COVID-19 Updates and Resources

December 20, 2021

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The provincial health officer announced revised orders which are now in effect, extended to January 31, 2022. These orders address rising COVID-19 case counts and include:

Limited indoor, personal gatherings, including in rental and vacation properties to the household/residents plus ten individuals, or one additional household maximum if all are aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

• The BC vaccine card is required for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events.
• Seating requirements and restricted movement between tables at food and liquor-serving premises and reinforcing the need to wear masks when not seated.
• Limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity with reinforced masking requirements and scanning of the BC vaccine card QR code.
• Pause for all sports tournaments while the order is in effect.
• All New Year’s Eve organized gatherings and events are restricted to being seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed.

In addition to the provincial health officer orders, British Columbians are advised to limit indoor gatherings to those who are fully vaccinated, to ensure proper ventilation indoors, to avoid all travel if not fully vaccinated and to follow the travel advisory issued by the federal government to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

Information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus is available from this Island Health link.
https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19

The provincial health officer revised orders may be viewed at this link:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0230-002414

Information about booster dose is available from the province at this link. The information explains priority groups and the requirement to wait until contacted.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

Please take care over the holidays and above all, safe and healthy. See you in 2022.

For information, contact:

Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator, City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca

Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator, Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com

Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications, City of Parksville
dtardiff@parksville.ca

LINK TO PDF

So far this month, the west coast of BC has seen its share of rain and wind with the prediction of more storms to come. Windstorms generally seem to be stronger and as we saw recently, an extremely rare tornado near UBC which seems to indicate more extreme weather for our region.

So, all this begs the question, are you prepared for winter storms and power outages? BC Hydro PowerSmart recently released the results of a survey conducted across BC showing how preparedness for storm-related power outages varies across the province. This report is worth a skim – some interesting facts as well as solutions and checklists to be better prepared for what may well be a challenging storm season ahead.

• Vancouver Islanders are a close second (to those living in Lower Mainland) in preparation, with 58 per cent reporting taking steps to prepare for outages, and 53 per cent having an emergency kit.
• However, just 22 per cent of Vancouver Islanders think their region is the most prepared overall for storm-related outages.

Ready, set, storm - How preparedness for storm-related power outages vary across BC

The survey also included some stats about our reliance on mobile phones.

• During a storm-related power outage, 65% of Vancouver Islanders said it was important or very important to have access to their cellular phone.
• Although the report doesn’t provide stats for us Islanders, it does say that 13% of Lower Mainlanders would rather go without their partner for a day during a power outage than their cellphone. Seriously…

Communicating In An Emergency
After a disaster you will want to confirm your family and friends are safe. It may be difficult to make phone calls because of the damage to infrastructure and the sheer volume of people calls.

Try text messaging on your mobile phone. A text message may get through even when the voice component of the cellular network is congested. Short text messages are sent via the cell-site control channel, which is always available, rather than over the limited number of voice channels available for telephone calls.

Making use of email and social media sites are also part of a good emergency communication plan. You can predefine who you want to contact with your status. In recent disasters, these methods have proven to be excellent ways to communicate.

Before an Emergency
The use of "out of area" contacts is another effective way to communicate. Although local phone systems may be tied-up after a disaster, long distance circuits are often unaffected and can be used effectively to check on your loved ones.

• Ask a relative or friend who lives out-of-province to be your out-of-area contact. This person will be your "message board" after an emergency or disaster.
• Print and complete an out-of-area contact card with your contact's name and phone number for each family member to carry in their wallet, purse or backpack. Obtain two contacts if possible.
• Put your "out of area" contact number in your mobile phone contact list as well. The stress of a disaster event may make it difficult to remember routine phone numbers.
• Tell your family and friends who live outside BC to call your "out of area" contact to share information about you and your family after a disaster. This will help to relieve some of the congestion on the local telephone system.

After an Emergency

• You may not hear from anyone within the first several hours following a disaster. It could take up to 24 hours or longer for a family member to get access to a phone line.
• When it is safe to do so, try contacting loved ones via text message or email to report in where you are and where you plan to be.
• If able, call your out-of-area contact and report in. Find out if other family members have checked in. Indicate when you will try calling again. Keep your calls short.

Stay Connected Online
For those active on social media, in addition to EMO, you may wish to consider following these organizations on Facebook. Next month we will share the best emergency Twitter accounts to follow.

@EmergencyInfoBC
@DestinationBC
@BCGovWildfireInfo
@PreparedBC
@Get_Prepared
@DriveBC
@RoadSafetyBC
@CDCofBC
@ECCCWeatherBC
@BCForestFireInfo

We Remember, November 11

Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays).

Although the office is open, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). During utility billing, for online or telephone banking payments, select “Qualicum Beach, Town of - Utilities” as the payee and enter your account number. Please contact your branch if you require assistance. If you do wish to visit Town Hall to conduct business, masks are mandatory while in the building.

• Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
• Phone 250 752-6921
• Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
• Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain
• Website

City of Parksville
City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department is open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Information for the public when visiting:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person; however, attendance is limited. Meetings are webstreamed, live and archived, from the City’s website.
• If sick, please stay home.
• Refer to the City website and Let’s Talk Parksville for more information.

BC Centre for Disease Control
Island Health
Vaccine info - 1 833 838-2323
Medical COVID-19 information - 811
Proof of vaccination info

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

October 18, 2021

LINK TO PDF

Hello everyone,

Welcome to fall! As you will see from this enewsletter, Emergency Management Oceanside has been extremely busy, more so than usual it would appear. We hope you are all staying safe, hunkering down for winter weather which we are sure is lurking just around the corner. Don’t forget, winter tires or chains are required on most routes in our province from October 1 to April 30. MAP

Update on EMO activities
On October 4, emergency program coordinator, Aaron Dawson, updated Parksville Council on Emergency Management Oceanside activities. Here are some of the points from the presentation to provide information on what EMO has been up to so far this year.

• 36 Oceanside Emergency Support Services (OESS) activations for structure fires within District 69. Three in Qualicum Beach, 13 in Parksville and 20 in the Regional District of Nanaimo. This is more than twice the average number of structure fire-related activations. 22 of these activations resulted in direct need for emergency support services.
• OESS deployed four volunteers to wildfire support in BC’s interior for 26 days totalling 260 hours of support to the province.
• Conducted a series of emergency preparedness Zoom workshops and prepared for the launch of the new Canadian Household Emergency Response and Preparedness app.
• Emergency Program Coordinators, Rob and Aaron, provided remote support to Kamloops PREOC (Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre).
• Continuing with ongoing COVID-19 response, public notifications, and liaison with province on community orders.

And here’s what’s next for EMO:

• EMO is working with consultants for the development of Local Government Departmental Business Continuity Planning, Critical Business Impact Analysis and Contingency Plans for locally identified hazards.
• EMO secured grant funding and will be purchasing technology for our Oceanside Emergency Support Services and Oceanside Emergency Communications Team volunteer programs to align with Emergency Management BC’s modernization of the provincial emergency program.
• EMO will continue to monitor the progress of COVID-19 and work with municipal Chief Administrative Officers and HR departments on implementation of provincial orders.
• Planning has started for the Vancouver Island Emergency Preparedness Conference (VIEPC) for Fall 2022 to be hosted by Emergency Management Oceanside.
• Preparing staff, volunteers, residents and facilities for our fall and winter storm season

PQBeat: Emergency programs work in unison
EMO emergency program coordinators were featured in a PQB Beat podcast which was included in the PQB News on October 6.You may also listen to the podcast on online at this link.

Get Prepared for 2021 ShakeOut Drill
We continue to adapt to living and working with the COVID-19 pandemic and while we are doing a great job in adjusting to these new challenges, earthquakes, storms, forest fires and other natural disasters continue to occur.

We all need to be prepared and one of the ways is to practice how to be safe during an earthquake. The 2021 ShakeOut drill is set for October 21 at 10.21 am.

Emergency Management Oceanside, on behalf of the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach, encourages residents to participate. Parksville-Qualicum Beach residents can register at shakeoutbc.ca to be counted in the drill and to obtain resources and information. Intended to create public awareness of earthquake hazards and encourage personal preparedness, participants Drop, Cover and Hold On for two minutes in response to a simulated earthquake event.

When a significant natural disaster occurs around the world, we realize how little we are. We usually take a moment to consider how prepared we are, think about the people affected and speculate about what we, our co-workers, or our loved ones should do in a disaster. COVID-19 is a true reminder of how important it is to be prepared for any disaster.

The BC Shakeout website has a wealth of information about how to participate and most importantly, how to perform the Drop, Cover and Hold On - a quake-safe action designed to protect people from objects that can become projectiles during ground shaking.

1. Drop, Cover and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk, and hold on to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so that you will immediately protect yourself during an earthquake.
2. While under the table or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall, what would be damaged, what would life be like after?
3. Finally, you can practice what you will do after the shaking stops.

The ShakeOut website also provides a life safety drill designed to engage people to think through their own emergency response actions during the drill, then afterwards review and discuss what worked or what did not, in order to make improvements for the next drill or an actual earthquake. The website also has information on participating at your workplace. If you participated in previous ShakeOut drills, you may wish to consider some next steps after "drop, cover and hold on." When the shaking stops, stay in your place, count to sixty and if nothing has "fallen on you", then it's safe to evacuate.

Here's how to participate in Shakeout
Plan Your Drill:

• Register at shakeoutbc.ca to be counted, get email updates, and more.
• Have a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill at 10:21 am on October 21.
• Discuss what you learned and make improvements.

Get Prepared for Earthquakes:

• Ensure you have the necessary supplies; you may need to remain in place for several weeks after an earthquake.
• Do a “hazard hunt” for items that might fall during earthquakes and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster plan. getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

Supporting District 69 Fire Departments Boots for Food Drive 2021

Fire departments in District 69 are gearing up to fill their boots for food! Similar to last year, there will be no door-to-door collection of food or toys. On November 13 and November 14, physically distanced and masked firefighters will collect cash donations for the Salvation Army food bank at locations throughout Oceanside, at their firehalls and some departments will accept donations at their firehalls on November 20 and 21.

