COVID Health & Safety Resources for BC Tourism Companies - Resource Roundup

Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region. We have received several questions around preparing for the summer season, particularly around employee & visitor safety, training resources, and employer vaccination policies.

We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses:

Upcoming Webinars

Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'s Support Network

Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.

Learn More & Register

For weekly tourism industry webinar announcements, subscribe to the TOTA Webinar Roundup email newsletter.

Training

BSAFE – “BC Safety Assured for Everyone” Online Training Program (1.5 hours)

A new online health and safety training program designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge in B.C.’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone safe as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn More & Register

Business Support

Destination BC Messaging Guidance & Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit

Tourism businesses can refer to the DBC Messaging Guidance for Step 2 of BC’s four-step Restart Plan, which includes messaging, resources, and FAQ section.

The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.

Learn More & View Toolkit

go2HR COVID Safety Plan Review Service

The team of health and safety experts at go2HR will review your COVID safety plan, then provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help your business meet current requirements.

Learn More & Register

Vaccination Policies

The vaccine rollout has left employers with many questions about policies, such as:

• Do employers need to have a vaccine policy in place?

• Can employers demand proof of vaccination from their employees?

• How can employers balance health and safety concerns with human rights or privacy ones?

• What do employers need to consider if they want to implement a vaccine policy?

go2HR has created a COVID-19 Vaccinations in The Workplace page with detailed answers to these questions and a new Employer Toolkit.

Learn More

The BC Hotel Association and go2HR recently hosted a webinar on Vaccinations the Workplace.

Watch Recording

COVID-19 Unpaid & Paid Leave

go2HR has summarized B.C.’s various types of leave related to COVID-19:

• Unpaid Job-Protected Leave

• Paid Sick Leave

• COVID-19 Vaccine Paid Leave

COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program

There is a reimbursement program available for employers who do not have an existing sick leave program. As of June 15, 2021, employers can apply for COVID-19 Sick Leave reimbursement through WorkSafeBC.

Learn more & Apply

Marketing Support

Apply to Display the Safe Travels Stamp

The World Travel & Tourism Council has granted the Safe Travels stamp to the Thompson Okanagan region. All tourism businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply and display the stamp to collectively encourage consumer confidence in the safety of tourism experiences. It's quick, easy, and free!

Learn More & Apply

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We hope these resources are helpful. For the latest industry info and trends, you can refer to TOTA's News Centre, Research page, Resiliency Research page and Fast Facts publication.

We also recommend signing up for the TIABC and BCHA e-newsletters for additional tourism industry news.

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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:

• 1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor

• 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 with a TOTA advisor

First Phase of KVR Repairs Now Complete

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), has wrapped up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata). The improvements included brushing, grading and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery. 

Belleview Trestle

Phase 2 of the work will include capping of the sections that saw large rock aggregate being used to raise the tread of the flooding sections. Currently, the large aggregate is not ideal for cycling, however capping will take place in the coming month to complete the work for an improved trail experience along this section of the KVR. More details on phase 2 of the work will be updated when the work commences. 

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

Section with Raised Tread

Section with Raised Tread

Canada Easing Border Measures for Entering Travellers - Phase 1 Beginning July 5

On June 21, the Government of Canada announced details of the first phase of its approach to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. These cautious adjustments are now possible because of the successes of the vaccine roll out in Canada and Canadians following public health measures.

Beginning July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.

To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.

For these new measures to apply to them, fully vaccinated travellers must still meet all other mandatory requirements, including pre- and on-arrival testing. Continued testing will allow public health experts to keep monitoring positivity rates at the border, monitor for variants of concern, and make further adjustments to border measures as needed.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada. They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travellers, they will be required to follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keep a copy of their vaccine and test results, as well as a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.

For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements, which have been effective in reducing importation and transmission of COVID-19 and variants in Canada, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada. Unvaccinated air travellers must also book a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel before their departure to Canada.

The Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe and the economy running. 

New and Improved BC Rail Trails Website Launched on June 15th

Kelowna, B.C. - The updated B.C. Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th. After incorporating stakeholder feedback and improving the usability of the site, you will now find a more user friendly platform with updated accessibility information, interactive maps and quiz, and finally announcement boxes to inform users of trail maintenance. 

