COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Gradual Resumption of City Services Impacted by COVID-19

The City of Parksville takes COVID-19 (Coronavirus) seriously and follows the direction of the Provincial Health Officer. This information will address the partial reopening of City of Parksville offices in the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre. We are 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 and work towards a full resumption of regular services in a gradual and cautious manner. Visiting City Hall will be very different from before the closure in mid-March; however, most importantly, we are committed to keeping the public and staff safe.

In all cases, the conditions of opening facilities to the public will be contingent upon providing a safe environment for staff and residents in line with provincial guidelines, especially as they pertain to limiting gatherings to less than fifty and the continued requirement to physically distance, stay home if unwell and practice good hand hygiene.

Limited services June 1

Beginning June 1, the finance department will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. The City is offering limited in-person service when there are no other options; where possible, residents should continue to access services electronically, available from our website 24/7. The finance office will be open to accept property tax payments, utility payments and to process homeowner grants only. We will not be issuing garbage tags, bus passes or dog tags in June.

Other services such as administration, bylaw, building, planning and engineering will be by appointment only. We continue to encourage residents to refer to the directory on the City’s website to contact staff by email or phone. Please call 250 248-6144 to book an appointment with the appropriate person or refer to the contact information on the City’s website. Walk-in services will not be available at this time.

Using Parksville Civic and Technology Centre building

• Residents will need to be patient and respectful as there will be delays during this transitional period.
• We have designated entrance and exit to the building – 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 a safe transition, residents will be required to take a number of steps. Physical distance markers are located on the floor, hand sanitizer will be provided and procedures for entry to the building will be provided to residents upon arrival.
• The number of people allowed in the building will be limited and it may be necessary for residents to queue outside on the Jensen Avenue sidewalk.
• 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.

Outdoor spaces, events and physical distancing

Our outdoor spaces and parks are open for casual use and we ask users to respect posted guidelines. Groups should be small (two to six people) and make sure to keep a physical distance of two metres. No special events in City facilities are being booked at this time.

Council meetings

Regular Council meetings will resume in the Forum starting at 6 pm. To accommodate physical distancing and the attendance of Council and staff, seating will be extremely limited. Unless there is a reason to attend in person, please continue to view Council meetings online. Comments may be emailed to council@parksville.ca

Other building occupants

Entrance to the PCTC building is limited and by appointment only. For convenience, we are providing the telephone contacts for the other services in Parksville Civic and Technology Centre:

School District #69 Qualicum 250 248-4241

Vancouver Island University 250 248-2096

Vancouver Island Regional Library 250 248-3841

The City will continue to monitor public demand for in-person services with a view to offering additional services in July. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Our thanks to the residents of Oceanside who have diligently followed the rules to keep us safe and continue to 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.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca

250 954-3073 (office)

250 248-0846 (cell)

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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

COVID-19 Update for Parksville Residents

The City of Parksville is working to safely reopen facilities that were closed to avoid the spread of COVID-19, using a carefully planned, phased approach following provincial health guidelines. The City has been working with the various provincial organizations to ensure a safe return to these activities in Phase 2.

City offices - we are targeting to reopen our offices on Monday, June 1, reopening with new ways to offer services which meet provincial guidelines and provide for the safety of our staff and visitors. Detailed information about reopening of City offices to the public and what the public can expect will be released early next week

Council meetings - members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings in the Forum starting with the next meeting on Monday, June 1 at 6 pm. We will limit the number of members of the public attending the meeting and physical distancing restrictions will be in place for Council, staff and the public. We are required to meet the requirements and guidelines set by the office of the Provincial Health Officer, especially as it pertains to gatherings of less than fifty and the ongoing requirement to physically distance while using City facilities.

Updates will be posted to the City's website, Let's Talk Parksville and social media channels.

Reopening of City sports courts - 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 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. Residents are encouraged to view the ViaSport BC website for information about the various sports sectors.

When using a City facility, please review and obey any posted signage instructions 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.
• Limit play to single or doubles with partners from the same household.
• Clearly mark equipment and refrain from touching other people's items.
• Do not share racquets, water bottles or any other sports equipment.

