News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Federal Wine Sector Support Program | Program Ends March 31, 2024
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
Canada's vibrant wine sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with growth taking place in all areas of the value chain, from grape growing to retail sales and tourism.
All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program.
The application intake period for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April-March) is now open for grape wine and other primary agricultural product-based wine products, excluding cider and mead.
Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance.
BC Fairs Launches Buy BC Agriculture Trivia Contest
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is partnering with the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to launch a Buy BC Trivia Contest during the 2022 B.C. fair season to help increase awareness of the Buy BC brand and encourage people to purchase B.C food and beverage products.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is partnering with the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to launch a Buy BC Trivia Contest during the 2022 B.C. fair season to help increase awareness of the Buy BC brand and encourage people to purchase B.C food and beverage products.
British Columbians can take part in the contest by visiting participating fairs’ websites and social media pages to find digital scavenger items, which are agricultural facts related to a fair’s region. To enter the contest, individuals must answer at least five trivia questions and submit the answers through the BC Fairs mobile app or by completing an entry form on the BC Fairs’ website.
Province of B.C. Launches E-Transfer for Evacuees
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
E-transfer is now available in many communities for people receiving ESS after being evacuated and registering with the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. To be eligible for an e-transfer, people must log in to ERA online with their BC Services Card app and register. The BC Services Card app is available to download from the Apple and Google app stores.
People in B.C. forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive ESS for immediate needs when alternative supports, including insurance or accommodation with friends and family, are not available.
Pre-register for Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca
New Funding Supports Farmers, Takes Action on Climate Resiliency | Apply by August 10, 2022
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The funding will help B.C. farmers and ranchers better prepare for dry spells by supporting the building or expansion of on-farm water storage facilities; upgrading dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems used for livestock and crops; and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices.
The Beneficial Management Practices program is open to farm and ranch businesses throughout the province and is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Program criteria and application packages will be accepted until Aug. 10, 2022, and are available at: www.iafbc.ca/bmp
Request for Proposals: Patio Furniture Designed by Local Carpenters/Woodworkers/Artists | Deadline: August 12
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre, operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), is requesting proposals from local carpenters/artists to design furniture for an outdoor patio space.
Deadline: Friday, August 12, 2022 | 3 PM PT
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre, operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), is requesting proposals from local carpenters/woodworkers/artists to design furniture for an outdoor patio space.
The Tourism Inspiration Centre is a visitor centre located at the gateway to the Okanagan, on Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) above Peachland. The centre welcomes over 40,000 international and domestic visitors per season, as well as local community members for special events. This year, the Tourism Inspiration Centre installed a new public patio space, overlooking Okanagan Lake and perfect for viewing performance art from the IArT Venue stage.
Information for Proponents
Deliverables:
Work closely with the Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager and Indigenous Specialist for TOTA to ensure scope of project follows intended outcomes and results,
Design, source materials, and build six (6) picnic table/bench sets, and six (6) Adirondack style chairs with locally inspired indigenous artwork and weatherproofing to ensure long-term protection from elements,
Incorporate section of table for sponsor logos to be displayed on interchangeable plaques,
Picnic tables should be approximately 8 feet in length and built from locally sourced wood in a stable fashion that prevents tipping (refer to examples below),
Two of the picnic tables will be built to accommodate wheelchair users (extended table tops on ends - see photo 2),
Tables and benches should be separate from the table (not attached) from each other to be moved and utilized as individual pieces,
Work within the timeframe outlined and agreed upon for project start and completion.
Example of Table, Bench, and Chair Concepts
Requirements
Carpenter/artist with related experience residing, operating, or with personal history in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Work closely with TOTA Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager to ensure scope of project follows intended outcomes and results within the timeframe outlined and agreed upon for project start and completion.
Delivery of Proposals
Deadline: Friday, August 12, 2022 | 3 PM PT
Proposals are to be submitted to the emails provided below with the following information:
Attachment of a cover letter including name, address, and contact information.
Resume which outlines past experience and projects.
Five (5) examples/photos of similar work or projects including style of art
Three (3) reference contacts for clients from similar work or projects, and
Conceptual drawings of initial ideas based on information included in the project deliverables below.