Information on collection by District 69 departments is provided here. Residents should confirm arrangements with their local department. Each year, Oceanside residents generously contribute and firefighters in District 69 look forward to another successful year.

• Bow Horn Bay Fire Department - Will accept curbside cash and food donations at the Bow Horn Bay firehall
  (220 Lions Way) on Saturday, November 13 from 10 am to 4 pm. bowhornbayvfd.ca
• Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department - Members will collect cash donations on November 13 and 14 at locations in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. coombsdata@shaw.ca
• Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department - The Dashwood firehall (230 Hobbs Road) and Meadowood firehall
  (1800 Galvin Place) will accept curbside food and cash donations on Saturday, November 13 from 9 am to 3 pm. dashwoodvfd.com
• Deep Bay Fire Department - Saturday, November 20 between 10 am and 2 pm, members will accept food and cash donations at the Deep Bay firehall (5031 Mountainview Road). dbid.ca/Deep-Bay-Fire-Department.php
• Errington Fire Department - Errington Fire Station # 1 will collect cash and food donations at the Co-op Gas Bar at the corner of Church Road and Alberni Highway on November 14 and November 21, between 10 am and 4 pm. evfd.ca
• Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department - November 13 between 10 am and 2 pm, firefighters will be at Springford Farms and Nanoose Quality Foods to collect cash donations. As well, residents may purchase Quality Foods gift cards from the Quality Foods in Nanoose rather than a cash donation. Donations will go to the Nanoose Community Cupboard to assist residents in need. nanoosevfd.com
• Parksville Volunteer Fire Department - Firefighters will collect cash donations for the Salvation Army food bank at several locations throughout the Parksville on November 13 and November 14, from 9 am to 5 pm. Donations of new unwrapped toys will also be accepted for the Society of Organized Services. parksvillefirerescue.ca
• Qualicum Beach Fire Department - November 13 and 14 from 10 am to 2 pm, firefighters will accept cash donations at the firehall (130 Rupert Road East), outside Qualicum Foods (705 Memorial Avenue) and at the Qualicum Beach BC Liquor Store (706 Primrose Street). qualicumbeach.com

Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office is open, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). If you do wish to attend at Town Hall to conduct business, masks are mandatory while in the building. Contact is through these methods:

• Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
• Phone 250 752-6921
• Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
• Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain
• Website

COVID-19 regulations have recently changed, and Town held meetings will now be open to those wishing to attend in person, if masks are worn.

City of Parksville
City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department is open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Information for the public when visiting:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person; however, numbers are extremely limited. Meetings are webstreamed live and archived from the City’s website.
• If sick, please stay home and get tested.
• Refer to the City website and Let’s Talk Parksville for more information.

BC Centre for Disease Control
Island Health
Vaccine info - 1 833 838-2323
Medical COVID-19 information - 811
Proof of vaccination info

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

BC has implemented rules requiring residents to provide proof of vaccination through a new BC vaccine card to access non-essential businesses and events.

• Beginning September 13, BC residents 12 years and older will be required to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccine
• By October 24, only fully vaccinated people will be permitted entry (fully vaccinated seven days after dose 2).
• This requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.

The BC Government website provides detailed information about the vaccine card system and how to download the card. A digital version may be saved to your phone or tablet or a copy can be printed to carry in your wallet. Both options will be accepted. The website also provides an option to order a paper copy by phone 1 833 838-2323 (open daily, 7 am to 7 pm).

Every BC vaccine card comes with a unique QR code. BC is using the SMART Health Card QR code format, a requirement of the federal government. This means the QR code only stores the absolute minimum level of information and is not connected to other health records. The registration system became live yesterday and residents are advised there will be wait times.

To obtain the BC vaccine card, you will be required to provide date of birth, personal health number and the date you received vaccine dose 1 or dose 2.

Vaccine card transition period to September 26
The use of the BC vaccine card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. Until September 26, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at BC vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. Starting September 27, only the BC vaccine card will be accepted as proof of vaccination.

Where will you use the BC vaccine card?
BC’s provincial health officer has indicated the vaccine card will be required to enter:

• Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
• Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining)
• Pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
• Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
• Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres
• Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools and recreational facilities
• Businesses offering indoor group exercise
• Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
• Indoor organized gatherings with 50 or more such as weddings, parties, conferences, and workshops
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art and choir
• Post-secondary on-campus student housing

Under the new policy, proof of vaccination will not be required to access places providing essential services, such as grocery stores, transit, pharmacies, and medical facilities. Proof of vaccination is NOT required to vote in-person in the September 20 federal election or at advance polling places.

Is anyone exempt from providing proof of vaccination?
When it comes to providing proof of vaccination, the only exemptions are for children under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated. Those who have not been vaccinated due to medical reasons, or any other reason, will not be exempt from the policy.

