Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Federal Election Updates
  • Party Platforms and Information
  • Continued Advocacy Work Needed
  • Don't Forget | Register to Vote
  • Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Register for the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair!
  • Workforce Solutions
  • Propel | Student Work Placement Program
  • Integral Hospitality | Secure Outsourced Workers
  • Reminder | TIABC Pre-Budget Submission Provided to Federal Government
  • US-Canada Border Reopening | Messaging & Resources for Operators
  • Central Okanagan Restrictions | Information & Resources
  • #ICYMI | Western Financial Risk Management Recording Now Available
  • Know Before You Go | Tourism Resources
  • For Operators
  • For Visitors
  • Travel Warning Remains in Parts of the Interior
  • Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief
  • Help the Tourism & Hospitality Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500
  • Reminder | Have Your Say on B.C.’s Permanent Paid Sick Leave
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Destination Vancouver, Good Nigh Vancouver and go2HR Safer Spaces Campaign
  • Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
  • You’re invited | 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1
  • ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Congratulations to Richard Porges who was just named permanent CEO of Destination British Columbia!
  • WORTH Association Recognizes Marion Harper Treskin with the Marion Harper Treskin Leadership Scholarship | Now Open to Applicants !
  • In the News
  • How the Pandemic is Reshaping Corporate Travel | Hotel News Resource, August 16
  • Wildfires in B.C.’s interior pushing vacationers to Vancouver Island, says DVBA | Global News, August 16
  • Wildfires force thousands in B.C. Interior to evacuate or be on evacuation alert | Times Colonist, August 16
  • Elections matter — and this one may matter more than most | CBC, August 16
  • Hotels and Growing Your Family Audience | Kidzsmart, August 11
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Federal Election Updates
PARTY PLATFORMS & INFORMATION

On Sunday, August 15th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that newly-appointed Governor General Mary Simon approved his request to dissolve parliament, triggering a fall election.

The election date has been set for September 20, after months of speculation that an election call was on the horizon. The BC Hotel Association is committed to providing you with up-to-date information on each parties platform to better support you in making an informed decision when you cast your vote.

The BCHA is currently in the process of working with our partners at the Hotel Association of Canada to develop a complete election toolkit, detailing the commitments each party has made to our hotel, events, and tourism sector.

Please see the following resources for party platforms along with a comparative guide to each parties commitments:
CONTINUED ADVOCACY WORK NEEDED!

As mentioned in communications distributed earlier this week, the inclusion of commitments to our sector from parties is a direct result of the advocacy work undertaken across Canada and by our highly engaged membership - we thank each of you for your tireless support!

As we continue to pressure all parties to understand the challenges facing Canada's Hardest Hit sector, it remains critical to contact your local candidates whether by phone, email, letter, or in person.

How To Do It:
Everything you need, including key talking points, how to contact your MP, meeting guides & tips, can be found in HAC’s Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit. Please also help us track our success by recording your meetings in our meetings tracker, which can be found here.
DON'T FORGET | REGISTER TO VOTE!

To vote in a federal election, you must be registered on the list of electors. You can register at the polls when you go to vote, but if you register in advance at the right address, you will receive a voter information card in the mail when a federal election is called. The voter information card tells you when, where and the ways to vote.

An up-to-date registration will also make the voting process faster.
Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Are you an experienced event and/or conference planner?
  • Are you passionate about the tourism and hospitality industries?
  • Do you possess a strong skillset to develop, produce, and manage large-scale events?

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) have issued a RFP to solicit proposals from qualified meeting and events planners interested in successfully organizing, coordinating, and managing the 2nd Annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person March 8-11, 2022 in Prince George.

About the Conference:
In face of the challenges presented over the course of the COVID-19, in March 2021, TIABC and the BCHA joined forces to present the first ever BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, held virtually. With the aim of providing industry with tools, knowledge, and resources for success, the conference will once again bring industry operators, partners, and stakeholders together in March 2022 for a four-day period filled with connection, growth, and inspiration.

