BC Tourism & Hospitality Award Finalists Announced

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the finalists of the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards!

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.

Following the call for submissions, the organizing committee received hundreds of nominations, highlighting the wealth of exceptional talent within our industry.

Congratulations to all the finalists! The Thompson Okanagan individuals recognized for their outstanding contribution to British Columbia's tourism and hospitality community are:

Accessibility Award | Sponsored by Destination British Columbia

• Mike Riediger | CEO, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association

• Julie Ratcliffe | Marketing & Events Manager, BC Wildlife Park Kamloops

Employees First Award | Sponsored by go2HR

• Accent Inns & Hotel Zed | Employer

Indigenous Operator of the Year Award | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism Canada

• Adam Blair | General Manager, Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Resort

Innovation Award | Sponsored by City of Richmond

• Kimberley Barnes | Marketing Director, Wine Growers British Columbia

Professional Excellence (DMO) Award | Sponsored by Destination Think!

• Thom Tischik | Executive Director, Travel Penticton

Community Contribution & Impact Award

• British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network

The winners will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. There’s still time to purchase a ticket to the celebratory evening!

Register →

Learn More →

Updated Destination BC Messaging Guidance on How to Travel in BC This Winter

Both federal and provincial updates to current COVID-19 restrictions and border measures are now reflected in Destination BC’s Winter Travel Guide, which provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC.

Visitors will need to know what rules, recommendations and expectations are in place in BC to keep them, our residents, and our businesses safe, as they travel BC this winter. Refer people to Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page for the latest information; update any info on your site to reflect the latest recommendations.

Download Guide →

Budget 2022 Moves Stronger BC Plan Forward

Originally published by TIABC

On February 22, Premier John Horgan and Minister of Finance Selina Robinson delivered Budget 2022. The economic picture is expected to be short-lived due to an influx in pandemic-specific cash in the last year.

The forecast deficit for 2021/22 is now $483 million, a dramatic decrease from the $9.7 billion-projected deficit in last year’s budget. The one-year rebound is short-lived, with the province forecasting a deficit of $5.46 billion in 2022/23 and $4.18 billion in 2023/24. Budget 2022 has been build up the following three themes:

Building a stronger society by putting people first

1. The investments made to date in services like health care, child care and housing have supported people through the pandemic and recent climate-related disasters. Budget 2022 builds on this strength by continuing to invest in the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of the services people rely on.

Building a stronger environment for our future

1. Recent climate-related disasters have challenged British Columbians and reinforced the need to secure a low-carbon future for BC. Budget 2022 helps fight climate change, build back better from recent disasters, and makes sure people and communities throughout BC are protected from future disasters.

2. With significant new funding for Emergency Management BC and the BC Wildfire Service, Budget 2022 funds new facilities and equipment to respond to disasters and supports a proactive, year-round service model for the BC Wildlife Service. The BC Wildfire Service will be turned into a year-round service at a cost of $243 million.

Building a stronger economy for everyone

1. Budget 2022 helps make sure people throughout BC are poised to benefit from a growing economy, today and into the future by investing in an inclusive, sustainable and innovative economy that works for everyone.

2. Budget 2022 invests to connect another 280 First Nations, rural and remote communities to high-speed internet. With this investment, 82% of rural and remote communities and 92% of First Nations communities in BC will be connected to high-speed internet.

3. A New Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship will support economic activity, environmental sustainability and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

How Budget 2022 is Supporting the Tourism Sector Through Pandemic Recovery

Budget 2022 earmarks $25 million in funding to support the tourism sector’s continuing recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional funding is also being provided this year to support non-profit organizations affected by the pandemic; the recovery of the arts, culture and music sectors through the Arts Impacts and Amplify BC programs; and additional tourism supports, including funding to support the safe restart of fairs, festivals and events.

View BC Budget Highlights →

Download the Budget 2022 Strategic Plan →

View All BC Budget Information →

Destination BC Spring Marketing Campaign Seeking Your Travel Offers by March 8

Destination BC’s spring and summer campaigns will encourage people from within the province, Alberta, Ontario, California, and Washington to explore B.C. As part of these campaigns, they are promoting various travel offers through the Travel Deals page that encourages potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.

