Government extends COVID-19 benefits and business supports to support stronger economic recovery

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the Government of Canada continues to adapt its support to deliver support to those who need it, heal the wounds of the pandemic recession, and build a strong recovery that leaves no one behind.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced the extension of crucial COVID-19 support measures for Canadians and Canadian businesses in recognition that uneven economic reopening across regions and sectors means workers and businesses continue to need support. These extensions include:

• Extending the eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until October 23, 2021, and increasing the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021.

• Extending the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) until October 23, 2021.

• Increasing the maximum number of weeks available for the CRB, by an additional 4 weeks, to a total of 54 weeks, at a rate of $300 per week, and ensuring it is available to those who have exhausted their employment insurance (EI) benefits.

As our recovery gets underway, workers and businesses in certain regions and sectors continue to need support. In the April federal budget, the government recognized that the economic and public health situation remained uncertain and made sure it had the flexibility to extend supports further into the fall as the public health situation warranted. By moving forward on these extensions, the government is ensuring that businesses – including those in hard-hit sectors like tourism, hospitality, arts, and entertainment – can continue to get the support they need so they can invest in their recovery and long-term prosperity.

In addition, the government is proposing to offer businesses greater flexibility when calculating the revenue decline used to determine eligibility for the wage and rent subsidy programs and the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program. The government is also releasing draft legislation that provides further clarity on previously announced changes to the wage subsidy for furloughed employees.

More details on the extension and these proposed changes to COVID business supports are available in the backgrounder.

Eco Efficiency Toolkit

Did you know that an Eco Efficiency Toolkit was created for Biosphere Committed Companies to use as an additional resource? The toolkit is divided into four key areas: water, energy, waste and carbon and provides helpful tips and low and no-cost solutions for companies of all sizes. To access the Eco Efficiency Toolkit and you are not currently a Biosphere Committed Member, join the Biosphere Commitment Program now.

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This summer, we have experienced quite the heat wave and drought is currently impacting approximately half of BC, with extremely dry or very dry conditions throughout the Thompson Okanagan.

Here are some helpful tips from our Eco Efficiency Toolkit to help you reduce water usage:

1. Establish your water usage baseline

2. Consider using grey water management systems or harvest rainwater

3. Install low-flow fixtures

4. Track your water consumption, by installing a water meter or using the free Energy Star Portfolio Manager program

5. Check for leaks and drips in your water systems

6. Xeriscape with native drought-resistant plants

7. Use mulch at the base of plants to reduce evaporation from soil

8. Reuse water for gardens and plants

9. Ensure your irrigation system uses water efficiently and use low flow garden hose nozzles

10. Adopt water-efficient cleaning procedures

Brenda Baptiste Recognized With the Order of British Columbia

The Lieutenant Governor of B.C. has announced sixteen exceptional people to be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, including Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos.

On behalf of the board and team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, we congratulate Brenda Baptiste of this very special honour, the Province’s highest form of recognition. It has been a pleasure to work with Brenda in the Thompson Okanagan over the years through her work with the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and as board member and Chair of the Board for Indigenous Tourism BC.

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About Brenda Baptiste

In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. At the same time, chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.

In 2003, Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Syilx culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a Phase 2 expansion, for which Baptiste is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.

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

For Baptiste, three issues became evident:

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

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

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

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

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

First International Standard on Accessible Tourism For All

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the world’s first standard on accessible tourism, ISO 21902 Tourism and related services – Accessible tourism for all – Requirements and recommendations. This is an international standard offering guidelines to ensure access and enjoyment of tourism for all on an equal basis.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Fundación ONCE and UNE (Asociación Española de Normalización)  led the development of this pioneering, cross-cutting standard on an international level, focusing on accessible tourism throughout the whole value chain of the tourism sector.

This is a business that in the European Union represents a potential market of 80 million persons, or 130 million if companions are included. Moreover, the market is growing considering the population pyramid in many European countries, and this is also the case for other parts of the world.

As from today, this standard is available in Spanish as UNE-ISO 21902,  having been translated and included in the UNE national catalogue of standards. It addresses service providers and tourism operators as well as public administrations and tourism destinations.

The UNE-ISO 21902 standard establishes requirements and recommendations for accessible tourism. For example, in order for a beach to be considered accessible, it must offer showers, toilets and a route that can be used by all. Also, accessible pedestrian routes in a natural environment must provide, amongst other requirements, a continuous, firm and stable floor and signalling and must offer details on the itinerary before the start of the route. In general, in their written communications, tourism establishments must use clear and simple language following a logical sequence, with images and graphic symbols where appropriate, and with contrasting colours and easy-to-read fonts.

