New COVID-19 "Circuit-Breaker" Restrictions/Impact on City of Quesnel Recreation

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Between March 29, 2021 at midnight and April 19, 2021 at midnight, the Province of British Columbia is implementing new restrictions on group indoor activities in response to an increase in reported Covid-19 cases throughout the province. These temporary restrictions are in place to limit the amount of physical interactions in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The following restrictions will now be in place at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Facility:

• Both aquatics and dryland indoor low intensity group fitness classes have been suspended until further notice.
• The Arts & Recreation Centre Weight Room is still available for individual workouts and Personal Training sessions, and remains open strictly adhering to our Covid-19 Safety Plan.
• As an additional precaution, facility users are to wear a mask at all times while in our weight room, except when on cardio equipment.

No other activity restrictions have been implemented at this time. If you have questions, please contact 250-992-8200

For further information about the Provincial Health Orders, please visit the BC Government website.

Click Here to view the steps that the City of Quesnel is taking to protect our community from the spread of Covid-19.

Registration Opens for Sprout Kitchen Food Hub in #Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is excited to announce the opening of Sprout Kitchen Food Hub at 101 Marsh Drive. The Food Hub has been made possible by generous funding from the Province of British Columbia and Northern Development Initiative Trust, and will be operated by the newly formed Sprout Kitchen Society. Food processors wishing to use the space can now request rates and register for membership at www.sproutkitchen.ca. The space will be open for use in April. Those wanting to view the space, can take a virtual tour. A grand opening will be planned when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Sprout Kitchen Food Hub is a member of the BC Food Hub Network, part of the Province of British Columbia’s Feed BC initiative. Sprout Kitchen will offer regional food processing businesses space and equipment to process, package, and store food products. A later phase will offer a distribution service throughout the region, connecting producers and processors with a broader regional market. The Honourable Lana Popham - BC's Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries stated:  “The Sprout Kitchen is creating more opportunities for Cariboo food processing businesses to increase their production and sales, expand their networking, and use of local ingredients. Thank you to everyone involved in creating Sprout Kitchen. Your work will help small businesses and farms in the Region grow, and strengthen food security for communities in the Cariboo Regional District.” While City of Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson said: “ This is an exciting milestone in our Economic Development Transition Strategy. The Food Hub offers opportunities for small business growth and new business start-up, encouraging diversity in our local economy, while increasing local food options for our community.”

StrongerBC investments support Cariboo/North Coast tourism communities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- District of 100 Mile House to receive $210,000 from the Province of BC to upgrade its' local Visitor Info Centre for improvements including to its' public washrooms and a new sign board. The District of 100 Mile House was the only Local Government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region to receive tourism funding from the "StrongerBC" Program.

In the Cariboo and North Coast regions, four communities with local economies that depend heavily on visitors have received $2.4 million to support tourism infrastructure development.

“This direct investment in tourism-dependent communities was a call to action from the tourism sector and an integral part of our recovery plan,” said the Hon. Melanie Mark, BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These projects will provide good-paying jobs now, create valuable assets for communities and attract more visitors in the future.”

The 46 new tourism-development projects were identified by the communities and include updated trails for e-bikes and adaptive trikes, signage, solar electric-vehicle charging stations, sea kayak touring and picnic facilities, water park construction, and creating an arts and culture stage.

“The projects funded through the Tourism Dependent Community Initiative in the North and Cariboo regions represent strong local partnerships,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “The much-needed upgrades to the ferry landing in Prince Rupert and the pedestrian crossing in Smithers mean more transportation accessibility, and the Lillooet and 100 Mile House projects build on infrastructure welcoming visitors. Together, these projects are a strong investment to help tourism in our regions recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Thirty-two communities have received a combined $19.4 million through the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.

Communities have been identified as tourism dependent, based on a combination of criteria, including:

• collecting the municipality and regional district tax;
• having a population of fewer than 25,000 and located outside of Metro Vancouver or the Capital Regional District; and
• having a higher percentage of accommodation-sector wages in comparison to total employment wages.  

The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.

“A very sincere thanks to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for its support of this important project for our communities,” said Peter Busse, Mayor of Lillooet. “This initiative will shine as an example of the important financial support for small B.C. communities that rely heavily on tourism, such as ours, in their recovery from COVID-19. This RV park and campground will provide increased revenue, jobs and business opportunities for the Sekw’el’was community, which will operate and caretake the property and provide visitors with a rich cultural experience. Special appreciation goes out to Chief Edwards of Sekw’el’was/Cayoose Creek Band for their continued support for collaboration. The partnership that Lillooet experiences with Sekw’el’was is a true testament for desired reconciliation within our communities.”