To take advantage of the interest generated from these campaigns and motivate travellers to book with your tourism business, DBC encourages tourism businesses to post up to three offers on HelloBC before the first campaign launches on March 8.

Travel offers represent a key opportunity to generate referrals to your business from HelloBC and through Destination BC’s marketing activities and do not require you to discount your experiences or products. Offers can be an enticing package, an experience unique to the province, or a savings of some sort.

Submit a Travel Offer →

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BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarships Now Accepting Applications | Apply by March 31, 2022

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is now accepting applications for several scholarship programs which foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.

In 2022, the BCHF scholarship program will be the largest ever, at over $65,000, and there are new scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community.

All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.

The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31, 2022.

Learn More →

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Leading Places: The 50 Most Loved Travel Destinations for Canada

Tourism Sentiment Index has released a report, Leading Places: The 50 Most Loved Travel Destinations for Canada in 2021. For the first time ever, destinations in Canada have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved, according to the Tourism Sentiment Score.

To produce the rankings, Tourism Sentiment Index conducted a study of a massive volume of online data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations.

That study first produced the 100 most loved destinations around the world, including Kelowna and the Shuswap in the Thompson Okanagan. Now, rankings are available for Canada.

Congratulations to the destinations for earning the country’s most positive feedback and content in 2021!

From the Thompson Okanagan, the following destinations in were in the Top 50 2021 Canada Tourism Sentiment Index Rankings:

4. Kelowna

6. Shuswap

11. Okanagan Valley

13. Similkameen

36. Vernon

40. Thompson Valley

48. Kamloops

View Full Report →

Watch TIAC Release of Canada’s Top 50 Destinations:

New Biosphere Committed Company, Naramata Inn

Naramata Inn

Naramata Inn

At Naramata Inn, they know they live in a special place. The history, the vineyards, the beaches, the fruit - Naramata Inn is a treasure worth caring for. Naramata Inn has a rich history deeply rooted in their location, and they feel compelled to care for the land, the people, and the community. Naramata provides so much, and they want to be stewards for their destination, for years to come. The Biosphere Commitment Program is a great way for the Naramata Inn to take thoughtful, practical steps to increase their sustainability efforts. Being able to choose Sustainable Development Goals that resonate with their team means getting buy-in from staff at all levels, and that is really exciting.

Sustainability to Naramata Inn means creating positive impact, both locally and further afield. While Naramata may be a small village, visitors come from around the world. Their reach extends far, and their sustainability goals will help to ensure that they not only lessen any impact, but rather, create a positive impact. They continue to seek out a lot of different ways that they can incorporate local businesses and local products to ensure that, over time, the property is representative of the Village, Naramata Bench, and region. That is a way to make the businesses more sustainable, make the village more sustainable, and showcase the very best that Naramata offers the world in all areas.

With sustainable seafood and hyper-local produce at the forefront of our restaurant mandate, we have always approached business - and life - with an eye towards sustainable living. Healthy oceans, local produce, and a productive and happy team are at the centre of everything we do. Having Sustainable Development Goals to quantify our efforts in these areas ensure that we continue to grow and better ourselves and this place.

- Kate Colley, Owner, Naramata Inn

Naramata Inn’s commitment to supporting local is reflective not only on the inn itself, but also of the Village, the Naramata Bench, and the Okanagan as a whole. Part of being a steward of sustainability for Naramata extends to other areas of the inn itself, which the visitors see and appreciate. The small touches like linen napkins and staff uniforms from the local handmade linen store, to local soap in the rooms, to local lavender products and honey in the rooms, are all small touches that speak to the importance of supporting local. Their guests see these special local touches and understand that their choices of where to spend vacation dollars reverberate for and wide. It’s an important part of who they are, and they are excited to push themselves even further for the benefit of their community.

As a “great restaurant with rooms”, the Naramata Inn has an opportunity to grow in sustainability efforts as both a Restaurant and as an Inn. Chef Ned Bell has made his life’s work around supporting healthy oceans through Oceanwise. With an eye towards supporting local, they forge relationships with the best local orchardists, farmers, growers, and foragers. This allows their menu to change with the seasons, and to explore the bounty of the Okanagan. They truly have everything they need to create memorable dishes using hyper-local products. While some of these sustainability efforts have come naturally, they are thankful to the Biosphere Commitment Program for the encouragement to explore additional avenues for improvement.

