News Release - May 28, 2020

Gradual Return of City Services

The City is focusing on the essential services our residents rely upon and will continue to exercise an abundance of caution as we provide limited in-person services starting June 1. We will work towards a full resumption of regular services in a gradual and cautious manner, following the direction of the Provincial Health Officer.

The finance department is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Finance is open to accept property tax payments, utility payments and to process homeowner grants only. We will not issue garbage tags, bus passes or dog tags in June. Residents should continue to access services electronically.

All other City business is by appointment only and walk-in services are not available at this time. Call 250 248-6144 to book an appointment or refer to contact info on our website. Please contact VIU, School District #69 and the library by phone at this time.

The City will continue to monitor public demand for in-person services with a view to offering more services in July. Our thanks to Oceanside residents for following the rules to keep us safe and slow the spread of COVID-19. The City looks forward to resuming some in-person services, while ensuring the efforts of our community are not reversed.

Using Parksville Civic and Technology Centre building

• Residents will need to be patient and respectful as there will be delays during this transitional period. Number of people in building at one time is limited and it may be necessary to queue on the Jensen Avenue sidewalk.
• Jensen Avenue East is the designated entrance-only and the south door by the Cenotaph is the designated exit-only door.
• Washrooms remain closed to the public.
• To ensure safe transition, residents will need to take a number of steps. Physical distance markers will indicate flow, hand sanitizer is provided and procedures will be provided upon entry to building.
• Please respect safety protocols - wash/sanitize hands thoroughly and often, cover your cough or sneeze, limit your time if others are waiting and stay home if sick.

Council meetings - will once again be held in the Forum. To accommodate physical distancing and attendance of Council/staff, seating is extremely limited. The public is encouraged to avoid all in-person meetings and unless there is a reason to attend in person, continue to view meetings from the City's website, either livestreamed or archived https://www.parksville.ca/cms.asp?wpID=445. Comments may be emailed tocouncil@parksville.ca

Outdoor spaces, events and physical distancing - outdoor spaces are open for casual use; please respect posted guidelines. Groups should be small (two to six) and physical distance of two metres. No special events with more than 50 people in City facilities are being booked and playgrounds remain closed at this time. Sports courts are open for casual play and users should review the ViaSport BC website for sport specific info. The 50-person capacity limit is in effect at each court, defined outdoor area (e.g. skate park, gazebo) and individual municipal sites (e.g. City Hall).

CITY REMINDERS

Garage Sales

We have received questions about the possibility of holding garage sales now that the province is in phase 2. Although there are no specific restrictions against garage sales taking place, Island Health provided some guidance for those wishing to host a garage sale as it is considered an event and the mass gathering order would apply:

• No more than 50 people, including the host(s), can be in attendance at one time.
• Maintain physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) at all times; even in any line-ups that may form.
• Limit the number of persons in the sale area so physical distancing can be maintained.
• Set-up the sale outside instead of inside the garage.
• Increase sanitation of high touch surfaces.
• Host should encourage people not to touch items unless they are ready to buy it; disinfect any items that are touched and not purchased.
• Increase hand hygiene; hand wash or hand sanitizer after transactions.
• Use of gloves is an option for those handling money; encourage money be left on table and step away, likewise if providing change.
• Do not host a garage sale if feeling sick or unwell and have a sign asking people to stay away if feeling sick.
• Ensure the event, including queuing off the premises, does not block pedestrians or prevent passers by from maintaining a 2 metre distance from attendees.

Let's Talk Parksville - we have provided a resource list as support for residents and businesses trying to navigate the overwhelming amount of info about COVID-19. letstalkparksville.ca/covid-19

Public engagement survey - The City is looking for input from residents to see if there is an interest in engaging with us on projects. Open until June 7, the survey links from our website and letstalkparksville.ca.

Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce

• REBOUND OCEANSIDE - a recovery plan was created for businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach/School District 69 region to assist businesses through the crisis and minimize the negative impacts of an economic shut down. This program is supported by the Province of BC, WorkSafe BC and the Parksville & Qualicum Chambers of Commerce. https://www.workpqb.com/rebound-oceanside/business-recovery-plan.
• VISITOR CENTRES - the Chamber visitor centres will open for business on June 1. The gift shop features the works of local artisans and authors and have road and weather information and a great selection of brochures and publications.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073