 "After many months of work behind the scenes, TOTA is happy to share the new Rail Trails Website. bcrailtrails.com will provide residents and visitors a hub of information pertaining to local rail trails. We want to thank local businesses and trail enthusiasts for their help refining the site." said Mike Overend, TOTA’s Director of Destination Development.

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. This website was created with the intent to streamline the planning of a bike ride or trip along this trail network. 

“Many of our residents and visitors alike don’t realize how long and accessible the Rail Trails really are. We hope that the new interactive website will help trail users realize the potential of everything from incredible multi day bike trips to the enjoyment of a few hours on the trail.” Said Ellen Walker-Matthews, Vice President and acting President & Chief Executive Officer .

 The B.C. Rail Trail website has come together with the partnership with Kootenay Rockies, and with help from the team at Navigator Multimedia Inc. We will be continuing to add relevant business listings and locations post-launch.

 Explore the new Rail Trail website at bcrailtrails.com.

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About TOTA 

 The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. Find out more information at TOTABC.org.

About Kootenay Rockies

Promoting responsible travel in the Southeast corner of British Columbia by showcasing the natural, clean, uncrowded activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Find out more information at KootenayRockies.com.

New Biosphere Committed Members

We are pleased to welcome Jojo’s Cafe and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery to the Biosphere Committed Member Community!

One of the philosophies of Jojo’s Café is to support local in everything they do. This means supporting local businesses, local art and artists and supporting the environment. Their dark roast is supplied by Rock Creek Trading Post, and the other roasts and espresso beans are supplied by Max Voets Coffee Roasting in Vernon.

Learn more about Jojo’s Cafe here.

The team at Mission Hill Family Estate relentlessly pursues quality at every turn. After being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and receiving multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, they continue to draw inspiration from the Okanagan Valley. The culinary team also works closely with local, sustainable farmers to source foods and create regionally-inspired dishes paired with wine cultivated from their estate vineyards.

Learn more about Mission Hill Family Estate Winery here.

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B.C. Safely Moving to Step 2 of Restart Plan as of June 15, 2021

Today, British Columbia has taken the next step to safely bringing people back together, transitioning into Step 2 of the BC Restart Plan, including lifting restrictions on travel within B.C.

Also today, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued updated Public Health Orders on Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events.

TOTA has compiled several resources for tourism businesses to prepare:

• Moving from Step 1 to Step 2

• Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit

• Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance

• Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2

• Business Transition to Step 3

Moving from Step 1 to Step 2

Provincial health data shows that with strong safety plans in place and people continuing to use layers of protection, people can now slightly increase much-needed social connections.

Public health safety protocols, such as mask wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing, will remain in place during Step 2. As well, personal indoor gatherings will be limited to five visitors, or one other household. If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately

Key Highlights:

• B.C. recreational travel – non-essential travel ban lifted. Out-of-province non-essential travel advisory continues;

Organized Gatherings

• Indoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan but no singing, dancing or karaoke (this is especially important for business, social and government meetings to resume

• 50 people can attend inside, seated events at banquet halls, and in addition to the rules for other inside events, there is no self-serve food or liquor allowed

• Outdoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan;

Businesses (Food and Liquor Outlets)

• Indoor and outdoor dining for groups up to 6 people (not restricted to your household or bubble)

• Liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs extended until midnight, so places that do not sell full meals now must close at 1 am.

• Banquet halls can operate with limited capacity and a COVID-19 Safety Plan

• Establishments will no longer be required to collect personal information from patrons

• Patrons will still be required to be seated, but they will be allowed to stand up to throw darts, shoot pool, and bowl in the same group of six

• Music will be allowed and the limits on volume will be removed

• Events will be allowed at food and liquor serving premises per the indoor organized gatherings rules (i.e., maximum 50 people in attendance). Taking contact information will be required for events

Offices and workplaces

• Continued return to the workplace

• Small, in-person meetings allowed

• Employers must continue to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and daily health check in place

Sports and exercise

• High intensity group exercise is now allowed, with the same capacity, distancing limits and other requirements as other exercise that are in place

• Indoor and outdoor games and practices for both adults and youth group/team sports allowed

• Outside sport can have up to 50 people, and up to 50 spectators

• Inside sport can have up to 50 people, no spectators

Transportation

• Options increased for perimeter seating vehicles to transport passengers. Hours extended to pick up one hour after liquor sales cease (1:00 am) ⁠— increased occupancy limits to allow to carry up to 6 people, irrespective of physical distancing.