In an often male-dominated industry, the Restaurant at Naramata Inn has been given the unique opportunity to showcase the talents of a number of successful, female culinary staff. Their leadership team in the kitchen is actually female-dominated, which is a rarity in the industry! By recognizing this somewhat unusual status, they are excited to explore the Sustainable Development Goals relating to Gender Equality. Not only does this help to make the kitchen a more positive workplace for all, but if it helps to attract talented staff (regardless of gender) and put an end to the outdated gender stereotypes that restaurant kitchens are known for - that is something that they are happy to stand behind.

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New Biosphere Committed Company, Howling Moon Craft Cider

Howling Moon Craft Cider

Since inception, Howling Moon Craft Cider has been built on a value system of creating opportunity from resources that are undervalued and abundant. As Howling Moon Craft Cider and their family grows, it is important to them to recognize the impact they have on their community and their land, to ensure that they are contributing to positive change for future generations. They have joined the Biosphere Commitment Program with hope that the program will be a guiding light that helps them ensure the choices they make are ingrained with sustainable decision making.

“Sustainability is like an umbrella that spans each aspect of our business. It is a holistic approach to looking at the company and the choices that we make on a daily basis. It encompasses things like: where we purchase our ingredients, the packaging we use, how and where we market our products, how we manage waste, the impact our footprint has in our community, and the way we farm our apples.”

- Kate Dursick, Owner of Howling Moon Craft Cider

Sustainability touches on so many areas of their business at Howling Moon Craft Cider. Upcycling is something they have done since the beginning, finding a value stream for unwanted orchard fruit, protecting the waterways through Salmon Safe, finding fertile land for their orchard that requires minimal irrigation; these are all elements of their sustainability commitment that are intrinsically built into their daily life and decision making. The concept of creating opportunity from bioproducts that may have otherwise ended up in the landfill has given them a starting point for building a sustainable enterprise.

We are excited to be part of the Biosphere Commitment Program and looking forward to thinking about sustainability in a way that will allow us to develop a baseline and set metrics for improvement and take things to the next level.

-Kate Dursick

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B.C. Eased COVID Restrictions on February 16, 2022

B.C. eased some COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 16, 2022, while maintaining key protective measures to support the health and safety of all British Columbians.

While keeping the BC Vaccine Card, indoor masking requirements, and COVID-19 safety plans in place, B.C. lifted restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments. Capacity limits will return to normal.

With more than 90% of eligible B.C. residents vaccinated with their second dose, British Columbia will transition to a sustainable COVID-19 management plan focusing on vaccination, self-monitoring and specific actions to protect those most at risk.

Based on hospitalization and critical care rates over the coming days and weeks, the provincial health officer will review the remaining protective measures by March 15, and again by April 12.

View Current Restrictions →
View Announcement →

New Biosphere Committed Company, Destination Silver Star

Credit: Destination BC/Ben Giesbrecht

Destination Silver Star

Destination Silver Star has joined the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, reflecting their core value of sustainability. Operating in Silver Star Provincial Park near Vernon, B.C., respect for the natural environment is considered the foundation of the destination's success. They continually seek balance in their actions, look to benefit the whole, and collaborate as partners in the community.

For Destination Silver Star’s community, sustainability is environmental, an efficiency first approach in destination development, and overall wellbeing that benefits the local and visitor economy.

Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain

2022 marks the first year of the resort association and they endeavour to lead sustainable initiatives across the destination with their members and for their visitors. The largest partner, Silver Star Mountain Resort, is committed to doing all that they can to protect the environment and enable participation in adventure support community. As a company they believe strongly in minimizing impact on the environment in order to preserve this incredible natural playground for generations to come.

Silver Star Mountain Resort invests heavily in:

• Water management and conservation with 100% natural snow (reduces water, fuel and electricity with no snowmaking)

• Emissions and fuel reduction with the industry’s newest grooming fleet

• Expanded their recycling program

• Energy management

• Conservation

• Green products

• Government collaboration.