This is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan, including:

• the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program; 
• Destination Development; and
• the Regional Tourism Development Initiative.

B.C. communities that received tourism-dependent community funding are Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount, Whistler, Barriere, Port Alice, Clearwater, Powell River, Squamish, Nelson, Parksville, Ladysmith, Gibsons, Port Hardy, Sechelt, North Cowichan, Grand Forks, Prince Rupert, Qualicum Beach, Smithers, 100 Mile House and Lillooet.

Learn More:

For a backgrounder listing approved projects and costs, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Backgrounder_25-03-2021_TDC_project_list.pdf

StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

Central Cariboo Housing Needs Study - Draft Final Report

In Fall 2020 -- both the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District commenced a Central Cariboo Housing Needs Study covering the entirety of the City of Williams Lake as well as Electoral Areas "D', "E", "F", "J" and "K" of the Cariboo Regional District.  This study is a requirement under Section 585 of the Local Government Act - click here.  The Study was completed by CitySpaces, a planning firm that has expertise on this subject.  The final report of this Study must be received/adopted by Williams Lake City Council/Cariboo RD Board by April of 2022

The draft final report of the Study is being presented to Williams Lake City Council, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, tomorrow evening at 6pm.  The report can be viewed here. The draft final report has not yet been presented to the Cariboo RD's Areas D,E,F,J,K Directors but is expected to occur within the next 90 days... 

Something of the more concerning aspects of the final draft report included:

* Consideration of establishing a "Regional Housing Corporation".  These already exist in Metro Vancouver Regional District and Capital Regional District (Victoria, BC) -- Unlike municipalities, Electoral Areas' do not have the same ability to regulate social housing from a neighborhood perspective (no business licensing, etc) and the issues that usually come along with them.  Area "D" residents' I have talked with so far are opposed to this concept as is their local Cariboo RD Area Director

* Consideration for incentivizing developers in Electoral Areas to build more affordable housing -- In the Regional District context, without a RD Service Bylaw in place, this will be impossible in CRD Areas D,E,F,J,K to achieve while the City of Williams Lake has considerable more legislative flexibility in this concept.

* Consideration to establish a "Standards of Maintenance Bylaw" -- intended to regulate how rentals are managed/maintained.  While Municipal Councils are empowered by the Community Charter to enact such a bylaw, Regional Boards' are not entitled to enact such a bylaw, except with leave of the Provincial Cabinet as these bylaws are regulatory in nature and RD Boards' would need the authority of the Provincial Cabinet to enact such bylaws and I'm fairly certain, knowing rural residents' in the Central Cariboo-Chilcotin like I do -- there will be significant pushback on this concept

Overall -- the final draft report looks good and I'm looking forward to adopting this bylaw sometime in 2021....

SF

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of March 29-April 2

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Meetings are noted below to be held via electronic means:

Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 30th at 9am.  On the Agenda:

* 2020 Surplus Allocations

* 2021 Capital Program Update

* Timing of 2021 Tax & 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaws before Quesnel Council 

* Quesnel Non-Profits Financial Support discussion

View the full Agenda here

Executive Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 31st at 9am.  On the Agenda:

* Meet with Quesnel Pride Society

* "Shovel Ready" Strategic Investments

* Upcoming Community Engagement and Strategic Communications

* Johnston Bridge Cost Analysis

* Needle Clean Up

* Youth Mental Health App

* Project Inventory for Grant Submissions

* Quesnel Downtown BIA Request - Letter of Support for their Healthy Communities Initiatives Grant Application

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) -- Regular Board of Education meeting via electronic means on Tuesday, March 30th at 6:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Closed Board Meeting Report

* Reports from the Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer and Board Committees

* "Reading File" -- Letter of Appreciation for Grant to WL Community Forest, Written Proposal to SD27 re: 100 Mile House All Season Outdoor Sports Complex

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, March 30th at 6pm and livestreamed via the City of Williams Lake's YouTube Channel - click here.  On the Agenda:

* Delegation #1 - Insp. Jeff Pelley from Williams Lake RCMP re: Feb 2021 Police Commission Report

* Delegation #2 - Central Cariboo Housing Capacity Study Presentation

* COVID-19 Hardship Grants - 2nd Intake Awards

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

* North Central Local Government Association Membership Dues for 2021

* Closed Council Meeting as per Sections 90(1e/k - land and negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

March 26th, 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 908 new cases, for a total of 95,677 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 6,245 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 9,996 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 87,866 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 294 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 81 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 294 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 438 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 55 in the Island Health region, 43 in the Interior Health region, 78 in the Northern Health region and no new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 140 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 1,912 cases. Of the total cases, 258 are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 1,666 cases of the B.1.1.7 (U.K.) variant, 47 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant and 199 cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.

