News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Travel Restrictions to Curb the Spread of COVID-19 Come into Effect
BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, announced under the Emergency Program Act an order restricting non-essential travel between certain regions of the province effective from April 23, 2021 until May 25, 2021. The order combines BC's five health authorities into three (3) regions of the province. Travel into and out of the regions for non-essential reasons is not allowed and is now prohibited by law.
Today, BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, announced under the Emergency Program Act an order restricting non-essential travel between certain regions of the province effective from April 23, 2021 until May 25, 2021.
The order combines BC's five health authorities into three (3) regions of the province. Travel into and out of the regions for non-essential reasons is not allowed and is now prohibited by law. The regions are:
Vancouver Island (Vancouver Island Health)
Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health)
Northern/Interior (Northern Health and Interior Health, including the Thompson Okanagan region, Bella Coola Valley, the Central Coast, and Hope)
Non-essential travel includes:
Vacations, weekend getaways and tourism activities
Visiting family or friends for social reasons
Recreation activities
Essential travel includes:
Returning to your principal residence, moving or helping someone move
Work, both paid and unpaid (volunteer)
Commercial transportation of goods
Getting health care or social services or helping someone get those services
Court appearance, complying with a court order or parole check-in
Shared custody agreement
Child care services
Attending school at a post-secondary institution
Responding to a critical incident, like search and rescue operations
Providing care to a person because of a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or a physical, cognitive or mental impairment
Providing care or assistance to a person who is seriously ill, disabled or has a physical or cognitive impairment
Visiting a resident (as an essential visitor) at:
A community care facility licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act that provides long term care within the meaning of section 2 of the Residential Care Regulation
A private hospital licensed under the Hospital Act
A non-profit institution that has been designated as a hospital under the Hospital Act and is operated primarily for the reception and treatment of persons requiring extended care at a higher level than that generally provided in a private hospital licensed under the Hospital Act
Attending a funeral
Enforcement:
The goal of the order is education and reminding people about travel restrictions
If the restrictions need to be enforced, police can issue a fine. At the discretion of police, people not obeying the travel restrictions may be subject to a $575 fine
Police will not be engaging in random checks
Periodic road checks may be set up at key travel corridors during times associated with leisure travel to remind travellers of the order
People from outside the province who are travelling to B.C. for non-essential reasons can be subject to the same enforcement measures
Additional measures:
Additional measures are in place to support the restriction on non-essential travel, including increased signage on highways and at border crossings reminding travellers of current restrictions; and
Hotels and resorts eliminating or cancelling bookings from out-of-area guests
Travellers who have a camping reservation with BC Parks in another region can reschedule or cancel for free at any time and get a full refund
Joint Statement Asking People to Stay Local to Bend the Curve
Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Richard Porges, Interm President and CEO, Destination BC; Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry of BC; and Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO, BC Hotel Association have released a statement asking all British Columbians to stay local unless travel is absolutely essential.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including Tourism Vancouver Island) and Indigenous Tourism BC have collectively developed a toolkit for accommodators and tourism operators to communicate changes to guests, staff and stakeholders. The communications toolkit includes key messaging, a Q&A, and other resources to ensure industry is better-positioned to handle these restrictions.
We are here to support you.
We know this is a challenging and confusing time for our industry, tourism businesses, employers, and employees. The Tourism Resiliency Program is FREE and here to help with one-on-one support, programs, and resources.
Glohaven is Inviting Biosphere Committed Companies to Globox
As a joint venture with TOTA, the Globox™ is thoughtfully curated with authentically local products and experiences and will proudly feature one Indigenous product or experience, as well as one product or experience from a Biosphere Committed Company.
Are you a creator of authentic local products and experiences? Would you like to be featured in a tourism gift box called Globox™? Glohaven Community Hub is a community-based eCommerce platform that makes it easier for people to shop and support local. Glohaven's core values are community engagement, collaboration, authenticity, sustainability, and accessibility for all.
The team at Glohaven is reaching out to find vendors in the Thompson Okanagan region to purchase products and experiences from to feature in Globox™. Each Globox is thoughtfully curated with authentically local products and experiences and will proudly feature one Indigenous product or experience, as well as one product or experience from a Biosphere Committed Company.
Please sign up below to express your interest and the Glohaven team will get in touch with further details.
Regional Tourism Associations Mark Earth Day by Taking First Steps Toward Biosphere Certification
To commemorate World Earth Day, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) came together with four other regional destination management organization counterparts under the B.C. Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C. and Tourism Vancouver Island, to support their signing of a letter of commitment to pursue the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere certification. TOTA successfully received this designation in 2017, and is proud to work with regional partners to help further collective initiatives and make a far-reaching positive impact.
(Kelowna, BC) - To commemorate Earth Day, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) came together with four other regional destination management organization counterparts under the B.C. Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C. and Tourism Vancouver Island, to support their signing of a letter of commitment to pursue the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere certification. TOTA successfully received this designation in 2017, and is proud to work with regional partners to help further collective initiatives and make a far-reaching positive impact.