Episodic Markets

• Resume sale of non-food merchandise at indoor markets, with capacity limits similar to retail

• Allows sampling at markets

The above measures will continue to be in place until July 1st; at this time, the government will deliver another update on the reopening. Public health safety protocols, including mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing remain in place for Step 2.

go2HR offers a safety plan review service for tourism businesses.

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Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit

The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your own communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that  the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.

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Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance

British Columbians travelling within B.C. are asked to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns, as well as Indigenous communities – including respecting local travel advisories. Travel manners and guidelines to follow during summer trips and vacations include:

• getting vaccinated (Register for a first or second dose)

• pre-trip planning and research before arriving at destination;

• respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities and Indigenous communities;

• following masks guideline;

• respecting personal space and practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing; and

• no travelling for anyone who is sick. If symptoms develop while travelling, self-isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing.

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Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2

BC extended the deadline to apply for the small and medium-sized business recovery program until July 2nd, boosting its total investment to $430 million. Grants of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 remain available with up to an additional $5,000 to $15,000 for tourism-related businesses.

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Business Transition to Step 3

Since the launch of the restart plan on May 25, government has been working with sector associations and WorkSafeBC to help prepare for the transition into Step 3 when public health orders will be lifted and new guidelines will come into effect.

Businesses can expect to see updated guidance available through WorkSafeBC's website prior to July 1. Businesses will then adapt their safety plans to reflect this updated guidance.

More than 200 meetings and discussions have taken place since the launch of BC’s Restart plan as part of government’s ongoing engagement. The majority have been with industry organizations that together represent thousands of employers and tens of thousands of employees.

• To learn about B.C.’s current travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel

• To learn about the current provincial health officer’s restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/COVIDrestrictions

Pilot Project for Cork Recycling in West Kelowna

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“Cork is a great material. It’s natural and it’s actually a carbon-negative material. It can be repurposed, in this case into new consumer items like footwear, where it can replace petroleum-based foams and plastic.” ~ Allen Langdon, Return-It CEO and president

Not much can beat opening up a bottle of wine on a hot Okanagan summer’s day, and Return-It has found a unique way to save wine corks that are destined to go to the landfill each year. Now, indulging in the fruits of the valley is that much sweeter because of a pilot program resulting from a partnership between Return-It and SOLE, a company that makes eco-friendly cork footwear.

“This really hasn’t been done before, where you try to collect cork from the public on such a large scale,” said Allen Langdon, Return-It CEO and president. “We are going into it not knowing what to expect but I think at the end of the day, the ultimate objective is keeping this material out of the landfill.”

The pilot program will run until December 2021. If successful, it will be expanded across B.C.

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Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Commits to Living Wage

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Sovereign Lake Nordic Club becomes first ski area in Canada to guarantee a living wage

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is a not-for-profit ski club with more than 3,200 members operating within the Silver Star Provincial Park near Vernon, on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People.

Sovereign Lake is the first ski area in Canada to make a commitment to help end working poverty, by paying all its staff and contracted workers a living wage. A living wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses. The calculation is based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in B.C. – with each parent working full-time.

“In placing our employees’ health and financial stability front and centre, we help to build long term sustainable employment opportunities for our community, while reducing training costs in this traditional high staff turnover industry. With an 80% annual return rate of our employees, it helps maintain a friendly and familiar atmosphere for our members and guests….By meeting and exceeding these minimum benchmarks for a living wage, we are creating a strong team more akin to a family than just a job”

- Troy Hudson, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

Thank You to Supporters of the Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program

On May 28, 2021, the first cohort of graduates from TOTA’s Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program came together to celebrate with a virtual graduation ceremony. After two months of online class sessions from 20+ facilitators, mentorship meetings, and employment coaching, 16 participants graduated, ready to launch an agri-tourism product in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The program was a great success, with the online format enabling TOTA, UVIC, and industry guest speakers to connect with participants safely through a time of social distancing.