It is hoped that the standard will become a key tool for enforcing the right of everyone to enjoy tourism and leisure. In spite of advances over recent decades, in many countries there is still much to be done before the tourism sector takes into account the needs of the more than 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world.

Because of the way in which environments, infrastructure and a wide range of tourism services have been conceived, tourists with disabilities often face challenges starting from the actual planning of their trip and including their experience in the destination. This standard aims to trigger change.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, UNWTO, Fundación ONCE and UNE, together with experts, will hold an awareness campaign addressing their members and associates to stress the harmonization of accessible tourism on a global scale by means of standards.

This worldwide standard was developed by the International Standardization Committee ISO/TC 228 on Tourism and related services, in which UNWTO coordinated working group WG14 bringing together 85 experts from more than 35 countries and five relevant organizations in this area who were responsible for the drafting. Fundación ONCE held the technical leadership and UNE provided the secretariat and coordinated with ISO.

COVID-19 Update for Thompson Okanagan

New COVID-19 Health Measures for Central Okanagan

Interior Health (IH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the Central Okanagan due to significant increases in COVID-19 transmission and announced measures effective July 29, 2021 for the Central Okanagan communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, and Lake Country.

Restrictions Include:

• Mandatory masks in indoor public spaces. Patrons must wear masks unless seated

• Masks are encouraged to be worn outdoors if you are unable to physically distance

• Physical distancing required in indoor and outdoor places (e.g., between tables, line-ups, etc.)

• Events should be organized outdoors and not indoors

• Gatherings have a limit of 50 people or 50% of the venue's total capacity

• Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs must have COVID-19 safety plans in place. Liquor service can remain at normal hours but people should not be socializing between tables

• Nightclubs can remain open with up to 10 people at a table and seated

• Reducing the second-dose interval to four weeks, to get people vaccinated quicker

• Discouraging non-essential travel to the region by people who are not yet fully vaccinated (7 days after second dose)

• Expanded asymptomatic testing availability

• Remind your staff to stay home if they are sick and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms

The measures will remain in place for at least 14 days and until the region experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.

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Benefits of Vaccination

Now that over 80% of British Columbians are fully vaccinated, the benefits of vaccination are clear:

• Data from the BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) shows that less than 5% of COVID-19 cases from June 15 to July 15 were among fully vaccinated people. More than 95 per cent of recent cases in the Central Okanagan are among people who are not fully-immunized against COVID-19.

• During the same time period, 78% of people hospitalized in B.C. with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.

• Since June 15 there have been no deaths or hospitalizations in fully vaccinated people under 60 in B.C.

This is an important reminder that immunization is our most effective prevention against COVID-19.

Public health officials are not recommending non-essential travel for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Those who have been vaccinated may continue to travel, and we ask they do so safely and responsibly. 

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Vax for BC Campaign

The Province of BC is making it easier than ever for people to get vaccinated with the launch of the Vax for BC campaign to help as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated.

In July, Interior Health (the main health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region) had the second highest rate of unvaccinated individuals, with 26% of the population listed as unvaccinated.

Beginning on July 27, 2021, and lasting throughout the month of August, there will be:

• Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling

• Provincewide Walk-in Wednesday on Aug. 4, 2021

• Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest.

A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc

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How Can the Tourism Industry Help?

The pandemic is not over and the situation can change at any time. The tourism industry needs to continue to lead and do our part to ensure that we continue to stay open by help prevent the spread of the virus. While these temporary restrictions are in the Central Okanagan, it is an important reminder for all tourism companies to:

• Stay informed of the latest health regulations and guidelines from Interior Health
  and Ministry of Health.
  

• Check-in with staff and ensure that your communicable disease plan is being followed by all guests and staff, including cleaning protocols and sanitization. Staff should not come in to work if feeling ill and should continue to wear masks
  

• Reassess your company's Communicable Disease Prevention Plan and get a free 1:1 review from go2HR.
  

• Ensure employees are aware they are entitled to 3 hours of paid leave to be vaccinated against COVID-19.4

• Support Interior Health's campaign #Journey2Immunity by using the hashtag and link www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca to encourage others to get vaccinated on your personal social media channels.

• Share the facts about the benefits of getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible - for example, Big White Ski Resort has shared the benefits along with photos of their team lead and Loose Moose mascot wearing a mask.

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Business Support

The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following supports:

• 1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor

• Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business

Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.

