297,875 from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) and a contribution of $150,000 from Tourism Sun Peaks have made possible the new 12km of machine and hand-built trails opening this summer on Mt. Morrisey. A 6km climb trail (multi-purpose with hikers), 2km viewpoint trail (also multi-purpose with hikers), and 4km downhill trail will open in stages this summer. This will complement the selection of new trails SPRTA has already built in the valley over the last two seasons.

The Sun Peaks Bike Park is scheduled to open on Friday, June 17th and will operate daily all the way through Sunday, September 25th. Extended operating hours until 7:00pm daily will be in effect through Labour Day. Details on specific trails will be released closer to opening day and are weather dependent.

View Press Release →

Ruth Williams Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia, the Province's highest honour, during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams from Kamloops.

Congratulations to Ruth Williams and thank you for your work towards improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families.

About Ruth Williams

Ruth Williams was born in Big Bar Creek, a remote and isolated community, and raised by a single mother with six other siblings. When she moved to an urban setting, it was a complete culture shock.

She took her hardships and became a determined, visionary, and selfless individual who has striven to do all within her powers and abilities to improve the lives of Indigenous people. Williams may be soft-spoken but she has learned to stand up for what she believes in, has gained the courage and confidence to speak out, and be heard.

Williams’ passion and dedication for improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families can be seen through the following:

Involvement in numerous community and government committees for advancing a health care system that supports Indigenous people; supporting families and children in care; promoting early child education for Indigenous children; and developing health programs and services for Indigenous people.

1. Founding member and active board member on the first Urban Native Housing Society, which has 103 affordable and safe housing units in Kamloops and 94 units within the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.

2. Advocacy work to increase the number of Indigenous graduates and students pursuing post-secondary education and decrease the number of student dropouts by ensuring supports were in place for them. This included the development of an Urban Native Alternate School to support the re- entry of drop-out Indigenous students and for single parents who needed flexible hours and access to daycare.

3. All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned shareholders lending institute for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the company’s shares have increased from $10 to $87. She has also been influential in ensuring First Nations’ connectivity through Pathways to Technology and provision of business service through All Nations Development Corporation.

4. Consulted by all levels of federal and provincial governments to gain knowledge and insight into the issues, challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people, which has resulted in a change to government policies, processes and structures.

5. Development of a daycare centre designed to promote Indigenous programs and culture for all children age groups.

Her influence is shown by the variety of awards that she has received, including an honorary doctorate of laws from Thompson Rivers University and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal. She received the Kamloops Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, the City of Kamloops 100 Year Confederation and Distinguished Service Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C. Aboriginal Achievement Awards, and numerous business awards.

Williams has a special gift to see the potential in people. Many friends and staff members will tell you that she challenges you to be the best person that you can be. She is supportive, an inspirational mentor and a role model. Not only has she directly impacted so many Indigenous lives but she has worked for majority of her life to improve the systems and policies that negatively impact Indigenous people.

View Press Release →

Brenda Baptiste Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams of Kamloops.

Congratulations to Brenda Baptiste! We thank you for your work supporting Indigenous people and developing Indigenous business opportunities through the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and Indigenous Tourism BC.

Brenda Baptiste

In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), largely through the efforts of Chief Clarence Louie, established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. However, very little was evident from an Indigenous cultural perspective so chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx (Okanagan) culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.

In 2003 Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Sylix culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a phase two expansion for which Brenda is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.

Following the inspirational success with the NDCC, Brenda was elected to the board of the then Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC), which was a young financially strapped organization of 12 members and one employee. Now known as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the organization now has 500 members and 12 employees.

For Brenda, three issues became evident:

1. Indigenous cultural tourism would need to become not only an economic opportunity for B.C.’s Indigenous communities but would provide “pride-of-nation” and a powerful path to reconciliation for Indigenous communities as they chose what cultural elements to protect and what to share and celebrate with visitors, ensuring cultural authenticity.

2. For Indigenous cultural rebirth a clear road map was imperative and as a result she worked in collaboration with a team to develop a blueprint for the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism in B.C., and the first of its kind in Canada. The strategy was the catalyst for incredible growth in Indigenous cultural tourism — 20 per cent each year on average, including revenues of more than $1.2 billion and 7,400 full-time jobs.

3. The vision for a potent Indigenous cultural presence had to include a strong B.C. identity, which would celebrate the rich cultural life of Indigenous people. This collaborative effort would be sustained through meaningful partnerships with the B.C. government and tourism industry partners.

Brenda was also the director of the Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations during the 2010 Olympics. This venue hosted over 500 Indigenous cultural businesses and artisans from across Canada. The vision was to create an opportunity for visitors reflecting dynamic and diverse Indigenous cultures, thereby facilitating the growth of cultural opportunities for all Indigenous Nations in Canada.