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BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Recovery Framework

go2HR shared the results of their labour recovery framework which was built by representatives from industry associations and regional destination management organizations and go2HR.

This framework will serve as a pathway to partnership with governments as they continue to invest in the tourism industry’s recovery and longer-term growth.

The pillars are:

1. Grow labour supply

2. Renew our value

3. Engage on housing

4. Build back stronger

5. Skills development

6. Tech transformation

Learn More & Download Flatsheet →

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go2HR and CMHA Launch Free Mental Health Skills Online Course

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As they continue prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness in 2022, go2HR encourages you to register for a new course in partnership with CMHA BC.

'Primary Concerns by Not 9 to 5' is a free online course that can help you maintain your mental health. It can also serve as a guide if you're holding space to care for another person experiencing an emotional or mental crisis.

Some of the things you'll learn:

• Recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide help to prevent or avoid crises Improve one's mental health

• Support the creation of a psychologically safe workplace

Learn More →

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B.C. Labour Market Outlook Report: Strong Demand for Accommodation, Food Services Sector Forecast

The provincial government’s 2021 Labour Market Outlook (LMO) forecasts more than one million job openings over the next decade.

The report points to a strong demand for workers in the accommodation and food services sectors. In fact, with 65,000 job openings over the next 10 years the sector is one of five industries to account for about half of total job openings. The other four are health care and social assistance; professional, scientific and technical services; retail trade; and construction.

In the big picture, there are 1,004,000 job openings expected through to 2031 across B.C., and 63% of them will be to replace people leaving the workforce permanently, such as retirees. The remaining 37% will be new jobs created by economic growth and pandemic recovery.

The report notes B.C.’s workforce will be required to build new skills and knowledge to keep pace with the openings. Nearly 80% of the future job openings will require some level of post-secondary education or training.

The LMO also assesses the continuation of historical productivity growth and automation trends. It incorporates the expected increase in productivity due to COVID-19 in industries including tourism and hospitality and retail, as well as other industry-specific trends.

Learn More →

B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants

Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.

This investment will generate economic activity by drawing international visitors, who tend to spend more and stay longer, and often travel to other smaller destinations once their business travel is complete. Restarting business events also provides greater economic benefits for the services that support the sector, such as food services, audio-visual companies, event rental companies, event planners, and transportation companies that will subsequently benefit from the return of large conferences to the province.

To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.

In the coming weeks, go2HR will start recruiting in the Thompson Okanagan.

Government’s collaborative work to support the tourism sector continues and more support for marquee events, and tourism education and skills training will be announced soon.

Learn More →

B.C. Tourism Recovery Initiatives Grants

The Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan is B.C.’s comprehensive plan to support the survival, recovery and growth of the sector. This action plan is part of government’s quick response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendations that demonstrates continued commitment to the recovery and resilience of tourism in B.C.

Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of B.C.’s Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

In response to the pandemic, the Province is investing in the restart of the business events and conferences sector, which was one of the hardest hit and may be one of the last to recover. This sector makes significant contributions to the provincial economy.

Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund

The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences, and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.

This investment will generate economic activity by drawing international visitors, who tend to spend more and stay longer, and often travel to other smaller destinations once their business travel is complete. Restarting business events also provides greater economic benefits for the services that support the sector, such as food services, audio-visual companies, event rental companies, event planners, and transportation companies that will subsequently benefit from the return of large conferences to the province.

Regional Human Resources Specialists

To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.

In the coming weeks, go2HR will start recruiting on Vancouver Island and in the Thompson Okanagan, Northern BC, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies tourism regions. The model was developed based on the success of the Tourism Regional HR specialist position that was created by Destination BC in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region in 2021.

Upcoming Announcements

Government’s collaborative work to support the tourism sector continues and more support for marquee events, and tourism education and skills training will be announced soon.

View Press Release →

Hell or High Water BC Disaster Relief Concert & Telethon Fundraiser | March 13, 2022

The founder of Rockin’ River Music Fest, Tourism Nicola Valley, and Eh Canada Travel have joined together to host the “Hell or High Water” live music concert and virtual live streaming telethon on March 13, 2022.

