Dogwood Express Newsletter
December 22 2022: Issue 36
In This Issue:
  • Register for the 2023 BCLCA Member Engagement Parking Lot Meetings
  • Emergency Resources for BC’s Tourism Industry
  • Registration Open for First Webinar in the 2023 BCLCA Spring Series
  • Hotel Room Tax and Municipal Regional District Tax Updates
Dear BCLCA Member:

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association office will be closed for the holiday season from 12:00 noon December 23, 2022 and will re-open on January 4, 2023, at 8:00 am.
 
As we celebrate the holiday season, we take delight in the joy at this time of the year — and we wish you that magic as well. Thank you for your membership support and your partnership.
 
From the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association staff and board, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
REGISTER FOR THE 2023 BCLCA MEMBER ENGAGEMENT PARKING LOT MEETINGS

On the fourth Thursday of the month until June 2023 members can gather via video to chat with the board and fellow operators about items on their mind. These 60-minute sessions allow you to grab a cup of coffee and participate actively or passively to talk/listen about what your peers are focusing on.

There is NO FEE to attend but registration is required.

  • Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am – discussion topic Setting Rates
  • Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am – discussion topic Cancellation Polices
  • Thursday, March 23, 2023 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am – discussion topic Waivers
  • Thursday, April 27, 2023 – 9:00 am – 10:00 am – discussion topic EV Charging Stations and Pedestals
  • Thursday May 17, 2023 – 9:00 am – 10:00 am – Wildfire Preparedness

To register for the series, you can pick the ones you plan to attend, please click here.


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
EMERGENCY RESOURCES FOR BC'S TOURISM INDUSTRY

Emergencies can impact travel, visitors, and businesses at any time, and potentially influence those who may be planning a trip to our province. Destination BC has compiled a great catalogue resource landing page for operators to find key information in one spot.


Find information on step-by-step guides to prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response. Plus, links to agencies that can assist in times of an emergency.

Recently released, the Destination BC team has updated the Emergency Messaging Guidance document for BC's tourism industry with seasonal information. The document includes new fall/winter responsible travel infographics, and outlines official emergency information resources for BC, and suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FIRST WEBINAR IN THE 2023 BCLCA SPRING SERIES

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association hosts FREE educational webinars for the membership in the spring of each year.
The webinars take place via the Zoom Video platform on the third Wednesday of the month with a start time of 10:00 am Pacific Standard Time and will feature two topics each.

Operators can register for the FREE webinars by clicking on the invitation link. Webinar reminders via email are sent to registrants along with the recording after the event.

Webinar 1 in the series - Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - 10:00 – 11:30 am

  • Part 1 Campground Maintenance Panel, Chris Rhodes, Director of Operations, Eastern Resorts, Parkbridge 45 minutes.
  • Part 2 Reservation Software Panel 45 Minutes with panelists Blaine Heldt, DigitelRez, Mike Yasieniuk, Let’s Camp, and Debbie Long Campground Booking.

Please register in advance for this FREE webinar:


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
HOTEL ROOM TAX AND MUNICIPAL REGIONAL DISTRICT TAX UPDATES

The Bulletin PST 120, Accommodation (PDF) is now web content rather than a pdf. Please update your bookmarks to the new Accommodation webpage:

Some updates and interpretations have occurred in the document:

i)            Replaced the list of participating municipalities, regional districts and eligible entities with a link to the new Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) location map to find participating areas and their tax rates – see https://municipal-regional-district-tax-map.apps.gov.bc.ca/

ii)           Added information on how PST and MRDT apply to time share agreements.

iii)          Clarified the total purchase price of accommodation includes any additional fees charged for the right to use the accommodation.

iv)          The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) location map has also been updated to include that part of the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot consisting of the City of Port Alberni and Electoral Areas B, D, E and F, as an area collecting MRDT, at the rate of 2%, effective February 1, 2023.
BC LODGING & CAMPGROUNDS ASSOCIATION
209, 3003 St. Johns Street, Port Moody BC V3H 2C4
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