How to Submit A Proposal:
Please refer to complete RFP package here for full submission guidance. Proposals must be received by August 30th at 5pm PST and can be submitted to the following:
  • By mail:

BC Hotel Association/Tourism Industry Association of BC
200-948 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1N9

  • Electronically:

Walt Judas                    Ingrid Jarrett
CEO, TIABC                 CEO, BCHA
wjudas@tiabc.ca            ingrid@bcha.com
Register for the Hospitality
Management Hiring Fair!
In face of the greatest workforce shortage in recent history, operators are searching for ways to find highly-skilled, highly-trained individuals to join their teams.

To develop a solution to this issue, the BC Hotel Association has partnered with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICC) to bring you the first iteration of the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair.

  • The Process:
  • Prior to meeting with potential employers, all candidates will be subject to a pre-screening process to ensure they are:
  • Opera PMS certified
  • Food Safe certified
  • Able to perform tasks and duties related to the position
  • Able to communicate in English fluently
  • Location:
  • The Fair will take place at Cornerstone College Tech Campus at 816 Granville Street
  • Date:
  • October 9th, 2021 | Time TBA

Are you interested in participating or learning more information? Click below to register.
Workforce Solutions | Government Funded Placement Program & Contract Labour
PROPEL | Student Work Placement Program

Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a federally funded Student Work Placement Program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Called Propel, this initiative provides post-secondary students with paid work-integrated learning opportunities with tourism and hospitality employers. Employers who hire students through this initiative receive a wage subsidy of 75% of the student’s wages, up to a maximum of $7,500.

This program will be a lifeline to our hardest-hit sector, providing talent and financial assistance at a time when so many employers are struggling.
This new program benefits the full spectrum of the visitor economy as it emerges from the crushing impact of the pandemic:
  • Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages after an 18-month stretch of little or no income.
  • Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study.
  • Post-secondary institutions complement their programming by connecting students and the workplace.

All qualifying parties—from small, independent operations to large, multi-property companies—are invited to apply for this timely support for our sector at PropelCareers.ca.
Integral Hospitality | Secure Outsourced Workers

Integral Hospitality, a division of the Integral Services Group, have assisted a number of hotels throughout BC with their outsourced housekeeping needs, placing over 100 full time housekeepers across BC.
A BCHA premier partner, Integral recognizes the urgency that many accommodators are facing. Should you be facing a staffing shortage, please contact Brett Mollard directly at brett@integralservicesgroup.com. To learn more, visit their website
Call for Nominations | BCHA
Board of Directors
The BCHA is offering a unique opportunity for you to voice your interest to become part of the Board of Directors.

Now is a particularly critical time for industry and appointment to the BCHA Board offers opportunity to lend your voice and leadership skills, while developing critical strategies aimed to help industry as we embark on our next chapter of recovery.

  • The BCHA | Advocating for the Sector with Unwavering Resolve
  • Much more than a voice for the British Columbia Hotel Sector, the BC Hotel Association is a champion, advocate, and resource for our province's entire accommodation community and supporting industries. Representing membership on a national, provincial, and community level, the BCHA actively serves the accommodation industry and its partners—acting as a bridge between the accommodation and business community—while working to ensure the betterment of our unique and interconnected network of operators.

  • The BCHA Board of Directors | Agents of Change
  • The BCHA Board of Directors is comprised of 19 elected members, each possessing a sincere commitment to the accommodation community. With elected members from regions across British Columbia, board members are champions of the industry who assume a critical leadership role, develop strategies, and make impactful decisions that will support the future of industry and its ongoing success.

With a sincere devotion to ensuring we meet our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage all members to explore materials below—particularly those interested in pioneering the future of hospitality in BC and being an integral part of the next chapter of this more-than-a-century old organization.
Reminder | TIABC Pre-Budget Submission Provided to Federal Government
As part of the federal government's pre-budget consultation process, TIABC provided a brief with a number of recommendations pertaining to changes or extensions needed for CEWS, CERS, HASCAP and other measures.
 
TIABC also signed off on another submission led by TIAC, that included every provincial and territorial tourism industry association across the country. Key recommendations included:
  • That the government provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with revenue losses greater than 40% from September 2021 to May 2022;
  • Provide a tax incentive to Canadians for the 2022/2023 tax year to travel locally or within Canada, invest in reinstating consumer confidence;
  • In consultation with Tourism HR Canada, conduct a comprehensive review of all current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs to identify opportunities and align policies that will work for tourism, and to create a dedicated immigration pathway for the sector;
  • Develop a comprehensive pan-Canadian tourism workforce strategy that complements new investments in marketing and other recovery efforts.
 
Please click here to see TIABC's submission and the TIAC/PTTIA submission here.
US-Canada Border Reopening | Messaging & Resources for Operators
As of August 9, 2021, Canada will now allow entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the US) for leisure travel. If they meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada. All travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information

Destination British Columbia has put together messaging guidance for the province's tourism industry. This document includes key messaging, FAQ, and additional information.
Key Messaging:
 
  • Welcome back, neighbours!
  • Effective August 9th, Canada will allow entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the US) for leisure travel. If you meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada.
  • We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.
  • For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website.
  • BC tour operators, accommodation providers and attraction hosts have implemented stringent protocols to keep visitors safe, and visitors are asked to return the favour by travelling responsibly this summer and fall.
  • Travellers are encouraged to reference Destination BC’s “Know Before You Go” page for information on the latest travel restrictions, what’s open and more

Additional Resources:

There are specific mandatory guidelines to follow for those travellers arriving by private plane. This includes unvaccinated children under 12 do not need to quarantine, but those aged 12-17 do. Detailed information from the Government of Canada can be found here.
 
Central Okanagan COVID-19 Restrictions | Information & Resources
Due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases, and the introduction of the Delta variant, measures have been introduced to the Central Okanagan region impacting the communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Lake Country.

These measures include:
  • Travel and Accommodation
  • Vacation rentals and accommodations (houses/houseboats included) will be limited to 5 people plus occupants
  • Recommendation against non-essential travel to the Okanagan
  • Personal gatherings
  • Outdoor personal gatherings limited to 50 people
  • Indoor personal gatherings limited to groups of five people from one other households
  • Organized gatherings
  • Indoor/outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people with COVID safety plan in place
  • Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Casinos
  • Nightclubs and bars will be closed
  • Restaurants will be limited to groups of up to 6 people (not restricted to own household)
  • Liquor service limited until 10pm
  • Casinos will remain operational under current guidelines but must comply with restaurant guidance
  • Exercise Facilities
  • Indoor low intensity exercise will continue with capacity limits
  • Indoor high intensity exercise will be suspended
  • Masks
  • Mask mandate will continue to be in place for all indoor public places and is enforceable by bi-law officers in the Central Okanagan
The single most important action we can all do to protect our industry, community, and ourselves is to receive both vaccine doses and encourage others to do the same. To encourage residents of British Columbia to become fully vaccinated, the government of BC has taken the following measures:

  • Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling. Search by community to find a drop-in event near you. Events are organized by each health authority. 
  • Interior Health
  • People who live in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and on Westbank First Nations lands (Central Okanagan Local Health Area) can get their second dose 28 days after dose 1, opposed to 48 days.
  • Fraser Health
  • Vancouver Coastal
  • Island Health
  • Northern Health
  • Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest. A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc
#ICYMI | Western Financial Risk Management Webinar Recording Available
Thank you to all who joined yesterday's Risk Management Webinar presented by Western Financial Group! For those of you who missed it, a recording is now available!

Watch the recording to learn strategies for how to mitigate risk and ensure fire safety at your property. See additional resource for Risk Management and Wildfire safety.

Thank you to Rudy Penner for sharing important insights and tips on risk prevention. Should you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to Mike Macleod at mike@bcha.com.
Know Before You Go | Tourism Resources for Operators Facing Evacuation & Restrictions
FOR OPERATORS | Emergency Preparedness

The wildfire situation coupled with continued COVID19 restrictions in the Okanagan means that operators must continue to stay informed!

With the priority of ensuring that travelers have all the official resources they need to make informed decisions based on the latest, on-the-ground information, DBC has created and updated their Emergency Preparedness page. Consider this a fulsome resource to keep both yourself and your visitors informed over the course of the ongoing fire season and COVID-19 pandemic.

Wildfire and COVID-19 messaging guidance can be found on the webpage, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to DBC's Know Before You Go information.

FOR VISITORS | Know before you go.