The event is a fundraiser to support the British Columbia communities and people impacted by the 2021 wildfires and floods. Proceeds will support people affected by the natural disasters around Merritt, Princeton, Lytton, and Abbotsford.

The event will be both in-person and virtually, with a live country music concert in Mission, B.C. at the Clarke Foundation Theatre and a live 12 hour live streaming telethon from 10 AM to 10 PM hosted in Merritt, B.C., including a live-stream of the music concert.

Donating to Hell or High Water includes opportunities to win prizes, such as:

• Two tickets to a Vancouver Canucks Game

• Golf & Stay Getaway

• Tickets to Rockin River Music Festival

• Two night stay at a Lakeside Cabin

• Tickets to a Calgary Flames Game

To learn more and donate, visit HellOrHighwater.ca.

Businesses can get involved as a Corporate Sponsor.

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Event Details

The event will feature 50+ musicians from across North America, including:

• George Canyon

• Loverboy

• Lisa Brokop

• Russel deCarle of Prairie Oyster

• Chilliwack

• Patricia Conroy

• Crystal Shawanda

• And more

Hell or High Water is a partnership between:

• Kenny Hess (Founder of Rockin’ River Music Festival)

• EH Canada Travel Marketing Group

• Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (Nooaitch, Coldwater, Shackan, and Cook’s Ferry Indian Bands)

• Tourism Nicola Valley

• Experience Nicola Valley

• Merritt Rotary Club

Update to Provincial Health Orders for Liquor Serving Establishments

On February 9, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer released additional guidance on how liquor-serving-only businesses can remain open by providing meals from external sources.

Liquor primary licensees that do not offer full meal service have been ordered closed since December 22, 2022. Since then, there has been considerable confusion from inspectors across B.C. on issues such as whether licensees could: 1) partner with a local pub, restaurant, or food truck to offer meals, or 2) remain open to serve liquor after closing kitchens for the evening, as is normal industry practice.

The order clarifies this process. ABLE BC and our industry partners worked directly with the PHO to bring about these necessary changes to support members who have been ordered closed simply because they did not have kitchens.

To summarize the changes:

1. A liquor primary licensee that does not offer meal service (ie bars and nightclubs) may enter into a Catering Partnership Agreement with one or more catering partners to offer full meal service.

2. A catering partner might include a food truck, catering company, or other food-serving premises such as a restaurant, pub, or quick-service restaurant.

3. Full meal service means offering a wide variety of food, which may include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, but not just appetizers, tapas, dessert, or snacks such as popcorn, nuts, or chips.

4. The licensee must maintain a record of sale of meals. This can be a copy of sales provided by the catering partner and does not need to include original receipts. This record must be available for inspectors at all times.

5. Catering Partner Agreements must be available for inspectors at all times.

6. Full meal service can be stopped up to three hours before ending liquor service.

7. The order, for catering agreements, now has the same expiry date as the Gatherings and Events order, February 16, 2022, except for Part D (Proof of Vaccination) which is still set to expire on June 30, 2022.

View Revised Order →

A guidance document will also be available soon to assist licensees in interpreting the order.

Minister Melanie Mark Addresses Tourism Community As Restrictions Ease

In an open letter to the tourism, arts, culture, creative and sport sectors, Minister Melanie Mark reflected on the challenges of the past two years and celebrates the people and businesses who have battled through the pandemic to keep their industries alive and the people of British Columbia safe.

On February 15, the Premier and Provincial Health Officer announced the lifting of many Provincial Public Health Orders, some of which have been in place to varying degrees for two years.

Minister Mark’s letter applauds the industries under her jurisdiction, and offers encouragement for a strong recovery and a brighter future.

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“Dear partners,

On February 15, 2022, the Honourable John Horgan, Premier; the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer, announced the lifting of many of the Public Health Orders that were in place to keep us safe over the past two years. This announcement marked a change in tide and symbolizes a significant milestone in our collective fight against COVID-19 in British Columbia (B.C.) and a significant step forward for many of your businesses and the economy.

