Interior Health COVID-19 Regional Restrictions on Gatherings and Events Lifted as of December 1, 2021

Changes to health restrictions in three health regions were announced last week. The regional gathering restrictions in the Interior Health region (which encompasses the Thompson Okanagan) have been repealed. Interior Health is now subject to the same rules as the rest of the province, including: province-wide mask mandate, Food and Liquor Serving Premises public order, and Gatherings and Events public order.

The provincial orders remain in effect, including:

• Proof of vaccination is required for indoor events with more than 50 people

• Indoor events are now allowed at 100% capacity (including sporting events with proof of vaccination)

• Outdoor events continue to have capacity restrictions of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater

• Mask requirements for people 5+ in public indoor settings remain in effect

There are no capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings in private homes and vacation accommodations. It's still recommended to keep groups small and gathering outside is safer than gathering inside.

For details on the provincial restrictions (once the page is updated), visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

Getting vaccinated remains our best defense against COVID-19. Learn more at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register

Big White Ski Resort Apologizes for Comments Regarding Travel on Highway 3

Originally published by Big White Ski Resort on November 30, 2021.

“Big White Ski Resort Ltd would like to send out sincere apologies to those affected, triggered or concerned by our comments made to the media earlier this week. Our intention was never to diminish the devastation of flooding throughout the province of British Columbia, but to give some certainty to the travelling public, families and the tourism industry during the upcoming holiday season.

“I have watched the flooding, and the crisis which has unfolded, closely, and share in the grief of those affected. The comments I made regarding travel on highway 3 come from my position on various tourism boards throughout British Columbia, with the effects on Big White Ski Resort as an example. I deeply apologize, and recognize fully how my comments could be misconstrued as insensitive. Like you, our number one priority is to ensure everyone is safe during these exceptional and heart-breaking weather patterns. We know many people look forward to the holiday season, whether they are taking a ski holiday or are visiting friends or family in the interior or on the coast. Again, I am deeply sorry and we are thinking of those affected and those on the frontline during these storms.””

- Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort Ltd.

Big White Ski Resort Ltd will not be providing further comment at this time to allow space for those affected by the current storms.

Why Sustainability Must Be Tourism's Default Mode

Destination BC - Tom Ryan

As tourism slowly gets back to business, there’s a lot of talk about whether travelers will be more mindful and responsible moving forward. The people who offer the most holistic value to the places they visit, the people they interact with, and the tourism industry as a whole are the people who aren’t traveling right now. Those who are casual travelers have already gone back to checking their bucket lists and booked their next cruise/tour/flight.

The tourism industry has been focused on an upgrade to the search features on Google Flights, which now show consumers information about carbon emissions displayed alongside flight information. This is a huge step in the direction of radical transparency, because now travelers have more information they can use in their decision-making. For those who are conscious consumers, making this data easily accessible may influence what they purchase. Another relevant fact is that Google Maps now automatically defaults to the most eco-friendly route when the time it takes to make a trip is roughly the same as a higher carbon-emitting route.

According to a poll conducted by the UN Development Program (UNDP) of 1.2 million people in 50 countries, in every country surveyed, most people are very concerned about climate change. The statistics range from Moldova, where 50% of people said they were very concerned, to the United Kingdom, where 81% indicated they were. The United States came in at 65%.

The Google Maps development is an excellent example of the sustainability-by-default concept, but it’s not the only major travel-related brand utilized by casual travelers that has taken this route lately. Booking.com recently updated its animal welfare standards and will no longer contract, offer, or promote direct interactions with wild animals, wild animal rides, or aquariums, among other activities. When folks search for activities on Booking.com, they aren’t even given an option to see these harmful animal encounters as possibilities. TripAdvisor did something similar in 2016.

It’s imperative that everyone working in the tourism industry — from the smallest start-up to the most mainstream search engine — make the most responsible options as simple as typing in a destination and letting the map lead the way.