“To date, 637,856 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,233 of which are second doses.

“Vaccine appointment bookings are now open for people 74 or older and Indigenous peoples over 55. Starting on Monday, individuals who are clinically extreme vulnerability and have received a letter identifying them as such can also book their vaccine appointments.

“There have been three new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,449 deaths in British Columbia.

“While we are in a different stage of our COVID-19 pandemic than where we have been before – safe and effective vaccines that are increasing the protection for all of us – we are facing a sustained increase in clusters of new cases and outbreaks, including increasing cases caused by variants of concern. This is particularly concerning in the Lower Mainland areas.

“This requires all of us to continue to put our safety layers at the forefront of all we do.

“We have been able to slowly turn the dial on some restrictions. However, we all need to remember while some activities are safe for us to do, others simply are not.

“We can be outside with the same small group of people, but gathering inside is high risk for all of us. We can soon see our Elders and seniors in care, but we must follow the safety protocols that remain in place.

“Seeing different friends on different days – even if we are outside – is unsafe. So is gathering in our homes where the layers of protection, like physical barriers and masks, are not used.

“Social connections and the sharing of a meal or a hug is important for us all, yet we must be vigilant that our need for those connections doesn’t put ourselves or those we care about in harm’s way. Rather, step away from our screens and step outside with our small core group of close contacts.

“Equally important in staying informed about what has been an ever-changing pandemic. There is myriad misinformation, especially on social media, that fuels our apprehension and anxiety. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution or go to a credible, reliable information source, like the BC Centre for Disease Control, for the latest updates.

“This weekend, choose to be safe, choose to stay small and choose to continue to do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our province.”

Learn More:

To view the March 18, 2021, immunization PowerPoint presentations, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/03.18.2021_COVID_Immunization_Plan.pdf

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

Provincial health officer orders and guidance:

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

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

Cariboo RD Board Highlights - March 26th mtg

Meeting held via teleconference/eScribe… 

Present: Chair M. Wagner and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Glassford, Kirby, Macdonald, Fourchalk, Simpson, Cobb and Campsall

Meeting called to order at 9:49am

The Chair recognized the various Indigenous territories that Directors' were in while doing the business of the Cariboo Regional District

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the CRD Board meeting held March 5th, 2021 was received/adopted

CRD Board Delegations Memorandum of Business was received

Business:

Development Services:

1) The Board rejected an application at 601 Marsh Rd/1290 Francess Dr. in Electoral Area "I" as the proposed density does not align with the rural character of the area and is not supported by the Quesnel Fringe Official Community Plan.  Planning Service Stakeholders divided - Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford and Mernett (9) 

Opposed - Directors' Kirby and Macdonald (2) [Areas "J" and "L"] 

2) The Board gave 1st/2nd Readings to Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5310, 2021 (Area "A"/1894 and 1896 Beach Crescent)

3) Following Public Hearings, the Board gave 3rd reading to:

a) South Cariboo Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 5290, 2020 and South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5291 2020 (Area H/5282 Canim-Hendrix Lake Road)

b) South Cariboo Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5297, 2020 (Area G/Spring Lake Rd)

c) Quesnel Fringe Area Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5296, 2020 (Area A/4257 Whitecotton Rd)

3) The Board received an "information-only" item regarding Notice on Title.  Board divided.  Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald, Fourchalk, Cobb and Campsall (13) 

Opposed - Director Bachmeier (Area "B") (1) 

Community Services:

1) The Board agreed to support an $300,000 NDIT Grant Application from the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society to build a new cultural centre and museum at 108 Mile House.  Board divided. Approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Mernett, Macdonald, Fourchalk, and Campsall (13) 

Opposed - Director W. Cobb (Williams Lake) (1) 

Director S. Forseth (Area "D") declared a perceived conflict of interest on the next item as he works in the hotel industry and recused himself from the meeting at 10:45am

Administration:

1) Request from the City of New Westminster for support for laid-off hotel and tourism industry workers

Director S. Forseth returned to the meeting at 10:52am

2) The Board received a letter from NCLGA concerning its' desire for feedback on a proposed change to collect of NCLGA membership fees for Spring 2022, if approved by the NCLGA Membership at the 2022 NCLGA Convention and a letter of comment will be provided to NCLGA