Support Tourism Workers in Need Through the BC Hospitality Foundation Online Raffle

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its first-ever online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. This online lottery initiative is a fundraiser in lieu of in person events due to the pandemic. The BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

The raffle starts with a $1,000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on August 16th 2021. The raffle is half way through sales, with the jackpot is sitting at $2,390. Help BCHF reach $5,000 this week. Winner takes half!

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need, such as:

• Server who suffered soft tissue and head injury from being struck by a car as a pedestrian – covered her rent for a month and other basic expenses so she could return to work.

• Cook who suffered a stroke and his wife had to have an emergency root canal - covered the cost of the dental work and basic living costs for 1 month.

• Restaurant worker who contracted an infection while giving birth to a premature baby girl. Mother and baby were transferred to hospital and stayed for over 3 weeks. The BCHF helped the family to cover the extraordinary costs of the father’s travel, older sister’s care, and living out of home for 21 nights

The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17 and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

Purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

BC Resources for Coping With Disaster Stress

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division has compiled resources related to coping from stress from natural disasters.

Helpful links and resources

Preparing for wildfires

• Get prepared for a wildfire in BC (Government of BC)

Health and mental health

• Coping through a natural disaster emergency – mental health tips for you and your family

• Recognizing and addressing trauma and anxiety during wildfire season (First Nations Health Authority)

• Recognizing and resolving trauma in children during disasters (First Nations Health Authority)

• Disaster emotional response timeline – what to expect before, during and after a disaster

• Your health during a wildfire (Government of BC)

• Wildfire smoke and health (BC Centre for Disease Control)

Direct help for stress

• Free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
  KUU-US Indigenous line 1-800-588-8717
  Interior BC Crisis Line 1-888-353-2273 – chat and text services available
  Northern BC Crisis Line 1-888-562-1214
  BC Mental Health Support Line 310-6789 (no area code required)

• BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry

• Find your local Canadian Mental Health Association

Information provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association in partnership with the Province of BC, First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, Northern Health and Provincial Health Services Authority.

Glenn Fawcett Given the Award of Distinction from Wine Growers of British Columbia

Congratulations to Glenn Fawcett on being recognized for his considerable contributions to the wine industry by the Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) with its highest honour – the WGBC Award of Distinction. The Award of Distinction recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.

Previous winners of this prestigious award include wine industry luminaries such as Howard Soon, Sandhill (Andrew Peller); Harry McWatters, Time Winery; and Tony Stewart, Quails’ Gate Winery.

During his 35-year career as an entrepreneur and innovator Fawcett has founded and/or consulted to numerous successful companies including Therapy Vineyards and Guesthouse and Black Hills Estate Winery. Fawcett is also a sought-after industry consultant under his company Vinequest Ltd.

Free Access to B.C. Accommodation Performance Tracking Data

View fullsize

Screenshot of STR Accommodation Benchmarking Dashboard

Accommodation operators have a unique opportunity to learn more about the performance of B.C.'s hotel, lodge, and B&B performance, with no cost to participate.

As we all move toward recovery, it’s never been more important to strategize around pricing and understanding whether to try and recoup occupancy rates or maintain room rates.

STR’s weekly reporting tool enables accommodation providers to see how their own property is performing against those within the local market - both geographic area and class of accommodation.

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How It Works

STR collects rooms available, rooms sold, and net room revenue on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis from participating hotels. Data is then fed back to all participants in reports - and via your own dashboard. All individual hotel data remains confidential and is never released to a third party.

Your participation assists not only your property, but also your local market and the entire province. Participation is fast and easy, taking less than 5 minutes a month.

• Watch video overview of BC’s 2021 hotel performance

• Watch demo video of the FREE hotel benchmarking dashboard

• View STR FAQ and blog

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Background

The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have teamed up with STR to help more accommodation owners join and benefit from this program.

Weekly and monthly STR reports that detail accommodation performance across the province are provided to the Regional DMO partners each week by Symphony Tourism Services. The aim of the BCRTS partners, BCHA, and STR is to increase hotel participation so that quality and accuracy of data increases for everyone across British Columbia.

STR, BC Hotel Association (BCHA), BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), and Symphony Tourism Services have teamed up with to help more accommodation operators join and benefit from this program.

New Biosphere Committed Members - July

We are pleased to welcome Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery to our Biosphere Community!

Clos du Soleil is a tightly-knit team with a common philosophy: our land and the life it contains is a gift, and as stewards of the land it is our privilege to produce wines which are a reflection of this land. Based in the Similkameen Valley, Clos du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard. Managing Director and Winemaker Michael Clark states, “Organic certification is really central to our whole approach at Clos du Soleil. We put a great deal of effort into producing wines of place; wines that speak of the land on which they were grown. Organic practices are a crucial part of that process by encouraging healthy soils, and healthy vines, which make for more expressive wines”.

