A Message From President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,

This afternoon, Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, was joined by officials from the BC Wildfire Service, Emergency Management BC, RCMP and public health to provide an update on the current wildfire situation in British Columbia. Here, it was announced that British Columbia will once again enter a provincial state of emergency beginning at midnight tonight.

Under this declaration, the government is able to coordinate federal, provincial and government resources. Furthermore, they will be able to help address a potential mass evacuation scenario and secure accommodation spaces for evacuees forced to leave their homes.

During the press conference, there was significant discussion surrounding tourism, the role accommodators are taking to support evacuees, messaging to visitors, and how the wildfire season will impact the sector. Responding to media inquiries about the impact on tourism, Minister Farnworth reiterated that the government is working with the sector to convey the message that many areas of B.C. are open to travel, but that public safety is paramount. We will continue to keep you updated on this messaging as it evolves.

Over the past few weeks, the BC Hotel Association has been working closely with Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC) and the Red Cross to support with the procurement of accommodation for wildfire evacuees from now until the end of wildfire season. Our efforts to procure accommodations to ensure safe shelter for BC residents under evacuation have been met with significant support. I’d like to thank you all, for stepping up during this dreadful fire season, and ensuring we once again support the needs of BC residents in an emergency. As we will surely be facing ongoing challenges due to wildfire season from now and into September, the continued role of accommodators will be critical. 

RESOURCES:
As we have witnessed, preparedness and staying informed is vital in mitigating risk during wildfire seasons. Outlined below are a number of key resources we encourage all accommodators, particularly those in wildfire affected areas, to explore:

  • BC Wildfire Service
  • Is a central information hub that provides regular updates on:
  • Wildfire activity within the province
  • Specific details on response efforts
  • Emergency information
  • Interactive wildfire map
  • Air quality index and more.
  • PreparedBC | Guide for Tourism Operators
  • Is a step-by-step guide to help prepare your operation and staff for emergencies: know the risks, make a plan, have key contacts on hand, stock up on materials and supplies, communicate with and train employees on emergency responses, conduct practice and drills, and more.
  • PrepareBC | Emergency Plan for Tourism Operators
  • Is a guide that offers templates, tools, and checklists to begin the process of planning and preparing for emergencies that may impact staff and guests.
  • PreparedBC | Wildfire Preparedness Guide
  • Is a detailed guide that will help you prepare your household, protect your property and understand what to do if a wildfire is close to your community. 
  • DriveBC
  • Offers information surrounding road closures, major events and transportation delays
  • Register with Canadian Red Cross
  • Should you be under evacuation order due to wildfires in British Columbia, you are asked to register with Canadian Red Cross
WHAT TO DO AS A TOURISM OPERATOR

Destination British Columbia has further compiled these resources to support our province's tourism industry. Here are some of the steps you can take to stay informed and promote safety of guests and staff.

  • Share these resources with your staff and follow key social media accounts for the latest news.
  • Help your guests:
  • If your business is located in an impacted area, provide your current customers and future reservations with regular updates, by directing them to official information sources.
  • If your business is not impacted directly, help your current guests plan the rest of their trip to areas that are safe and open for business (your local visitor centre has a wealth of information on places to stay and things to do).
  • If your business is not impacted directly, be proactive with future reservations—let your customers know it’s business as usual and you are looking forward to hosting them. British Columbia is a very large province and sometimes our out-of-province guests can get confused by geographically misleading information.
  • Have a plan—use the PreparedBC: Tourism Resources to prepare for emergencies and to identify potential hazards.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & CONCERNS

While the wildfire season poses a threat to our province, we are incredibly grateful to the significant amount of work that has gone into protecting our forests, wildlife, and the people of BC. We encourage any operators with questions or concerns to reach out to us directly should you need any assistance.

As always we are committed to supporting you all and finding the answers you need.

