Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics: March 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

March 31st, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 1,013 new cases, including six epi-linked cases, for a total of 100,048 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,405 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 11,468 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 91,066 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 301 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 80 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 385 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 458 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 47 in the Island Health region, 64 in the Interior Health region, 60 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There was a delay in the sequencing analysis for variants of concern. As a result, the new cases for the last 24 hours are unavailable.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,458 deaths in British Columbia.

“There has been one new outbreak at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The outbreak at Mission Memorial Hospital is now over.

“To date, 756,080 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,351 of which are second doses.

“We all have the same ability to spread the COVID-19 virus – no matter our age. We also know that regardless of where we work or what pre-existing health conditions we may have, the older we are, the higher our risk of severe illness.

“That is why our primary age-based immunization program has started with our oldest and most vulnerable people first. Today, people 73 and older can book their appointments and, in a matter of a couple of weeks, those 65 and older will be eligible.

“Indigenous peoples 18 and over, and individuals who are clinically extremely vulnerable and have received a letter identifying them as such, can also book their appointments.

“Front-line workers who were to receive AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD remain a priority. Right now, we are waiting on Health Canada’s recommendations to determine what adjustments we may need to make to this immunization stream as a result of the safety signal for those under 55. In the meantime, the current supply of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine is being made available to people between the ages of 55 and 65 on the Lower Mainland - our highest transmission area.

“Tomorrow, as we go into the Easter weekend, expanded visitation in all long-term care facilities throughout the province will get underway. If you are planning to visit your family member or friend, please remember that COVID-19 safety plans must continue to be followed, including wearing masks and staying away if you feel unwell.

“Right now, no one should be travelling for leisure or vacation outside of your local communities or regions. The risk for all of us is too great, which means any of our usual travel and holiday weekend gatherings need to be put on hold this year.

“There are three important things to remember about the COVID-19 vaccines. First, everyone will have access to a safe and effective vaccine, and that remains on track to happen before Canada Day.

“Second, the more people who receive a vaccine, the safer we all are, which is why we are working around the clock to get vaccines into arms as quickly as possible.

“Third, we don’t yet have enough people protected through the vaccines to be able to put aside any of our safety precautions, so we need to continue to follow all the public health orders and guidelines we have in place.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and we will continue to face hurdles in our pandemic response. And when we do, we will continue to adjust and adapt our approach to safely move forward.

“Help us to push our curve back down again. Do this by staying small, staying outside and staying with your same group of close contacts. This is what will get us closer to putting COVID-19 behind us.”

Learn More:

For provincial health officer's orders and guidance, visit:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
Or: www.bccdc.ca

Joint statement on first deployment of AstraZeneca vaccine in B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24001

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

Mental health and anxiety support: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
Or: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-supports-covid-19

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Non-health related information:

Financial, child care and education support, travel, transportation and essential service information: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Supporting Not-For-Profit Agencies

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- this week's Quesnel City Council column is written by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. He can be reached via email here

At last week’s Council meeting there was a substantial discussion about Council’s role in providing financial support for not-for-profit organizations in our community. The discussion was stimulated by one Councillor (Mitch Vik) putting forward a motion to provide one organization $10,000 from the COVID-19 grant the City received from the Province.

As has been reported publicly, the City of Quesnel received $2.5 million from the Province in the form of a “Safe Restart” grant to assist it to deal with budget shortfalls and incremental expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This money could also be used to support improvements to connectivity in order to allow Council to conduct more of its business online and to support vulnerable populations that have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

During budget deliberations, Council allocated all but about $23,000 of the $2.5 million the City received from the Province. The grant money was primarily allocated to backstop the loss of Casino revenues, make up shortfalls at the airport, address incremental costs to the City, improve connectivity in Council Chambers and other City-owned buildings, and to cover other eligible COVID-related direct impacts to the City’s budget.