“The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is in very select company and has distinguished itself as a leader among destination management organizations across the globe,” says Anthony Everett, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The ultimate certification of five regional associations is one that will resonate with visitors around the world, when it is safe for them to travel and once again visit our province which is home to many of the most beautiful destinations found anywhere.”
Since achieving the status in November 2017, the team at TOTA has been working with regional communities and tourism stakeholders to broaden the reach of this initiative. Through the certification, the Biosphere Commitment Program was created to assist regional businesses in their efforts to become responsible, sustainable tourism operators. One example of this is the Eco-Efficiency program, whereby TOTA works one-on-one with stakeholders to provide guidance for reducing energy, water, and waste outputs through an onsite assessment program as well as carbon software training.
“Now more than ever, destination management organizations must address challenges such as social license, safety and responsibility in a way they never have before,” said TOTA Senior Vice President and Acting CEO Ellen Walker-Mathews. “These efforts will also communicate to travellers that we adhere and are committed to ideals that parallel their own.”
Guided by the certification and by working in collaboration with industry, TOTA is able to collect data pertaining to key tourism issue areas. This baseline data assists us in better understanding the positive and negative impacts tourism has on our community systems and social well being, and to work to make adjustments accordingly. Sustainable and regenerative tourism are critical long term goals. Our ongoing efforts will help direct us towards making lasting improvements that will benefit generations to come.
About the Biosphere Certification:
The Biosphere certification is based on established standards in areas that include climate change, environment, social, economy and culture – and guarantees compliance and continuous improvement through a private, voluntary and independent certification system – which is evaluated on an annual basis. The certification allows a region to showcase how they take sustainability seriously, but also ensures they are accountable to make necessary and ongoing improvements, in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
About the Responsible Tourism Institute:
The Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) has been leading the contribution of tourism to Sustainable Development for more than 20 years. The mission of the RTI is the promotion of the principles of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism and all the guidelines and precepts on Sustainable Development promoted by United Nations.
About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat:
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a collaboration between five regional destination management organizations Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern British Columbia Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island representing more than 8,000 tourism businesses and organizations. The BCRTS is leading a ground-up approach so local voices and knowledge shape programs and compliment local and regional tourism strategies. This focus is also reflected in destination development to help tourism operators offer the most desirable and sustainable tourism experience for visitors
Upcoming EARTH DAY Announcement
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partner under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcoton Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancocouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partners under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
You are invited to join us, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), and our regional partners for this important virtual announcement.
Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021.
1:00 PM Pacific Time / 2:00 PM Mountain Time
Guest speakers will include:
Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada of the Responsible Tourism Institute
Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director of Sustainable Development Program of the World Tourism Organization
Dr. Paul Rogers, Co-founder and Director of Planet Happiness
Frank Antoine, Co-founder of Moccasin Trails and Tourism Ambassador
Anthony Everett, Chair, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat & CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island
Ellen Walker-Matthews, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, Thompson Okanagan Regional Tourism Association
New Provincial Restrictions Announced To Help Save Our Summer
Premier John Horgan announced new provincial restrictions today that, together with increased vaccinations, should help to bend the curve and hopefully Save Our Summer. The new restrictions will remain in place until after the May Long Weekend (including the previously announced restrictions on indoor dining).
The Premier also noted that as of Friday, new orders under the Emergency Program Act will be put in place to restrict British Columbians from making non-essential travel bookings in B.C. outside the health authority in which they reside. Tourism operators have been asked to assist in this effort by voluntarily declining reservations from customers residing outside their health region until after the May long weekend.
Kelowna, B.C. - Premier John Horgan announced new provincial restrictions today that, together with increased vaccinations, should help to bend the curve and hopefully Save Our Summer. The new restrictions will remain in place until after the May Long Weekend (including the previously announced restrictions on indoor dining).
The Premier also noted that as of Friday, new orders under the Emergency Program Act will be put in place to restrict British Columbians from making non-essential travel bookings in B.C. outside the health authority in which they reside. Tourism operators have been asked to assist in this effort by voluntarily declining reservations from customers residing outside their health region until after the May long weekend.
Random audits will be conducted and fines levied to further discourage people from travelling without a legitimate reason.
BC Ferries will not be take bookings for RVs or campers and will contact those with previous bookings to confirm that their travel is essential. They are also supporting by not adding additional sailings leading up to the long weekend, as done in past years.
British Columbians who have made campground reservations outside their health authority region will receive refunds. New signs will be posted along the Alberta border, reminding potential visitors that only essential travel into B.C. is allowed.
Premier Horgan noted that the new rules are not designed to put more stress on struggling tourism operators and that government has been and will continue to work collaboratively with the sector. Additional information about the travel restrictions and their enforcement is expected to be released later this week.