The following public facilities remain closed at this time.

• 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.
• Foster Park and Shelly Creek Park playgrounds remain closed.

Guidelines for play may be viewed on the City's website and we encourage users of the courts to review the guidelines prior to play.

CITY REMINDERS

City Operations

Services continue to operate and while our offices remain closed to the public, contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and email info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is available on the City's website.

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 with us on projects. The link to the survey, open until June 7, is provided here and may be accessed from the website and our public engagement platform, Let's Talk Parksville. If you wish to have a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, call 250 248-6144. Please direct questions to communications@parksville.ca.

Let's Talk Parksville

The City's online engagement platform, Let's Talk Parksville, is where we have provided a comprehensive list of resources as support for residents and businesses to help navigate the overwhelming amount of information about the COVID -19 pandemic. We understand it may be difficult to navigate through the available information and hope this page provides a reliable list of web pages and links for your reference. Please check back often as new and updated resources are posted regularly. As well, we offer an e-newsletter through Let's Talk Parksville. letstalkparksville.ca/covid-19.

Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce

Passing along information from the Parksville Chamber:

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 British Columbia, 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

COVID-19 Parksville-Qualicum Beach Community Update

Please stay safe this Victoria Day long weekend. Stay close to home; continue to keep your bubble small by minimizing time in close contact with those outside your household. If gathering with families and friends in small groups, gather outside rather than inside and the fewer people you see the better. To quote Dr Bonnie Henry, "fewer faces, bigger spaces." Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program

This program provides tourism businesses on Vancouver Island (including Victoria), the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards long-term resiliency.

Tourism businesses will be paired with a program advisor for the duration of their recovery who, through a needs assessment consultation, will facilitate customized support for each business including navigating available federal and provincial aid and access to Program Experts in finance, human resources, legal services and more. A digital resource hub provides regular webinars and additional resources specific to the needs of tourism businesses. Learn more and register for the program or call 1 855 722-9036, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

BC COVID-19 Population Health Survey

On May 12, the Public Health Officer announced the BC COVID-19 Population Health Survey which has been developed to address the continuing global spread of the virus which will require ongoing public health surveillance and response activities in 2020. The unintended impacts on the social, physical health, mental wellness and resiliency of communities are not well understood. The BC Centre for Disease Control ("BCCDC"), a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, wants to understand the impacts of COVID-19 for all BC residents, and to plan the approach for future public health measures.

The purpose of the voluntary survey is to learn more about BC residents' general knowledge and perceptions of risk around COVID-19, and how the current environment around us may affect our health and wellness and our lives in general. The responses from the survey will be used to inform future plans. Survey participants will have an opportunity to learn about future initiatives they can support. The survey includes questions to guide public health decision making with regard to testing strategies, management of cases and contacts, measures targeted at the individual and community level, broader policy considerations and equity. Here is link to the survey: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-survey

Oceanside Business Recovery Program

Parksville & Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce will host the Oceanside Business Recovery Program on Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm via Zoom. Go to https://conta.cc/2Ww3OMU to sign up and get meeting details.

Westjet Nanaimo to Vancouver

WestJet recently announced the twice-daily Nanaimo to Vancouver flight will begin on July 4. Service between Nanaimo and Calgary is operational, running three flights a week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants from Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation

PQCF is currently accepting applications for a program intended to assist communities in District 69 to ease isolation of residents, seniors and youth. To alleviate isolation challenges, local residents can apply for up to $500 for projects that connect people socially, or share skills and talents. Projects must stay within guidelines for physical distancing. The end date will be determined based on public health orders and eligibility details and application is on the PQCF website: https://www.parksvillequalicumfoundation.com.

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.

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

City Facilities

The City's off-leash dog park at Springwood Park and the skate park in the Parksville Community Park will open for this weekend. All other City facilities which were closed in mid March to help limit the spread of COVID-19 will remain closed for now.

