Dogwood Express Newsletter | | |
- Association News Bytes March 21, 2025
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BC Government Announces Funding Through New Destination Events Program
- Donations Required for BCLCA’s 2025 Auction Benefiting Care Camps Foundation (Canada)
- Glamping - Cost Recovery Analysis and Profitability Webinar Overview
- Occupational First Aid Regulatory Changes for Employers
- Business Advisory Services Now Available
- BCLCA Welcomes New Members
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ASSOCIATION NEWS BYTES MARCH 21, 2025
Check out BCLCA's schedule of events and activities. Stay up-to-date with industry happenings and participate in the webinars and forums.
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Advocacy News
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President, Jamie Cox and Executive Director, Joss Penny participated in the tourism industry roundtable with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Chandra Herbert organized by the Tourism Industry Association of BC on Friday, March 7.
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Directors Jamie Cox, Jeff, Kirkman, Sandra van Steijn and Sara Spearman attended the BC Tourism Industry Conference March 5 – 7, 2025.
- Executive Director, Joss Penny is participating in the Western Regional Roundtable March 28th hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and Tourism Richmond.
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The Executive Committee are meeting with Minister of Environment & Parks Tamara Davidson on April 1.
Marketing Services and Benefits
Education Services, Webinars and Parking Lots
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Register for the third Parking Lot meeting March 27, 2025 – Risk Management and the Role of Insurance | Why Business Interruption and Boiler Coverage are Critical - Peter Lovering, Business Development Specialist and James Grant, President & CEO Signature Risk Partners Inc. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkceysqT4vH91LBMRqLQY1ZH7huZfn54Xq
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Watch the recording of the second Webinar March 12, 2025 - TITLE: Glamping - Cost Recovery Analysis and Profitability - See article and link below.
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Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Western Ideas Forum November 3 – 6, 2025 at St Eugene Golf Resort, Cranbrook. The four western provinces are coming together to host the event. Details to be posted in May 2025.
Announcements, Reports and Research
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Reminder that on November 5th BCLCA released the Managing Extended Stays – Best Practices Guidelines for Campground Operators. The guidelines publication is currently available only to BCLCA members in good standing. If you would like a copy of the guidelines, please contact jpenny@bclca.com.
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BC GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FUNDING THROUGH NEW DESTINATION EVENTS PROGRAM
During the presentation from Minister Chandra Herbert on March 7th at the BC Tourism Industry Conference, the Minister announced the launch of a Destination Events Program.
Building on the success of the former Tourism Events Program, the updated Destination Events Program will provide up to $5 million a year to support operational expenses and help communities host tourism, arts, cultural, and sport events that attract overnight visitors, create jobs, boost local economies, and foster tourism growth.
Applications will be accepted from April 7th until May 5th for events occurring between June 1, 2025 until September 30, 2026.
For more detailed information about the program and how to apply please visit the Destination Events Program website HERE.
If you have any questions about the Destination Events Program, please email: DestinationEventsProgram@gov.bc.ca.
| | DONATIONS REQUIRED FOR BCLCA'S 2025 AUCTION BENEFITING CARE CAMPS FOUNDATION (CANADA) | | |
The Online Auction starts 9 am Wednesday May 15, 2025, and runs until Sunday June 22, 2025, during Camping Month (June).
The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is proud to once again support Care Camps with the 2025 ONLINE Auction. The auction will feature a variety of items to bid on, including gift cards for camping nights, cabin stays, experiences, clothing, small appliances, and more.
Care Camps provides children living with cancer the opportunity to experience hope, happiness, and the healing powers that come from attending specialized oncology camps where they can simply enjoy being kids. The camp experience equips them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they face while fighting their disease.
Since 2021, through the collaborative efforts of BCLCA Care Camps supporters, more than $20,000 has been raised, and we aim to surpass this amount in the current year. It costs nearly $2,000 per week to send a child with cancer to camp.
This year, we are seeking gift certificates instead of physical items to reduce shipping costs, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to Care Camps.