It is five week period which, if we work together and follow the provincial guidelines, will help ensure that we reduce the further spread of COVID-19 and the variants and enable us to have a summer, fall, and winter that we can all begin to enjoy again.
We will continue to bring you additional details as more information becomes available.
Supports for Tourism Businesses
The B.C. Circuit Breaker Program will be extended and is available to support businesses through this time through grant funds. For more information, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/business-relief
For more information on the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant
Other supports are available for Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses and employees as part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, including:
1-1 Advisor Virtual Meeting with a TOTA team member
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call/video with a TOTA Advisor
Air Canada Reaches Funding Agreement with Federal Government
Air Canada and the Government of Canada have reached a series of debt and equity financing agreements that allow the airline to access up to $5.8 billion in liquidity through the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility program. As part of the package, Air Canada has agreed to resume service or access to its network for nearly all regional communities where service was suspended due to COVID-19; refund customers whose flights were cancelled as a result of the global pandemic; and maintain current employment levels.
Air Canada and the Government of Canada have reached a series of debt and equity financing agreements that allow the airline to access up to $5.8 billion in liquidity through the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility program. As part of the package, Air Canada has agreed to resume service or access to its network for nearly all regional communities where service was suspended due to COVID-19; refund customers whose flights were cancelled as a result of the global pandemic; and maintain current employment levels.
Air Canada Commits To Net Zero Emissions Goal By 2050
Air Canada is focused on investing in innovative, long term, sustainable emission reduction solutions. Absolute 2030 midterm GHG reduction targets have been set to ensure meaningful progress towards Air Canada's ambitions net zero goal while the airline, technology and energy sectors are transitioning to low carbon alternatives.
The airline has set ambitious climate targets to realize a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) throughout its global operations by 2050. To reach this, Air Canada has set absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline, and has committed to investing $50 Million in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and carbon reductions and removals.
Zero Emissions by 2050
"Economic growth and sustainability are equally important, and we have a strong track record for both. Despite the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain deeply committed to long-term sustainability. Climate change is critical, and we believe we can and must do more to address this for the future of our environment. This is why we are further embedding climate considerations into our strategic decision-making, and undertaking a very ambitious plan that is meaningful, will support Canada's leadership position on climate change, advance de-carbonization in the airline industry while keeping fares affordable for customers.”
-Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.
Air Canada’s Investments In Emission Reduction Solutions
Air Canada is very focused on investing in innovative, long-term emission reduction solutions. Absolute 2030 midterm GHG reduction targets have been set to ensure meaningful progress towards Air Canada's ambitions net zero goal while the airline, technology and energy sectors are transitioning to low carbon alternatives.
The airline has identified the following key carbon reduction pillars:
Fleet and operations: Air Canada will continue deploying its newly modernized and energy efficient Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body fleets, continue to integrate climate factors in route and fleet planning, phase out carbon-intensive ground equipment, further advance electric vehicles and seek other electrification opportunities.
Innovation: Further evaluate the viability, safety and performance of new electric, hydrogen or hybrid operational technologies, and other innovations such as short-haul transportation opportunities and electric drones.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels and clean energy: Air Canada will invest $50 Million in SAF and other low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) development, evaluate the practical applications of renewable energy sources such as biogas and renewable electricity, and energy transition measures.
Carbon Reduction and Removals: Air Canada will explore carbon negative emission technologies and other direct emission reduction and removal strategies in addition to further developing its carbon offset strategy for CORSIA compliance, customer offerings and more.
25 Free Virtual Energy Assessments Available to Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
TOTA is offering 25 Virtual Energy Assessments to tourism and/or hospitality businesses within the Thompson Okanagan region at no cost. The process is simple, streamlined, and designed to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
TOTA is offering 25 Energy Assessments to tourism and/or hospitality businesses within the Thompson Okanagan region at no cost.
What are the benefits?
Opportunities to reduce your electricity, gas and other energy bills
Access FortisBC and BC Hydro rebates for upgrading your lighting, HVAC and other equipment
Special access to some FortisBC programs exclusively available only through our FortisBC funded Energy Analyst
Understand and improve operational efficiencies of your business
Optimizing energy efficiency is an opportunity to reduce your organization's carbon footprint
The energy assessment process is simple and streamlined:
Book your 10 minute onboarding call with TOTA's Energy Analyst.
Your company will provide utility bills (if required) + a list of your lighting, HVAC and other equipment.
TOTA will analyze your lighting, equipment, and utility bill data to understand your energy usage and provide a report summarizing energy and cost-saving opportunities, plus implementation support if required.
We can also assist you with completing FortisBC and BC Hydro rebate applications.
PST Rebate for Capital Investments Opens to Support Business Recovery
Businesses can grow back bigger and stronger following the pandemic, with up to half-billion dollars in expected rebates available for purchases or leases of select machinery and equipment, including tools, furniture, computers, software and zero-emission vehicles.