However, $100,000 of the provincial grant was also allocated to assist the fledgling North Cariboo Seniors Council and another $100,000 was tagged for assisting vulnerable populations, with a nominal targeting for this funding to be used to support a new food security initiative that’s underway in the City.

At no time during our budget deliberations did any Councillor raise the need to directly support not-for-profit organizations with the provincial COVID-relief funds. The reason for this is simple: there are a lot of not-for-profit agencies doing important work in Quesnel; they all have significant financial needs on an ongoing basis and have all been impacted to varying degrees by COVID-19; and, the City does not have the capacity to determine which needs should have priority in order to distribute any limited resources we may have to these organizations in a principled way.

Years ago, Quesnel had a “grant-in-aid” program that allowed Council to politically support groups in the community with taxpayer money, allowing the Mayor and Councillors to get kudos and photo-ops for providing nominal cash contributions to not-for-profit groups in the community. That program ended in 2009. The Quesnel Community Foundation was formed in 2001 and this independent body set up a process, separated from the politics of the day, to support local groups with a mix of tax and grant dollars and private donations.

Quesnel City Council now has a hard policy that we do not use local property tax dollars to support not-for-profit organizations, other than rare exceptions when a not-for-profit supports the City’s and Council’s strategic initiatives. With the provincial COVID-19 money we received we do have some flexibility, but the issue for Council remains the same: how can we possibly be the arbiter of which not-for-profits need what amount of financial support?

Every not for profit in our community serves a purpose and meets a need. The best way we, as citizens, can give them ongoing and sustainable support is by regularly donating to these local organizations. The best way Council can support them is by using our political leverage to get them increased and ongoing provincial aid and external grant funding.

Quesnel Controlled Burning from April 1st - 3rd, 2021

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

If proper venting for air quality is favourable, controlled burning will be taking place April 1 - April 3 on a fuel management site in the South Hills subdivision on the grazing lease (Gassoff’s Range).

Controlled burning generates less smoke than out-of-control wildfires and helps us proactively take measures to prevent disasters, which is more affordable than reactively having to recover from them.

Residents in the area will hear crews working with power saws and mobile wood chippers, and may experience smoke during burning of piles.

BC State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on April 13, 2021, to allow staff to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

“While the finish line remains in sight, rising case counts and the spread of variants of concern mean we all must continue working together to keep each other safe,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “Thanks to our vaccination plan, we have been able to take positive strides toward protecting more British Columbians. We’re doing the best we can to get vaccinations into arms as soon as possible, but in the meantime, I urge everyone to double down on their efforts to control the spread and continue to follow public safety guidelines.”

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), declared a public health emergency.

“We’re still in a time where the virus continues to be a risk to health and public safety, yet some people are just not getting the message,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Last week, we more than doubled fines for those who promote or attend a non-compliant gathering from $230 to $575, and we won’t hesitate to take further action if people continue to put safety at risk. I urge all British Columbians to keep a level head and say no to these kinds of events until we can get COVID-19 under control.”

The Province continues, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, to use measures under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19, including issuing tickets for owners, operators and event organizers who host an event or gathering contravening the PHO’s orders.

On July 10, 2020, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

Learn More:

On Dec. 16, 2020, enforcement measures were expanded.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0108-002083

On Nov. 24, 2020, a mask enforcement order was introduced under the EPA, requiring masks for people over the age of 12 in public indoor settings, unless they are exempt.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960

For information on all recent orders and guidance, as well as general COVID-19 information for all British Columbians, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Cariboo RD Offices & Libraries remain open for in-person service

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

In-person counter service remains available at Cariboo Regional District offices and libraries at this time. However, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace, some staff are currently working from home, and fewer representatives than normal are available to assist with front-counter service.

Appointments are recommended for anyone needing to do in-person business at a regional district office. Please call our head office at 250-392-3351 (toll free 1-800-665-1636) if you have questions about CRD services, or to set up an appointment with a CRD staff member at any of our regional offices. Please note, the use of face masks and other COVID-19 prevention measures currently recommended by public health agencies are in place at all CRD locations.