Public Engagement and Communications Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting physical distancing measures have changed how we connect with our residents. We are adjusting to doing business during the pandemic and exploring how to continue public engagement while being respectful of restrictions now in place. As we move the business of the City forward and are not able to meet in person or larger groups, we are looking for input from residents to determine if there is an interest in engaging with us on projects.

The link to the survey is provided here and may be accessed from the City's website and our public engagement platform, Let's Talk Parksville. The survey will be open until June 7. If you wish to have a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, call 250 248-6144. Please direct questions to communications@parksville.ca.

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

• A 'Pop-up Parade' by the Qualicum Beach Rotary Club and the Qualicum Beach Fire Department was held on Wednesday night. The parade supported local business and thanked frontline support workers. Video is available here.
• The Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course is now open to the general public.

HEALTH REMINDERS

This information is being passed along, taken from the COVID-19 Going Forward presentation on May 4 by BC Ministry of Health.

Key Principles Going Forward

✓Staying informed, being prepared and following public health advice.

✓Practicing good hygiene (hand hygiene, avoid touching face, respiratory etiquette, disinfect frequently touched surfaces).

✓Staying at home and away from others if feeling ill - not going to school/work.

✓Maintaining physical distancing outside the household (e.g. no hand shaking or hugging, small numbers of contacts and keeping a safe distance). ✓Making necessary contact safer with appropriate controls (e.g. plexiglass barriers, room design).

✓Increasing environmental cleaning at home and work.

✓Considering the use of non-medical masks in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained (e.g. on transit, shopping).

✓Reducing personal non-essential travel.

Keeping your cool during COVID-19

We are all facing challenges "as we move into our second month of physical distancing, many of us have barely left home, so it's little wonder some of us are in a "heightened emotional state," better known as grumpy." From an article published by Dr Diane McIntosh, BSc Pharmacy, MD, FRCPC (Psychiatrist; General Manager, Copeman Healthcare; Chief Neuroscience Officer, TELUS) https://www.telushealth.co/item/keeping-cool-covid-19/

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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

COVID-19 – May 14 Update for Parksville Residents

When Premier Horgan announced BC's Restart Plan last week, he emphasized, "this is not a return to normal...we're going to a new normal." Since the province introduced the plan, the City has been developing procedures which will move our operations to the new normal, including how to gradually reopen City offices to the public while ensuring the safety of our staff and residents. Within phase 2 of the plan, which eases some restrictions, we plan to open to the public with limited hours beginning the first week in June.

City facilities and amenities

Similar to grocery stores, the City is altering our public areas in City Hall and creating new procedures for interacting with the public. These new ways of offering our services will provide a safer environment for staff and residents, in line with the requirements and guidelines set by the province, in particular, the requirement to physically distance.

The City's off-leash dog park at Springwood Park and the skate park in the Parksville Community Park will open for this weekend. All other City facilities which were closed in mid March to help limit the spread of COVID-19 will remain closed for now. City staff are expecting guidance from the Ministry of Health, WorkSafeBC and the BC Recreation and Parks Association on the best practices for opening and operating facilities such as playgrounds, the splash park and sports courts. We do recognize our residents are eager to return to outdoor recreation facilities. We will re-open other City amenities as soon as possible and we thank residents for their patience while we figure out the best way to maintain the success we have had in reducing the spread of this virus.

This is a new situation for all of us and we are prepared for considerable change in the coming weeks. Please refer to our website for updates on re-openings and guidelines for the different facilities.

Please stay safe this Victoria Day long weekend. Stay close to home, continue to keep your bubble small by minimizing time in close contact with those outside your household. If gathering with families and friends in small groups, gather outside rather than inside and the fewer people you see the better. To quote Dr Bonnie Henry, "fewer faces, bigger spaces." Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe.

BC COVID-19 Population Health Survey

On May 12, the Public Health Officer announced the BC COVID-19 Population Health Survey which has been developed to address the continuing global spread of the virus which will require ongoing public health surveillance and response activities in 2020. The unintended impacts on the social, physical health, mental wellness and resiliency of communities are not well understood. The BC Centre for Disease Control ("BCCDC"), a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, wants to understand the impacts of COVID-19 for all BC residents, and to plan the approach for future public health measures.