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

August 25, 2021

BC Vaccine Card
BC is implementing wide-reaching rules requiring residents to provide proof of vaccination, through a new BC vaccine card, to access non-essential businesses and events. BC residents will need a vaccine card to get into most places as the risk of infection of COVID-19 is currently ten times higher among those who are unvaccinated. Beginning September 13, BC residents 12 years and older will need to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccine and by October 24, only fully vaccinated people will be permitted entry (fully vaccinated seven days after dose 2).

Events, businesses and services will ask to see your proof of vaccination and valid government ID. The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to extension. More detailed info about the new BC vaccine card currently available to residents may be viewed here.

How do I get the card?
BC residents will be able to get their proof of vaccination through a yet-to-be-launched BC Government website by entering their name, birthdate and personal health number. A copy of an individual’s proof of vaccination can then be saved to a smartphone to show, along with photo ID, when entering a business or event. A call-in option will be available for those unable to use the Internet. Out-of-province visitors will also be required to show proof of vaccination from their jurisdiction.

Where would I use the BC vaccine card?
BC’s provincial health officer has indicated the vaccine card will be required to enter:

• Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
• Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
• Nightclubs and casinos
• Movie theatres
• Gyms, pools and creational facilities (does not include youth recreational sport)
• Indoor high intensity group exercise
• Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art (does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs)
• Post-secondary on-campus student housing (students must be partially vaccinated by September 7).

Under the new policy, proof of vaccination will not be required to access places providing essential services, such as grocery stores, transit, pharmacies, and medical facilities.

Is anyone exempt from providing proof of vaccination?
When it comes to providing proof of vaccination, the only exemptions are for children under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated. Those who have not been vaccinated due to medical reasons, or any other reason, will not be exempt from the policy.

How can I get ready for September 13?
Register for Health Gateway, detailed information at this link.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/health-gateway

Mandatory masks - on August 24, BC’s public health officer announced that once again masks are mandatory in public, indoor spaces throughout the province to combat the fourth wave of COVID-19. This is a temporary order which will be reassessed as the vaccine card is reassessed.

Step 3 BC Restart Plan - the province also indicated that due to the delta variant, we will most likely remain at Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan. Information about Step 3 is provided here.

Vaccinations - the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Parksville Community Centre is open Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 7.30 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. This clinic will close on September 6 and the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre will continue as the Oceanside COVID-19 immunization site. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, or if it’s been more than 28 days since your first dose, you can drop in at any clinic in Island Health, no appointment necessary. Please refer to Island Health’s website for info or phone 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.

City Services - the City is aligned with Step 3 of the BC Restart plan. We are open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department is open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm.

Information for the public when visiting:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person. Meetings are also webstreamed, live and archived from the City’s website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to the City website and Let’s Talk Parksville for more information.

Tourism on Vancouver Island
As travel resumed within BC and Canada as part of BC’s Restart Plan, Tourism Vancouver Island launched the "Tread Lightly" campaign as a reminder to visitors to practice mindful travel in the Vancouver Island region. And with so very little rain and high temperatures this summer, Vancouver Island Tourism also shared the Emergency Preparedness resources compiled by Destination BC.

The Province of BC declared the east side of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands at Level 4 on its drought warning system. Drought Level 5 is rated as the most severe. Destination BC encourages tourism businesses to please remind visitors of current conditions and to be extremely careful.

Emergency Management 101
For your interest, here is information related to an emergency operations centre. Any questions, please let us know. As well, if there are other areas or elements of emergency preparedness you would like information about, please do let us know.

What is an emergency?
An emergency is defined as a present or imminent event or circumstance which:

• Is caused by accident, fire, explosion, technical failure or the forces of nature
• Requires prompt coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect the health, safety or welfare of a person, or to limit damage to property.

What is an Emergency Operation Centre?
It is a central location (facility) from which local governments can provide interagency coordination and executive decision-making action plans in support of incident response and recovery operations.

Emergency Management Oceanside provides a regional emergency management service to the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville, while also offering support to neighbouring communities and First Nations. As required in the Emergency Program Act, EMO has developed the necessary emergency operations response plans, has in place emergency program coordinators, and has established a method of program delivery that utilizes the four pillars of emergency management: prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The purpose of this service is to provide a framework for supporting local governments and emergency responders during an emergency or disaster. This may be in the form of additional management support, resources to address the incident or incidents, or activation of an EOC. In other words, during an emergency EMO provides support only; it is not the first responder. When an EOC is required, it will take a team of trained staff and volunteers to activate and operate. The primary person responsible in an EOC is the EOC director, and a chief administrative officer typically fills this role. Elected officials play a key role as the Policy Group supports the EOC director and/or chief administrative officers during all stages of an emergency.

Why open an Emergency Operations Centre?

• Event exceeds the capacity of day-to-day first responders.
• Provide support and coordination to a large-scale emergency or a multiple location event (disaster).
• Provides coordination and support for a large scale, pre-planned public event such as Canada Day, a large car show, contentious public meeting, etc.