Residents and property owners are encouraged to utilize the district’s online forms and applications as an alternative to in-person visits. A number of common services, such as building permits, development applications, and bylaw complaints can be accessed via our website: cariboord.ca.

Cariboo Regional District libraries also remain open to the public. As with our offices, we encourage patrons to call or email their local branch with any questions or requests before visiting. Online holds, curbside pick-up, and library card registration by phone are some of the COVID-19 prevention measures in place at regional libraries to ensure access to materials while keeping patron safety as our top priority. You can access library online services at their website: http://www.cln.bc.ca/

The recent unwelcome trend in COVID-19 infection rates highlights the need for continued measures to combat the pandemic. We urge everyone living and working in the Cariboo region to observe COVID-19 safety measures, extend care and compassion to those in need, and continue to take the steps necessary to ease restrictions and speed a return to daily life.

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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Committee of the Whole (WL Council) Highlights - March 30th mtg

Present: Mayor Cobb (Chair) and Councillors Boehm. Bonnell, Brenner, Nelson, Ryll and Smith (via Zoom)

Meeting called to order at 6pm

Procedural Motion - Close Meeting to Public Attendance:

Resolved -- That members of the public are not permitted to physically attend the March 30, 2021 Committee of the Whole Council meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the December 2nd Gathering and Events Public Health Officer Order. As per Ministerial Order No. M192 from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and, for the purposes of Division 3 of Part 4 of the Community Charter, the meeting is not to be considered closed to the public and will be livestreamed on the City’s YouTube Channel to ensure openness and transparency.

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the Committee meetings held on March 2nd and March 16th (Special Meeting) were both received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Inspector Jeff Pelley of the Williams Lake RCMP appeared before the Committee to present the February 2021 Police Commission Report

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Insp. Pelley for his report

2) Jada Basi from CitySpaces appeared before the Committee to present the Draft Central Cariboo Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis Report - click here

A Question/Answer period ensued

The Chair thanked Ms. Basi for her presentation

Resolved -- That the Committee receive the presentation on the draft Central Cariboo Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis from CitySpaces Consulting Ltd.

Business:

1) 2021 COVID Hardship Grants - Second Intake

A report from the Chief Financial Officer was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

Council award the remaining COVID Hardship Grants to the Williams Lake Skating Club at $2,500, Williams Lake Harvest Fair at $2,500, Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association at $2,500, Williams Lake Blue Fins at $2,500, and Williams Lake Fire Department Association at $2,500

And City Staff research both the status of the iPads with Interior Health and any unallocated amounts in the City's COVID-19 Safe Restart Funds and report back to Council

2) Fee for Service Agreement - Five Stones Community Outreach (Formerly Youth for Christ)

A report from the Chief Financial Officer was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - That the Committee recommend:

That Council request Five Stone Community Outreach to submit a new Business Plan and Fee for Service application

3) North Central Local Government Association Membership Dues

A letter from the North Central Local Government Association was presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon

Resolved - Letter received

Other Business:

The CAO provided an update to the Committee on the landslide in the Frizzi Road/North Mackenzie Avenue area...

Proceed to In-Camera Meeting

That Council now resolve into a Closed Meeting according to Section 92 of the Community Charter for discussion of items identified under Sections 90 (1) (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; and (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.

The Committee agreed to adjourn at 7:21pm and Williams Lake City Council then proceeded to its' In-Camera Session as per Sections 92 and 90(1e/k) of the Community Charter

March 30th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 840 new cases, including 18 epi-linked cases, for a total of 99,035 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 7,062 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 11,164 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 90,401 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 312 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 78 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 265 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 421 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 39 in the Island Health region, 67 in the Interior Health region, 46 in the Northern Health region and two new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 320 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 2,553 cases. Of the total cases, 313 are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 2,134 cases of the B.1.1.7 (U.K.) variant, 49 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant and 370 cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.

