EMO News Release - May 22, 2020

COVID-19 Parksville-Qualicum Beach Community Update

This week many businesses reopened to a new normal and at this time, our governments are actively making plans to reopen facilities and amenities to meet provincial health guidelines. Reopening is being conducted using a carefully planned, phased approach to continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please stay close to home and keep your bubble small by minimizing time in close contact with those outside your household. Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

BC Hydro Scam Alert - BC Hydro advises they are aware of a scam in which fraudsters threaten discussion for an overdue account. During COVID-19, BC Hydro has suspended all disconnections for non-payment and are asking customers to report suspected fraud to local police. More info here.

Canada Revenue Agency - CRA has been getting many questions asking about eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Eligibility criteria is available at this link.

Expanded Eligibility for Canada Emergency Business Account - This pas week the government announced expanded criteria used by businesses in calculating their CEBA eligibility. More info here.

BC Parks - all camping is suspended until May 31 with most provincial campgrounds and backcountry camping to open June 1. The Discover Camping reservation system will be available for new reservations on May 25 at 7 am.

RDN Transit - starting June 1, RDN Transit service will return to front door loading and collection of fares. Temporary vinyl panels will be installed for operators and riders to support physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning on buses. BC Transit is working to ensure the safety of those travelling by bus. Here is a video which shows how they keep buses sanitized during COVID-19.

Information from Parksville & Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce

  • OPEN FOR BUSINESS - Here's a list of businesses in our community that the Chamber knows are open for business during this pandemic. Please consider supporting.
  • 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 pandemics 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/businessrecovery-plan
  • VISITOR CENTRES - The Chamber visitor centres in Parksville and Qualicum Beach will open for business on June 1.

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

The tennis courts and the skateboard park will reopen on May 22 for casual use only. In accordance with provincial guidance, there is no organized team play, training camps or competitive tournaments permitted at this time.

When using a Town facility, review and obey any posted signage prior to starting activities. Practice physical distancing, wash and sanitize hands often and be mindful of others around you. Users must keep gatherings small with no congregating. When using the sports courts, keep in mind:

  • Courts are for casual play only, not organized teams.
  • Clearly mark equipment and refrain from touching other people's items.
  • Do not share racquets, water bottles or any other sports equipment.
  • Each player should carry their own hand sanitizer for use during their activity.

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

City Council Meetings - will be open to the public starting with the next meeting on Monday, June 1 at 6 pm. Attendance will be limited and physical distancing restrictions will be in place for Council, staff and the public.

City Facilities - in addition to the off-leash dog park and skate park, the tennis courts in Springwood Park and the sports courts and lacrosse box in the Parksville Community Park reopen on May 22 for casual use only. In accordance with provincial guidance, there is no organized team play, training camps or competitive tournaments permitted at this time. Residents are encouraged to view the ViaSport BC website for information about the various sports sectors.

City offices remain closed to the public. We are working towards a June 1 reopening which will meet provincial guidelines and provide for the safety of our staff and visitors. In the Parksville Community Park, the playground, outdoor gym, splash park, sports fields and sand volleyball courts remain closed and the playgrounds at Foster Park and Shelly Creek Park remain closed. Updates will be posted to the City's website, Let's Talk Parksville and social media channels.

Public Engagement and Communications Survey - through an online survey, the City is seeking input from residents to determine if there is an interest in engaging on projects. Open until June 7, link to survey is provided here.

City Allow Restaurants to Expand Outdoor Seating - restaurants in the City may now expand seating out onto sidewalks and private parking lots to help with spacing to and safe queuing to meet the physical distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please contact administration@parksville.ca

STAY INFORMED

We will keep you informed of any changes to how the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville operate as this pandemic evolves. City staff and elected officials are practicing physical distance and sanitizing protocols and many services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information is available from:

For information, contact:

Rob Daman, Emergency Program Coordinator, Town of Qualicum Beach

rdaman@qualicumbeach.com

Aaron Dawson, Emergency Program Coordinator, City of Parksville

adawson@parksville.ca

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications, City of Parksville

dtardiff@parksville.ca


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