The purpose of the voluntary survey is to learn more about BC residents' general knowledge and perceptions of risk around COVID-19, and how the current environment around us may affect our health and wellness and our lives in general. The responses from the survey will be used to inform future plans. Survey participants will have an opportunity to learn about future initiatives they can support. The survey includes questions to guide public health decision making with regard to testing strategies, management of cases and contacts, measures targeted at the individual and community level, broader policy considerations and equity. Here is link to the survey: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-survey

Public Engagement and Communications Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting physical distancing measures have changed how we connect with our residents. We are adjusting to doing business during the pandemic and exploring how to continue public engagement while being respectful of restrictions now in place. As we move the business of the City forward and are not able to meet in person or larger groups, we are looking for input from residents to determine if there is an interest in engaging with us on projects.

The link to the survey is provided here and may be accessed from the City's website and our public engagement platform, Let's Talk Parksville. The survey will be open until June 7. If you wish to have a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, call 250 248-6144. Please direct questions to communications@parksville.ca.

CITY REMINDERS

Public comments at Council meetings - Until further notice, City meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Council continues to meet regularly and meetings are held virtually through Zoom and webcast live and archived from the City's website. Agendas are posted to the website on Thursday the week before the Monday Council meeting. Residents are welcome to send comments related to items on the agenda to Council@parksville.ca. If you wish your comments included in the public record, comments must be received by noon, the day of the Council meeting. Please include a full name and address for the comment to be included in the minutes.

City operations - services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and email info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is available on the City's website.

EMO Enews - Emergency Management Oceanside, a partnership between the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach, provides emergency support and disaster service to residents. We are offering an enewsletter with updates about COVID-19 as well as emergency preparedness info for Oceanside. Signup at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

May 7, 2020

On May 6, Premier John Horgan's announced the BC Restart Plan, a strategy to slowly ease restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later this month, we will begin to see the gradual reopening of some sectors of the province, spaced out in intervals of two to four weeks. People will be able to slowly expand their social circle to a few friends or extended family members, but will need to stay outside in gatherings of only two to six people while maintaining physical distancing.

The rescheduling of elective surgeries is now a priority and the resumption of such things as regular dental appointments, chiropractic and physiotherapy sessions, in-person counselling and the voluntary expansion of in-person schooling, all with safety measures in place.

Personal hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing, no handshaking and physical distancing remain in effect. Those at higher risk, including people older than sixty and those with compromised immune systems, are being asked to take extra precautions and think through decisions around expanding interactions. Anyone who is showing symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID-19 should stay home and keep a safe distance from others.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Regional District of Nanaimo, Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation has re-invented itself, adapting to how we are physical distancing. REC Connect has fitness videos, activities, community links and resources, as well as a place for the community to share random acts of recreation and ideas. The Golden Shoe Hunt is ongoing and the community participants are practicing safe physical distancing in the parks. http://www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/golden-shoe?

Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants from Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation

PQCF is accepting applications for a program intended to assist communities in District 69 to ease isolation of residents, seniors and youth. To alleviate isolation challenges, local residents can apply for up to $500 for projects that connect people socially, or share skills and talents. Projects must stay within guidelines for physical distancing. The end date will be determined based on public health orders and eligibility details and application is on the PQCF website.

RDN Transit

Starting June 1, RDN Transit service will return to front door loading and the collection of fares. Temporary vinyl panels will be installed for operators and riders to support physical distancing in addition to enhanced cleaning on buses.

Keeping In Touch Program

Oceanside Community Safety offers a Keeping in Touch (KIT) program designed to assist seniors living alone with a daily check-in call. Details at www.oceansidecsv.org/content/keeping-touch

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

Survey Seeks Feedback on Public Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures have changed how the City connects with residents. Because we are not able to meet in person, the City is seeking input from residents to determine whether there is an interest in engaging on regular non-COVID related business. The survey may be accessed from the City's website and here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parksvilleengage. The survey will close on June 7.