Students learned to develop a market-ready, shelf-stable product to offer in local retail, domestic, and international markets. Developed in response to the need to invest in locally derived, grown, processed, packaged, and distributed food supply to support the local economy, the program combined small business, export/market-ready training, and practical food-processing training.

The program came at a time when many of the participants were in search of next steps, resources, and a sense of connection, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. The Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skill Training Program was delivered free of charge by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

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Thank You To The Program Supporters

We would like to express a heartfelt 'thank you' to the facilitators, guests speakers, and mentors who supported this program and the participants:

Facilitators & Industry Guests

Participants received 200+ hours of instruction from 20+ facilitators and industry guests with expertise in agri-tourism product development, sales, and marketing, and other required areas of knowledge to help entrepreneurs enter the retail market and online platforms with confidence.

University of Victoria: Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

• Rob Inkster

• Kimball Ketsa

• Dr. Brent Mainprize

• Martin Rissley

• Christian Van Buskirk

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

• Ellen Walker-Matthews

• Terrina Barsalou

• Barbara Bonnough

• Jenna Labossiere

• Chelsea McGonigal

Symphony Tourism Services, a subsidiary of TOTA

• Kelly Galaski

Agri-Tourism Industry & Economic Development Organizations

• Oriana Brueggemann - Export Navigator

• Jane Campardo - Engage, Business & People Solutions

• George Casimir - Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN)

• Johanna Faccini - Queen "B" Kettle Korn Ltd

• Kent Fawcett - Kamloops Food Policy Council

• Clark Grieve - Venture Kamloops

• Beverly O'Neil - O'Neil Marketing & Consulting

• Matt Pederson - I.B.C. International Bar Coding Systems & Consulting

• Shannan Schimmelmann - Export Navigator

• Patrick Shannon - InnoNative

• Myrna Stark Leader - Invest Kelowna - COEDC Agriculture Support Program

• Kevin Touchet - Interior Health Authority

• Kevin Wilson - Savanna Logistics

• Quinton Woronchuk - BC Brine

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Mentorship Program

Industry support is essential to help up and coming entrepreneurs achieve success. Over several weeks, mentors connected with budding entrepreneurs to share business insights and encouraging words.

• Trevor Cesarone - Tru North Gluten Free

• Lee-ann Callan - Beverage Bombs

• Roch Fortin - Maple Roch Pure Canadian Maple Syrup

• Heather Bottoms - She Devil Delights

• Charlotte Langley - Scout Seafoods

• Greg Janssen - Counter Cultured Fermented Foods

• Martin Rivard - Vegilante Plant Based Foods

• Donna Denison - Little Creek Dressing

• Olivia Nowek - Planet Bee Honey Farm & Honeymoon Meadery

• Kyla King - Rad Jamz & Preserves Inc.

• Celine Giesbrecht - Celine's Just Desserts

• Ryan Parker - Travellin’ Tubs Corp

• Halee Fried - Farmstrong Cider

• Thor Devos - Simply Keto

• Quinton Woronchuk - BC Brine

Interior Health Launches Mobile Immunization Clinics

Interior Health’s #journey2immunity has kicked into high gear with the introduction of mobile immunization clinics that will travel across the Interior Health region to target rural and remote communities, and other hard to reach populations. 

“We know that the best way to ensure that everyone who wants a vaccine is able to get one is by removing as many barriers to access as possible,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “These two mobile clinics are heading out on a road trip that will make it easier for many people in the Interior to get their COVID-19 vaccine in their home community.”

One mobile immunization clinic will travel through communities in the South Okanagan, Kootenay Boundary and East Kootenay, making initial stops in Big White, Peachland, Okanagan Falls, Hedley and Princeton. The second mobile immunization will complete its journey through the North Okanagan and Thompson Cariboo Shuswap regions, with stops first in Cherryville, Lumby, the Okanagan Indian Band, Falkland and Armstrong.

Interior Health has worked with provincial partners to design and implement the mobile clinics. Two trailers are fully-equipped and have been provided by the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) and will make stops in more than 40 communities along the way.