Coping with Natural Disaster Stress

Smoke, evacuations, loss, worry—BC’s floods and wildfires affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association has outlined some helpful steps and resources:

• Prepare – Having a clear emergency plan and kit ready for your family, pets and livestock can ease your mind and allow you to focus on other needs.

• Take care – Stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep lowers stress and helps us cope.

• Ask for help – Talking helps. Whether it’s with family, friends, a doctor or counsellor. Crisis lines are available to listen and help anytime—not just during a crisis. If you have been evacuated, you can also ask an Emergency Support Services volunteer about the mental health or counselling support available to you.

• Help others – Reach out to the vulnerable. Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together.

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)

• Guidebook for Well-being in Recovery (Red Cross)

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)

• Find virtual mental health supports available in BC

• 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.

Worker COVID-19 Resources: There's an App for That

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCHOS) has launched a new app to make workplace COVID-19 health and safety resources available to workers across Canada. The free app is a wealth of information with sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos and other guidance materials to help keep workers and customers safe. The downloaded app can be used without an internet connection, a handy feature when connectivity is unreliable or absent.

Government Introduces Legislation to Create Jobs and Implement Targeted COVID-19 Support

With one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the world, restrictions are carefully being eased in our communities and at our border. Businesses across the country are safely reopening, the economy is rebounding, over a million jobs have been created, and employment is back to pre-pandemic levels. That’s why, last month, the government announced it is pivoting from broad-based economic support to targeted measures that provide support where it is needed, in order to create jobs and growth and prudently manage government spending.

On Wednesday, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, introduced Bill C-2 in Parliament.

This bill would deliver:

• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and increase the subsidy rate to 50%. The extension would help businesses continue to hire back workers, increase hours, and create the additional jobs Canada needs for a robust recovery.

• Deliver targeted support to businesses still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available through three streams:

Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage and rent subsidies to, for example, hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.

Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through wage and rent subsidies to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50%.

Local Lockdown Program, which would provide businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns up to the maximum amount available through the wage and rent subsidy programs.

To ensure workers continue to have support and that no one is left behind, the proposed legislation would:

• Extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks. This would extend the caregiving benefit from 42 to 44 weeks and the sickness benefit from 4 to 6 weeks.

• Establish the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit which would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly impacted by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown in their region up until May 7, 2022. Eligible workers would be able to apply to receive this support retroactively from October 24, 2021.

The types of business that would be eligible are detailed in the proposed legislation and in the backgrounder associated with the announcement here

Your Voice is Still Needed in Support of Bill C-2

To help ensure a quick passage, Government needs our industry to voice its support as loudly and broadly as possible.

We ask that you help to amplify the key messages, and to directly encourage all Members of Parliament to pass the Bill as quickly as possible. You can do so in a number of ways: issue your own press release in support of the Bill; send an email to your MPs highlighting the importance of the Bill for our sector and explicitly request that they pass it quickly; and use your social media networks to push out these key messages.

Interior Health Resources for Food Service Establishments

The following links provide information that may help you address, remediate and manage operations to ensure public health safety, during and after flooding or landslide events. It’s important that you follow your emergency response plan.

• Power Outages at Food Facilities: Food safety considerations for operators after a power outage (e.g., following a flooding/landslide event and power shut-down/evacuation).

• Flood Information for Food Premises: Information for food premises to help prepare for the potential impacts when a flood is imminent, and when re-entering premises and cleaning up to resume normal operations.

• Drinking Water and Use Notifications: General information on drinking water notifications and food preparation and service. Floods and landslides will often result in public water advisories.

• Assessing Sewage Disposal Systems for Damage after an Emergency Event : Information on how to contact an Authorized Person to assess the status of and repair your system if needed.

• Environmental Public Health – Environmental Health & Licensing – Contacts: Information on how to contact an Environmental Health Officer or Licensing Officer.