Learn more about Clos du Soleil here.

From the beginning, Graham & Lyndsay knew they wanted Tightrope Winery to be a sustainable business. After all, the property was also to be the home to their young family, and they wanted to ensure it would be a healthy environment for their family for generations. Graham embarked on a journey to create a framework for sustainability and became one of the founding Directors with Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Tightrope’s sustainability efforts go beyond environmental stewardship and they also focus on social equity, economic development and how the greater community is affected.

Learn more about Tightrope Winery here.

Sperling Vineyards has been four generations in the making and they have been certified organic since 2017. Sperling Vineyards also recently became a member of Regeneration Canada, a movement supporting soil regeneration. Ann Sperling explained, "We are part of this organization to help get the word out about farmers who are committed to grasslands, permanent cover crops, and farming that benefits the environment. Our treed perimeters, bushes and permanent cover crops sequester carbon from the atmosphere unlike conventional agriculture with tillage that releases CO2."

Learn more about Sperling Vineyards here.

Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort is proudly owned by the Little Shuswap Lake Band. The Resort sits on Skwlax Territory and is home to the Secwepemc people. Little Shuswap Lake Band members conceived the idea of a hotel to spur economic development with a sustainable business venture, offering employment and long term security for the band and its members. Guests can reconnect with nature and the culture of the land, with Secwepemc culture woven into each experience.

Learn more about Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort here.

Named for the solitary majestic old growth pine of their Oliver estate, Le Vieux Pin sits perched amidst the famed vineyards of the Black Sage Bench. Since releasing their first vintage in 2005, Le Vieux Pin has captured the essence of traditional French winemaking, along with the bold New World character distinct to the region. Le Vieux Pin uses low input viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking to make exclusive vintages that carry with them a sense of time and place. They believe that engaging in sustainable and organic practices should be done for the good of the land for the good of those who work it.

Learn more about Le Vieux Pin here.

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Attractions Get Support to Anchor Their Communities

More than 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in B.C. will receive direct support for their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thompson Okanagan recipients include:

• Kamloops Art Gallery - Kamloops

• Thompson Valley Charters Ltd.- Kamloops

• Big White Ski Resort Ltd - Kelowna

• Bluestar Coach Lines - Kelowna

• Energyplex Family Recreation Centre Kelowna Inc.-Kelowna

• Sky Trek Adventure Park Ltd. - Malakwa

• Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos

• Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. - Penticton

• Penticton Art Gallery - Penticton

• S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society - Penticton

• Top Cat Tours Ltd. - Penticton

• Kettle Valley Railway Society - Summerland

• A1 Bus Ltd. - Vernon

• Splashdown Vernon - Vernon

• Vernon Science & Discovery Society - Vernon

• Splash ON Water Parks Ltd. - West Kelowna

“Today is an exciting day for our major anchor attractions that, because of the restrictions that have been in place throughout the pandemic, made sacrifices to keep us all safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The sector called on government to provide grants, not loans, and we worked with tourism sector leaders to make sure these vital businesses and non-profits can continue to employ residents and draw visitors to attractions throughout B.C.”

B.C.’s anchor attractions play an important role in B.C.’s economy by drawing visitors to communities and supporting local small businesses throughout the province. Tour bus companies are a key link to bring travellers to many of the regional destinations, attractions and experiences.

The Major Anchor Attractions Program, first announced in May 2021, was one of the seven calls to action from the Tourism Task Force. Grants of up to $1 million will be provided to both businesses and not-for-profits, including:

• 23 urban anchor attractions;

• 34 rural anchor attractions; and

• 26 tour bus operators.

Organizations can use the grants to pay for rent and utilities, payroll and costs related to restarting or ramping up operations and other business expenses that will help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic. For example, Richmond Night Market will use its $1-million grant to help it maintain its role as a significant attraction in the City of Richmond.

Since the start of the pandemic, the B.C. government has worked with industry to provide relief and support. In addition to the Major Anchors Attraction Program, the Province has provided the following:

• A $100-million tourism-specific stream under the Small and Medium Size Business Recovery Grant program.

• $5 million was allocated in dedicated relief funding delivered by Indigenous Tourism BC for Indigenous tourism businesses.

• $53 million has been invested in community-based tourism infrastructure and destination development to help tourism in B.C. recover, create jobs and spur economic development.

• The Province partnered with go2HR to design a COVID-19 safety certificate course for the tourism and hospitality workforce.