The clinics will focus on providing first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible people who are 12+ (born in 2009 or earlier), and appointments at the clinics along the way will not be required. 

“BCAA’s mobile response units are designed to provide on-the-ground support to British Columbians in the event of a major incident, and we are beyond thrilled to offer two units to Interior Health as mobile immunization clinics. What an incredible way to work together to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” says BCAA President and CEO Eric Hopkins.

Interior Health will work in partnership with local leaders and the media to inform communities when the mobile vaccination clinic will be near them.

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To keep up-to-date with the mobile immunization clinics schedules please regularly check back here.

There are three ways to register for COVID-19 vaccine notifications:

• Online by visiting the provincial website here or https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

• By phone: 1-833-838-2323

• In person at a Service BC office listed here.

New clinic dates for second doses in rural and remote communities are published at: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/taking-a-community-approach/

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources visit: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/

 To learn about B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

Okanagan Bioregion Food System Project

Photo: Lindsay Peltz/Okanagan Bioregion Food System Project

A new study suggests the Okanagan could meet most of its food needs by increasing local production.

The study by Surrey's Kwantlen Polytechnic University says regionalizing food systems can be a driver of sustainable community development and the basis for resilient local and regional economies and ecologies.

“Food systems cannot be separated from other planning and development activities. We need to recognize the inextricably linked nature of food systems and adopt a ‘food systems lens’ in all our planning activities,” says Dr. Kent Mullinix, director of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems.

“Regionalizing our food systems by producing food closer to home, bringing the economic activity home to local communities, and having more control over our own food system through local policies, can help address some of these issues.”

The three-year Okanagan Bioregion Food System Project focused on farming and food systems in the Okanagan.

Other findings included:

• Developing regional food systems can have economic benefits for the bioregion. These benefits are maximized when investments are made in the development of food processing, distribution and storage infrastructure.

• Increasing the consumption of locally produced food does not reduce the environmental impacts associated with the food system, but changing diets does. When it comes to ecological footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, how food is produced, and the resources required, matter more than where it is produced.

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BC COVID-19 Safety Plan: Key Trends Infographic by go2HR

go2HR offers a free BC COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service for BC tourism businesses to support a safe restart. go2HR has created a BC COVID-19 Safety Plan: Key Trends Infographic to show key areas of need and supports offered by the service:

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About the BC COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service

It is critical for all tourism businesses to review and update a COVID-19 safety plan as we progress through the BC Restart Plan and gradual lifting of restrictions.

go2HR is here to make the process a little easier with a free safety plan review service with targeted feedback and recommendations. This important service is offered to all BC tourism and hospitality businesses, free of charge, to ensure that businesses can restart and reopen safely.

Submit your safety plan for a comprehensive review by a health and safety expert today.

If you have any questions regarding workplace health and safety or need support with any aspect of your COVID-19 safety plan, contact go2HR at safety@go2HR.ca or by phone 604-633-9787.

BC Parks Improving Accessibility to Enable Nature For All

“Everyone is welcome in nature” is a message that carries the spirit of a renewed commitment by BC Parks to make outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive.

BC Parks has seen a significant increase in the diversity of park visitors over the past decade and park visitation is reaching record highs. Expanding accessibility through new projects in campgrounds, day-use areas, playgrounds and a new welcome sign convey the principle that nature is for all.

“Our provincial parks are a place for everyone, and these initiatives are the beginning of a renewed commitment and an important step in our long-term commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity,” said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. “Our province is strong because of the diversity of our people, and it is important that our parks system ensures that everyone is welcome and comfortable as they enjoy British Columbia’s spectacular outdoors.”

To ensure everyone can get out and enjoy nature, BC Parks continues to make accessibility upgrades in parks throughout the province and incorporates universal design standards in new campgrounds and recreation sites.

With more than 23 million visits each year, new welcome signs are being installed at BC Parks entrance points, such as parking lots, kiosks, campgrounds and trailheads.

New accessibility information is also being added to the BC Parks website. People will be able to see photos and descriptions of facilities before they arrive at the park they plan to visit.

