January 6th, 2023

CEO MESSAGE

Happy New Year! I trust you enjoyed a break from the daily grind to vacation elsewhere or spend time with loved ones over the holidays, and that you’re looking forward with great anticipation to what 2023 will bring.

The week before Christmas I shovelled aside a mountain of snow at the end of my driveway to find a spot for a bin of compostable materials, as well as another bin of recyclables to be picked up by one of the city’s waste management trucks. Alas, it never came. Seems the amount of snow was too much for even large, heavy vehicles to negotiate.

Two weeks hence, after jamming every last piece of cardboard, paper and plastic left over from the holidays that I could fit into an overflowing recycling bin, I again shunted it to the curb for pick-up, even more mindful of what it contained given new federal regulations now in effect.

In case you are not aware, the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) are part of the federal government’s plan to address pollution, meet its target of zero plastic waste by 2030, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The new regs prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the rules, as well as a staggered timeline over the next 42 months for various stages of implementation.

From a tourism and hospitality perspective, the new regulations require attention, particularly for restaurants, bars, and other businesses with food service operations. As my colleague Mark von Schellwitz of Restaurants Canada explained to CTV news earlier this week…because the consumer appetite for takeout and delivery has increased (particularly since the start of the pandemic) and is unlikely to regress, so too has the need for items like plastic spoons, knives and forks.

Although the restaurant industry is completely aligned with and supports the goal to reduce waste from single-use plastic items, efforts must be balanced against safe, affordable, and available alternatives, not to mention consistent standards for waste management practices in communities across British Columbia and Canada…something that by and large does not exist at present.

You may recall that TIABC delivered a series of recommendations last July as part of the province’s consultation on preventing plastic and single-use waste in BC (a copy of the submission can be found on our website)…many of which align with those of Restaurants Canada and other industry sectors. Suffice it to say, a sufficient adjustment period beyond the protracted implementation of the new federal regs may still be necessary for some tourism and hospitality businesses to further help with recovery, among other reasons.

Another regulation in place as of January 1st is the federal government’s two-year ban on foreign ownership of residential dwellings in order to put the brakes on Canada’s frenzied housing market where limited supply, bidding wars, and other factors contributed to skyrocketing costs…save for recent months where higher interest rates have cooled things down somewhat.

Although recreational properties like cottages are exempted from the ban, as are communities with a population of less than 10,000, there are still many nuances within the regulations to cause uncertainty and directly impact the sale of vacation homes in ski resorts by way of example.

To be sure, there are many other regulations, new pieces of legislation, or consultation processes to be introduced this year that TIABC and/or our sector partners will respond to. Case in point, the province is taking an in-depth look at how to ensure gig work (i.e. income-earning activity outside conventional long-term employment relationships such as ride-hailing or food-delivery apps) is fair for workers and sustainable for businesses. There are others listed below.

While a series of round-table discussions on this issue were held in November and December around BC, an online questionnaire has been open to residents for a number of weeks. Note…the deadline for response is 4pm TODAY so please take a few minutes to respond pronto HERE.

Now that my garbage, compost, and recycling bins are all virtually empty, my task to conclude the first week of the new year is to box up old Christmas decorations, clothes I no longer wear, and impractical household items gathering dust in my garage to drop off at the local thrift store. Staying true to the old adage that one person’s trash is another person’s treasurer, I am confident these items will be recycled and put to good use by someone else instead of being thrown in a bin for pick-up by a late waste management truck destined for the landfill.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC
The Future of the Royal BC Museum
Dialogue Sessions

The Royal BC Museum is inviting members and the general public to come together as they embark on a significant community engagement journey across the province that will help shape the modernization of the museum.

Royal BC Museum CEO Alicia Dubois will host these interactive sessions, sharing where they are now, the hard work ahead and asking for your vital input on the museum's future.

Please RSVP in the links below at your earliest convenience as space is limited.

  • Current RBCM and IMAX members, please login HERE to register
  • Visit HERE to learn more and register for the public sessions
Seeking Public Feedback on BC’s First Coastal Marine Strategy

British Columbians are invited to provide input on BC’s first coastal marine strategy being developed in partnership with First Nations, whose historic knowledge and experience in coastal marine management will help inform long-term stewardship of BC’s diverse and unique marine ecosystems and habitats.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on an 'Intentions Paper' that outlines the strategy’s goals and priorities including ensuring coastal areas remain healthy and resilient to climate change and can support community well-being and a sustainable ocean economy into the future.

Public input on the coastal marine strategy, which will span at least 20 years, closes April 14th.