• Budget 2021 includes an additional $50 million in to support tourism recovery and $20 million for community-based tourism infrastructure.

For a complete list of supports, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan-boosts-bc-tourism-industry

Quick Facts:

• Applications for the Major Anchor Attractions Program opened June 7, 2021.

• Major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $1 million.

• Major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $500,000.

• Tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year were eligible for up to $500,000.

• A total of $36.3 million was allocated to grant recipients throughout the province.

Learn More:

For a list of BC Major Anchor Attractions recipients by region, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-23_BCMAA.pdf

Resource Roundup | Emergency Wildfire Resources

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

Wildfires across the province have become significant enough that the BC government declared a provincial state of emergency effective July 21, 2021 to support the province wide response to the ongoing wildfire situation. The government is working with the tourism sector to convey the message that many areas of B.C. are open to travel, but public safety is paramount.

TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders. 

As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support and plans for moving forward.

We know this is a challenging time for many tourism businesses who have just entered Step 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan and in need of a busy season to recover.

We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation, such as:

• Are you receiving cancellations that are due to concerns (real or perceived) with the wildfire situation?

• Are your customers expressing concern about their plans and whether or not to continue their vacation?

• Are your customers proceeding regardless of the wildfires and smoke, but changing their itinerary as the situation evolves?

• Are you facing any other crisis related challenges?

Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any information on the following questions and other concerns.

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Register in TOTA's Emergency Contact Database

We request that all tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region complete the Emergency Contact form to help TOTA's Crisis Management Coordinator support you and other communities in a crisis situation. Thank you.

Register Your Emergency Contact Info

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Emergency Preparedness Resources

Destination BC Resources

Destination BC has prepared current Emergency Messaging Guidance to help the tourism industry navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions.

As part of this, industry partners are encouraged to use the hashtag #RealTime[community name] on social media to ensure current and future visitors have an accurate ‘real time’ visual on current conditions (blue skies, business as usual etc.). Add the date and time the photo was taken, and tag key tourism partners in your post (@DestinationBC / @ThompsnOkanagan on Twitter, @HelloBC / @Thompson_Okanagan on Instagram, and @ThompsonOkanagan on Facebook ) and your Community DMO partners so it can be amplified.

The messaging guidance can be found on Destination BC's Emergency Preparedness page, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to Know Before You Go information.

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Provincial Resources

We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses through this time. We encourage tourism business operators to review the emergency preparedness information below (and on the TOTA Emergency Preparedness page for future reference).

Important resources for communities, destination marketing organizations (DMO's) and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors can be found here:

1. go2HR Emergency Planning Resources for Tourism Operators including templates, tools, and checklists

2. PreparedBC's 3 steps for preparedness

3. EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders

4. B.C. Wildfire Preparedness Guide

5. BC Wildfire Service and interactive map

6. Air Quality Health Index map

7. DriveBC's info about road closures, major events and transportation delays

8. Destination BC's "Know Before You Go" for visitors

9. Thompson Okanagan’s “Know Before You Go” for visitors

Financial Resources

Business and Agriculture Recovery Programs

• The Agri-Business Planning Program provides support for Disaster recovery planning to help producers implement an immediate and long-term disaster recovery plan. The program will provide access to basic financial analysis, specialized business planning and coaching services.
   

• ​Community Futures provides on-the-ground support for businesses. Businesses having a difficult time managing cash flow, planning for the future, selling their business, or seeking other support are encouraged to contact their regional/ local Community Futures Office to learn about the range of support available.

• InvestLocalBC is a crowdfunding platform designed for local nonprofits to create online forums to fund, support and evolve their initiatives and projects. The standard five per cent fixed funding administrative fee is waived for non-profit organizations, businesses and arts and cultural organizations experiencing impacts from wildfires.

Preparing to Support People with Unique Preparedness Needs

Resources to support people with various abilities in preparing for an emergency. You may need to think about additional preparations for guests with hearing, mobility, speech, cognitive, or other challenges.

Learn More

Recovering After a Wildfire

• Recovering after a wildfire and Recovering after a flood pages provide steps to consider before you re-enter or clean your home.

• Visit a Red Cross Support Center or call 1 800 863-6582 (Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4PM PT) to make an appointment.

• Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) can provide answers to individuals and businesses with insurance questions and concerns.

• The Ministry of Children and Family Development can be reached at 1 877 387-7027 to access services for children, families and caregivers, including child and youth mental-health services.

Federal Recovery Programs

• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.

• Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

• Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

• Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and rehiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS or CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs.