Recently, Brenda led the coordination of a holistic cultural program for Indigenous inmates at the Okanagan Correction Centre. She has implemented cultural events for those often in most need to build pride in their essence as a native person. She has implemented Syilx cultural programming, including spiritual counselling, smudging, singing and drumming, sweat house ceremonies, Syilx language, and crafts.

View Press Release →

Air Canada Expanding Services from YVR

As travel measures ease and more people consider their next trip from YVR, Air Canada announced an impressive roster of new flights and the return of familiar favourites across North America and Europe.

Flights include new nonstop service to Austin and Halifax. Air Canada is also restoring service to Anchorage, Boston, Quebec City, Sacramento and Yellowknife, as well as Dublin, Frankfurt and Zurich.

This is great new for international visitors planning a trip to the Thompson Okanagan through YVR Airport.

Learn More →

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New Biosphere Committed Company, Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility is committed to supporting the Okanagan region in meeting its environmental goals. A top focus is on their footprint and they hope to inspire other companies to join the Biosphere Commitment Program and do the same. The Biosphere Commitment Program offers Neuron Mobility a community of like minded business individuals and advisors to help them understand how best to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We are, at our core, a sustainability company. One of our main objectives is to provide a sustainable alternative to passenger vehicles through innovative micro mobility solutions. With this, sustainability is part of every decision we make as a business. As we have an impact on the communities we operate in, we take a broad view of sustainability and ensure that we are not just creating environmental benefits, but also promoting accessibility, while bolstering the local economy and providing support to social institutions.”

- Olivia Onderdonk, Neuron Mobility

Urban transport is responsible for nearly 25% of global GHC emissions, which needs to be addressed. To ensure the healthy future of communities, Neuron Mobility believes we must see a modal shift in how people move across them. They are proud to provide their riders a green alternative to passenger cars and a complementing service to public transport. Neuron Mobility is committed and proud to be helping drive the change they want to see in communities they operate in.

Neuron Mobilities sustainability achievements include:

• Help get cars off streets: from rider surveys, they know that 46% of rides on Neuron devices in Canada replace rides that would have otherwise been in passenger vehicles. 

• Certified Carbon Neutral: they are certified carbon neutral globally through Carbon Reduction Institute and have committed to reduce their emissions, and offsetting any unavoidable emissions. 

• Publicly committed: They are also prepared to be held accountable, and alongside the Biosphere Commitment Program they have also committed globally to The Climate Pledge, joining the world’s most progressive companies to meet net-zero by 2040. 

• Pioneering technology improves operations: Their devices are built to last, their fully modular scooter, designed in-house, means they can repair and replace parts, rather than replacing the whole scooter. The first micro mobility provider globally to deploy swappable batteries across their entire fleet - now a sustainability prerequisite in the industry. This allows them a very small operational vehicle footprint. 

• Create quality jobs in the cities they operate: They are proud to hire local teams across their operations and to be a Living Wage Employer, certified by Living Wage for Families BC. 

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Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours Welcomes Bamboo Bicycles

Introducing Bamboo Bicycles for Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours

Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours is one of our Biosphere Committed Companies. The Biosphere Commitment Program aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowers tourism stakeholders to take action within the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, reduce inequality and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs address global challenges and serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours has their focus on SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production with the introduction of bamboo bicycles.

These bamboo bicycles are being introduced to their fleet to see how they can withstand the elements and weather the beautiful Okanagan has to offer. The bamboo bicycles are created and sold from a small village in Ghana. By purchasing and supporting this small village it allows their village to create jobs and assists in building schools locally.

The hope from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours, is that the bicycles hold up well to the demands and allows the company to buy more bamboo bicycles to add to their fleet. A big draw to adding these bamboo bicycles to their fleet is that these bicycles are a more sustainable option and help provide insight to customers about choosing sustainable products.

The bamboo bicycles will be available through their Half Day Guided Myra Canyon Tours. The tours include transportation pick up in Kelowna or West Kelowna and drop off at guests desired location. Reservations are now open on their website, so test out these sustainable bamboo bicycles!

As tourism stakeholders it is our responsibility to support sustainability and localism in our offerings as businesses. This is important locally but also to help educate our customers and visitors. It takes not only a village but everyone working towards a better future to ensure that we have a better world for generations to come.

To learn more about the Biosphere Commitment Program and how you can join this international, world recognized certification that TOTA holds, talk to our Biosphere Team today.

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New B.C. Ministers Appointed for Land Stewardship, Municipal Affairs

Premier John Horgan appointed Josie Osborne as Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, and Nathan Cullen as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Premier Horgan has also named MLA Doug Routley as Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to support the work of Minister Katrine Conroy to modernize forestry in British Columbia.

The establishment of the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship follows government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protecting BC's environment and building a strong economic recovery. Minister Osborne will work with First Nations, local communities and industry to build a vision for land and resource management that will embrace shared decision making on the land base and to build certainty and create further opportunity.