(From B.C. Gov News:) Businesses can grow back bigger and stronger following the pandemic, with up to half-billion dollars in expected rebates available for purchases or leases of select machinery and equipment, including tools, furniture, computers, software and zero-emission vehicles.
“This measure is a direct response to what we heard when we consulted with the business community. By providing a rebate on tools and equipment that help businesses grow, we are encouraging investments and helping to reduce the cost of growth for businesses in every sector,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “This provincial sales tax (PST) rebate will make it easier for businesses to make the investments that will allow them to grow or adapt and seize the opportunities of a post COVID-19 economy.”
The rebate, announced in September 2020 as part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, allows incorporated businesses to recover 100% of the PST on most machinery and equipment purchased between Sept. 17, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.
“Having a 100% PST rebate is a good incentive to make the kind of capital investments that will not just support our members, but help the economy respond, recover and prosper,” said Andrew Wynn-Williams, vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “These rebates will support both the short-term need for relief and the long-term goal of economic growth.”
Online applications are open. The first window is open until Sept. 20, 2021, followed by a second window after the eligible rebate period (Oct. 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022). Rebate eligibility is based on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Capital Cost Allowance classes.
The rebate is one of the government-provided investments helping businesses recover and respond to the unprecedented economic impact of the pandemic. Other supports include the Small-to-Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant, an incentive for businesses that hired more employees, grants to launch or upgrade online stores and other tax relief provided in 2020.
Quick Facts:
This funding is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response.
The projected cost for this PST rebate is $470 million.
An estimated 110,000 incorporated B.C. businesses are eligible for the rebate.
The PST savings on a new zero-emission vehicle can be more than $3,000.
Learn More:
To apply for the PST rebate on select machinery and equipment, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/sales-taxes/pst/rebate-machinery-equipment
For more detail about the Canada Revenue Agency’s Capital Cost Allowance classes, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/sales-taxes/pst/rebate-machinery-equipment/technical-backgrounder
Read StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/supporting-bc-businesses
TOTA Fast Facts
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association presents Fast Facts, a biweekly research roundup to provide an ongoing snapshot of how the tourism industry is being impacted as a result of COVID-19 and an overview of how things are changing through the stages of recovery.
Tourism Research Summary
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is pleased to once again bring you Friday Fast Facts providing an ongoing snapshot of how the tourism industry is being impacted as a result of COVID-19 and an overview of how things are changing as we continue moving through the stages of recovery.
We will continue to gain and share business intelligence and insights which come directly from tourism stakeholders in our region via telephone and online surveys; data from our partnership with Environics Analytics received and analyzed weekly, and additional research has been sourced through the UN World Tourism Organization, Destination Canada, Destination BC, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association, go2HR, Community DMO Partners, and others.
Now more than ever we understand the importance of providing timely data that will assist you in making informed decisions, understanding how industry and consumers are responding, both in the Thompson Okanagan and the province as a whole, and that will assist you in making adjustments to how you do business.
Watch for Friday Fast Fact bi-weekly and for more information please visit Research Roundup on TOTA News Centre.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is proudly supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.
- TOTA Research
Biweekly Fast Facts
TOTA Virtual Job Fair & Open House | April 22
TOTA is hosting a virtual Job Fair & Open House on April 22 to introduce participants of the Tourism Skills Training Program to potential employers and industry connections. Registration closes April 16.
Date:
Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Location:
Zoom Meeting & Breakout Rooms
Industry Registration Deadline:
Friday, April 16, 2021
TOTA is hosting a virtual Job Fair & Open House on April 22 to introduce participants of the Tourism Skills Training Program to potential employers and industry connections. Other tourism professionals are invited to attend.
Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to meet with potential employees and industry connections at a virtual "booth." Companies have the option to attend for the morning only (8:30 AM - 12 PM) or full day (8:30 AM - 4 PM).
Tourism Skills Training Participants can pre-schedule one-on-one meetings with companies in the morning. The afternoon will be unscheduled networking, with attendees visiting the virtual booths to learn about each company.
Links to your job postings will be listed on the TOTA News Centre.
Industry Tech Support
TOTA will host an Industry Tech Support Session on Monday, April 19 at 1 PM to 2:30 PM. We will explain the virtual booth format, provide Zoom setup instructions, and provide 1-1 assistance with the Zoom video chat software as needed.
Space is limited. Registration closes April 16.
Background: Tourism Skills Training Program
The Tourism Skills Training Program supports displaced tourism employees and professionals transitioning to a career in the tourism industry. The curriculum prepares participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in 2021, ultimately increasing the labour pool for tourism companies.
Industry support is essential to help these up and coming tourism professionals achieve success as they journey down the path of their career.