• Indigenous Programs: First Peoples' Cultural Council Arts Program. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 for Indigenous B.C. residents open for the Spring 2021 intake.

First Nations Wildfire Supports

The Province of B.C. works closely with First Nations, local authorities, and businesses to ensure programs are in place to help those impacted by emergencies and to discuss local solutions for community recovery.

• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Environmental Public Health Services provides public health inspection, assessment and advisory services for in-community facilities.

• The Local Authorities and First Nations Recovery Toolkit (PDF, 500KB) is intended to guide Local Authorities and First Nations as they plan for disaster recovery, including planning for community recovery, infrastructure recovery, demobilization and debris management.

• The Financial Assistance for Emergency Response and Recovery Costs: A Guide for Local Authorities and First Nations (PDF, 971KB) provides local authorities and First Nations in British Columbia with information on the procedures required to maximize claims for financial assistance with the costs of both response and recovery.

Top Ten Steps to Prepare your Business for Evacuation

If you are on evacuation alert or think you will be put on evacuation alert, there are some important steps you will want to consider. If you have an evacuation plan, review the plan and start the implementation process.

If you do not have an evacuation plan, you can review this print-friendly list of 10 things to consider for your business to prepare by the British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA).

General Tourism Resources

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 Destination BC and Destination Canada industry newsletters for additional tourism industry news.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Names New President & CEO

Kelowna, BC – Michael J Ballingall, Board Chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, formally announced the appointment of Ellen Walker-Matthews as the CEO of the destination management organization.

Walker-Matthews succeeds Glenn Mandziuk, who officially resigned from the position June 25, 2021 after heading the organization for the past 13 years.

Ballingall indicated that the association is being placed in very capable hands. “Ellen has an extensive history with TOTA during which she has built a stellar reputation. In the past six months she has continued to demonstrate the leadership qualities that both the sector and our organization require as we forge our way through the COVID pandemic and look to create a strong path moving forward.”

“The past 15 months have been incredibly challenging for the tourism industry and individual businesses,” said Walker-Matthews. “I am surrounded by an incredible team and supportive Board and am honoured to play a role in helping the sector not only get back on its feet – but come back stronger than ever and carve out an exciting future for tourism in this region.”

Ballingall and Walker-Matthews. Walker-Matthews has spent the past 29 years living in Summerland, BC – so, it is only fitting that the signing of the formal agreement would take place in the community she calls home.

Walker-Matthews has more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, including the last 11 with TOTA in various capacities, including Vice President of Stewardship, Senior Vice President and, for the past six months, Acting President and CEO. She has spearheaded and played a significant role in key initiatives including Biosphere Certification, GreenStep Certification, and Green Destination Top 100; overseeing the Tourism Resiliency Program; development and implementation of regional tourism strategies; and sales, marketing, and business plans.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism region includes 90 communities and hamlets and 33 Indigenous communities – and is located on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.

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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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org

Media Contact:

Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@LBMG.ca
604-240-6231

FireSmart Community Funding & Support

The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) are working with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to deliver the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program.

Eligible applicants:

• Include all local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and First Nations (bands, Treaty First Nations and Indigenous National Governments with authority for lands and resources) in BC are eligible to apply.

• May apply for up to $50,000 or $150,000, depending on their specific risk of wildfire. There are opportunities to apply for additional funding for regional districts, and for fuel management proposals that include Provincial Crown land within and adjacent to community boundaries. Information on determining risk is provided in Appendix 2 of the Program Guide.

For enquiries about the program or application process, please contact UBCM at cri@ubcm.ca or 250-356-2947.

The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires.

Download FireSmart Guides & Manuals here.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Indigenous Community Business Fund

Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund.

The fund supports the operation of the businesses as well as costs to support the adaptation, planning and reopening of businesses.

It is intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these businesses and micro-businesses to strengthen operations and support their viability during the pandemic, with the goal of positioning them for recovery.

This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Who can Apply

Your community or collectives are eligible if the business:

• is First Nations, community or collectively-owned business

• is located in the provinces of BC

• has been in operation since October 1, 2019

• has either incurred a negative financial impact due to COVID-19 or that financial support will prevent layoffs, bankruptcy or permanent closure

• has been solvent, financially viable, and not declared bankrupt prior to the economic disruptions associated with COVID-19

• currently operates as a for profit entity and expects to continue to operate with a reduction in revenues from the previous year over the coming months as a result of COVID-19 in line with the terms of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

• has previously applied for federal business support and been declined, in whole or in part, or does not qualify under business support eligibility criteria:

• this may include applications to more than 1 federal program depending on the requested support

• First Nations, may apply for funding for 1 or more community-owned businesses.

A Need for an Accommodation Plan in B.C.

Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms.

If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option.

If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online.

If you cannot self-register online, go the reception centre designated by your local government or First Nation to register in-person. By registering, your community will know where you are, and loved ones can find out if you are safe.

Emergency Management BC urges people who have self-evacuated to larger communities due to smoky conditions to consider returning home. Because smoky conditions shift and move, self-evacuating to another community does not guarantee a person’s exposure will be reduced. Unnecessary relocation or travel will only add stress and anxiety that can also have negative health effects.

In many communities, accommodations are reaching capacity. By returning home, people can help host-community ESS create capacity for people who have been evacuated from their homes due to a direct wildfire threat.

If you are not on evacuation order and you are worried about smoke issues in your area:

• Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming).

• Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.

• When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate.

• Visit places with controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, public libraries, etc.

• People with asthma or other chronic illnesses should ensure they have an adequate supply of inhalers/medication, and should activate their asthma or personal protection plans.

For information on evacuation orders and alerts, stay tuned to your local authority’s public information channels and Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

Click here to read the full news release.

Changes for Travellers Entry to Canada

Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine - or combination of vaccines - accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide evidence supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation (along with the original).

What Changes August 9th:

• Allow discretionary (non-essential) travel for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S., who meet all required criteria. This includes the need to submit information electronically through ArriveCAN.

• Allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who either has a right to enter Canada (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident currently residing in the U.S, or is otherwise is permitted entry under the US Prohibition on Entry Order made under the Quarantine Act. They must meet all other required criteria, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements.

• Travellers who do not meet all the required eligibility requirements for discretionary (non-essential) travel will be denied entry into Canada, precluded from boarding their flight, and/or could face additional fines on arrival. It is therefore important that all travellers find out about whether they are eligible to enter Canada well in advance of their travel, and understand applicable requirements.

Testing Requirements

• Allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents travelling to the U.S. for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry test in Canada.

• Allow individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, but continue to test positive, to present a positive COVID-19 molecular test result on a specimen taken 14 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada as part of the pre-arrival test requirements.

• Adjust post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. This shift responds to the pandemic's evolution and will monitor prevalence in travellers. It will also identify new variants of concern entering Canada and provide intelligence, including vaccine effectiveness.

• There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers.

Temperature screening requirements

• Due to the improving epidemiological situation in Canada, effective August 9, 2021, Transport Canada will remove the requirement for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to perform pre-board temperature screening of passengers on all domestic flights and international departures (including Transborder), as well as airport workers.

Quarantine Requirements

• Eliminate the three-night government-authorized hotel stay requirement for all travellers arriving by air as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 9.

• Continue to require unvaccinated travellers to undergo Day 1 and Day 8 COVID-19 molecular tests, and complete a mandatory 14 day quarantine, subject to limited exceptions.

• Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition) of fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to complete a 14 day quarantine, but must follow strict public health measures. This includes those travelling from the U.S for discretionary purposes. This means they can move around with their parents, but must avoid group settings - such as camps or daycares - during the first 14 days after their arrival. Unvaccinated children will remain subject to the Day 1 and Day 8 testing requirements. Provinces and territories may have more stringent rules around people who have recently returned from travel. More details will be available in the coming days.

Proof of vaccination for foreign nationals permitted entry for discretionary purposes, who enter on the basis of their vaccination status

• Starting August 9, 2021, air carriers will be verifying that the travellers coming to Canada have submitted their information digitally by using the ArriveCAN app or website before they board their flight. Discretionary travellers who are unable to show their ArriveCAN receipt – either on their mobile device or a printed copy - will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada, as they are ineligible to enter Canada. In addition to their ArriveCAN receipt, travellers should carry their actual vaccine certificate with them to show officials at the border entry point.

Discretionary travellers include:

• Fully vaccinated American citizens or permanent residents who reside in the U.S., and are entering from the U.S. for discretionary (non-essential) travel (starting on August 9, 2021); and

• Other fully vaccinated foreign nationals coming to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes (intended to start on September 7, 2021)

• Travellers with a right to entry, (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), or travellers who qualify for entry under another exemption (e.g. immediate or extended family member) or who are coming to Canada for essential reasons (such as temporary foreign workers, or international students) will not be denied boarding, but will be required to submit information relating to their vaccination status via the ArriveCAN app or website.

Read the full announcement from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

BC Provincial State of Emergency Declared

The B.C. government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration on July 20, 2021, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021.

The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government's top priority.