B.C. Government's Foundational Principles

The Province of British Columbia government is focused on the following priorities: fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, providing better health care for people and families, delivering affordability and security in our communities, and investing in good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future.

The Provincial Government's Five Foundational Principles inform each ministry’s work and contribute to COVID-19 recovery:

• Putting people first: Keeping people at the centre of everything we do means protecting and enhancing the public services people rely on and working to make life more affordable for everyone.

• Lasting and meaningful reconciliation: Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for us all. The unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous peoples as they move toward self-determination. Government must remain focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples to be full partners in the economy and providing a clear and sustainable path for everyone to work toward lasting reconciliation.

• Equity and anti-racism: The province's history, identity, and strength are rooted in its diverse population. Yet racialized and marginalized people face historic and present-day barriers that limit their full participation in their communities, workplaces, government and their lives. The government has a moral and ethical responsibility to tackle systemic discrimination in all its forms. Efforts to address systemic discrimination must also inform policy and budget decisions by reviewing all decisions through a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens.

• A better future through fighting climate change: In 2018, government launched our CleanBC climate action plan. CleanBC puts British Columbia on the path to a cleaner, better future by building a low-carbon economy with new clean-energy jobs and opportunities, protecting our air, land, and water; and supporting communities to prepare for climate impacts.

• A strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone: Government will continue to support British Columbians through the pandemic and the economic recovery by investing in health care, getting people back to work, helping businesses and communities, and building the clean, innovative economy of the future. The plan is to train the workforce of tomorrow, help businesses hire and grow, and invest in the infrastructure needed to build our province.

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference 2022

The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed. Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.

Date: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria, BC

The deadline for IMPACT 2022 Early Bird Registration is ending on November 30th.

150 Time Immemorial Grant Program | Apply by December 24, 2021

Indigenous communities, local governments and eligible organizations can apply for funding under the 150 Time Immemorial Program for projects that promote and educate British Columbians about diversity, inclusion, reconciliation and resiliency.

Funding will be provided to successful applicants through three streams:

1. Indigenous Cultural Heritage Infrastructure grants;

2. Sense of Place grants; and

3. Cultural Heritage Stewardship grants.

Eligible applicants include:

• A local government established by or under British Columbia statute

• An Indigenous government or organization

• A not-for-profit society registered in B.C. in good standing and governed by Indigenous people (at least 51% of directors identify as Indigenous)

The deadline for submission is December 24, 2021.

DBC Call for Content: BC’s Bounty – A Guide to Winter Flavours and Festivals in 2021

From festive menus filled with warm-your-belly delights, to cozy spaces for heartfelt social gatherings (and even some in-person events!), it’s time to celebrate the ways that winter’s food and drink offerings can help brighten our year.

Let’s showcase the ways in which BC residents and travellers alike can usher in the new season—together—over delicious food, drink, and holiday events. Here’s where our partners come in:

1. Let DBC know if your community or region has created or will be creating any web content that promotes winter food and drink experiences and festivities. Please ensure that content features providers and businesses that are currently open and follow current public health orders. As always, DBC will only feature businesses that comply with BC’s latest health and safety orders.

This could be in the form of:

• a roundup of holiday events at wineries, breweries, etc.

• info on holiday menus and where to buy local products for gifting

• a listicle of cozy/winter food & drink experiences (cocktail bars, cafes, bakeries, comfort foods etc.)

2. For members of the BC Story Network, consider repurposing an existing story into an AMP or create new AMPs and tag them with the Theme “Winter,” and the Campaign “Recovery”. 

Example: Did you know folks in Kimberley celebrate flannel in February? 

3. If you use CrowdRiff as part of the UGC Partnership Network, encourage local businesses and partners to upload assets to CrowdRiff Collector, featuring local residents and visitors enjoying BC’s fall harvest season for inclusion in curated UGC galleries that can be embedded on websites, consumer emails, and social channels.