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Quick Links:

• BC Parks Accessibility Information

• Thompson Okanagan Accessibility Blog Posts

• TOTA Accessible Tourism Initiatives & Resources

Tourism Hiring & Employment Resource Roundup

Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain

With the launch of BC’s Restart Plan and the summer season starting, the Tourism Resiliency Program advisors have received many questions around hiring employees, health & safety training, and maintaining employees through the season.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program team has compiled the latest updates and relevant resources to support tourism businesses:

B.C. Minimum Wage Increase

As of June 1, 2021, B.C.’s minimum wage rates increased as follows:

• General minimum wage increases to $15.20 an hour from $14.60 an hour.

• Liquor server minimum wage of $13.95 an hour is being eliminated and replaced with the general minimum wage of $15.20 an hour.

• Live-in camp leader minimum wage, per day, increases to $121.65 from $116.86; and resident caretaker minimum wage, per month, increases to $912.28, plus $36.56 per suite for those who manage nine to 60 residential suites and to $3,107.42 for 61 or more suites.

While there are currently no minimum-wage related subsidies, B.C. businesses are seeing savings through recent tax cuts, such as the 20% reduction in the small-business corporate income tax rate, and the 50% cut to Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on non-residential electricity, a tax eliminated by April 1, 2019.

Tax and accounting advice is available through Small Business BC.

BC Employer Training Grant (ETG)

Offers employers 100% of eligible training costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per participant per fiscal year, to support British Columbians that are employed or have been employed in sectors impacted by COVID-19.The goal of the ETG is to help British Columbians access the skills and training needed to adapt to the changing requirements of jobs and the labour market while encouraging employer involvement in the training of their employees.

Learn More

B.C. Increased Employment Incentive (IEI) 

The B.C. increased employment incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for all private sector B.C. employers to encourage the creation of new jobs for B.C. workers, or increases in payroll for existing low or medium-income employees. The tax credit is calculated at 15% of the amount that the employer’s qualifying B.C. remuneration exceeds the employer’s base B.C. remuneration for the quarter ending December 31, 2020.

The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021.

Learn More

Work-Sharing (WS)

A program to help employers and employees avoid layoffs during a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers.

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Government of Canada Announced Details of the New Canada Recovery Hiring Program and Extension of Business Support Programs

The proposed Canada Recovery Hiring Program will be available to support active employees from June 6, 2021 to November 20, 2021. This will allow eligible employers to use the program at a pace that works for them.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is currently set to expire in June 2021.

• The recent federal budget proposed to extend the Wage Subsidy until September 25, 2021.

• This extension would see a gradual decrease of the Wage Subsidy rate, beginning July 4, 2021, in order to ensure an orderly phase-out of the program as the economy reopens.

Employers would be able to shift to the Canada Recovery Hiring Program as they transition to recovery and hire new workers.

See Press Release

go2HR Resources

go2HR Job Board

The leading free job board for tourism and hospitality jobs in BC. Tourism businesses can post jobs any time to seek quality employers.

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Employer Resource: The Return on Investment (ROI) of Staff Training

New workers may require instruction in first aid, food handling, or a new booking system. Incorporating training that develops employees toward long-term career goals can also promote greater job satisfaction. Learn how training can lead to employees to stay longer and be more productive while on your team.

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Recruiting and Hiring International Workers: What Tourism & Hospitality Employers Need to Know

Destination BC and go2HR held a webinar to help employers navigate some of the challenges of recruiting and hiring international workers, including immigration processes in the age of COVID-19.

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Tourism Resiliency Program Supports

We hope these resources are helpful. 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:

• 1-1 Advisor Services 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 1-1 call/video with a TOTA advisor

Additional Funding for Business Recovery Grant

The Province is adding millions in additional funding to keep the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant operating until the expected start of Step 3 of BC’s Restart plan on July 1, 2021.

The program has been providing relief to thousands of B.C. businesses impacted by the pandemic.

“The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program has had tremendous uptake and helped thousands of B.C. businesses position themselves for a strong recovery as we embark on BC’s Restart plan,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “We built this grant program for the business community. Its success is directly attributed to the input businesses shared that allowed us to reshape the program along the way. My gratitude goes to everyone who helped make this program a success for businesses throughout the province.”