What are the levels of EOC activation?

• LEVEL 1 - Small event with one site and two or more agencies involved. EOC may be mobile or stationary with limited staffing. Example - larger structure fire, planned public event.
• LEVEL 2 - Moderate event with two or more sites, multiple agencies involved. EOC activated to staff Section Chief and above positions with potential for multiple days. Example - flooding, landslide, extreme weather event.
• LEVEL 3 - Major event with multiple sites and agencies across multiple jurisdictions. EOC activated to staff all positions for multiple days and potential 24/7 response. Example - Interface wildfire, earthquake.

CAMPFIRE BAN remains in effect. Campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout BC. Until further notice, all open burning, including campfires, beach fires, and fireworks, are prohibited within the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Fire Protection areas to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

To report a fire:

• Fire emergency (threat to lives and/or property) - 911
• Open fire in the Qualicum Beach Fire Protection Area - 250 752-6232
• Open fire in the Parksville Fire Protection Area - 250 248-3242
• Beach fires - 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP line)
• Wildfire reporting - 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on cell

Voyent Alert!
In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, we can never be too prepared. Voyent Alert! is a multi- purpose communication service used to send alerts to residents, businesses and visitors during critical events such as floods, wildfires or other emergencies in the region. The City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach use the notification system for a variety of non-critical notifications specific to each municipality.

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and anonymous.

• For mobile app alerts download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
• For email, text message or voice call alerts register online.

COVID-19 Info

Vaccination Program
Walk-ins are welcome at immunization clinics for your first or second dose. To avoid a possible wait, anyone 12 years or older can make an appointment to be vaccinated. Walk-in; Register online; or phone and your confirmation number will be used to book. Please refer to Island Health’s website for info or phone 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment.

Step 3 – BC Restart Plan
We are now in Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan, which sees a return to normal for indoor or outdoor personal gatherings. Step 4 could come into affect as early as September 7 but is dependent upon vaccination rate of population 18 and older, along with low COVID-19 hospitalizations. Information on BC’s Restart Plan steps is available here.

Mask or no mask?
Remember! Masks are recommended in indoor public places for everyone 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. Here are some things to consider:

• Masks are optional for children ages 2 to 12.
• Children under two years should not wear masks.
• Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers.
• Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they're fully vaccinated and that's okay.

GENERAL INFORMATION

From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is now open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other options for conducting business with the Town, including email, phone, or regular mail. If you do wish to attend in person at Town Hall, masks are recommended at this time. Contact by:

Email
qbtown@qualicumbeach.com

Phone
250 752-6921

Post
PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7

Mail Slot
Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain (660 Primrose Street)

Website

From the City of Parksville
City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and the operations department in the Industrial Park from 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Here is information for the public:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are strongly recommended while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with
• protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Until
• that time, meetings are webstreamed from the City's website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to City website, as well as Let's Talk Parksville for more information.

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

Are You Wildfire Ready?
A province wide state of emergency came into effect at midnight, July 20. The state of emergency is in response to ongoing wildfires burning across BC. The province previously declared states of emergencies linked to fires in 2003, 2017 and 2018. The state of emergency was based on the advice of experts and due in part to the significant stretch of dry weather that is forecast. There are currently 299 wildfires burning in the province, 37 of which are highly visible or a threat to public safety.

British Columbia is experiencing an extremely active and catastrophic wildfire season and emergency preparedness officials are encouraging us all to be prepared to protect yourself and your family. Wildfires can spark anywhere at anytime, forcing people to be away from home for an extended period. Vancouver Island has not seen the same devastation from wildfires as many other areas in the province; however, these events along with any natural disaster can happen in our own backyard and without notice.

Wildfires that burn in areas away from houses or infrastructure can have ecological benefits to the landscape; however, those that burn out of control near urban areas can cause devastating damage to homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure. If you live in an area at risk of a wildfire, please refer to the BC Wildfire status website. It is important to take time to get ready; be better prepared by understanding what to do before, during and after a wildfire. These links provide information that will help you understand the stages and how you can protect your health and safety. Wildfire Preparedness Guide will help you prepare your household, protect your property and understand what to do if there is risk of wildfire.

Campfire Ban in Effect
A campfire ban has been in effect since June 30. Campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the province. Until further notice, all open burning, including campfires, beach fires, and fireworks, are prohibited within the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Fire Protection areas to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

To report a fire:

• Fire emergency (threat to lives and/or property) - 911
• Open fire in the Qualicum Beach Fire Protection Area - 250 752-6232
• Open fire in the Parksville Fire Protection Area - 250 248-3242
• Beach fires - 1877 952-7277 (RAPP line)
• Wildfire reporting - 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on cell

EMO’s HRVA Document
In 2019, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville partnered to undertake a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA). The purpose of a HRVA is to “help community leaders make risk-based choices to address vulnerabilities, mitigate hazards and prepare for response and recovery from emergencies” (EMBC, 2004).