The program is delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact the TOTA Training Centre team with any questions:
Barbara Bonnough
Program Manager
(778) 752-5877 | Training@TOTABC.com
Kavan Kumar
Event & Industry Relations Specialist
Kavan@TOTABC.com
TOTA's Energy Analyst One Of 13 Energy Champions Across Canada
We are very proud to announce that Thivya Viswanathan, TOTA's Eco Efficiency Analyst was just named one of 13 #EnergyChampions from across the country by Efficiency Canada, celebrating a meaningful career in helping Canada meet its climate goals and improving our everyday lives. Through the feature, Thivya shares her story, background, and passion for creating a greener, more eco-friendly future.
We are very proud to announce that Thivya Viswanathan, TOTA's Energy Analyst, was named one of thirteen #EnergyChampions from across the country by Efficiency Canada. Through the feature, Thivya shares her story, background, and passion for creating a greener, more resilient, eco-friendly future.
In her role with TOTA, Thivya works closely with tourism and hospitality businesses to help owners and facility managers understand their energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost savings. She also offers virtual assessments of a business’s equipment and shares details about energy efficiency rebates.
“ Understanding where energy is consumed, and where efficiencies can be found, help us better understand our own emissions and our own energy costs. Through my position as Energy Analyst, I help businesses in the region reduce both their emissions and their operating costs.”
— Thivya Viswanathan
Energy Champions from across the country are showing Canadians that the energy efficiency sector is already powering a resilient, just, and clean recovery. Our sector is dynamic, diverse, and purpose-driven, and these Canadians have found meaningful careers that not only help us meet our climate goals, but also make the spaces we live, work, and play more durable, comfortable, and affordable.
- Corey Diamond, Executive Director, Efficiency Canada
About Thivya
Thivya Viswanathan always wanted to work towards creating a greener, more energy-friendly future. In her position as an Energy Analyst with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, she gets to do just that. The organization works with approximately 4,000 tourism-related businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region, from bed and breakfasts to wineries, keeping Thivya quite busy.
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter (March)
We are very excited to announce that we will launch the Biosphere Academy in April! The Biosphere Academy is a new online platform that integrate questionnaire, tutorial, sustainability hub together to help to streamline the onboarding and implementation process. Join us on April 21st, 10:00am - 11:00am on zoom.
This month, we are celebrating SDG 5, Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The UNWTO released an inclusive recovery guide for women in tourism on March 8th, International Women’s day, data confirming that 54% of the tourism industry is represented by women — “Tourism is a proven driver of equality and opportunity”.
Kamloops really shined this month with their efforts towards sustainability. Congratulation to Tourism Kamloops for wining the Marketing Innovation Award for their Luv’n the Loops Passport. We are pleased to announce the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award winner BC Wildlife Park! Read the news below to learn how they adopted the Eco-Efficiency Assessment recommendation to reduced their waste and energy consumption.
As spring awaken and our tourism businesses are busily preparing for the summer season, we summarized some sustainability resources to help you become more resilient. The city of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), read the news below to see how sustainability is adopted to the plan. Last but not least, don't forget to review your COVID-19 Safety plan, go2HR is now offering the support to ensure your safety plan meets all the requirements.
Register Now | Biosphere Academy Launch Event
We are very excited to announce that we will launch the Biosphere Academy in April! This new online platform integrates the Biosphere questionnaire, tutorials, and sustainability resources in one place to help streamline the onboarding and implementation process. Join us on April 21st, 10:00am - 11:00am on Zoom.
This month, we are celebrating SDG 5, Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The UNWTO released an inclusive recovery guide for women in tourism on March 8th, International Women’s day, data confirming that 54% of the tourism industry is represented by women — “Tourism is a proven driver of equality and opportunity”.
Kamloops really shined this month with their efforts towards sustainability. Congratulation to Tourism Kamloops for wining the Marketing Innovation Award for their Luv’n the Loops Passport. We are pleased to announce the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award winner BC Wildlife Park! Read the news below to learn how they adopted the Eco-Efficiency Assessment recommendation to reduced their waste and energy consumption.
As spring awaken and our tourism businesses are busily preparing for the summer season, we summarized some sustainability resources to help you become more resilient. The city of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), read the news below to see how sustainability is adopted to the plan. Last but not least, don't forget to review your COVID-19 Safety plan, go2HR is now offering the support to ensure your safety plan meets all the requirements.
News Highlights
A few Biosphere Updates from this month:
Digital Support Services Info Session
TOTA hosted a Digital Support Info Session with information about Digital Support Services, the Digital Marketing Expert Certification for tourism businesses through eLearningU, and TOTA's Expert Business Mentorship webinar series with Okanagan College. The recording is now available.