All inquiries and submissions should be directed to:
Barbara Bonnough
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Barbara@TOTABC.com | (778) 752-5877
CC:
Jamie Bourne
Indigenous Tourism Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Jamie@TOTABC.com | (778) 760-2965
Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed by a committee and up to four (4) shortlisted artists will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
The committee will evaluate applications on the basis of:
Artistic excellence, skill, innovation and merit, as evidenced in samples of previous work.
Qualifications and professional experience based on references of the carpenter/artist.
Demonstrated ability of the carpenter/artist to execute a project of this scale under the budget and timeline set out.
Representation of and connection to local Thompson Okanagan region
Shortlisted artists will be invited to respond to a detailed Request for Proposal package, including schedule of completion of project and budget.
Destination Canada Releases Tourism Outlook Findings From Spring 2022
Destination Canada has published its Spring 2022 Tourism Outlook outlining the forecast for tourism recovery. The study was conducted between late March and May and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time. Read the full report to learn about travel demand, key recovery drivers and several forecast scenarios.
Destination Canada has published its Spring 2022 Tourism Outlook outlining the forecast for tourism recovery. The study was conducted between late March and May and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time.
Key Takeaways:
Travel demand is high and domestic travel will continue to lead recovery, with US following closely behind.
Our other international markets have been slower to recover; international arrivals from DC long-haul markets have only recovered to 35% of the equivalent September to April period in 2018/19.
While recovery is uneven among our markets, momentum is building and we are forecasting that leisure travel will return to 2019 levels by 2025, with an upside to 2024 as our best-case scenario.
Read the full report to learn about travel demand, key recovery drivers and several forecast scenarios.
Free Digital Marketing Bootcamp Available for B.C. Businesses
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills through a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills with a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
The Province has provided the platform Alacrity Canada with an additional $1.5 million to run the program and support more than 2,000 B.C. businesses and their employees to acquire the digital marketing skills they need to shift through economic recovery and beyond. In total, the Province has provided $6 million to the online program.
Eligibility Requirements:
Have access to computer and wifi
The business’ sole or primary operations are located in B.C
The business is currently operating
The business is registered in B.C
The business employs less than 149 B.C Residents
Monte Creek Winery Is Raising Awareness And Funds To Support Badgers For July
Monte Creek Winery is running its 2nd annual campaign supporting endangered badgers. BC badgers, also known as Taxidea taxus jeffersonii, are only found in BC, and fewer than 350 of them are left. They are red-listed and ranked S2, or imperilled, by the BC Conservation Data Centre.
Monte Creek Winery is running its 2nd annual campaign supporting endangered badgers. BC badgers, also known as Taxidea taxus jeffersonii, are only found in BC, and fewer than 350 of them are left. They are red-listed and ranked S2, or imperilled, by the BC Conservation Data Centre.
The leading cause of badger deaths in BC is highway mortality since they cross large land areas during their mating season in July and August. Monte Creek Winery partnerships with the Wildlife Program British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, the BC Badger Society conservation group, and the Ministry of the Environment to clear out any clogged culverts in order to ensure wildlife can pass under the highway. The next steps are to put up badger crossing highway signs as well as to support research projects around badger conservation.
To raise funds Monte Creek Winery is selling buttons and accepting donations for the month of July. Additionally, they are auctioning off two original badger paintings created by local artists, Ron Parker and Alina Schevchenko. The money raised from these efforts will be going to a conservation group.
The BC Wildlife Park will receive money raised from selling postcards and the proceeds collected by auctioning off two commissioned paintings that Bloom the badger graciously donated to the cause. You can view all of the paintings being auctioned via their website.
Monte Creek Winery encourages everyone to support BC badgers by slowing down this summer and being aware of potential badger crossings while travelling. You can report badger sightings to the BC Badger Society via their website.
PrepareBC Heat Wave and Wildfire Resources
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources.
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources, such as:
Communities Benefit from Emergency Operations Centre Funding
Eighty-four First Nations and local governments will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.
84 First Nations and local governments, including 19 Thompson Okanagan communities, will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.
With this $3.2 million in Community Emergency Preparedness funding, communities will be able to build or upgrade EOCs, purchase equipment, and enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training. The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations communities, local governments, and residents.