3) The Board received the Consent Calendar as of March 26th, 2021

Committee or Commission Minutes/Recommendations:

1) The Board received meeting minutes from its' Committees or Commissions' as follows:

a) Central Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting of Feb 24th, 2021

b) Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting of February 24th, 2021

c) Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting of March 10th, 2021

d) Finance/Budget Committee Meeting of March 4th, 2021

e) Committee of the Whole Board Meeting of March 4th, 2021

f) Solid Waste Management Committee Meeting of March 4th, 2021

g) North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting of March 9th, 2021

h) North Cariboo Joint Committee of March 9th, 2021

2) The Board endorsed recommendations from the above noted meetings as follows:

a) March 9th - North Cariboo Rural Directors' Caucus Meeting

* Letter to MOTI - Flooding/Landslide Issues

* Spokesperson for the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre Pool Upgrade Referendum (Dir. Sjostrom)

* Request for Support from High School Rodeos of BC Association - Provincial Finals Sponsorship 

* Visitor Centre Contribution Agreement Renewal – City of Quesnel

* Quesnel Food Security Project

b) March 9th - North Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting

* That the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre Pool Upgrade Referendum Communications Plan, Q & A and Joint Statement be approved, with the following amendments to the Joint Statement: -- 6th paragraph, last sentence, REMOVE "in favour of the project" and 7th paragraph, OMIT entirely

c) March 10th - Special Central Cariboo Joint Committee Meeting

* Revised 2021 Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Financial Operating Plan (Endorse Option 3)

Corporate Bylaws:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to the following Bylaws:

a) North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Service Amendment Bylaw No. 5315, 2021

b) North Cariboo Recreation and Parks Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5316, 2021

The above noted Bylaws are in reference to the June 2021 Referendum for renovations to the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre

2) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to:

a) Cariboo Regional District 2021 Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 5319, 2021 

b) Cariboo Regional District Building Amendment No. 5320, 2021.  Building Inspection Stakeholders divided.  Vote approved by the following vote:

Affirmative - Directors' Sjostrom, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Richmond, Wagner, Glassford and Macdonald

Negative - Director Bachmeier (Area "B")

c) 103 Mile Water System Service Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 5313, 2021

Directors' Requests:

1) At the request of Director S. Forseth (Area "D") -- the Board approved reimbursing him $89.15 from the Area "D" Director Initiative Fund for costs in holding a Zoom Town Hall Meeting back on Feb 17th, 2021

The Board received a report of Chair Wagner covering her recent activities for the period to March 25th, 2021 

At 12:12pm -- the Board recessed its' Open Meeting to hold a Closed Board Meeting as per Section 90(1g - litigation) of the Community Charter

At 12:50pm -- the Board resumed its' Open Meeting and adjourned

CCRHD Board Highlights - March 26th mtg

Meeting held via teleconference/eScribe:

Present: Chair B. Simpson/Vice Chair A. Richmond and Directors Sjostrom, Bachmeier, Massier, Forseth, LeBourdais, Wagner, Glassford, Kirby, Macdonald, Fourchalk, Cobb, Campsall and Watson

Meeting called to order at 9:30am

Business:

1) The Board gave 1st, 2nd, 3rd Readings and Adoption to CCRHD 2021 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw #183, 2021

2) The Board received its' Consent Calendar as of March 26th, 2021

* Director Forseth brought up the letter from the Peace River RHD re: Responsibility for Capital Projects

3) The Board received the IHA Capital Projects Report for February 2021

The Chair provided updates for capital projects at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake and GR Baker Hospital in Quesnel 

The Board agreed to adjourn at 9:49am

March 25th, 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 a total of 800 new cases, including six epi-linked cases, for a total of 94,769 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 5,856 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 9,964 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 87,351 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 306 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 79 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 264 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 381 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 45 in the Island Health region, 50 in the Interior Health region, 58 in the Northern Health region and two new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been 191 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 1,772 cases. Of the total cases, 215 are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 1,549 cases of the B.1.1.7 (U.K.) variant, 47 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant and 176 cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant.

“To date, 610,671 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-SII COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,212 of which are second doses. Vaccine appointment bookings are now open for people 75 or older, and Indigenous peoples over age 55.

“There has been one new outbreak at Chilliwack General Hospital.

“There have been five new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,446 deaths in British Columbia.

“One of our primary goals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to do all we can to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus due to severe illness.