4. Please ensure you continue to tag @helloBC on Instagram and use the hashtags #exploreBC so that we may consider your content for amplification.

Send content to GlobalContent@DestinationBC.ca with “BC’s Bounty – Winter” in the subject line so we can fold it into our content planning and distribution, starting November 22nd. 

Managing Mental Health in a Changing Workplace

Our work environment has shifted over the past 19 months – whether new hours, new responsibilities or working remotely. Rather than letting the stress take over, you can control how you respond. Visit BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health to learn how to cope and prioritize your mental health.

Features Resources:

• Coaching Supports for Stress, Low Mood, and Worry

• Coping with Natural Disaster Stress

• Returning to Normal

• Body Image at Work

• Tourism Resiliency Network Business Advice

• Workplace Mental Health Training & Safety Talks

• and more

Swoop Announces Expansion, Including Daily Flights Between Kelowna and Edmonton

Swoop Airlines has announced its largest expansion ever with eight new Canadian destinations added to its summer 2022 schedule, including daily flights to Kelowna / Edmonton beginning on May 5.

These flights will run 7 days a week and one way fare is priced at $49.00 + taxes and fees.

About Swoop

Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation.

 FlySwoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.     

An Open Letter to Parliamentarians from Canada Ski Council

Letter originally published November 15, 2021 in the Capital Hill Times

"On behalf of Canada’s 236 ski areas, we want to thank you for supporting Canadians, our employees and our sector during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Collectively, Stats Canada estimated the pre-pandemic economic impact of ski areas to be $1.2 Billion. The same estimate pegged employment at 35,000 people. The pandemic negatively affected ski areas across the country seeing revenues drop by up to 60%. As our nation emerges from the worst of the pandemic, the coming winter promises to be a recovery year for ski areas as restrictions lift and businesses return to more normal operating routines. Canada’s ski areas stand ready to play a part in the economic recovery of the tourism sector.

Our value to Canadians

The CSC research estimates that up to 21% of the Canadian population (7.9 million people) has tried or is actively engaged in snow sports. Of the active market (those who have purchased a lift ticket in the past season), the CSC estimates that in 2018/19, there were 2.7 million active Canadian skiers and snowboarders.

The ski industry in Canada is a labour-intensive business. Total annual payroll in 2018/19 is estimated at over $450 million, with ski area contributions of over $50 million in payroll taxes. With total employment estimated at over 35,000 winter staff, the industry is relied upon by many small resort town communities.

It is imperative that after nearly two years of restrictions and lock downs that Canadians are able to get outside and enjoy our wonderful Canadian winters to the fullest. Skiing and snowboarding offer physical and mental health benefits as a winter activity.  Perhaps this has never been as important as Canadians seek naturally distanced outdoor activities. 

A looming threat to our recovery

The tourism industry has appreciated the work of the federal government to support our operators and workers, however a significant threat has emerged to our recovery. The labour shortage at Canadian ski areas has become a critical issue that may see as much as 30% of positions go unfilled this winter. Our members will not allow operations to go on in a manner that compromises safety. Still, the current shortage means that many supporting hospitality businesses will face closure or reduced hours that will further hamper the economic recovery of our industry.

Ski areas across our nation are working hard to engage the domestic workforce for this coming winter. However, a key constraint on the tourism labour force is the low number of International Experience Canada (IEC) participants entering the country. Commonly referred to as working holiday travellers, these individuals are essential workers for the tourism sector. Since March 2021, the number of IEC permits being issued has fallen well below normal levels—and the number of individuals who then actually arrive in Canada on an IEC permit is likely even lower. Rejections of working holiday visas, closed application centres, lack of available biometric screening, and other necessary pandemic measures have contributed to what has been described as a “tightly wound knot” in an essential source of workers. Canada’s ski areas are losing employees due to the extreme backlog of applications.

We are asking the federal government of Canada to ensure all available measures are taken to increase resources focused on the processing of PR and Visa applications relating to winter tourism businesses.