Risk assessments, such as HRVAs, are a regulatory requirement of local governments. This HRVA provides a comparison of risks posed to the region across the full spectrum of hazards, including natural, technological, and conflict-related hazards. By providing a view of the relative risks across all hazards, local decision-makers are better able to prioritize risk management and emergency preparedness activities by focusing on the hazards that pose the greatest risk.

Community engagement was a key component of the risk assessment with engagement sessions held to help identify potential hazards, gather perceptions of hazard consequences, and explore local vulnerabilities and resiliency strategies. These sessions also served to strengthen inter-agency relationships and build a shared understanding of risks posed to the region. Engagement participants included representatives from government and non-government agencies, first responders, Indigenous community members, industry stakeholders, neighbouring community members, and subject matter experts. We have provided a link to the HRVA on the EMO website. Should you have questions, please email info@emergencyoceanside.ca.

Voyent Alert!
In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, we can never be too prepared. Voyent Alert! is a multi- purpose communication service used to send alerts to residents, businesses and visitors during critical events such as floods, wildfires or other emergencies in the region. The City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach use the notification system for a variety of non-critical notifications specific to each municipality.

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and anonymous.

• For mobile app alerts download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
• For email, text message or voice call alerts register online.

Building Your Emergency Kits – Be Prepared
Having an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag on hand will help prepare you and your family with the essentials needed in the event a shelter-in-place or evacuation alert or order is issued. Being prepared means having food, water and other supplies to last for several days in the event of an emergency.

What’s the difference between an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag?

An emergency kit is a collection of tools and supplies which will be used in an emergency to stay at home such as an earthquake, severe storm or hazardous materials spill and should contain everything you need for everyone in your home to stay safe and comfortable for three to seven days.

Grab-and-go bag is a smaller version of your emergency kit that should be carried with you should you need to evacuate during some types of emergencies such as floods, landslides, wildfires and tsunamis where you may not be able to return home or will need to evacuate. Ideally everyone in your home should have their very own customized bag. Building kits need not be expensive or take a lot of time. Just remember to consider the unique needs of your household, such as including specific items for pets or for seniors.

Check out these videos by Prepared BC

• How to Build Your Emergency Kit
• What to Pack in Your Grab-and-go Bag.

COVID-19 INFO
We are now in Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan, which sees a return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings. Should case counts and hospitalization rates continue to decline, Step 4 could come into effect as early as September 7. Info on BC’s Restart Plan steps is available here.

Mask or no mask?
Remember! Masks are recommended in indoor public places for everyone 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. Here are things to consider:

• Masks are optional for children ages 2 to 12.
• Children under two years should not wear masks.
• Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers.
• Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they're fully vaccinated and that's okay.

Recreational Travel and COVID-19
Interprovincial recreational travel within Canada is now allowed. This includes travel for vacations, visiting family or friends for social reasons, and recreation activities. Some communities which rely on tourism are eager to welcome returning visitors. While some regions are moving full steam ahead, some are still hesitant to welcome tourists.

Travellers are asked to plan and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns, as well as Indigenous communities. Please respect local travel advisories. Here are some tips for a safe trip:

• Support small businesses when you can.
• Adhere and respect communicable disease plans.
• Plan before you leave and arrive at your destination prepared.
• Be water wise, many smaller communities have a very limited water supply in the summer months.
• Respect and adhere to the provincial fire ban now in effect.
• Be kind. More travel manners and guidelines to follow during summer trips available here.

Vaccination Program
Everyone 12 years or older can make an appointment to be vaccinated. Register online or phone and your confirmation number will be used to book. Please refer to Island Health’s website for info or phone 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.

Resources
BC Centre for Disease Control Island Health
Vaccine registration - 1 833 838-2323; https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19
Medical COVID-19 information - 811

GENERAL INFO
From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office is open from 9 am to 4 pm, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). If you do wish to attend at Town Hall to conduct business, masks are mandatory at this time. Contact is by these methods:

Email: qbtown@qualicumbeach.com

Phone: 250 752-6921

Post: PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7

Mail Slot: Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain (660 Primrose Street)

Website: qualicumbeach.com

From the City of Parksville
The City is aligned with Step 3 of the BC Restart plan and our services have returned to regular pre-COVID hours of operation. City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department is open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Information for the public:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are strongly recommended while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Meetings are webstreamed from the City’s website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to City website, as well as Let's Talk Parksville for more information.

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

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
As a result of the wildfires burning throughout out province, we expect to see significant wildfire smoke reach our region soon. Wildfire smoke is a form of air pollution that can affect your health. Depending on the weather, distance from the fire and the mixture of fuels, wildfire smoke causes episodes of the worst air quality that most people will ever experience in British Columbia. Now is the time to prepare for the smoky days that can be harmful to your health.