“To date, 724,193 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,319 of which are second doses.

“The use of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine for those under 55 has been paused. If you are under 55, have received this vaccine and have questions about the signs and symptoms of this rare safety signal, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/monitoring-vaccine-uptake-safety-and-effectiveness/#55plus

“Vaccine appointment bookings for age-based immunizations are now open for people 73 or older in all health authorities, and Indigenous peoples over 18. Individuals who are clinically extremely vulnerable and have received a letter identifying them as such are also able to book appointments.

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,455 deaths in British Columbia.

“We have seen the start of exponential growth of COVID-19 cases. To stop this upward trend from continuing, we are taking the necessary steps to protect our communities and get back on the path we want and need to be on.

“We are asking people for your help – particularly over the next three weeks – to push our curve back down again. This means staying small, staying outside and staying with our same group of close contacts.

“This also means not travelling for leisure or vacation outside of our local communities or regions because the risk for all of us is too great right now.

“We understand that the upcoming important religious holidays are often a time when we would normally get together with others to celebrate. This year, we need to ensure we are celebrating safely, which means not travelling to other communities and postponing those family dinners until it is safe to be together indoors again. As this pandemic continues, we join faith congregations around the globe in celebrating these important holidays in a different way this year so we will all still be here when we can finally safely come together again.

“Today, on National Doctors’ Day, you can recognize the many doctors who have been on the front lines of our COVID-19 response by doing your part. You can do this by using all of your layers of protection and following the public health orders we have in place.

“Together, we can use this circuit breaker to slow the virus, protect more people with vaccines and allow us to continue to safely move forward.”

Learn More:

For provincial health officer's orders and guidance, visit:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
Or: www.bccdc.ca

Joint statement on first deployment of AstraZeneca vaccine in B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24001

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

Williams Lake EOC Activated/Frizzi Rd Landslide

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake Emergency Operations Centre (EOC):

The City of Williams Lake has activated its Emergency Operations Centre at Level 2 in response to a minor landslide in the vicinity of Frizzi Road and North Mackenzie Avenue.

The slide has damaged a section of the City’s storm line, and the City is actively monitoring the adjacent sanitary line to ensure measures are in place to protect and respond to any damage. No properties are currently at risk.

The City has notified all relevant agencies and is working with Emergency Management BC to address the situation as it evolves.

The City of Williams Lake will continue to monitor the situation from its Emergency Operations Centre and will provide updates as they are available.

Inter-city bus operators, regional airports receive funding from Province of BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Airports in Quesnel, Williams Lake, Anahim Lake and 108 Mile are all receiving funding as follows:

South Cariboo Regional Airport (108 Mile House): $180,000

Anahim Lake Airport: $180,000

Quesnel Regional Airport: $360,000

Williams Lake Regional Airport: $360,000

As well - for Intercity Bus Lines:

Adventure Charters InterCity Bus: $127,795.68 (Operates a transit bus service from PG to Surrey & PG to Kamloops)

Twenty inter-city bus operators and 55 regional airports are approved to receive funding to help them stay open and provide essential transportation services to British Columbians.

“Our government is working to keep vital services operating during this unprecedented time, and this funding will help British Columbians – especially those in rural areas of the province – have a safe and reliable way to travel to essential appointments,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We know inter-city bus companies and regional airports were in critical need of funding to keep their operations going during COVID-19. With this investment, inter-city buses and regional airports will now have the funding they need to continue operating and serving people.”

The Province has issued a one-time investment of $6.2 million to a number of inter-city bus operators and $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. The bus operators and airports will use the funds to pay for operating costs, like maintenance expenses for buses, air terminals and runways. The funds will also go toward payroll, rent and other overhead costs to keep these services operating.