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

The Town is pleased to support the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club on their re-opening to members only on May 4. Please visit the club’s website for more information at www.golfqualicum.ca.

HEALTH REMINDERS

Staying Well in Uncertain Times

This week, recognized by the Canadian Mental Health Association as Mental Health Week in BC, focusses on the importance of maintaining social connections and good mental health. COVID-19 has placed a significant amount of pressure on employees, employers and families. Isolation, fear for the well-being of loved ones and financial strain creates many challenges.

Expanded mental health supports, because of the pandemic, are available online and by phone. CMHA offers many online programs - peer support, mental health check in, community counselling, and such programs as Confident Parents - Thriving Kids, Bounce Back and more. CMHA provides strategies and tools you can use at home - health information, taking care of your health and well-being, what to do if feeling overwhelmed and suggestions for managing financial uncertainty. If you need immediate help, CMHA also offers a crisis line 1 800 784-2433. There are many resources available to help stay mentally healthy.

Canadian Mental Health Association resources-https://cmha.bc.ca/covid-19/

Managing COVID-19 stress, anxiety and depression-https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health-safety/covid19_stressmanagement_5_accessible.pdf

List of BC Mental Health supports-https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/services-and-resources/services-by-need/mental-health-services

Health Link BC resources-https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources

Society of Organized Services

The counselling referral program offered by SOS connects residents with professional counsellors online, a mental health support for residents. The essential services offered by SOS are listed here; please check the SOS website as work has begun to restart other programs.

⦁ Emergency Assistance and Advocacy - support local residents with emergency assistance for things like food and medicine (vouchers).

⦁ Counselling Referral - connect residents with professional counsellors online.

⦁ Oceanside Better at Home/BC211 - help seniors shop for their groceries.

⦁ Meals on Wheels - deliver nutritious meals three times a week.

⦁ Seniors Advocacy Services - answer questions over the phone and helping connect seniors with much needed government benefits.

⦁ Homeless Prevention Program - supports homeless individuals with supplies and housing emergency assistance.

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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

COVID-19 Update for Parksville Residents

Staying Well in Uncertain Times

This week, recognized by the Canadian Mental Health Association as Mental Health Week in BC, focusses on the importance of maintaining social connections and good mental health.

CMHA said feelings of loneliness and isolation were already a major concern before the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that more people are staying indoors and away from others, it is even more of an issue. According to the CMHA website, people with weak social connections are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviour and suicidal behaviours. With current health recommendations having us avoid close in-person contact, the CMHA is encouraging people to reach out to each other through phone or video calls, as well as through text messages.

Expanded mental health supports, because of the pandemic, are available online and by phone. CMHA offers many online programs - peer support, mental health check in, community counselling, and such programs as Confident Parents - Thriving Kids, Bounce Back and more. CMHA provides strategies and tools you can use at home - health information, taking care of your health and well-being, what to do if feeling overwhelmed and suggestions for managing financial uncertainty. If you need immediate help, CMHA also offers a crisis line 1 800 784-2433.

Locally, Forward House is helping to keep the community safe during the COVID-19. Although closed to the public, Forward House is continuing to support clients during these times and members of the public are welcome to call Forward House to speak with one of their trained mental health workers (250 954-0785), Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Here are some suggested links with mental health supports related to COVID-19:

Canadian Mental Health Association resources - https://cmha.bc.ca/covid-19/

Managing COVID-19 stress, anxiety and depression - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health-safety/covid19_stressmanagement_5_accessible.pdf

List of BC Mental Health supports - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/services-and-resources/services-by-need/mental-health-services

Health Link BC resources - https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources

Your Feedback on Communications and Public Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting physical distancing measures have changed how the City of Parksville connects with residents. We are adjusting to doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic situation and exploring how to continue public engagement while being respectful of the restrictions now in place because of COVID-19.

Listening to provincial and federal health officers, it has become clear that working virtually and maintaining physical distance will be our new normal for some time. Over the next few months, as we move the business of the City forward, we will be looking for feedback from the public on policies, programs and projects. Because we are not able to meet in person, we are now looking for input from our residents to determine whether there is an interest in engaging with the City on projects.