“We know our seniors and Elders – especially those residing in long-term care – have carried a disproportionate burden facing higher risks, combined with the isolation required to stay safe. Recognizing the majority of seniors and Elders in long-term care are vaccinated, starting on April 1, the visitor restrictions will be eased. For the presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0022-000551

“Through the ongoing dialogue with a wide range of faith leaders, we have also developed a limited variance to the gathering and events order allow for indoor services on four days between Sunday, March 28 and Thursday, May 13, 2021.

“Each faith can identify the days most appropriate for their faith – whether for Easter, Passover, Ramadan or Vaisakhi.

“The maximum capacity is 50 people, or 10% of the worship space capacity – whatever is less. There are a number of safety requirements and protocols that must be met by worship service organizers and attendees alike.

“The full details and requirements for service organizers and attendees are available 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

“While this is encouraging news, in parallel we have also seen a notable spike in the number of new cases, especially amongst those 19 to 39 years of age. This tells us some people are taking on more risk for themselves and their loved ones than what is safe right now.

“We remind everyone that although some outside activities are allowed, we must keep going with our protective layers. Until everyone has been protected with immunization, our protective layers must be the first and last thing we think about – whether at home, work, school or elsewhere.”

Learn More:

To view the March 18, 2021, immunization PowerPoint presentations, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/03.18.2021_COVID_Immunization_Plan.pdf

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

Provincial health officer orders and guidance:

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

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

No Late June/early July 2021 Williams Lake Stampede

Courtesy of the Williams Lake Stampede Association:

In the fall of 2020, our Board of Directors was elected and have since steadily been working to organize our annual Stampede event – we have reached the point where we have done what we could in our planning and preparations and any movement further requires an indication that live large in-person events would be able to be held in June of this year. Our Association can proceed no further and regretfully announces the cancellation of the Williams Lake Stampede in June-July 2021. 

Our Board of Directors continues in our tenacity and optimism to make plans for the possibility of a smaller rodeo event, with our current planning target of late summer or fall of 2021. 

The Williams Lake Stampede festival event requires over 400 volunteers in any number of jobs to help take your tickets at the gate, to sell merchandise, to greet you in the Let R Buck, and to ensure the rodeo flows smoothly. Our Board of Directors can execute up to 25 individual contracts for service with any number of community groups, professional entertainers, and stock contractors that make the Stampede weekend the full festival it has grown to be. We have a number of general operations that need to be put into place well before the July long weekend arrives and these forecasting limitations impact it all. 

To our sponsors, volunteers, spectators and supporters we have one simple ask to make of you: please don’t give up on us. Please know that we have done the best we can with the information and options available to us. We are familiar with the disappointment this may cause in our community and we are certainly right there with you. We hope you can be there to support any number of smaller community events we may be able to plan and host throughout the summer, and when the dust clears, we hope you can support us again: with your advertising and sponsorship, your time and your efforts, and your cheers of elation in our Grandstand that put fire in our bellies to do it all again the next year. 

Be sure to check in with us as planning possibilities may shift and change – we are preparing to be quick on our feet if the possibility of events becomes available to us.

Additional Forest Employment Program Projects

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- projects referenced include a current trail project at the Quesnel Regional Airport as well as restoration of trails at Ulkatcho FN in Cariboo RD Electoral Area "J"

Opportunities to work on more than 180 land-based projects are helping people begin their economic recovery from COVID-19, as part of the provincial response plan.

“We’re working hard to support workers and contractors who have been impacted by the pandemic, while also creating more good job opportunities and building stronger communities,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “These new and immediate jobs are another sign that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we can build an economic recovery that works for everyone.”

B.C. expanded its existing Forest Employment Program (FEP) with an additional $12 million.  This will support more workers and contractors in more communities, enabling them to complete priority land-based projects.  

“Forest-dependent communities were especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Hon. Katrine Conroy, BC's Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “This program has created opportunities for workers and contractors to support their families and employees and begin to rebuild, while completing priority land-based projects near rural communities.”

Projects include improving recreation sites and trails, forest service roads, wildlife areas and wildfire safety.

“Our economic recovery plan is creating jobs and providing community support in every region of the province,” said the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This expansion of the Forest Employment Program is going to help more workers in forest-dependent communities, while improving and strengthening B.C.’s forest lands so more people can enjoy them safely.”

This announcement is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response, which includes StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan, which protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities. 

Backgrounder here

Gov't of BC hikes fines to further enforce COVID-19 Public Safety

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Fines for promoting and attending gatherings that contravene the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order just got more expensive.

