BCHA - An Easter Address

An Easter Address from BCHA

Dear Members,

As this long weekend approaches, we know, this is usually a weekend to gather, and play, to share the great outdoors of British Columbia and to celebrate. With the COVID-19 pandemic at our doorsteps, our world has been completely disrupted. In place of celebration and gathering, our industry finds itself filled with concern. I want to recognize how much work and perseverance our hotel community has put into supporting each other to prepare for the best possible outcome when we re-surface. We are not there yet – but the collaboration is heart-warming and will ensure we recover when the time is right.

It goes without saying that our industry is resilient. When business started to slow down, your top priority was your employees and when it became a reality that closing your business was your only option, your next priority became helping frontline workers, the supply chain, vulnerable populations, and government to offer your properties as a temporary safe haven.

The generosity and commitment to community we have witnessed this last month hasn’t only touched my heart, but it has grounded me in knowing that I work with our strong association team to advocate on behalf of a group of caring, empathetic, and thoughtful hoteliers. I couldn’t be prouder. We know all our efforts to advocate on your behalf to secure the support measures you need to stay in business in the long run is our number one priority.

This weekend, I want to sincerely wish you safety and health as you virtually connect with friends and family, to hopefully bring a sense of social well-being, and relief from an otherwise dark time.

Know that every day we continue to meet with federal, provincial, and regional governments and stakeholders to educate and advocate for you and our hotel community, and to communicate the daily changes that we’re faced with.

Your support, tenacity, and stories of encouragement & giving, are continuing to propel our team to secure a strong future for hotels. We’re all in this together.

Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy long weekend.

Stay well,

Ingrid Jarrett

President & CEO

BC Hotel Association

Hotels Support BC Self Isolation Requirements

BCHA has been working closely with the provincial government to secure properties at all border crossings (YVR and land border crossings) to help prepare for the influx of persons needing to self-isolate after arriving in Canada should they not be able to adhere to new isolation plan measures.

Effective immediately, international travelers (including from the United States) coming to the province are required to provide a self-isolation plan before or upon arrival to BC, regardless of their point of entry to Canada. Travelers will be met by BC officials, and they will be required to explain in detail what their isolation plan is using forms that have been provided to them during their trip. The plans must also be approved by BC officials. If no-self isolation plan is presented, an isolation site will be prepared and made available to those individuals, until they’re able to emerge from self-isolation or prepare alternative arrangements.

Beginning today, Friday, April 10, provincial officials will be on hand at the Vancouver International Airport and major land border crossings to make sure self-isolation plans are complete and to assist those who need it.

Thank you to the properties who we have been working with and who are supporting this initiative in order to help our province flatten the curve. Read more here .

If you’re interested in participating in this program please email coordinator@bcha.com .

Changes to Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced more measures to support businesses who have been challenged financially from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the proposed new Canada Wage Subsidy rules , to measure their revenue loss, businesses have the flexibility to compare their revenue of March, April and May 2020 to that of the same month of 2019, or to an average of their revenue earned in January and February 2020 - which should help new or scaled-up businesses qualify.

Another proposed adjustment is to make the CEWS more accessible than originally announced by reducing the 30% benchmark to 15%, which is expected to capture the many businesses that were forced to shut down midway through that month.

New BCCDC Guide for Hotel Sector

The BC Centre for Disease Control has developed a new guide documenting “Guidance for the Hotel Sector.” The guide captures best practices and protocol for environmental cleaning, food and beverage services, spa and pool areas, staff health, and supportive collateral. It can be downloaded here , and is also available on the BCHA website .

Alternative BC Hydro Relief for

Large & Medium General Services

BC Hydro accounts on the Large General Service (LGS), Medium General Service (MGS) and other business rates aren't eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. If you aren't eligible, business customers may be eligible for the COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program , which allows you to defer payments or arrange a flexible payment plan. We are working to secure debt free alternatives to this plan, and will be meeting with Government to ensure the burden is understood and addressed.

If you are a larger business with a Key Account Manager, please reach out to them to learn about options if you're having difficulty keeping up with your business' bills. BCHA is also continuing to advocate for a program to address the need for greater support.

LEARN MORE

bcha.com

COVID-19 UPDATES ONLINE AT BCHA.COM