As well, we have a few questions about how you receive information as well as how you would like to provide your feedback to us. Before we begin engaging on future projects, we would like to hear from you.

The link to the survey is provived here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parksvilleengage and may be accessed from the City's website and our public engagement platform, Let's Talk Parksville. The survey will be open from May 8 to June 7. If you wish a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, please call 250 248-6144. Please direct questions to communications@parksville.ca.

CITY REMINDERS

Public comments at Council meetings - Until further notice, City meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Council continues to meet regularly and meetings are held virtually through Zoom and webcast live and archived from the City's website. Agendas are posted to the website on Thursday the week before the Monday Council meeting. Residents are welcome to send comments related to items on the agenda to Council@parksville.ca. If you wish your comments included in the public record, comments must be received by noon, the day of the Council meeting. Please include a full name and address for the comment to be included in the minutes.

City operations - services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and email info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is available on the City's website.

EMO Enews - Emergency Management Oceanside, a partnership between the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach, provides emergency support and disaster service to residents. We are offering an enewsletter with updates about COVID-19 as well as emergency preparedness info for Oceanside. Signup at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

EMO Community Update -May 1

Our sincere thanks to the dedicated health care workers, first responders, front-line workers and essential service employees who are going above and beyond to serve our community at this time. We recognize the challenges residents and businesses in our community are experiencing daily. In time, we will find a way to return to a new normal, while continuing with behaviours such as distancing requirements and sanitizing practices to help reduce the risks in our community, allowing us to get back to work and the activities we enjoy. Stay safe, stay well.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Here are a few new links which may be of interest to residents:

• Safe spaces for people leaving violence https://news.gov.bc.ca/22099
• Supports for BC animal care facility operators https://news.gov.bc.ca/22101
• Resource to inspire, educate and engage Canadians https://canadatogether.com/en

Mobility Aids on Transit

Due to physical distancing recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer, RDN Transit has made changes to the number of mobility aids permitted on buses, which cannot be collapsed or folded. For more information, contact Transportation Services at 250 954-1001. This affects riders as follows:

• Full-size bus - only one rear-facing mobility aid per bus. No forward-facing mobility aids permitted at this time.
• Community shuttles/small bus - only one mobility aid per bus. The driver, wearing personal protective equipment, must attach the mobility aid to the bus with a series of connections (shoulder harness may be required).

VIRL Virtual Library Cards and Resources

While the library remains closed, you can still register and access many resources online. Sign up and take advantage of all the entertainment and learning opportunities available. https://virl.bc.ca/virl-offering-online-card-registration-24-7-wifi-and-more-while-branches-closed/

Oceanside Business Resource

The Parksville and Qualicum Chamber of Commerce has a tool for local businesses to detail the services being offered at this time. This website provides a great resource for residents to determine the levels of modified business services being offered by our businesses. Businesses located in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region can register to be added to the page. https://supporting-oceanside-businesses.com

Recovery for Small to Medium Businesses

Innovation Island and Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) are providing a Digital Economy Rapid Response Recovery program for small/medium sized businesses closed or running at below normal capacity. The free program supports regional businesses to enter and/or expand into the digital economy and is open to businesses on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat, on the Sunshine Coast, or Northern or Southern Gulf Islands. https://innovationisland.ca/der3

Emergency Preparedness Week - May 3-9

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with making a plan and being prepared to look after yourself, your family and your pets for a minimum of one week. Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder intended to raise awareness and offer information and tips to help prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency or disaster incident. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach will not be scheduling any public events for emergency preparedness week.

The past few weeks have reminded us just how important personal preparedness can be and as we have learned, being prepared and having a plan is critical. During this time of physical and social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can take the important steps to prepare for a situation that can occur anytime, anywhere by protecting ourselves and our families. While being isolated at home, it's a great time to build on the emergency preparedness plans and supplies you have gathered for other potential emergencies. For more information on how to prepare yourself and your family in the event of an emergency, visit GetPrepared.ca

Some preparedness websites are listed here should residents wish additional information:

• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html
• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc

Voyent Alert!