Different people respond differently to smoke, and some people are at higher risk of experiencing health effects. Healthy people can be affected by wildfire smoke too. Everyone responds differently, so listen to your body and reduce your exposure if the smoke is affecting you. The BCCDC recommends the following groups of people reduce their exposure to smoke:

• People with pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• heart disease, and diabetes
• Women who are pregnant, infants and small children, the elderly

Health effects of wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke contains very small particles that travel deep into your lungs when you inhale. These particles can cause irritation and inflammation, which can last until the air quality improves. Most symptoms are relatively mild, and can be managed without medical attention:

• Sore throat
• Eye irritation
• Runny nose
• Mild cough
• Phlegm production
• Wheezy breathing
• Headaches

Some may experience more severe symptoms and should seek prompt medical attention. Call HealthLink BC (811), talk to your primary care physician or visit a walk-in clinic if you're experiencing shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations.

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Here are some suggestions to help reduce your exposure to smoke and seek cleaner air. People with pre-existing medical conditions should take extra precautions and should always keep their rescue medications with them. If you cannot get your symptoms under control, seek prompt medical attention.

• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner to filter the air in one area of your home
• Visit public spaces such as community centres, libraries, and shopping malls which tend to have cleaner, cooler
• indoor air
• Take it easy on smoky days because the harder you breathe, the more smoke you inhale
• Drink lots of water to help reduce inflammation
• If you are working outdoors, use an N95 respirator that has been properly fitted by occupational health and
• safety professionals.

For more information, please refer to these links:

BC Centre for Disease Control

• Wildfire smoke information
• Wildfire Factsheet
• Face Masks for Wildfire Smoke

BC FireSmart

BC Wildfire Dashboard

BC Wildfire Service

Fire Smoke Forecast

BC's Restart Reopening Plan - Step 3
We are now in Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan, in place until September which sees a return to normal for indoor or outdoor personal gatherings. Should case counts and hospitalization rates continue to decline, Step 4 could come into effect as early as September 7. For now, these are the changes in Step 3.

• Provincial state of emergency and public health emergency lifted.
• Return to usual for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings.
• Increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with safety plans.
• No group limit for indoor and outdoor dining, liquor services restrictions are lifted, and nightclubs and casinos can
• operate with capacity limits and safety plans.
• Limited indoor spectators at events and outdoor events up to 5,000 or 50% capacity whichever is greater.

COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is now open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other options for conducting business with the Town, including email, phone, or regular mail. If you do wish to attend in person at Town Hall, masks are recommended at this time. Contact by:

Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com

Phone 250 752-6921

Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7

Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain (660 Primrose Street)

Website qualicumbeach.com

From the City of Parksville

City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and the operations department in the Industrial Park from 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Here is information for the public:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system
• in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are strongly recommended while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with
• protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Until
• that time, meetings are webstreamed from the City's website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to City website, as well as Let's Talk Parksville for more information.

COVID-19 Resources

BC Centre for Disease Control
Island Health
Vaccine registration - 1 833 838-2323; https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19
Medical COVID-19 information - 811

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

New Governance Structure for EMO (with a thank you!)

The emergency programs for the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach work in unison to provide large scale disaster support and emergency service to residents of the Oceanside region. The Emergency Management Oceanside partnership provides an efficient, effective and cooperative approach to a holistic emergency program in our region. EMO provides professional 24/7 emergency support and has the capacity to develop and undertake preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery planning.

The Councils of the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach recently approved resolutions supporting an updated Emergency Program Bylaw and new joint Emergency Program Services Agreement between the emergency programs of these two municipalities. The agreement secures the continued strong partnership which has existed between the City and Town for many years, and the continuation of the work and initiatives of Emergency Management Oceanside. The new bylaw allows the two local governments the same ability to share and develop the emergency program together and provide a combined response to and recovery from an emergency or disaster.

EMO Volunteer Program - Emergency Management Oceanside relies heavily on community support when responding to any size of emergency or large-scale disaster in the Oceanside area. Volunteers from the Oceanside area make up our two main programs: Oceanside Emergency Support Services (OESS) and Oceanside Emergency Communications Team (OECT). OESS volunteers help residents directly displaced by an emergency or disaster while OECT volunteers provide communications within the region, throughout the province and around the world supporting a local emergency response. If you are interested in volunteering to support your community, please contact one of the emergency coordinators listed below. No experience required and all training is provided.

EMO Vendor Program - In addition to volunteer programs, EMO relies heavily on local businesses to provide support for displaced residents. OESS volunteers provide up to 72 hours of provincially funded support including food, lodging and essentials such as clothing and toiletries. Local businesses willing to participate in this program are referred to as vendors. Displaced residents are provided with referral forms when needed which they take to vendors in exchange for itemized services. Vendors forward the completed forms to the province to be reimbursed for their services. If your business is interested in supporting Oceanside residents in this way, please contact an emergency coordinator.

EMO Can't Do It Alone - It takes a community effort to respond to and recover from disasters, including supporting displaced residents in their time of need. Nothing is more frightening and stressful than experiencing an emergency or disaster. EMO thanks all our tireless volunteers, available to the community 24 hours a day, every day, who are there at the ready providing support to anyone suffering through an emergency. EMO especially appreciates the efforts of our volunteers and vendors to stay committed and safe while helping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BC's Restart Reopening Plan - Step 2
The province is now in Step 2 of the BC Restart program having met the criteria of number vaccinated, case numbers continuing to drop and less hospitalizations.

Here is a breakdown of Step 2

• Maximum 50 people for outdoor personal gatherings (birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties)
• Indoor personal gatherings up to five people or one other household.
• Up to five people from different households can attend a dinner party at a household of four people.
• One household of seven people can attend a birthday at another household of four people.
• Maximum 50 people for seated indoor organized gatherings (banquet halls, movie theatres, live theatre) with safety protocols.
• No BC travel restrictions; check local travel advisories; hotels and other accommodation providers may accept guests from throughout the province.
• Indoor sports (games) and high-intensity fitness with safety protocols.
• Playdates.
• Spectators for outdoor sports (50 maximum).
• PHO Guidance: physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings. Business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place.

COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.

VOYENT ALERT! REMINDER
If you haven't already done so, please sign up for emergency notifications for the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region. Voyent Alert! is a multi-purpose communication service which sends alerts to people who call the Oceanside region home. Alerts can be sent over a variety of channels including mobile apps, text/SMS, email or voice dial.

Registration is FREE, simple and anonymous. Mobile app users can download the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Email or SMS users may register online to receive email or text-based alerts at https://register.voyentalert.com. Signup can also be accessed from the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach websites along with instructions.

Shelter-in-place explained
When an emergency occurs, evacuation from the immediate area isn't always the best option. There may be situations when it is better to avoid any uncertainty outside by taking what's known as shelter-in-place. As the term implies, shelter-in-place is a precaution aimed at keeping people safe while they remain indoors at home, work, school or in between.

Emergencies that might require shelter-in place include severe weather, earthquakes or release of dangerous substances outside the building. Shelter-in-place is most likely when there is not enough time to evacuate an area safely, when a suitable evacuation route has not been verified or when the source and nature of a toxic release has yet to be determined.

If instructed by emergency officials to shelter-in-place:

• Go inside and close [and lock] all windows and exterior doors.
• If there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close fireplace dampers.
• Get your emergency kit and turn on the radio.
• Cell phones may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency. It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. If you do not have a hard-wired telephone, bring your cell phone and charger to ensure you have a method to communicate. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition.
• Go to an interior room without windows that is above-ground level, if you can. Because some chemicals are heavier than air, avoid sheltering in basements.
• Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. A wet towel can also be used to create a seal along doors and windows.
• Monitor the radio, television, and Emergency Info BC online until you are told by local officials all is safe or you are told to evacuate.
• DO NOT leave your building or home until you receive notification that the danger has passed.

From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall will reopen to the public with full services on Monday, June 28. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, residents are strongly encourage to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). If you do wish to attend at Town Hall to conduct business, masks are mandatory at this time.

Contact is by these methods:

Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
Phone 250 752-6921
Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain (660 Primrose Street)
Website www.qualicumbeach.com

From the City of Parksville
City of Parksville offices will fully reopen to the public on Monday, June 21 with a return to regular pre-COVID hours of operation. City Hall will be open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and the operations department in the Industrial Park will be open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm.

Information for the public:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on physical distancing and masks. For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms will open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Until that time, meetings are webstreamed from the City's website.
• June is a busy month for the finance department with property taxes due Friday, July 2. Security personnel will help ensure safe distancing and sanitizing procedures when in the building.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to City website, as well as Let's Talk Parksville for more information.

COVID-19 Resources
BC Centre for Disease Control
Island Health Vaccine registration - 1 833 838-2323; https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19
Medical COVID-19 information - 811

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

June 9, 2021

BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan focused on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal. On May 25, as a province, we began the gradual resumption of our social connections, services provided by businesses and activities. Getting vaccinated is the most important tool supporting our restart.

We are pleased to advise the City of Parksville offices will fully reopen to the public on Monday, June 21. The City will return to regular pre-COVID hours of operation. City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm. Our operations department in the Industrial Park will be open 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm.

Here are a few things we would like the public to know:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are mandatory while in the building until such time as public health orders change, expected to be after September 7 when wearing masks will be a personal choice.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms will open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Until that time, the public can attend Council meetings virtually or archived from the City’s website.
• June is a busy month for our finance department with property taxes due Friday, July 2. Security personnel will help ensure safe distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place when in the building.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.

Through the global pandemic, the City of Parksville continued to provide most civic services and took the necessary steps to protect the public and help limit the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in BC and locally. Our website, as well as Let’s Talk Parksville provides updates on any changes to operations. Signage at the Parksville Civic and Technology will assist our residents and we will continue to make sanitizer available.

The province has set foundations to a successful restart which includes a steady vaccine supply, people getting vaccinated, declining case counts and fewer people in the hospital. Link to Let’s Talk Parksville for info on the BC Restart program (and bc.gov.ca link as well). Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep us all safe.