Many tourism business operators need support with these key digital marketing platforms. Our digital marketing expert will offer complimentary services to help you:
Make timely updates to your website, such as adding your COVID-19 Safety Plan
Claim your Google My Business listing
Set up your TripAdvisor listing and add it to Destination BC's consumer website (HelloBC.com)
Set up and publish to a social media account (Facebook or Instagram)
Get support to onboard onto an eCommerce platform with fees covered for one year (up to a certain amount)
The deadline to sign up is April 2 to access FREE 1-1 Digital Support Services for Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses through the Tourism Resiliency Network.
Watch the Info Session Recording
On March 25, TOTA hosted a Digital Support Info Session with information about Digital Support Services, the Digital Marketing Expert Certification for tourism businesses through eLearningU, and TOTA's Expert Business Mentorship webinar series with Okanagan College.
In case you missed it, you can watch the recording:
Other Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, you can access the following supports:
1-on-1 Support from a TOTA Tourism Resiliency Advisor or email questions to Recovery@TOTABC.com
Expert Business Mentorship by an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Online Grant Program Expands to Support More Businesses
In response to a high number of applications, the B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million in the Launch Online Grant program. The Launch Online Grant program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site to reach more customers and to sustain and grow their business.
(From BC Gov News) - In response to a high number of applications, the B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million in the Launch Online Grant program.
The Launch Online Grant program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site to reach more customers and to sustain and grow their business.
An online presence is integral for businesses that want to adapt their operations to better reach customers in their community, throughout B.C. and beyond. These changes will help approximately 4,000 more businesses market their products and services online.
“Many small businesses have had to change the way they operate as more and more people shifted to online purchasing during the pandemic. Our government has been there to help these businesses adapt,” said Premier John Horgan. “By expanding eligibility to our successful launch online program, more B.C. small businesses from the hardest hit sectors will have access to the tools they need to boost their online presence, grow their e-commerce capacity and become more resilient as we build toward a brighter future.”
The new funding is in addition to the February 2021 announcement of $12 million to support 1,500 businesses to enhance or establish their online presence. Currently, over 3,500 businesses from around the province have applied, demonstrating the need for these supports.
Businesses in the hard-hit tourism sector, like tour operators or hotels, and businesses in the service industry, such as massage therapists, personal trainers or hair stylists, can now access the grants to build or improve their online booking systems.
As part of the eligibility enhancements, 30% of the grant funds will now be reserved for Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned (BIPOC) businesses, as well as rural businesses. This is expanded from the original 25% of grant funds that were reserved for Indigenous and rural businesses.
“The Launch Online Grant program responds to the way the pandemic has changed the business world, and the strong demand shows we are filling an untapped need,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “In addition to expanding the program, we are reserving a portion of the funds for BIPOC businesses because our recovery must be inclusive, taking care to not leave people behind.”
As part of the program, successful applicants will work with local B.C. service providers to complete their online store. Through this model, the grant funding can be reinvested in B.C.-based marketing and technology companies to generate revenues for local companies and help secure and grow jobs.
“The pandemic has impacted so many people throughout B.C., it has also disproportionately impacted people and communities of colour,” said Nerissa Allen, president, Black Business Association of BC. “I am pleased to see funding set aside for the Black, Indigenous and people of colour business community. This change, combined with opening the grant program to service-based businesses, will give business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to access funds that will help revive their business.”
The Launch Online Grant program is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. The plan focuses on a recovery that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive. It outlines the latest steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger, without leaving people behind.
The program is administered by Alacrity Canada. Small and medium-sized businesses can apply online: www.launchonline.ca
Learn More:
For more information on the Launch Online Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.launchonline.ca
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
For more information on Alacrity Canada, visit: https://www.alacritycanada.com/
A backgrounder follows.
Global Webinar |Tourism & Happiness: For a Brighter Future
Planet Happiness, a project of the Happiness Alliance bringing the Happiness Movement to the tourism sector, held an amazing all-star event for International Day of Happiness on March 20th, 2021.
Planet Happiness, a project of the Happiness Alliance bringing the Happiness Movement to the tourism sector, held an amazing all-star event for International Day of Happiness on March 20th, 2021.
You can catch the recording below, and see the full line-up of speakers.
If you are curious to learn more - the 2021 World Happiness Report, focusing on the effects of COVID-19 and how people all over the world have fared, is out now.
If you are a resident of the Thompson Okanagan region, you are invited to partake in the regional Happiness Index Survey, measuring happiness and well-being of Thompson Okanagan residents and communities.
New Tourism Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program through the BCRTS and eLearningU
All tourism businesses in our region can gain complimentary access to the Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program by eLearningU, as well as FREE access to 50 live webinars over the course of the year, and a full webinar library of 350+ recordings.
As a member of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is pleased to announce that all tourism businesses in our region can gain access to the Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program by eLearningU. Tourism businesses can sign up for a FREE subscription to eLearningU, where, upon registration, they will be provided a username and password for their account. Multiple people within the same organization are welcome to join the program.
In addition to the Tourism Digital Marketing Certification Program, registered members will have FREE access to 50 live webinars over the course of the year, and a full webinar library of 350+ recordings.