To date, the business recovery grant program has committed $290 million to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. After applications close on July 2, 2021, the total investment of the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program is expected to reach $430 million. This funding will support more than 20,000 B.C. businesses and 260,000 employees over the course of the pandemic and beyond. 

As of June 3, 2021, more than 10,000 grants have been awarded to B.C. businesses. Over 41% of these grants have been awarded to tourism-related businesses.

“Over 4,100 tourism operators have accessed the grant and received funds from the $100 million for tourism-specific funding. This additional support was a call to action from the Tourism Task Force to provide relief to people and businesses that were struggling,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I encourage any tourism businesses that haven’t accessed the grant to see if they are eligible.”

The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is delivering over $130 million to hospitality and accommodation businesses impacted by the recently lifted health orders. The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant will close on June 4, 2021. Combined, these two grant programs provide approximately $560 million in relief to businesses hit hard during the pandemic.

“It is an honour for Small Business BC to be involved in this program, and we appreciate the graciousness of all the businesses we worked with,” said Tom Conway, CEO, Small Business BC. “We are also grateful for the B.C. government's willingness to adjust this program to meet the needs of businesses. This is precisely the type of response that will help businesses turn the corner past these challenging times.”

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Eligible businesses interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to apply right away. All businesses that apply, including businesses in the application process, must submit all final documentation and details prior to the July 2, 2021, deadline. Outstanding grants and related service-provider claims will continue to be processed as soon as possible after the application period closes.

“Receiving this grant money from the B.C. government was empowering because it gave me the funding I needed to move forward with the recovery plan I built during the application process,” said Leanna Carlson, owner, Carlson Pottery in Prince George. “The grant money I received not only benefits my business, it has a ripple effect on the community and makes people optimistic that the local economy is starting to rebuild.”

Many programs that provide ongoing supports for businesses remain in place as the economy continues to reopen. This includes federal programs, such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, as well as provincial programs, such as the Increased Employment Incentive and the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave reimbursement program.

The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. This plan is one of the ways government is working to support businesses impacted by the pandemic, while the province builds toward a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic future.

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Quick Facts:

• The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program provides fully funded grants to eligible businesses that employ up to 149 B.C. residents.

• Grants of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 are available with up to an additional $5,000 to $15,000 available to tourism-related businesses.

• As part of the application process, an applicant is required to develop a business recovery plan.

• Approved professional service providers are available to help with the application process, including recovery plan support, up to $2,000 per small or medium-sized business. This amount is paid directly to the provider.

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Learn More:

For more information on the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

Moccasin Trails and Indigenous World Winery Selected to Receive Indigenous Tourism Grants

WestJet and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are providing nine, $10,000 grants to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada that have been devastated by the shutdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were originally earmarked through the WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership, signed in November 2019.

Congratulations to the Thompson Okanagan Recipients of the 2020/2021 WestJet/ITAC grants!

• Moccasin Trails: Kamloops

• Indigenous World Winery: Kelowna

The grant recipients will be spotlighted on WestJet’s social channels and its newsroom over the next year.

The recipients of these grants were given the news in March 2021 and their reactions were captured in a new WestJet/ITAC video. The video features Robert & Bernice Louie of Indigenous World Winery and Greg Hopf of Moccasin Trails.

The WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership is a three-year commitment that outlines how the airline will foster opportunities for Indigenous tourism by showcasing Indigenous People’s culture and history while bringing global audiences to take part in Indigenous tourism experiences.

For the full listing of the grant recipients, visit westjet.com/en-ca/best-of-travel/indigenous-tourism.

For more information about Indigenous experiences across Canada, visit DestinationIndigenous.ca

A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures Workshop

Join this National Indigenous History Month workshop to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous food & beverage in British Columbia.

In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes, and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine. When you taste Indigenous World wine, you are tasting fruit from the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years.

Sip along with Indigenous World Winery’s virtual tasting. These world-class wines (Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin Red, Ho-We-Nam Ho-We-Nem Sparkling White, Simo and La'p Cheet) can be purchased through their online shop. Mr. Bannock offers a variety of authentic bannock mixes through his online shop.

Date and Time

Tue, June 15, 2021

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT

Add to calendar

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Celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June

National Indigenous History Month was introduced in June 2009 as a way to educate, connect, and promote reconciliation in Canada. In 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared, with the date of June 21 chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and the start of berry-picking and fishing season – both important traditions in Indigenous cultures. The holidays invite Canadian residents to celebrate local First Nations cultures, while reflecting on the storied history of the country’s Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Tourism BC Virtual Workshops

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is thrilled to host a series of free virtual workshops celebrating National Indigenous History Month (June 2021) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021), in partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive. An engaging opportunity for people everywhere to learn about Indigenous cultures, history and tourism in BC, the workshops are anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.

Two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism companies are taking part in the workshops: Indigenous World Winery and Moccasin Trails. For a list of Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan, see the Indigenous Tourism BC website.

Taking place throughout the month of June, the upcoming sessions include:

A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures – Tuesday, June 15 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST 
An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Viewers will meet Paul Natrall, second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.
Register: https://bit.ly/33U30W5

Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture – Thursday, June 17 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
Travel virtually to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC with Sara Fulla, where you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Viewers will then be transported to the remote Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu, BC where they will meet Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge. From harvesting traditional foods and wildlife watching to viewing petroglyphs and historical tours, Spirit Bear Lodge fosters deep connections to place and land.  
Register: https://bit.ly/3eZktmw

Honouring Wellness – Tuesday, June 22 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST 
Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will host a smudging ceremony and attendees will learn about the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices. Viewers will then meet Dennis Thomas of Vancouver’s Takaya Tours, an Indigenous owned eco-tourism venture. Indigenous peoples have travelled the land and waters of traditional territory for thousands of years, and Dennis will share his ancestral knowledge, fostering an appreciation for wilderness and Indigenous culture. Learn how nature and sustainability, through an Indigenous worldview, contribute to social wellbeing.
Register: https://bit.ly/3ft3J5V

Included on each event page are links to purchase relevant products or reserve future travel experiences relating to each workshop topic, including sage sticks for smudging and pre-made mixes to bake bannock at home.

Our Deepest Sympathies for the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Community

The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc confirmed the uncovering of the remains of 215 children buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

On behalf of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Board of Directors and our entire team, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to all of the families of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community and Indigenous peoples of Canada.

We recognize and are deeply saddened by the profound loss, indignity, and injustice of these unimaginable actions. These lost lives will remain in our hearts and minds forever as we grieve together with you and send our support to the community and all its people.

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For more information, see the Tkemlups.ca News Room and press release.

Free Travel Offer Listings on HelloBC.com

Destination BC’s summer marketing campaign – which will launch once we are again able to promote travel, in accordance with the orders and guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer and BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General – will encourage British Columbians to explore their own province and open their minds to new places and experiences.

As part of the campaign, DBC will promote Travel Offers as a “hook” to encourage potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations. Research shows that offers play an important role in moving the consumer’s mindset from planning to purchasing and is also a great opportunity for businesses to feature new products or experiences, drive website traffic/bookings and ultimately acquire new customers.

To take advantage of this campaign and motivate travellers to book with you, we encourage you to post up to three offers on HelloBC today, so you are ready when we can all travel again!

This program does not require you to discount your experience or product. We want to provide an avenue to showcase the current offers and/or added value that you already have available.

Example offers:

• Sip & Stay New West Accommodation and Craft Brewery Package

• Save $30 on Whale Watching & Kayaking

There is no cost to participate and submitting your offers is easy.

What you’ll need:

• The offer name

• The offer details (maximum 120 characters)

• Start and end dates which the offer is valid

• A link to the offer details on your website

• One picture to display with your offer*

If you already have a user account for your HelloBC listing, simply log in to our Tourism Business Portal, select your business name under “Manage My Listings”, click on “Travel Deals” then click “New”. You can promote a maximum of three Offers on HelloBC.com at one time.

If you do not have a user account, please create one here and allow two business days for access to be granted.

For more information about Travel Deals including offer ideas and photo requirements, click here.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your account, please contact IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca.