Message from Mayor Mayne to Parksville Residents

October 5, 2020

We hope your summer was enjoyable and you have been able to safely spend time with friends and family. We welcomed visitors to our community this summer while staying safe, quite an accomplishment. As we move into fall, we understand there will be anxiety and concern for our residents as we navigate the pandemic. We are indeed fortunate there are no community transmissions on Central Vancouver Island at this time and although the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region and Vancouver Island are considered low risk, it is important we keep prevention measures top of mind, key in the coming months to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as other seasonal colds and viruses.

We also recognize parents need to make decisions for their families about returning to school.The Island’s medical health officer has indicated Vancouver Island is one of the safest places for children to return to school and we hope this will help alleviate some of the concerns and uncertainty for parents. Emergency Management Oceanside, representing the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation for our region and the emergency operations centre remains at Level 1 activation.

During the pandemic, the City’s priority has been the safety of our residents and staff. Although the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre remains closed to the public, our finance department is open to assist residents with limited services and reduced hours. Our staff is available during normal business hours by phone, email and by appointment.

Over the past six months, City staff have been very busy and continue to work on 2020 projects such as the Pym/Forsyth upgrades and Bagshaw Street upgrades. In the coming months, staff will present the results of the drainage plan and traffic flow study for the Parksville Community Park. Planning for 2021 capital projects such as Memorial Avenue streetscape, the new outdoor performance stage and the Rathtrevor trail continues. While ensuring City parks look spectacular, work continues on the annual tree maintenance program, a pedestrian bridge replacement in Shelly Creek Park South, along with many other projects.

Although we all missed Parksville’s iconic festivals and special events, we are pleased to have successfully and safely accommodated many requests for outdoor activities in our busy parks this summer. Our thanks to the organizations for their willingness to go the extra mile to comply with new COVID-19 regulations.

We encourage everyone to include a flu shot in your winter readiness plan, particularly important this winter so the medical system is not overwhelmed with seasonal illnesses. Pharmacies expect to receive the flu shots in mid-October, and many will facilitate online appointments closer to the date. As we head into fall and winter, we must recommit to flattening the curve. Please continue to respect the health protocols - physical distancing, small groups only, always wash your hands, stay home if sick - no exceptions, and wear a mask when distancing is not possible.

Now more than ever, we need to be kind, be calm and be safe. On behalf of Parksville Council, thank you for all you do to keep us safe and to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Council is always available to answer your questions, please email council@parksville.ca.