Become a Tourism Digital Marketing Expert
After registering for your free eLearningU subscription, follow the link below to access your Tourism Digital Marketing Certificate dashboard. There are 5 Certifications in this program, broken down into individual certificates, they are as follows:
Tourism Social Media Marketing Certificate (14 courses, 14 hours)
Tourism Content Marketing Certificate (6 courses, 6 hours)
Tourism SEO/SEM Marketing Certificate (8 courses, 8 hours)
Tourism General Marketing Certificate (7 courses, 7 hours)
After each of these are complete, the Tourism Digital Marketing Expert (TDME) Certification is awarded.
Each course is compiled of a 1-hour video training and a 5-question quiz. The quizzes come directly from the content in the video training and must be passed in order to complete the lesson. You may retake the quiz in order to pass. The goal is to verify that you have reviewed and learned the information presented.
Sections and lessons do not have to be done in order, so if something seems more interesting or useful, complete that one first and finish the rest at your leisure. As we are apart of the launch of this exciting program, the sooner you sign up, the more live webinars you will be able to attend. All required webinars will be added to the library after their live premiere.
Background
The TOTA Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, provides long-term support to tourism businesses to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt services, and work towards eventual recovery. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism businesses can access the following FREE supports:
Digital Support Services with a digital marketing expert
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email recovery@totabc.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call/video chat with a TOTA Program Advisor
For more information on TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, go to TOTABC.org/resiliency.
Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner for 2020
BC Wildlife Park was selected as the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner!
TOTA’s Biosphere Committed Entity, BC Wildlife Park had their Eco Efficiency assessment completed in the summer of 2020 and since then GreenStep Solutions and TOTA’s Energy Analyst, has seen their management team take the top recommendations and systematically tackle them to improve their performance!
BC Wildlife Park selected as the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner
BC Wildlife Park had their Eco Efficiency Assessment completed in Summer 2020 and since then, their management team has taken the top recommendations and systematically tackled them to improve their sustainability performance.
Jorrit Koedooder - BC Wildlife Park
“The BC Wildlife Park connects people to BC’s wildlife and wild places in order to encourage a sustainable society within a healthy, natural environment. With this philosophy in mind, we pride ourselves on continuing to take ownership of the environmental impact that the Park has, by continuing to make immediate, positive changes that improve environmental stewardship and reduce our carbon footprint. Upon working with GreenStep Solutions and listening to their suggestions, we’ve implemented their recommendations alongside our existing plans to improve our environmental efficiency. The BC Wildlife Park is honoured to be at the forefront of environmental stewardship and the recipient of the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award. We look forward to continuing to make strides in reducing our carbon footprint by educating ourselves and implementing innovative ways to becoming more sustainable.”
- Jorrit Koedooder, Facilities Supervisor, BC Wildlife Park
New LED Lighting
Entrance to BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park
Eco Efficiency Excellency Details
Future and in progress initiatives include ensuring that the BC Wildlife Park is accessible to all of our patrons. This accessibility upgrade also includes completely renovating exterior washrooms for maximum environment efficiency, compete with LEF lighting, low flow toilets, waterless urinal, and hot water tanks.
Removed single use paper maps, eliminating more than 120,000 paper products from annual production and replaced them with 10 large permanent park maps, alongside a downloaded able map from our website for visitor convenience.
Further to the commitment of eliminating single use products, the BC Wildlife Park will no longer carry single use water bottles by fall of 2021. Instead 4 water refill stations throughout the park grounds will be installed.
Knowing that single use plastics are harmful to the environment, all of their to go cups, utensils, and containers are all corn based and biodegradable.
Given the results of BC Wildlife Park’s waste audit, improving source separation was a top priority identified in the Eco Efficiency Report. Shortly after presenting the findings, the BC Wildlife Park team purchased additional bins to create recycling stations, placing them at entrances and along the parks pathways.
The park is now set up for success, with the ability to source separate recycling from garbage, which will improve their diversion rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill.
The second recommendation was to replace their older fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures and lamps. The BC Wildlife Park team has received quotes on these upgrades, while they also began replacing a portion of the fluorescent lighting on their own in recent months.
Lastly, GreenStep Solutions identified and discussed equipment which was operating inefficiently at the time of their visit (ice build up on condensers, AHU). Therefore, the BC Wildlife Park has since had contractors in to repair the equipment.
go2HR Offers COVID-19 Safety Plan Support as Tourism and Hospitality Businesses Prepare for Summer Season
As spring awakens across BC and our summer-based tourism and hospitality businesses are busily preparing for the new summer season, don’t forget to review your COVID-19 safety plan. The goal of your COVID-19 safety plan review is to ensure your written plan meets all current WorkSafeBC and Provincial Health Order requirements.