As of today, we can once again gather with the people who mean the most to us, indoors and outdoors, and at venues. We can return to restaurants and nightlife, tournaments, and important life events like weddings and celebrations of life. These are the activities that add meaning to our lives, and I am thrilled that we have come this far.

To be sure, the sectors that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport is responsible for have borne the brunt of restrictions designed to protect our health system from COVID-19. You are in the “people business” and have built your livelihoods around bringing joy and creating memories for visitors and the residents of our province. There is nothing quite like hosting large events or hosting travellers to our province and sharing with them the best of B.C., inspiring children through the power of sport, dancing to your favourite band, or expressing your creativity in front of a live audience. I know how hard it has been to be unable to do the things we all love, and I am deeply grateful for your resilience in the face of adversity brought about by the pandemic.

Since the very beginning of my appointment as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, I was struck by your determination to manage through the pandemic and to keep people safe – your clients, employees, and broader communities. Time and again, you adapted your operations to protect people’s health, you shared best practices with your colleagues, and you stepped up as leaders even when times were very difficult.

I am immensely grateful for your ongoing engagement with Ministry staff and me, providing your advice, feedback, and recommendations. There is no doubt that we would not have weathered this storm as well as we have without your commitment to working in partnership with Government.

Together, we can now look towards a brighter future for everyone in our province. Because of your advocacy, we made investments in each sector to help lay a foundation for a strong recovery. We have much to look forward to this spring and summer, both in our personal lives and in the work we do everyday to make life better for people in our province.

I am looking forward to travelling the province this summer and getting to meet some of you in person, and experience firsthand the results of all your hard work. While I will not have the opportunity to meet all of you, I am committed to continuing the open and constructive dialogue we established over these past months. I believe that we have emerged from this storm more resilient, collaborative, and innovative than we were before.

On behalf of Premier Horgan and the entire B.C. Government, thank you for your sacrifices, hard work, and your dedication that allowed us to get this far.

I am your biggest fan. Let us keep paddling together.

Sincerely,

Melanie Mark

Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

BC Parks Additions Strengthen Protection of Wildlife Habitat, Ecosystems

Increased protection for diverse wildlife habitat, wetlands, and bolstering the natural legacy of existing parks are all parts of strategic land additions to strengthen B.C.’s system of parks and protected areas.

Legislation has been introduced to expand the parks and protected areas system, contributing to existing ecosystem conservation and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The additions, proposed through legislative amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act, include the following lands in the Thompson Okanagan region:

• Blue River Black Spruce Park (near Blue River): 59 hectares to protect a wetland and the ecological integrity of the North Thompson River.

• Edge Hills Park (near Clinton): 50 hectares to enhance wildlife connectivity and protection of the Fraser River bluffs.

• Okanagan Mountain Park (near Kelowna): 21 hectares to enhance wildlife connectivity and species protection, along with the addition of the Golden Mile Trail for recreation.

• Gladstone Park (near Christina Lake): six hectares to add additional shorefront lands on the north end of Christina Lake, which is an important kokanee spawning area.

To further protect lake values, 27 hectares of lake foreshore would be added to Christina Lake Park, Kootenay Lake Park, Gladstone Park, and Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park.

Boundary modifications to correct administrative errors and address safety issues would also be made at Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve.

This continues the Province’s efforts to enhance protection of wildlife habitat, better reflect Indigenous Peoples’ history and cultures in parks for a deeper understanding of connection to the land, and create more opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation.

During the past four years, more than 1,700 campsites have been added to provincial parks and recreation sites, including the new Skyview Campground in E.C. Manning Park, which has 62 fully serviced campsites available in winter and 92 sites in summer.

Learn More →

Portal for Federal Subsidies for Period 24 (December 19, 2021, to January 15, 2022)

The federal government announced that the application portals for business subsidy programs will open on the following dates:

1. Period 24: February 7, 2022

2. Period 25: March 1, 2022

Go to Portal →

Regulatory changes announced in December temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:

1. Apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)

2. Allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of 50 per cent or more

3. Reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent for those entities

Learn More →

As a reminder, the federal subsidies available are:

1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program

2. Canada Recovery Hiring Program

3. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program

4. Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

5. Local Lockdown Program