Effective immediately, an amendment to the Violation Ticket Administration and Fine Regulation raises the fine for promoting and for attending a non-compliant gathering or event from $230 to $575. The current fine for those who organize or host a prohibited event remains the same at $2,300.

“Over the last several months, it’s become clear that for some, the risk of a $230 violation ticket isn’t enough to deter attendance at events that violate the PHO order,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “I am disappointed that a small minority of British Columbians continue to put their health and the health of others at risk by attending unsafe gatherings. This selfish behaviour needs to stop, and police and provincial enforcement authorities will be able to issue these new fines immediately.”

A $230 fine will continue to apply to a range of COVID-19 violation measures, including failing to wear a mask and failing to abide by patron conditions. The increased fine aimed at non-compliant events reflects that this behaviour is generally more risky than other offences in the $230 category, but less egregious than the offences in the $2,300 category.

The specifics around orders of the provincial health officer, including the number of people allowed at gatherings, will continue to be set at the direction of the PHO.

Quick Facts:

• Since the declaration of a State of Provincial Emergency under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) on March 18, 2020, a number of ministerial orders have been issued to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Protective Measures (COVID-19) Order was issued Jan. 8, 2021.
• To report concerns about violations by event organizers, venues or individuals, contact your local government’s bylaw office or your local police department’s non-emergency line.

Learn More:

More information on types of provincial tickets and fine amounts is available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/violation-tickets

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/

Province supporting Lhoosk'uz Dené First Nation's transition to clean energy

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The remote Lhoosk'uz Dené First Nation community, located 195 kilometres west of Quesnel (located in #CaribooRD Area "I"), is taking steps to transition from diesel to clean electricity generation and create local jobs under the Province’s CleanBC plan.

The Province’s Renewable Energy for Remote Communities (RERC) program is providing $875,000 towards a $2.2-million 40-kilowatt (kW) biomass combined heat and power project in Klusklus, a village dependent on diesel for electricity generation and on propane for heating. Each diesel or propane delivery takes close to six hours via gravel roads, which provide the only access. The community is surrounded by dead pine stands caused by the mountain pine beetle outbreak, with a high risk of forest fires.

“Our CleanBC goal is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation in remote communities by 80% by 2030,” said the Hon. Bruce Ralston, BC's Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “By building partnerships and creating opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses, we can help remote communities get off diesel and benefit from more efficient, healthier and cleaner fuel sources.”

In total, three remote First Nations communities in B.C. will receive $1.8 million in financial support to transition from diesel to cleaner energy sources. The Lhoosk’uz Dené, Hesquiaht and Kwadacha First Nations are second-round funding recipients under the RERC program.

“Our territory has been heavily impacted by mountain pine beetle and several large wildfires, said Liliane Squinas, Chief, Lhoosk'uz Dené First Nation. “The combined heat and power generator will provide us with a viable option for alternative energy. We will be transitioning from diesel generators to utilizing local biomass fuels.”

The RERC program supports remote communities in B.C. that are not connected to the province’s electrical grid and rely on diesel power generation stations. It complements other initiatives that help remote communities in energy planning, energy efficiency improvements and energy systems decarbonization. By investing in renewable energy in diesel-dependent communities, 70% of which are Indigenous, RERC also promotes economic recovery and furthers the Province’s reconciliation commitments with Indigenous peoples.

As part of the CleanBC Remote Community Energy Strategy, government launched the RERC program in 2019 to contribute up to $16.5 million toward the capital costs of construction-ready projects. In March 2020, the program awarded $13.8 million to four projects and reserved $2.5 million for a second intake to be administered by the Fraser Basin Council.

Quick Facts:

• The Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation is receiving a $875,000 provincial contribution to a $2.2-million 40 kW biomass combined heat and power project in Klusklus, displacing 346 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year.
• The Hesquiaht First Nation is receiving a $419,000 provincial contribution to a $682,000 136 kW solar energy system installation on community school property in Hot Springs Cove, displacing 93 tonnes CO2e per year.
• The Kwadacha Nation is receiving a $486,000 provincial contribution to a $496,000 100 kW solar energy system installation on community school property in Fort Ware, displacing 87 tonnes CO2e per year.
• In total, these three projects will avoid 890 tonnes CO2e per year in B.C.

Learn More:

Fraser Basin Council: www.fraserbasin.bc.ca

Renewable Energy for Remote Communities: www.gov.bc.ca/renewable-energy-remote-communities