“Universal Coach, operators of the Skylynx Shuttle, are deeply grateful to the Province for supporting the transportation needs of the Sea-to-Sky First Nations and communities,” said Lindsay Moir, vice-president, Universal Coach Line Ltd. “Our drivers and staff, with years of specialized experience, can breathe easier knowing their jobs will continue. Locals looking for car-free transportation for employment, and medical and personal appointments, can depend on Skylynx to be there thanks to this government’s initiative.”

The funding will help operators recover from this challenging time and build back even stronger.

“We want to congratulate the Province for showing national leadership in supporting and recognizing the importance of B.C. airports to the global economy,” said Sam Samaddar, airport director, Kelowna International Airport. “This funding will provide a lifeline to YLW to maintain critical airport services that support cargo operations and medevac services while we wait for commercial air service to recover.”

This funding builds on additional financial support provided by the Province to the transportation sector. This includes allowing taxi operators to defer licence renewals if they are not operating, rather than losing their licences and having to reapply, as well as ensuring taxi companies can access and benefit from the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program.

In addition, over $1 billion in joint funding with the federal government will allow TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries to maintain essential transportation service levels throughout the province and help make sure fares remain affordable as part of BC’s Restart Plan.

Backgrounders on the funding can be viewed here

March 2021 Newsletter of NDIT

The March 2021 newsletter of the Northern Development Initiative Trust has been published. In the newsletter:

* Food Hub in Quesnel

* Culture a Learning Environment

* Business Façade Program

* E-commerce website program

Read the full newsletter here

New COVID-19 Restrictions/Impact on Williams Lake Recreation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Following the public health order amendment effective midnight, March 29, 2021, the City of Williams Lake urges everyone to continue to follow best practices, including staying home if you feel unwell or have symptoms; limiting social interactions to household/core bubble members only; physical distancing; wearing a mask; and diligent sanitizing and hand washing.

At this time, City facilities remain open, with restrictions in place. City Hall continues normal operations with face covering, physical distancing, and sanitization procedures ongoing. However, the City requests that individuals consider visiting City Hall only if absolutely necessary, or if requested by a staff member. City Hall has a drop box at the front of the building for payments and correspondence. Please visit the City’s website at www.williamslake.ca for a staff directory.

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is cancelling all indoor adult group fitness classes until further notice. City staff will contact all individuals who pre-registered for indoor adult group fitness programs and a full refund will be provided. Please call the Complex at 250.398.7665 for more information.

The following approved recreation and fitness activities will continue:

Public swim and public skate (approved individual/family bubble activities);
Indoor individual workouts, and workouts with a personal trainer;
Youth programming (21 and under), both indoor and outdoor; and
Outdoor fitness, both low intensity and high intensity.

As the COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving, the City will adapt its response and level of service to meet the requirements of both Interior Health and the Province.

The City will update its residents as soon as any developments occur. For up-to-date information regarding the local response to the COVID-19 situation, with relevant links to current information, visit www.williamslake.ca/COVID-19.

100 Mile House Ec Dev Survey Priorities

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

Work continues on synthesizing survey responses into the updated economic development strategy but already trends are developing on important business development themes.

There was considerable consensus on the importance of economic development goals with almost 81% saying the creation and retention of jobs was either very or extremely important. This was also reflected as 68% of respondents felt the availability of jobs was a weakness. Fully 76% of respondents felt new companies opening was very or extremely important and 72% agreed that ensuring existing companies were stable and expanding in the community and region was a very or extremely important economic development goal.

Supporting the theme of job creation being important were 53% agreeing that keeping young skilled workers was a weakness along with 48% saying that changes within the forest industry was a weakness. Respondents felt three areas had the highest potential of regional growth and these were, in order, tourism, construction and health and public service.

As the top three reasons for people choosing to live here were:

* quality of life

* grew up in the region; and

* affordable cost of living

It was not a surprise that 58% of respondents felt affordability of housing was a strength, with 45% feeling that transportation and 38% agreeing that proximity of recreational opportunities was a strength. Combining business development responses with community quality of life helps to provide targeted strategies – for instance, creating or retaining jobs within tourism or construction sectors with the availability of affordable housing and recreation becomes a very strong argument for why families and others will want to locate in our community.