“Public safety is always our first priority, and as wildfire activity is expected to increase, this is a progressive step in our wildfire response to make sure British Columbia has access to extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act,” Farnworth said. “In a briefing last night, I received word that we’ll be facing a few days of very difficult weather in the Interior. This declaration will address the potential of a mass evacuation scenario and provide our government with the means to secure the accommodation spaces necessary to house our citizens, if necessary.”

As of July 20, there were 299 wildfires burning in B.C., with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties). The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with heightened wind activity in the Interior and southeastern B.C.

More than 3,180 firefighters and resource staff are currently actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions in the province. This includes 1,080 contractors and 135 out-of-province resources.

The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s request for firefighting assistance. In the coming days, federal personnel and resources will be arriving in B.C. to assist with wildfire efforts.

The state of emergency gives agencies, such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Emergency Management BC, the fire commissioner and the RCMP, the authority to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires and protect people and communities.

Quick Facts:

• Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.

• The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of time.

Learn More:

For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

Keep up to date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca

Government of Canada Announces Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

We look forward to welcoming back fully vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, and those from other countries on September 7.

On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the federal government intends to open Canada’s borders for recreational travel by fully-vaccinated travellers from any country. Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for recreational travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also:

• provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions);

• meet the pre-entry testing requirements;

• be asymptomatic upon arrival; and

• have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request.

We encourage all tourism businesses to share information around this next phase of re-opening, so we can all be ready to welcome back visitors first from the US, and then around the world. Destination BC will update the Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry prior to August 9, but for now, here are some key messages to share with your partners:

• Visitors can feel confident in making travel plans as tourism businesses throughout Canada have made huge investments in new hygiene protocols.

• Canada’s adult population has one of the world’s highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.

• Travel to Canada is going to be different than it was prior to the pandemic.

• We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.

• For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism page.

In alignment, Destination BC will launch marketing campaigns for US and international markets beginning in August, with more details available soon. Throughout the pandemic, Destination BC has continued to work in lockstep with federal and provincial government partners, and any new marketing campaigns or existing campaign extension tactics will continue to fall in line with BC’s Restart Plan.

For the full announcement, please see the Government of Canada press release.

Related Government of Canada Information

• Backgrounder: Easing border measures for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada

• Backgrounder on international students

Associated Links

• COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders

• ArriveCAN

• COVID-19: Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

• COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance for aviation

IArT Kicks Off Meet Me On Bernard in Downtown Kelowna

Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran sharing opening remarks for Meet Me On Bernard from the IArT stage, July 2021.

The Indigenous Artisan Trails (IArT) Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021,  the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.

IArT’s outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.

Kelowna is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Syilx First Nations people. IArT highlights Indigenous art and culture, particularly from Indigenous artisan crafters and performers of the Thompson Okanagan region.

Featured Exhibition: Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures

From July 6 to August 18, IArT is housing a digital Indigenous art exhibition curated by UBC Okanagan Assistant Professor Tania Willard as part of the Indigenous Art Intensive, in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts. The exhibition, Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures is a series of video works by artists Maureen Gruben (Inuvialuk), Krista Belle Stewart (Syilx), and Christine Howard Sandoval (Obispeño Chumash and Hispanic), following as the artists trace out pathways, trails, and positions of engaging with the indigeneity of land.

The outdoor stage will be used for Indigenous cultural performances. The schedule will be announced shortly.

Experience IArT

From July 6 to August 18, IArT will be located on Bernard Ave near Ellis St, with the exhibition open for viewing Wednesday to Friday, 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.

IArT will travel to Riverside Park in Kamloops on August 21.

For performance and location schedules, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/iart

Several TOTA team members worked together to move the trailer from the Rotary Centre of the Arts to Meet Me On Bernard, including the wheelchair accessible ramp:

The team after disassembling the stage and ramp at the Rotary Centre of the Arts

Left to Right: Kieran Chalmers, Kelly Galaski, Amy Kneller, Shawn, Jenn Clute, and Jenna Labossiere

Kieran Chalmers and Jenn Clute

Kelly Galaski

Dakota Towing

Thank you to Dakota Towing for relocating the mobile gallery

Putting together the wheelchair accessible ramp

Mike Overend, Director of Destination Development

Sonja Gaudet, Regional Accessibility Specialist

Andrew Stauffer, Rotary Centre of the Arts, Community and Educational Programming Specialist

Some of the team after reassembling the stage and ramp on Bernard Ave

Left to right: Sonja Gaudet, Shawn, Amy Kneller, Kelly Galaski, Mike Overend

IArT on Bernard