Stay Safe,

Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
Today's update includes:

  • Government Announces Update to Canada’s Border Measures & Entry Provisions
  • Applications Open | Canada Recovery Hiring Program
  • Apply Today | Workplace Accessibility Grant
  • Free Webinars Speed Financial Recovery Through Sustainability Webinar
  • #ICYMI | Step 3 BC Restart Best Practices Recording
  • New Member! Braidwood Hospitality
  • Reminder | Cruise ships Welcome in Canada from Nov 1, 2021
  • Searching for Employees? Integral Hospitality Offering Outsourced Workers
  • BC Hospitality Foundation | Tickets for Charity Online 50/50 Raffle on Sale Now
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Rethink2Gether | Restaurant Strategies to Reduce Food Surplus Webinar
  • Hiring in the Fall? Student Work Placement Program | FREE Information Session Aug 4
  • Fore the Love of Tourism 15th Annual TIP Invitational Golf Tournament 2021
  • Destination Vancouver Webinar: Safer Spaces Start Here Thursday, July 15th | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Webinar
  • WorkSafeBC | Learn about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary 2022 rates
  • In the News
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
Government Announces Update to Canada’s Border Measures & Entry Provisions
Yesterday, Ministers Hadju, Blair, Alghabra, Mendicino and Leblanc, provided an update on Canada’s border measures and entry provisions.

Effective August 9, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., travel to Canada will be permitted for fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents (for those currently residing in the U.S.). The mandatory 3-night hotel quarantine program will also be eliminated. During yesterday’s announcement Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu, thanked hoteliers directly for their support of this program.

Additionally, effective September 7, 2021, travel to Canada will be permitted to all fully vaccinated international travellers.

The Ministers also provided the following updates:

  • Effective August 9, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to be tested upon arrival. However, travellers may be subject to mandatory random testing upon arrival at the airport. No changes have been made to testing and screening requirements for travellers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents living in the U.S. will be able to visit Canada without having to quarantine for two weeks.
  • Adults entering Canada will need to present proof of vaccination using the government's ArriveCAN app or website before boarding a flight. Travellers will need to be fully vaccinated 14-days prior to entry.
  • Unvaccinated travellers under 12 will be permitted to travel and will be exempt from quarantine so long as their parent(s) or guardian(s) are fully vaccinated.
  • Effective August 9, international flights will now be allowed to land in Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton – in addition to the 4 previously permitted entry points.
  • Canada extended the ban on direct flights from India until at least August 21, 2021. 
Applications Open | Canada Recovery
Hiring Program
Applications are now open for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program. As a Canadian employer who continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to apply for one of the two subsidies to cover part of your employee wages.
 
The Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery. Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either CRHP or CEWS, whichever is higher.
Next deadline for CHRP: December 30, 2021 (last day to apply for claim period 17).
 
Next period opens for CHRP: August 1, 2021 (first day you can apply for claim period 18).
Apply Today | Workplace Accessibility Grant
The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides direct supports to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

What the grant can be used for
The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):
  • Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.
  • Attitudes: anti-bias training
  • Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.
  • Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.
  • Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.
  • Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.

Find the list of eligible covered services by type of barriers addressed here.

How the program works
The grant will be administered beginning June 21, 2021 through April 30, 2022 on a first come first served basis.

The maximum allowable grant will be $1000/business.
  1. Step 1: Read the eligibility criteria and, if applicable, register for the grant via this form
  2. Step 2: Create an account providing your business information, contact information, and BC business registration number
  3. Step 3: Submit a receipt related to the purchase of any qualifying accessible services
  4. Step 4: After review, reimbursement for the receipt is paid up-to a maximum of $1000.
Free Webinars Speed Financial Recovery Through Sustainability Webinar
Rebates & Rising Energy Rates | Speed Financial Recovery Through Sustainability Webinar

DATE: Thursday, July 22nd at 1pm

Did you know that forging a path to sustainability not only helps our planet but can result in significant savings?

Join BCHA partner, Angela Nagy of GreenStep Solutions, where she will walk through how accommodators can best take advantage of the BCHA GoGreen Program to cut high fixed costs now and in the future, as a way to adapt, survive, and thrive after the impacts of COVID-19.

Participants will learn what the first three steps are in getting started, as well as immediate low and no-cost measures they can take to realize quick wins and early savings.
#ICYMI | Step 3 BC Restart
Best Practices Recording
Thank you all for registering and/or attending the Step 3 BC Restart Best Practices for Accommodators webinar, presented by The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and go2HR.

We hope you found this information helpful as you transition your operations during the evolving BC Restart. Please see links to the session slide deck and webinar recording with key time stamps below:

  • Introduction - 2:14
  • Current State of COVID-19 - 3:15
  • Communicable Disease Plan - 5:15
  • Mask Use - 15:40
  • Physical Distancing - 18:08
  • Check-in, Check-out - 21:38
  • Pools, Public Spaces and Spas - 24:00
  • Food & Beverage - 26:15
  • Housekeeping - 28:13
  • Outside Events - 30:18
  • Indoor Events - 31:22
  • Question & Answer - 32:17
New Member! Braidwood Hospitality Management Inc
Since 2004, Braidwood Hospitality Management Inc “Partners in Hospitality” has provided an innovative, highly effective sales and marketing solution tailored to the specific needs of small and medium sized hotels that recognizes their unique location, amenities, policies, competitive set and market opportunities. Braidwood implements adaptive, sustainable sales strategies specific to each business's needs with the focus on revenue retention and growth!
 
The company proactively seeks new business opportunities while building fences around existing clients, building lasting relationships and a barrier to entry against their competitive sets. For additional information, please visit Braidwood website at www.braidwood.ca or contact John Garden below.

Contact: John Garden
Address: 1238 Seymour St, (Suite 102) Vancouver, BC, V6B 3N9
Phone: 604-681-4444 Ext: 221
Toll Free: 1-866-300-1097
Fax: 604-681-4441
Cell: 604-722-8664
#ICYMI | Cruise ships Welcome in Canada from Nov 1, 2021
Following a significant advocacy push to open Canada's cruise ship sector, Canada’s Minister of Transportation, Omar Alghabra, joined by British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, announced that from November 1, 2021, cruise ships can stop in Canadian ports if they comply with health requirements.

Minister Alghabra said the announcement will help the cruise ship sector plan for a safe restart. He added that more details, including health requirements for cruise ship passengers, will roll out soon. 
BC Hospitality Foundation | Tickets for Charity Online 50/50 Raffle on Sale Now
Take are on sale for the BC Hospitality Foundation's first ever online 50/50 raffle. Purchase tickets here.
 
The raffle starts with a $1000 jackpot and increases with every ticket purchased until sales close on August 16, 2021. The initiative is a fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation - the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.
 
 
·   5 for $10
·   20 for $20
·   150 for $40
 
The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17. Please support our hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets and spreading the word about the raffle among your friends, family, and colleagues!
 
Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
 
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Searching for Employees? Integral Hospitality Offering Outsourced Workers
Integral Hospitality, a division of the Integral Services Group, have assisted a number of hotels throughout BC with their outsourced housekeeping needs.

Integral, a BCHA premier partner, recognizes the urgency that many accommodators are facing as we re-start domestic travel throughout the province.

Integral was able to help a BCHA member this week supplying two housekeepers to an Okanagan property within 24 hours. Please contact Brett Mollard directly at brett@integralservicesgroup.com
to learn more or visit their website here.
Mark Your Calendars
WorkSafeBC | Learn about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary 2022 rates

Attend WorkSafeBC’s virtual rate consultation sessions. During these sessions, WorkSafeBC will provide an overview of the preliminary rates for 2022, inform employers about rate and classification changes, and outline what they can do to influence their rates.
 
The sessions include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a live Question and Answer period - links will be forwarded to everyone who has registered for the session.

Dates and times (PST)
  • Wednesday, July 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

The presentation topics include:
  • The financial state of the workers’ compensation system  
  • Rate and classification changes
  • How you, as an employer, can influence your rates through improved health and safety
 
To register for the session of your choice, visit www.worksafebc.com/rates and fill in the registration form. You’re welcome to participate in any one of the virtual sessions. Participation is free For more information, please email rates@worksafebc.com
Rethink2Gether | Restaurant Strategies to Reduce Food Surplus Webinar

Tuesday, July 20 at 6pm PST

There's a paradigm shift happening in the Canadian restaurant industry, and here's what you will learn in this 45-min webinar:

  • Why the main restaurant food suppliers are taking action about reducing food surplus

  • How menu design can help your restaurant reduce costs

  • How to make it easy to donate food surplus to feed people in your local community 

Attendance is FREE; however, registration is required to attend and is not guaranteed. Priority is given to Canadian hospitality professionals. The webinar is live only, a recording will not be available after.
Hiring in the Fall? Student Work Placement Program | FREE Information Session Aug 4

Looking to hire a student this Fall? f you need a little help, the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) offers a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 towards hiring a student.
 
The SWPP has changed eligibility criteria, meaning your organization can probably access funding! On Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:00pm PT for an information session on how the program works, eligible positions, and how to apply.
 
Brought to you by the Talent MATCH Program, the SWPP Info Session will feature representatives from two SWPP delivery partners: Cheryl Serpanchy, the Regional Coordinator at ICTC WIL Digital, and Louie Di Palma, the Director of SME Programs at the Talent Opportunities Program. They will review student positions their programs can fund, employer and student eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
 
This info session is free, but you must register for it here.
 
Want more information on hiring students? Visit the Talent MATCH webpage for more details or contact Project Manager Debby Reis at TalentMatch@acewilbc.ca.
Fore the Love of Tourism 15th Annual TIP Invitational Golf Tournament 2021

Join Partners in Tourism (TIP) at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club Friday, August 27, 2021 for the 15th Annual Fore the Love of Tourism TIP Invitational Golf Tournament.
 
 
BACKGROUND:
Partners in Tourism – TIP Society was established in 2006 with the goal of fostering future generations of tourism professionals. Never has that been more important.

We are now seeing signs of recovery and in our collective spirit of optimism, we are again gathering for the Tourism Industry Partners (TIP) Invitational Golf Tournament to raise funds to support scholarships and awards to get the next generation back in the hospitality game.
Since its inception, Partners in Tourism – TIP has provided funding in excess of $700,000 to support training, the purchase of equipment and financial assistance to hospitality students. The need has never been greater. 
Let’s TIP the scales in favour of up-and-coming tourism and hotel professionals.
In The News
Harbour Air launches Vancouver to Kelowna route landing...

Sea planes will soon be flying between downtown Vancouver and the Kelowna Eldorado Resort marina on Okanagan Lake. Starting July 23, Harbour Air will provide weekly round trip flights between Vancouver and the Eldorado. Flights increase to twice...

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www.castanet.net
'It's a nightmare': 300 wildfires blaze, another...

A helicopter flies past the Tremont Creek wildfire burning on the mountains above Ashcroft, B.C., on Friday, July 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Emergency Management B.C.

Read more
www.langleyadvancetimes.com
Region in British Columbia calls for more wildfire resources

MERRITT, B.C. - A regional politician in British Columbia's Interior is calling for more support amid a "dire" wildfire situation that he said has filled every available hotel with fleeing evacuees and stretched local security resources beyond...

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www.thestar.com
B.C. wildfires update for July 20: B.C. declares...

B.C.'s 2021 wildfire season began officially when the George Road fire seven kilometres south of Lytton was reported on June 17. Three weeks later the Village of Lytton was destroyed by an unrelated blaze and there were 100 active fires. This...

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www.msn.com
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