100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall says

“The consensus that we are seeing in responses is providing good indications of what is important to the community and we are grateful to the businesses and individuals who completed the survey so we can use these tools to strengthen our community. Now is the time for us to take these new learnings and plan our way forward.”

The Economic Development Survey was an opportunity for residents to provide their feedback on a range of questions and work is continuing on reviewing the responses and gathering similarities together. As responses are reviewed the District is looking forward to regularly releasing information on new survey developments. The District has now completed a number of steps towards updating the Economic Development Strategy. With an expected completion date of May 2021, work continues on building an inclusive and effective economic development program.

Monday, March 29, 2021

March 29th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting three periods: from March 26 to 27, we had 936 new cases; from March 27 to 28, we had 805 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had a further 777 new cases.

“This results in a total of 2,518 new cases, and a total of 98,195 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 6,902 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 10,377 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 89,722 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 299 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 79 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 816 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,280 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 142 in the Island Health region, 156 in the Interior Health region, 121 in the Northern Health region and three new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 321 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 2,233 cases. Of the total cases, 413 are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 1,915 cases of the B.1.1.7 (U.K.) variant, 48 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant and 270 cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.

“To date, 699,092 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,289 of which are second doses.

“We have been working closely with our partners across the country, Health Canada and PHAC as well as international partners to monitor vaccine responses.

“This past week a safety signal was identified among young people in Europe and although no instances have been detected in Canada yet, we are taking the precaution of suspending the use of the AstraZeneca-SII vaccine for people who are under age 55 until we receive more information.

“Vaccine appointment bookings for our age-based immunizations are now open for people 73 or older in all health authorities, and Indigenous peoples over 55. Individuals who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and have received a letter identifying them as such are also able to book appointments.

“There have been six new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,455 deaths in British Columbia.

“There have been three new outbreaks at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and at Long Lake Chateau (Island Health). The outbreaks at Surrey Memorial Hospital, Oceana Park and Fraser Regional Correctional Centre are now over.

“While the COVID-19 virus continues to challenge us, our goal throughout the pandemic has been to find our balance – to protect those who are most vulnerable and keep as much as is safe open in our communities.

“In the last few days, we have seen the start of exponential growth in new cases, hospitalizations and more people requiring critical care support.

“A circuit breaker is now required to break the chains of transmission in our province and allow us to safely move forward.

“Gathering indoors is too a great of a risk for us right now. As a result, for the next three weeks, from midnight tonight through to April 19, 2021, the provincial health officer's orders have been amended.

“The full order details can be found on the provincial health officer's website:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

“Social activities need to be limited to outside only with the same group of people – that means no more than 10 close contacts in total.

“We have also seen transmission directly connected to travel between communities and remind everyone travel is limited to essential travel only – for work or medical reasons. If you or anyone in your family develops any signs of illness – especially as children return from spring break – you must stay home from work or school and arrange to get tested immediately.

“Putting new restrictions and orders in place is always a difficult decision, and at this time, it is a step back from where we wanted and need to be. But, when spikes and surges become a sustained trend, we will take the necessary steps to protect our province.

“We all have a choice – to stay safe, or put our loved ones, our friends and ourselves at risk. Making exceptions or bending the rules gives COVID-19 the edge and makes it that much harder to get to the brighter days ahead.

“Let’s all stay outside, stay apart and stay with our same group of close contacts – always using our layers of protection no matter where we may be. This is what will allow us to get through this storm together.”

Learn More:

For provincial health officer's orders and guidance, visit:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
Or: www.bccdc.ca

Joint statement on first deployment of AstraZeneca vaccine in B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24001

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/ or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

To share your feedback in the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, visit: https://www.bcchr.ca/POP/our-research/pics

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority: