Dogwood Express Newsletter |
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February 22 2022: Issue 19 |
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In This Issue:
- Reminder: Existing Users Ground Water Licencing Application Deadline March 1, 2022
- NEW Bulletin – Cancellation Policies
- Free Business Education Opportunities
- Free BCLCA Webinar and Town Hall Meeting March 16, 2022
- Three Valley Lake Chateau, Three Valley Gap - Passing of Co-Founder Ethel Bell
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Dear BCLCA Member:
This past week has seen us move to fewer COVID health and gathering restrictions in BC as the Omicron wave wanes and we look forward to a brighter spring and summer.
Even the federal government got in the act and announced an easing of current order measures, representing the beginning of phased easing of travel restrictions. Adjustments go into effect February 28th, and it is good to see the global travel advisory reduced to level 2 to allow for non-essential travel outside Canada. This is a signal that we are open for travel business.
44 BCLCA members gathered at the Webinar and Town Hall on February 16th to hear from BCLCA Directors Barry Burko, Whispering Pines RV and Tent, Mara and Tammi Midgley, Sheridan Lake Resort, Lone Butte provide advice about do and don’ts of Cancellation Policies.
Barry and Tammi did a fantastic job on the importance of having a strong cancellation policy and answered many operational questions from the participants.
To watch the recording of the webinar and town hall proceedings:
Passcode: ^5=rR51X
The next FREE Webinar and Town Hall is March 16th at 10:00 am – 11:30 am and will feature the results of the BCLCA Occupancy and Rate Survey with Liddie Sorensen-Lawrence, MBA, CAIP and Kimo Linders, En Route Travel Canada talking about Capturing International RV Rental Business (more details in this issue).
Register in advance for this webinar:
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REMINDER: EXISTING USERS GROUND WATER LICENCING APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2022
If you divert and use groundwater for non-domestic purposes, you must now obtain a water licence and pay water fees and rentals. This change came into force with the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) on February 29, 2016.
Under the Water Sustainability Act, those using groundwater wells for non-domestic purposes are required to obtain a water licence or use approval, pay fees and rentals. Homeowners with wells (“domestic users”) are exempt from licensing and fees.
By securing a water licence, groundwater users will be brought into the water licensing system and receive a water right and a date of precedence, just like surface water licensees currently have.
The legislation recognizes that surface and groundwater are interconnected; licensing groundwater helps the province develop a more complete picture of the resource. This enables the province to better manage water and protect the rights of licensed water users.
If you do not have a water licence for your groundwater usage and were an existing commercial user on or before February 29, 2016, you have until March 1, 2022, to submit your application.
For water fees and rentals visit:
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NEW BULLETIN - CANCELLATION POLICIES
Emergencies in British Columbia such as the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, and wildfires have resulted in higher than usual numbers of cancellation requests by members’ guests.
To address this BCLCA had the legal firm Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP prepare a bulletin on cancellation policies.
A strong cancellation policy and proper implementation of such a policy will provide members with a stronger position when dealing with cancellation requests. A failure to develop or implement strong policies may result in guests obtaining a legal right to cancel the agreement and receive a refund, or may result in disagreements, legal disputes, and dissatisfied guests.
In addition, British Columbia’s Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (“BPCPA”) imposes various requirements on businesses. In certain circumstances, the BPCPA may provide guests with the right to cancel a booking and receive a refund, even if the member’s cancellation policy does not permit it.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide general information to members on the law on cancellation policies in British Columbia and provide guidelines on best practices for their implementation. Excerpts from the BPCPA referenced in the bulletin are included as Schedule “A” at the end of this bulletin.
Disclaimer: The Cancellation Policies bulletin is provided for general education purposes only and is for the exclusive use of members of the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association (“BCLCA”). The BCLCA makes no representations or warranties regarding the use of this bulletin and encourages members to obtain independent legal advice regarding whether their contracts and cancellation policies comply with the law and satisfy their own personal or business needs.
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FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s webinars and online education to support COVID-19 recovery and help mitigate ongoing impacts. There is no charge to tourism stakeholders. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person (if available).
To access these resources completely free of charge, please register online via the link below using coupon code DBC3034.
- March 1 - Creating a Website for your Business
- March 9 - Blogging to Promote your Business
- March 14 - Creating Engaging Video Content Using your Phone
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FREE BCLCA WEBINAR AND TOWN HALL MEETING MARCH 16, 2022
All Campground Operators are invited to a FREE Zoom webinar and town hall cracker barrel to discuss operating in 2022.
When: Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:30 am Vancouver
Topic: BCLCA Webinar and Town Hall Cracker Barrel
Register in advance for this event:
Webinar
The webinar will feature the results of the BCLCA Occupancy and Rate Survey with Liddie Sorensen-Lawrence, MBA, CAIP from Align Consulting to be followed by Kimo Linders, En Route Travel Canada talking about Re-capturing International RV Rental Business.
Town Hall Session
After the webinar, the event moves to an interactive 30-minute question-and-answer Cracker Barrel led by Jamie Cox, BCLCA President who, along with other directors, will answer operational questions posed by operators.
Register in advance for this event:
After registering, you will receive an email confirmation containing information about joining the webinar/town hall. A reminder email will be sent one week prior and one day before the webinar commences.
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THREE VALLEY LAKE CHATEAU, THREE VALLEY GAP - PASSING OF CO-FOUNDER ETHEL BELL
It is with great sadness that the Bell Family is announcing the passing of Ethel Louise Bell, on February 6, 2022, at the age of 88. Ethel was co-founder of Three Valley Gap with her late husband, Gordon Bell, who passed away in 2007. A celebration of life will be held on May 12, 2022.
Three Valley Lake Chateau has been a proud member of BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association for many years and the Board and staff offer their sincere condolences to the Bell Family.
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BC LODGING & CAMPGROUNDS ASSOCIATION
209, 3003 St. Johns Street, Port Moody BC V3H 2C4
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