To learn more about the development of the coastal marine strategy and provide your input, visit HERE.
Input Needed to the Blue Economy Regulatory Review

The Blue Economy Regulatory Review is officially underway as part of the third round of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s targeted Regulatory Reviews. The Blue Economy Regulatory Review will be led by Fisheries & Oceans Canada, working in collaboration with other government departments.

The goal of this Review is to ensure that new and existing frameworks support innovation and economic growth, while ensuring Canada’s robust standards for health, safety, security, and environmental protection are maintained.

Input from ocean industry stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, other levels of government and other organizations or individuals interested in regulatory issues related to the Blue Economy, is being sought through the Blue Economy Regulatory Review project using the online engagement platform. The themes, guiding questions, and instructions for submissions are found on the project page. Comments are sought by March 17th.
Canada Summer Jobs Application Deadline January 12th

A reminder that applications are open to apply for the Canada Summer Jobs Funding program, which offers direct assistance to not for profits, public, and private businesses to offset summer hiring costs.

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2023 is a business wage subsidy program designed to help pay the salaries for summer jobs created for youth between the ages of 15 and 30. The program is not restricted to students, instead focusing on those who face barriers to employment. Businesses can receive a reimbursement of up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage.

Deadline to apply: January 12th with notification of funding confirmations starting April 2023.
ITBC “Spark” Mentorships &
Grants Program

The Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) “Spark” Program is now open and accepting applications. Presented by Destination BC, sponsored by TD Bank and in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the Lab is inviting any Indigenous entrepreneurs, small businesses and/or non-profits or community groups to apply with their new tourism idea.

Applicants could be selected to receive a $5,000 seed grant and mentorship to help get them started and push their ideas to the next level of development.

Apply by January 18th!

The final Info Session will be held on Monday, Jan. 9 @ 11:30AM PST.
Sparking and Supporting Tourism Innovation in BC
JANUARY 17TH at 12:00 pm (PST)
GUESTS: Tourism Innovation Lab & Destination BC
This webinar will highlight the Tourism Innovation Lab's "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program and its development in British Columbia over the last two years.

Alex Berlyand will share experiences and examples on inspiring, supporting and enabling tourism innovation through industry partnerships and programs.

Guest speakers will include Aimee Epp from Destination British Columbia, as well as Rebecca Mason, a past 2021 "Spark" winner from the Sea to Sky area.
Alex Berlyand
Tourism Innovation Lab
Aimee Epp
Destination BC
Rebecca Mason
2021 "Spark" Winner
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Visit our website to book your accommodation at one of our conference hotels and learn more about your travel options to Prince George.

Plus, enjoy an Air Canada discount code.

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Celebrate Heritage Week in BC
February 20 - 26

Heritage BC invites you to plan something special to highlight your community’s heritage. Whether you work with culture, arts, history, nature and wildlife, parks, experiences, or run a business with a longstanding history in your community - Heritage Week is your opportunity to showcase the history that makes your community unique.

Looking to create a Heritage Week plan that involves community participation? Submit it to the Heritage Week Events Calendar which Heritage BC will be promoting throughout February. During Heritage Week, use #bcheritageweek, download the Heritage Week graphics, and share how you’re celebrating.

For participation questions, contact Heritage BC’s Program Coordinator, Nathalie, at npicard@heritagebc.ca.
More DriveBC Webcams Help
Drivers Plan Trips

Sixteen new cameras and 33 new views were added to the DriveBC webcam network in 2022, helping people plan for traffic and weather conditions on BC roads.

There are now 486 cameras delivering 985 real-time views of road conditions at strategic locations throughout the province. Webcam locations are based on needs identified by residents, contractors or weather experts.

New cameras and views added to the network in 2022 include:

  • Highway 4 at Taylor River, approximately 37 kilometres west of Port Alberni at the turn off for Taylor River Rest Area, looking west and east.
  • Highway 99 at Valley Drive in Squamish, looking north and south, and providing improved and up-to-date information for residents of Squamish and for skiers travelling to and from Whistler and Blackcomb.
  • Highway 5 at Exit 366 Logan Lake and Lac le Jeune Road.
  • Francois Lake Ferry Landings at north and south bank ferry terminals.

To learn more and to view the DriveBC webcams, visit HERE.
Program Announced | 2023 IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference

The focus for the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference continues to be on uncovering resources, building skills and showcasing solutions based thought leadership, as the Victoria based conference celebrates its sixth year January 22nd through to the 25th.