Current travel restrictions, wildfire info, and other key visitor information on is available on Destination BC's consumer website, HelloBC.com. Click here to visit the Know Before You Go page and share the resource with anyone travelling within BC.
TRAVEL WARNING REMAINS IN PARTS OF INTERIOR  

Given the current wildfire situation in BC, the Province is reminding people to not travel to parts of the Interior region until further notice.
 
This includes the communities of Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Okanagan Indian Band, Enderby, and parts of the Regional District North Okanagan.
 
A map of areas affected by this is available here:
 
There continues to be multiple fires threatening communities in the region and thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, many requiring commercial accommodation. Communities in the region are also extremely smoky and hot, with above seasonal temperatures.
 
Interior Health has also advised that non-essential travel to and from the Central Okanagan should be avoided due to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
 
For those who live in the region, government is not asking you to leave. Be ready to go if you’re under an evacuation alert. For evacuation orders, leave immediately.
 
The wildfire situation is continually evolving. For wildfire updates, evacuation alerts and orders click here.
Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief
Federal Programs
  • Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.
  • Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
  • Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay.
  • Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs
  • Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099
 
Indigenous Programs

Provincial Program
  • The Workplace Accessibility Grant program. The grant program 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).
Your Voice is STILL Needed! Help Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500
Participate in the survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
 
go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic. 
 
We need your help! 
We need to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. We ask for assistance in sharing the survey with a wide variety of businesses in the province, and ask you to please share this survey with your members. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete this survey. We want to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on your member’s operations, the human resource issues they face, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward. Any information provided will be held confidential, used only for the purpose of this study, and reported only in summary form with the responses of other respondents. Please help us spread the word!
Reminder | Have Your Say on B.C.’s Permanent Paid Sick Leave
Public consultation on the development of paid sick leave is now underway.

In addition to outreach to key stakeholders and Indigenous partners, a public consultation process is now open and can be accessed through government’s engagement site.

There will be two phases of consultation:
  • Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14) – surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs; and
  • Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25) – informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.

More information below:
Mark Your Calendars
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR Partner of Safer Spaces campaign.

Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR are partnering up to help Vancouver’s hospitality industry get a jump start on safety.
 
Participating establishments will receive cross-promotion throughout the summer and an invitation to a safety skill sharing and social event in the Fall.
 
The 6 week 'Safer Spaces' campaign encourages local establishments to sign-up for industry-specific training to help build staff and patron confidence. Learn tools and tips to help prioritize safety and navigate a variety of challenging situations.
 
July 15 - August 31
 
All training is free of charge. Learn more and sign-up here.
ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar
 
ABLE BC and Ballistic Arts invite you to join us for a free webinar.
 
At last! British Columbia and the rest of Canada are opening back up. That's great news, but how are you going to best take advantage of this for your business? Will you marketing tactics that you used during the lockdown work now that the economy is reemerging? What new initiatives should you think about and what should you avoid?
 
Join ABLEBC on this one-hour webinar 'Lead Generation and Marketing Tips for BC's Reopening' with expert Ted Lau, CEO of award-winning Ballistic Arts, and podcast host of Marketing News Canada.
 
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 10:00 am PT
 
What you'll learn:
 
·   The big changes in Apple, Facebook, and Google that will affect how you market
·   What type of cost effective marketing content makes sense for your lead generation efforts
·   Even more about the Marketing Funnel/Loop and where you need to focus in the reopening
 
The economy is reopening, are you ready? Register here for the free webinar.
 
If you are unable to attend live, a webinar recording will be sent to everyone registered.
You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
 
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact kelsey@bcha.com
Congratulations to Richard Porges who was just named permanent CEO of Destination British Columbia!

The BC Hotel Association extends a heartful congratulations to Richard Porges who has been named President and CEO of DBC!

Richard previously served as the corporation’s Acting President and CEO, and Vice President of Corporate Development prior to that. He joined the corporation’s research department in 1999, and moved to progressively more senior roles within the BC Provincial Government and Destination BC. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Richard provided strategic leadership for Destination BC’s corporate communications, research and analytics, human resources, and corporate services departments. Before joining Destination BC, he taught in the Economics, MBA and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and was a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations. 