Thompson Okanagan funding recipients include:
Adams Lake Indian Band – EOC capacity-building initiative, Total approved funding: $24,902.32
Ashcroft Indian Band – EOC project, Total approved funding: $23,500
Central Okanagan Regional District – large-format printer and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,959
Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – emergency operations and training, Total approved funding: $20,910
McBride – EOC equipment and training, Total approved funding: $12,263
Merritt – EOC 2022, Total approved funding: $24,959.01
Midway – 2022 EOC project, Total approved funding: $24,860
North Okanagan Regional District – EOC emergency power generator, Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan Indian Band – EOC improvements, Total approved funding: $24,984.40
Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, Summerland, Keremeos, Oliver, regional – 2022 joint EOC training and technology, Total approved funding: $99,130
Osoyoos – EOC computer network upgrade, Total approved funding: $25,000
Penticton – staff training, Total approved funding: $25,000
Penticton Indian Band – EOC improvement, Total approved funding: $25,000
Princeton – generator back-up power for EOC, Total approved funding: $25,000
Simpcw First Nation – EOC virtually, Total approved funding: $25,000
Skuppah Indian Band – emergency preparation, capacity building and training, Total approved funding: $24,640
Spuzzum First Nation – EOC development, Total approved funding: $25,000
Tk’emlups te Secwepemc – EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,130.91
Vernon – 2022 EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland Becomes First in Canada to Join International Wineries for Climate Action
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has become the first in Canada to join an international community of winemakers dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has become the first in Canada to join an international community of winemakers dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has been accepted into International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) as an applicant member and it now has one year to meet the requirements to become a gold or silver member.
The International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) was founded in 2019. The main goal of IWCA is to create "a standardized approach for wine companies to measure and report publicly their greenhouse gas emissions”.
Christine Colletta, one of the founders of Okanagan Crush Pad, said they moved away from heavier bottles to alternative packaging, which uses less energy, and overall it has tried to reduce water usage.
Share Feedback on the BC 2030 Olympic Bid
The 2030 BC Olympic Team has entered the Engagement Phase of exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.
Bringing the Olympic Games to BC in 2030 could have an enormous impact on the provincial accommodation and tourism industries. The organizing committee met with various councils, including the City of Vancouver.
You can engage with the BC 2030 Olympic bid in the following methods:
Send a letter or comment to the Vancouver City Council
Complete the engagement survey on the GamesEngagement.ca site
The 2030 BC Olympic Team has entered the Engagement Phase of exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.
Bringing the Olympic Games to BC in 2030 could have an enormous impact on the provincial accommodation and tourism industries. The organizing committee met with various councils, including the City of Vancouver.
You can engage with the BC 2030 Olympic bid in the following methods:
Send a letter or comment to the Vancouver City Council
Complete the engagement survey on the GamesEngagement.ca site
Become a Hipcamp Host
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Whether you have a treehouse, a cabin, a hobby farm, or a cottage, odds are our community can’t wait to visit!
Listings on Hipcamp range from basic tent and RV sites to cabins, glamping tents, onsite trailers, and more
Free to list, no contracts or hidden fees
Support building a Hipcamp listing
Hipcamp takes a flat 10% commission on bookings they send you (this covers credit card fees, $1 million Host Liability Insurance, promotion and support)
Additional Hosting Resources:
Extras:
Extras allow Hosts to offer Hipcampers customizable goods, rentals, workshops and experiences for an additional fee at checkout so they can then enjoy them during their stay.
Here are a few examples of hosts with extras:
HipCamp would also be happy to work 1:1 with any new hosts and arrange for a Hipcamp photographer to take 10-15 professional photos of their land (Hipcamp covers all costs).
Here is an example of a listing with professional photography:
Possible Heat Warning for Southwest and Central Interior B.C.: July 22-27
A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist.
Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.
A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist.
Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.