The Canadian Ski Council and our members urge the Government of Canada to act swiftly on this opportunity to preserve the winter tourism season in our country.

Sincerely,

Canadian Ski Council"

—

Note on:

“It is a requirement to wear masks on gondolas, on ski lifts, in lineups when you're close to people, and are more and more important this year, of course, but we also encourage everybody who's going there to be vaccinated.” In fact, masks are required on gondolas, but not lifts and lines.  This created a tremor in the ski sector for 24 hours as the CWSAA clarified for operators…it had huge and immediate staffing implications. Fortunately all was resolved.

The following are the notes CWSAA sent to ski area general managers re: the BC Ski Lifts & Face Coverings:

As sometimes happens in the myriad of details, at the November 9th BC Government COVID press briefing, a response to a question around face coverings and enclosed carriers inadvertently conveyed that masks were mandatory on all lifts and lift lines. CWSAA has confirmed with officials today the following:

• Passengers on enclosed carriers (gondolas & trams) require face coverings

• Face coverings are not mandated by regulation on outdoor chairlifts, surface lifts, and lift lines. However they are recommended and encouraged.

• Indoor spaces have face covering and vaccination requirements as per health orders 

Notice of TIAC AGM - January 19, 2022

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 10:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. PST virtually – details still to come.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

1. Proxy Vote Form

2. Nomination Form

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

GreenStep Accepted into UN Accelerator Program

Congratulations are in order for BC based GreenStep Solutions who have been selected out of hundreds of applicants, as one of only ten companies in Canada to be accepted into the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Ambition Programme.

GreenStep will participate in a six-month accelerator that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the UN Global Compact, including Suncor Energy and Bell Canada, in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating integration of the 17 SDGs into core business management.

As a company that supports small and medium enterprises to measure and improve their sustainability performance, GreenStep’s participation in this program will provide an exciting opportunity to more holistically integrate the SDGs into existing and future services, software and programs, as well as setting internal targets towards improving their own sustainability performance.

TIABC Releases 2021 Advocacy Report Card

TIABC is pleased to release the 2021 Advocacy Report Card, which details the updated advocacy efforts and achievements of the organization since fall, 2020.

TIABC’s updated Advocacy Report Card represents the additional work that has been done in the past 12 months and offers a level of accountability to valued members and stakeholders that guide and support the organization’s efforts each year.

You are invited to read the report and connect with TIABC at any time at info@tiabc.ca for questions, comments or recommendations on TIABC’s direction or priorities, as well as any other issues affecting your business.

Swoop Airlines Announces Air Bridge between Kelowna & Abbotsford

Swoop has added new flights between Abbotsford (YXX) and Kelowna (YLW) for travellers in immediate need of transportation or those travelling to assist in the recovery efforts and emergency response.

These flights are being offered for $79 to $99 all-in, from November 22nd to December 15th. They have also increased flights between Edmonton (YEG) and Abbotsford with fares starting at $49 all-in.

Flights are available 4x weekly until December 15, and 3x weekly from December 16 to January 9.

For up-to-date information on the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) please visit www.abbotsfordairport.ca.

Disaster Response & Recovery Quick Links

We have compiled emergency preparedness resources to support tourism businesses, communities, and DMO's through this time. We encourage you to share these resources with anyone who may require support:

Official Information:

• River Forecast Centre Flood Warnings and Advisories

• EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders and alerts

For Trip Planners:

• Destination BC's "Know Before You Go"

• Thompson Okanagan’s “Know Before You Go”

Emergency Preparedness:

• B.C. Guide to develop a household emergency plan

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

• PreparedBC's 3 Steps for Preparedness

Emergency Response:

• Red Cross Support Centre or call 1 800 863-6582 for support

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

• Recovering after a flood - Guide from the provincial government

For future reference, resources can be found on the TOTA Emergency Preparedness page.

Register in TOTA's Emergency Contact Database

We request that 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.