During his time at DBC, Richard's leadership, strategic skills, and mentorship have made an incredible impact on the province, particularly as we faced substantial issues pertaining to the COVID-19 crisis. We are all grateful for Richard's appointment and that he will be leading DBC through the next chapter of our industry's collective recovery.

Congrats Richard!
WORTH Association Recognizes Marion Harper Treskin with the Marion Harper Treskin Leadership Scholarship | Now Open to Applicants

WORTH Association is proud to announce The Marion Harper Treskin Leadership Scholarship, a one-time ($2000) scholarship awarded to a Woman of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality in their final year of studies.

Marion has been in the hotel industry for over 30 years and is currently the Dual Property General Manager at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The DOUGLAS Hotel. As her two year term as the Chair of the Board of Directors at Destination Vancouver comes to a close, in recognition of her service, this award has been established to support a woman pursuing a leadership journey in recreation, tourism and hospitality management. Marion believes female role models are critical to the success of increasing the number of female leaders in our industry as she drew her inspiration from her mother, Patricia Harper, an owner and operator of a small summer camp.

To learn more about eligibility, evaluation process and to apply, click here: https://lnkd.in/gHpx77Rh
In The News
How the Pandemic is Reshaping Corporate Travel | Hotel News Resource, August 16

Corporate travel, which took a big hit during the pandemic, is showing green shoots again. But will it approach prepandemic levels any time soon? How will the shift toward remote work affect the return of internal meetings, client visits, and conferences? The answers to these questions will determine how businesses and travel providers pivot to function in the new normal.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill, one thing became clear: Corporate travel would face a slower return than leisure, almost as surely as international would lag domestic. Although much remains to be seen, these predictions have largely borne out. US travel suppliers have started seeing some relief in the first half of 2021. A successful vaccine rollout, and updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance designating travel as safe for vaccinated people, have ushered in the return of domestic leisure travel (for more details, read our report, Keen but cautious). But corporate travel faces a slower return, thanks to a more complex set of considerations.


As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in B.C., concern over travel is also increasing.

In just the past week COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island have almost doubled. Sixty-two cases were reported last Monday, today the province announced a total of 112 cases.

Meanwhile, in less than a week a dozen Vancouver Island flights were added to the COVID exposure list, the majority of which, were either leaving or arriving at Victoria’s International Airport.
For some on the island, both trends are concerning.

“I don’t want people coming here and spreading the virus, especially when it’s not necessary. People should be checked properly before they get on the plane, or people shouldn’t come,” said one Oak Bay resident.

Wildfires have caused heavy damage to dozens of properties in B.C.’s southern Interior and entire communities are on evacuation alert as gusting winds worsened fire conditions during the weekend and on Monday.

The White Rock Lake wildfire has caused significant damage to up to 60 properties, Laura Wilson, with the Regional District of Central Okanagan, said Monday.

Social media posts reported the losses included the Little Kingdom, a landmark pit stop near Vernon that included a gas bar and a store that sold everything from fresh baking to clothing and hardware.

Wilson said the White Rock Lake fire damaged rural properties, vacation houses and homes along Okanagan Lake.

Heading to Rideau Hall on Sunday morning, Justin Trudeau had to know he was going to be called upon by reporters to explain his reasons for triggering an election in a pandemic. His response was to invert the question.

"In this pivotal, consequential moment, who wouldn't want a say? Who wouldn't want their chance to help decide where our country goes from here?" he asked after finishing his official business with the Governor General.
"After making it through 17 months of nothing like we've ever experienced, Canadians deserve to choose what the next 17 months, the next 17 years and beyond, look like."

BCHA, Director of Member and Business Development, Mike Macleod, was invited to guest spot on the Kidzsmart blog to share some insights on the importance of family marketing and outreach initiatives in the hospitality industry.

Outlining trends, challenges, and the various ways the family market has shifted, Mike shares strategies to pivot operations to attract this once-predictable market.
Comment Card
BCHA Member Services Coordinator, Samantha Glennie, gave Hotel Zed her stamp of approval during a recent visit. Her favourite part? The fortune teller lounge and secret arcade were particular highlights!
Last Laugh
A direct and compelling headline