Resources to monitor current weather forecasts and alerts:
Further Information:
Vancouver Foundation Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Apply by September 30
B.C. non-profit societies, charities, and Indigenous-led organizations can apply for multi-year, flexible grants from the Vancouver Foundation. Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Through a partnership between the Province of BC, Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC, and New Relationship Trust, $34 million in multi-year, flexible grants will be available for charities and non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
For the first time, they are awarding grants through a randomized selection process that assesses eligibility rather than merit, minimizes biases, and removes competition between organizations.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
TOTA Board Election: Early Call for Nominations
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29, 2022. Voting members are invited to put their name forward or nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
Leading up to the AGM, the Board Election will take place as follows:
Monday, July 18: Early Call for Nominations
Friday, July 29: Official Call for Nominations Begins
Friday, August 12: Close of Nominations
Tuesday, August 30: Electronic Voting Begins
Wednesday, September 14: Close of Electronic Voting
Thursday, October 13: TOTA AGM & Board Meeting
On behalf of TOTA Nominating Committee Chair, Frank Antoine, we invite Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals to put their name forward or nominate a qualified candidate (see Eligibility Requirements below) to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective September 29, 2022.
The tourism industry faced tremendous challenges over the past two years, and the TOTA Board of Directors was committed to guiding TOTA to support regional tourism stakeholders. Going forward, there is much work to be done as we reimagine and rebuild a resilient, sustainable tourism industry in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
For 2022, TOTA is seeking to fill eight board positions with enthusiastic and energetic tourism professionals representing a wide range of the Thompson Okanagan’s tourism sectors, communities, and perspectives. The TOTA board is eager to explore new ideas and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
TOTA board members commit to a two-year term, with the following schedule:
Regular board meetings and board retreat (four meetings / year)
Option to join the Finance & Audit Committee (four calls / year)
Option to join the Governance Committee (four calls / year)
The board will elect board members to serve the executive positions of Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair.
Eligibility Requirements
Based on the TOTA Constitution & Bylaws, to nominate/vote and to qualify as a Board Nomination Candidate, the company or organization must meet the following criteria:
A tourism stakeholder in good standing with TOTA.
Must have participated in a TOTA marketing program or provided in-kind value in the amount of $100 or more within 12 months prior to the call for nominations on Friday, July 29, 2022.
Nomination submitted in writing, signed by four voting members other than the nominee.
Community DMOs may serve on the board, however cannot hold an executive position.
For questions and to confirm voting member and board candidate eligibility, please email TOTA Board Liaison Chelsea Travere at Chelsea@TOTABC.com.
Run in the TOTA Board Election
If you or someone you know is interested to run in the TOTA board election and meets the criteria outlined above, please submit a signed nomination form to TOTABC.org/AGM/election by Friday, August 12, 2022.
Nominations cannot be accepted after the deadline.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society governed by the BC Societies Act. TOTA is one of six Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO) in the province of British Columbia that work under the Super, Natural British Columbia brand as an official representative of Destination British Columbia and whose mandate includes Industry Development, Destination Marketing, Destination Stewardship, and Destination Development.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
Tourism Growth Strategy Survey | Share Feedback by August 3
The Government of Canada wants to hear from Canadian tourism stakeholders as it charts the path forward for the sector. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting a public consultation on the development of a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy--including a focus on labour gaps and instability. The consultation period now ends August 3.
The Government of Canada wants to hear from Canadian tourism stakeholders as it charts the path forward for the sector. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting a public consultation on the development of a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy--including a focus on labour gaps and instability. The consultation period now ends August 3.
Workplace C.A.R.E Certificate
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
Projections of Tourism Employment Demand
Tourism HR Canada released their Projections of Tourism Employment Demand in Canada, 2019 – 2025, which provides initial results from a three-year project to update and enhance the labour supply and demand projections for the tourism sector. Produced by The Conference Board of Canada, the report’s findings are based primarily on job demand stemming from the business perspective (demand side) but also include discussion of some outcomes that arise from labour challenges on the supply side, namely in the form of job vacancies.
Tourism HR Canada released their Projections of Tourism Employment Demand in Canada, 2019 – 2025, which provides initial results from a three-year project to update and enhance the labour supply and demand projections for the tourism sector. Produced by The Conference Board of Canada, the report’s findings are based primarily on job demand stemming from the business perspective (demand side) but also include discussion of some outcomes that arise from labour challenges on the supply side, namely in the form of job vacancies.
BC SPCA Reminds Pet Guardians about Dangers of Leaving Animals in Hot Cars
With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.
If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.
Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.
With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.
If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.
Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.