At IMPACT 2023, participants will explore how the travel industry can rebuild with intention to create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. Key themes will include reciprocity and partnerships, capacity building, climate action, and diversity. The program will also cover IMPACT’s four pillars of Ecology & Environment, Community & Sense of Place, Culture & Heritage, and the Economy.
Boating BC | Call for Board Members

The Boating BC Association is seeking members interested in joining the Board of Directors.

If you would like to be more involved in the organization or to find out more about the roll of directors, please contact Don Prittie at gm@canoecovemarina.com or Bruce Hayne at bruce@boatingbc.ca.

DBC Job Opportunity

Sr. Program Advisor | Indigenous & Regional Partnerships

Reporting to the Director, Indigenous and Regional Partnerships, the Senior Program Advisor, Indigenous & Regional Partnerships will play a key role in implementing organizational change on the path toward improving opportunities for Indigenous Peoples through tourism. The position will support the development and maintenance of meaningful relationships, trust, respect, transparency, and reconciliation.

The Senior Program Advisor, Indigenous & Regional Partnerships is responsible for the consistent application of program standards, policies, and procedures for all strategy development and project processes delivered by Destination BC.

Learn more HERE.
Sunshine Coast Tourism

Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is a registered non-profit society and a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). SCT was established in 2008 to promote British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast—from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound—as a premier, year-round travel destination for regional, national, and international travellers.


Sunshine Coast Tourism’s mission is to build a strong and sustainable tourism economy on the Sunshine Coast consistent with the values of residents. In keeping with their mission and goals, they have just launched a new website with the aim to improve the overall experience of visitors interested in experiencing the Sunshine Coast.

Click HERE to learn more about the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Tourism.
Become A TIABC Member

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.
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Understanding Boundaries in Fast Paced Workplaces

A Top Chef’s Perspective

During this practical, interactive webinar, led by Trevor Bird, we’ll learn and explore our own boundaries. How do you set boundaries at work? How do you recognize and respect others’ boundaries? How can boundary setting contribute to a positive and productive workplace environment? This session is relevant for both employers and employees.

Date: January 10
Time: 10am - 11am (PT) via Zoom

In this 1 hour webinar, participants will:
  • Define boundaries and what they are for you
  • Explore our own relationship to boundaries
  • How a lack of boundaries shows up in our everyday life for us as individuals

Click HERE to register.
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Registration Open | IMPACT 2023

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference promises to deliver another provocative
and solution-based conference.

The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.

The theme for the event is: O P E N. New sessions this year will address how to build careers with purpose, funding the transition to a more sustainable destination and tourism operation, how to develop effective partnerships to reach your sustainability goals and a deeper look into KPIs and metrics, while exploring ESG best practices.

Visit HERE to learn more and to register.
2023 Vancouver International Boat Show

The Vancouver International Boat Show is fast approaching and is shaping up to be a terrific, well attended event. After a two-year break from the show due to COVID-19, consumers and exhibitors alike are eager to get back to an in-person show.

Dates: February 1-5
Location: BC Place and Granville Island

Canadian Boat Shows International is allocating booth space and making all the arrangements for a first-class event. If you have not secured your booth space yet, please reach out to Amanda Henschell, show manager at 604-882-8024 or ahenschell@canadianboatshows.com.

Learn more HERE.
Notice of Boating BC AGM

This is to announce that Boating BC Association will hold its Annual General Meeting in accordance with its bylaws and constitution.

Date: Friday, February 3 @ 8:00 am (PT)
Location: Vancouver International Boat Show, BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver

Breakfast and registration will begin at 7:30 am with the meeting commencing at 8:00 am. All members in good standing are welcome and encouraged to attend. One voting card per business member will be provided at registration.

Register HERE.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2023 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: February 22nd at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops).

Tourism stakeholders are invited to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.

Registration to be announced soon. Click HERE for more information.
Registration Now Open
2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce registration is now open for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC).

This conference is designed to unite the global Indigenous tourism industry bringing together tourism operators, international delegates, members of parliament and tourism partners. IITC features collective sharing of best practices and networking as Canadian and global delegates participate in panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations and local cultural experiences.

Dates: March 8-10
Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Early Bird pricing ends December 15th!

Learn more and register HERE.
Save the Date | June 5-7
BC Aviation Council Conference - Prince George

We are pleased to announce the dates for the next annual BCAC Conference. It will take place in Prince George, ("Base camp to the North" and home to YXS) at the "Courtyard by Marriott" hotel.

More information including conference theme, agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations to follow soon. Questions or Sponsorships? Ask Dave!
Thank-you for your readership! We encourage you to send us your ideas or content that would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin.
Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.
TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.