As Minister of Municipal Affairs, Cullen will work with local governments to support their communities as they recover and rebuild after COVID-19 and extreme weather. Cullen will support municipalities to address their priorities, from building infrastructure to responding to challenges posed to businesses and neighbourhoods by homelessness.

Learn More →

Government of Canada Support for the Air Transportation Ecosystem in B.C.

On February 22nd, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C. In the Thompson Okanagan, Kelowna International Airport received $3,261,330 of RATI funds.

The funding will ensure these airports and carriers can continue essential route maintenance and facility operations, as well as maintain employment and restore growth in the region.

Learn More →

REMINDER | Lightened Border Measures Now in Effect

A reminder that effective Monday, February 28, Canada will be transitioning to a new phase at the border.

All fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada may be randomly selected for testing. However, they will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will be exempt from quarantine without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities.

Travellers will now have the option to use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result to satisfy pre-entry requirements.

The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2. This means that government will no longer recommend Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.

International flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.

Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions.

Learn More →

Funding for Intern Programs | Mitacs

Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.

Business Strategy Internship

Mitacs is bringing their Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program back for a second year. The BSI connects students from academic institutions with businesses and nonprofits to support innovation. With the guidance of an academic supervisor, these interns provide technical expertise on everything from operations to finance, to marketing, to intellectual property, and beyond to help businesses develop and implement their innovation roadmap—and Mitacs funding will support you to bring these students onboard!

Accelerate Program

The Accelerate Program supports organizations to enlist students to work on research projects. Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.

Okanagan Rail Trail to Be Completed by Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country, and City of Kelowna

On February 8, 2022, the Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna announced agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will pave the way toward building important health, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail. 

Staff discussions among the three neighbours over many months have resulted in an agreement to move toward resolving infrastructure needs. Some preliminary work is already underway on agreements to overcome historical jurisdictional challenges.

Working within the spirit of the agreement, all parties are committed to meeting the following goals:

OKIB Objectives

• the opportunity for water and sewer services to existing properties and availability of servicing for future developments,

• a road access to a parcel of land on the east side of Duck Lake, and

• an Addition to Reserve for the Okanagan Rail Trail corridor.

Lake Country Objectives:

• to have Commonwealth Road opened as an arterial access to Jim Bailey Road from Highway 97 to address capacity issues on Beaver Lake Road,

• to complete the Okanagan Rail Trail,

• to secure interim sewer servicing from the City of Kelowna,

• dedication of a road right-of-way north from Beaver Lake Road to the Clearwater/Copperhill subdivision, and

• a minor boundary adjustment.

City of Kelowna Objectives:

• to complete the development of the Okanagan Rail Trail,

• to protect the City’s main sewer line within the rail trail right-of-way through the IR#7,

• to obtain full access for the industrial lands via Commonwealth Road, and

• later supply from Lake Country for the entire neighbourhood.

The three jurisdictions agree to work together to upgrade Beaver Lake Road to an arterial standard from Highway 97 to Jim Bailey Road.

OKIB has agreed to provide access to the Okanagan Rail Trail once the Government of Canada adds the lands to Reserve. This connection will provide the final link to this important recreational corridor.

Over the coming months, the parties will formalize legal agreements to address responsibilities and funding for the various works.

OKIB Chief Byron Louis, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, and Lake Country Mayor James Baker will take part in a ceremonial signing event in the near future.

View Press Release →

New BC Tourism Learning Portal from the BC Tourism Resiliency Network

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) launched the BC Tourism Learning Portal, a free resource designed to support all B.C. tourism businesses through long-term access to resources.

The portal includes a high-functioning search tool so tourism businesses can ask a question and be provided with helpful information, including: articles, webinar recordings, case studies, links to resources on other sites, and experts offered by the Tourism Resiliency Program.

Thompson Okanagan companies can combine the learning portal with free 1-1 support from a TOTA Advisor through the Tourism Resiliency Program.

The recordings from the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Online Learning Day held September 28, 2021 are now available on the Learning Portal, and new content will be added on an ongoing basis.

Access Resources at Learn.TourismResiliency.ca

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BSAFE™️ Program Updated with Proof of Vaccination Information

go2HR's free online health and safety program for employees, BSAFE, has been updated to reflect Provincial Health Orders. BSAFE now includes BC Proof of Vaccination protocols as well as Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.

Learn More & Register →

This program is designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge for BC’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone — workers, guests and communities — safe as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course details:

• Free for BC tourism and hospitality employers and employees

• Created by go2HR in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports

• Asynchronous, online training course, 90-minutes in length

Organizations and individuals are able to sign up to take part in the BSAFE training. You can join the over 400 organizations who are already registered and working on becoming BSAFE Trained businesses. Upon full completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of achievement.

Employers who have 75% of their workforce successfully complete the training course, will be recognized with a “BSAFE Trained” certificate. They can use this certificate in different ways to demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe environment for guests and workers, thereby increasing consumer confidence. go2HR will provide a communications toolkit for BSAFE Trained business to easily assist them in promoting this new designation.