As spring awakens across BC and our summer-based tourism and hospitality businesses are busily preparing for the new summer season, don’t forget to review your COVID-19 safety plan. The goal of your COVID-19 safety plan review is to ensure your written plan meets all current WorkSafeBC and Provincial Health Order requirements.
Need help with your review?
go2HR’s COVID-19 safety plan review service helps tourism and hospitality businesses with their review. Our health and safety experts will review your safety plan and provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help ensure your written plan meets current requirements.
You can register for this complimentary service on the go2HR website.
What if I don’t have a COVID-19 safety plan?
If you don’t currently have a written COVID 19 safety plan, download go2HR’s COVID-19 safety plan template. The template walks you through the development of your customized plan and includes handy tips and relevant resource links to assist you in developing COVID-19 safety controls across your business.
About go2HR:
go2HR is BC’s tourism and hospitality human resource and health & safety association. go2HR empowers employers to have strong human resources and health & safety culture that supports strong business performance. The programs offer tools, information, and consulting services to elevate employers’ human resources and health and safety practices. We also offer education and training for current and future workforces. Finally, the go2hR team works as a resource to inform government, stakeholders, and communities on labour market conditions and strategies in relations to the tourism and hospitality sectors in BC.
If you have any questions regarding workplace health and safety or need support with any aspect of your COVID-19 safety plan, please contact go2HR via phone: 604-633-9787, email: safety@go2hr.ca or visit our Maintaining Your COVID-19 Safety Plan webpage. Our qualified health and safety staff are available to assist and we look forward to supporting you and your team.
Sustainability in Kelowna's Official Community Plan
The City of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The 2040 Official Community Plan will then be adopted as a guiding document to ensure Kelowna can continue to be prosperous, vibrant, resilient in years to come. Read the article to understand the sustainability implication of the OCP.
The City of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The 2040 Official Community Plan will then be adopted as a guiding document to ensure Kelowna can continue to be prosperous, vibrant and resilient in years to come.
Sustainability in 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP)
Sustainable Transportation Network
Transportation infrastructure will be funded, designed, constructed and maintained to meet the needs of users and according to the following priority, recognizing that Urban Centre streets play an important role in supporting a range of transportation modes beyond cars:
i. Active Transportation (Walking and Biking)
ii. Transit
iii. Shared Mobility
iv. Movement of Goods & Services
v. High‐Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)
vi. Single‐Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs)
Ensure Active Transportation Corridors are designed for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities in accordance with the objectives of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Prioritize bicycle parking and end‐of‐trip facilities through site planning and design of new development to ensure biking is an attractive and convenient transportation option
Continue to support pilot programs and partnerships to improve access to emerging on‐demand mobility options that reduce greenhouse gases and enhance sustainable transportation options.
Integrate electric vehicle charging stations in off‐street parking plans for new multi‐family, institutional and commercial developments.
Protect and restore our environment
The citizens of Kelowna have crafted a bold vision called Imagine Kelowna which outlines what kind of city they want to live in. Imagine Kelowna envisions a city where the protection of our land, water and air resources is strengthened and the health of Okanagan Lake is preserved. Other actions stated in Imagine Kelowna,
Reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions,
Become a more resilient community in the face of a changing climate.
Focusing future growth in compact neighbourhoods with more energy-efficient buildings and provision of a variety of transportation options that produce few greenhouse gas emissions
Here are some objectives and policies stated in the OCP
To manage and protect water resources
Objective 12.9. Adapt to a changing water supply.
Objective 13.3. Design stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and pollution to our neighbourhoods, streams and Okanagan Lake.
Objective 13.4. Provide a secure supply of water.
Objective 13.5. Protect the supply of high‐quality drinking water.
Objective 14.3. Preserve Okanagan Lake for its environmental, traditional, cultural, spiritual, and recreational
To contribute to the improvement of community health, safety, and social wellbeing
Objective 9.1. Incorporate equity into planning decisions and resource allocation in our community.
Objective 9.2. Strengthen the relationship with the Syilx/Okanagan people through initiatives and processes to advance and support reconciliation in Kelowna.
Objective 9.3. Develop diverse partnerships to advance complex social planning issues and increase community wellbeing.
Objective 10.1. Acquire new parks to enhance livability throughout the city.
Objective 14.1. Promote strategies that reduce local air pollution and people’s exposure to air pollutants
To support a regional food system that is healthy, resilient and sustainable
Objectives 4.9, 5.8, 6.5 and 7.5. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security, equitable access to healthy food and social connections.
Objective 8.3. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security and social connections.
To minimize regional greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the impacts of climate change
Objective 12.1. Design the community to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Objective 12.4. and 12.5 Improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of new buildings and existing buildings
Objective 12.6. Transition toward 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050.
Objective 12.7. Support the transition to emerging low‐ emission transportation technologies.
Objective 12.8. Support the community to prepare for and become resilient to the impacts of climate change.