If you would like to become an auction supporter and contribute a gift certificate(s) from your business, or if you could donate items such as gas cards, visa debit cards, or store merchandise cards, please email Darlene at Darlene@bclca.com or call her today at 604-908-5594.
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GLAMPING - COST RECOVERY ANALYSIS AND PROFITABILITY WEBINAR OVERVIEW
Victor Pasaran, Owner, Tiny Village Brand with four campgrounds in Ontario, on March 12th walked participants through what glamping is and why it's a fantastic option to attract new guests and to add a unique touch to your campground.
Victor talked about the types of glamping accommodations you could offer, what makes them so appealing to modern campers, and how they can help you stand out. He provided a list of what glampers wanted and pointed out that they are not in any order of importance. The list included Convenience/Comfort, Good scenery and Privacy among the nine mentioned.
Victor then broke down the costs of setting up a glamping site, shared insights into how much you could earn, and explained how quickly you might see a return on your investment.
Victor shared stats and costs from his 22 glamping units across his four properties such as:
- Average revenue per season per unit $28,000
- Average occupancy per season combined 78%
- Average overnight rate per unit $240
- Operating expense average per season per unit $2,350
- Average length of stay 2-5 days
He then ran through the cost per glamping cabin and the ROI they have experienced.
The takeaway from the webinar was how glamping can create a memorable experience for your guests, while boosting your campground's income and providing a decent ROI of under two years.
To view the session recording just click the link below and enter the passcode:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/1VFHsX0xnlqQH-YjnOcYK37NSChWTqbje31QaOg7NB4oNycNdEUY22WCNrtD23nP.x2txCNZHhlqmjq6z
Passcode: x7fT8!uk
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OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID REGULATORY CHANGES FOR EMPLOYERS
WorkSafeBC have shared an update on Occupational First Aid (OFA) regulatory changes with all tourism and hospitality stakeholders including the BCLCA.
The update is meant to remind employers of resources that are available to help them understand and meet first aid requirements.
Some resources of note are an interactive online tool which guides employers through the first aid assessment, a webpage on acceptable first aid certificates, and guidance for first aid attendants from out of province.
The following is a summary of the changes and updates WorkSafeBC has made to their website and resources regarding first aid since November 1, 2024.
If you have questions or need advice please reach out to Tim Pryde, Industry and Program Specialist, Prevention Programs and Services at the Prevention Services Division – email tim.pryde@worksafebc.com.
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BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Small Business Branch is striving to help entrepreneurs and business owners start, manage and grow their business and are providing services at no cost.
The business advisory services include:
- Free one-on-one consultations with expert advisors,
- Access to resources designed to help businesses start, grow and thrive,
- Guidance on navigating government programs and funding opportunities.
Additional information can be accessed HERE.
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BCLCA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
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Introducing New Active Members
Qualicum Bay Resort, Qualicum Bay
Alison Zheng
alison6zheng@gmail.com
https://resortbc.com/
Telegraph Harbour Marina Inc., Thetis Island
Jaime White
jaime.white@telegraphharbour.ca
https://telegraphharbour.com/
Introducing New Suppliers (to search the suppliers directory click here)
SUNRISE DOCKS is pleased to offer one of the best engineered docks on the market. Their docks are far lighter than traditional wooden docks but provide superior strength and durability in an aesthetically pleasing package. This is achieved by incorporating modern automotive manufacturing techniques and high-grade industrial aluminum to create the frame and merging it with industry leading composite tops and floats.
All dock components are produced at an ISO certified facility to maintain the highest standards of workmanship and durability. CanadaDocks™ docks are engineered to last for generations with little to no ongoing maintenance. The modular design allows owners to reconfigure or add additional sections to their existing CanadaDocks™ as needs change
Docks are available in both floating and standing extendable leg versions, making these aluminum docks extremely versatile. These features combined with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions make this the perfect dock for the DIY cottage owner as well as the professional.
CONTACT:
Robert Markin, CEO
info@sunrisedocks.ca
https://www.sunrisedocks.ca/
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BC LODGING & CAMPGROUNDS ASSOCIATION
209, 3003 St. Johns Street, Port Moody BC V3H 2C4
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