COVID-19 Update - May 1, 2020

Message from Council

So, how are we coping with COVID-19? As with the weather, we watch daily to see which way it will go. We hear positive reports of flattening the curve, and hints of re-opening some services. We also hear however, that we still have a ways to go before being back to full operation.

Likewise, Council is watching very closely to see which direction to take. We are closely following advice given by the province, and like you, look forward to the next steps of safely moving back to normal.

Talking of weather, we are pleased to be encouraged to go out into this beautiful Spring season. Bonnie Henry says "Please, go outside. Go outside with your family, but stay away, keep your distance. Smile, talk to your neighbour, wave to them, be supportive of each other, but do it in a way that maintains that distance."

We are also encouraged by the way our community is rallying around local businesses. Now more than ever do they need our support. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that only 21 per cent of small businesses in Canada are fully open due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and 50 per cent have reported that they are unsure if their business will survive.

We have heard encouraging stories of many businesses operating in new and innovate ways while keeping the community safe! Thank you to businesses for pushing through, and thank you to residents for supporting them! Read below on how to Support Local!

Support Local

We are proud of the many businesses that have quickly, creatively and safely adjusted to provide services to our residents during COVID-19. Thank you!

Now let's show our thanks by supporting them whenever possible!

🔹 Businesses open near you - https://supporting-oceanside-businesses.com/

🔹 Restaurants providing takeout - https://www.oceansidetakeout.ca/

🔹 Farmers Market Online Portal - https://www.localline.ca/qbfarmersmarket

Buy Gift Cards

By buying gift cards now you can help a business stay afloat by providing immediate cash flow to help pay expenses and keep losses lower.

Support Local Restaurants

'Take out Thursday' is one way to show support for local restaurants. But this works during the rest of the week too. This way we can support multiple restaurants during the week.

Shop Local Online

Many local retailers have their products available for purchase online and are offering curbside pick-up or delivery. Give them a call to find out how you can buy online.

Reschedule, Don’t Cancel

Instead of cancelling your upcoming appointments (painting, insulation installs, etc.), let businesses know you intend on using them in the future. And, if you can, continue to pay your dog walker, house cleaner or anyone who depends on regular income for you. Or likewise, pay someone to mow your lawn or wash your windows to help support them during this time.

Share Experiences on Social Media

With so many on social media now, giving a shout out or tagging a local business encourages others to buy local too.

Property Taxes

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The due date for property taxes will remain July 2, 2020. Penalties have been adjusted as follows:

No penalties will be applied to payments and/or homeowner grants received by October 1.
Payments received between October 2 and December 1 will be subject to a 1% penalty
Payments and grants received after December 1 will be subject to a further 9% penalty. A 10% total penalty is required by provincial legislation. Stay tuned for more details on payment options.

Drive By Supporting Essential Workers

A surprise drive-by from first responders this Wednesday left many smiling, and others getting a fright - wondering what emergency warranted 20 vehicles with sirens ablaze!

This essential workers drive-by moves around the district from week to week to show support for the essential workers in each community. These drive-bys are not advertised to avoid large gatherings occurring. Each of the locations are informed the morning of the drive by. This was the fifth week with past locations being Nanoose and Parksville.

Click here to see the video!

Emergency Preparedness Week - May 3-9

Emergency Preparedness Week is to raise awareness and offer information to help prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency.

The past few weeks have reminded us just how important personal preparedness can be, and a s we have learned, being prepared and having a plan is critical!

Go to Emergency Management Oceanside website for full details.

Canadian Blood Services

The Civic Centre will open for one day only to allow The Candian Blood Services to operate a COVD-19 friendly collection next week.

The Service says they are “thrilled to be completely booked up” and won’t be taking any walk-ins. They wanted to pass on their thanks to all those that donate life-giving blood. And likewise, the Town would like to thank The Candian Blood Services for their front line work, providing this essential service.

To learn about becoming a donor visit www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible .

2020 Special Events Cancelled

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on summer special events in Qualicum Beach; however, we are looking forward to making 2021 bigger and better than ever!

Here is a list of newly cancelled events

2020 Qualicum Beach Triathlon has been cancelled.
Seaside Cruizers Father's Day Show and Shine will not take place in June; further details to be announced.
Beach Day has been cancelled until next year, with a new tentative date of July 25, 2021.

Go to our website here to see the full list of cancelled events.

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw

Council adopted a new Revenue Anticipation Borrowing bylaw at their April 22, 2020 regular meeting.

A revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw is a tool available for local governments that allows municipalities to borrow money for a short term to continue municipal operations while waiting for anticipated revenue (eg. property taxes) to be received.