With the COVID-19 situation, ensuring Parksville-Qualicum Beach residents receive up-to-date communications is even more important. Alerts can be sent over a variety of channels including mobile apps, text/SMS, email or voice dial. Registration is free and anonymous. Mobile app users can download the Voyent Alert! app from Apple or Google Play app stores. Email or SMS users may register online at https://register.voyent-alert.com.Access to the Voyent Alert! signup can also be accessed from the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach websites.

EMO E-News

We offer an electronic newsletter with updates about COVID-19 as well as emergency preparedness info for the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region. Signup at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

HEALTH REMINDERS

COVID-19 is a serious health threat and the situation continues to evolve. The risk will vary between and within communities and some Canadians are more at risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions and age. We must continue to think ahead about the actions we need to take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing

The province, along with health authority partners, have expanded COVID-19 testing across BC. Island Health announced this week testing for those with symptoms of cold, flu or the coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. Island Health's call centre employees are trained to assess whether or not a test is needed. For those showing no symptoms, testing is not recommended. Call 1 844 901-8442 for more info.

Canada COVID-19 Support App and Symptom Tracker

This mobile app helps with Canada's COVID-19 response by allowing Canadian to track symptoms, receive updates and gain access to trusted medical resources. You can help too, even if you are healthy! https://ca.thrive.health

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre will open for one day only to allow the Canadian Blood Services to operate a COVID-19 friendly collection next week. Although completely booked up and no walk-ins facilitated, Canadian Blood Services wishes to pass along thanks to all those who donate life-giving blood. As well, the Town thanks the Canadian Blood Services for their frontline work, providing this essential service. Donor info at www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible.

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

Public Comments at Council Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation and until further notice, meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Council continues to meet regularly and meetings are held virtually and webcast live and archived from the City's website. Council agendas are posted to the City's website on Thursday the week before the Monday Council meeting.

Residents are welcome to send comments related to items on the agenda to Council@parksville.ca. If you wish your comments included in the public record, comments must be received by noon, the day of the Council meeting. Please include a full name and address for the comment to be included in the minutes.

While City offices are closed to the public, contact us by phone or email. Main phone 250 248-6144 and info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information on the City's website.

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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

April 29, 2020

We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated health care workers, first responders, front-line workers and essential services who are going beyond to serve our community at this time. It is because we are all doing our part that Vancouver Island and the Oceanside region has been able to avoid large numbers of illnesses or deaths.

We recognize the challenges residents and businesses in our community are experiencing daily. We sincerely hope in time, we will find a way to return to a new normal, while continuing with some behaviours like distancing requirements and sanitizing practices, which will help to reduce the risks in our community and allow us to get back to work and the activities we enjoy.

Business continuity and recovery

We look forward to when we are able to reopen some of our facilities and welcome the public back to City Hall, playgrounds and sports fields. We are now making plans for business continuity and recovery so that we are ready to resume in-person services and reopen recreation sites when authorized by the province. For now, the orders to avoid unnecessary travel, stay home as much as possible and stay away from those outside our immediate households remain in effect. We are almost there. We have successfully flattened this curve and now we need to take a measured and cautious approach to recovery to ensure our efforts are not negated.

The City continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Emergency Management BC to ensure our staff are able to deliver important services to the public in the safest way possible. To assist with this, additional bylaw enforcement capacity is now in place on weekends to ensure residents are aware of and comply with social and physical distancing requirements in our public spaces. This will be important as the weather improves and we expect to see more people enjoying outdoor amenities.

COVID-19 has created situations and conditions, which are stressful and difficult for us all. We are fortunate, compared to other provinces in Canada, we do not have the same lockdown or restrictions in BC. We look forward to when businesses, schools, restaurants, stores and public spaces can reopen, albeit with new rules to protect our residents.

Being realistic, life will not return to the way it was for some time to come. Many restrictions will remain in place for the remainder of 2020; however, we have seen many examples of creativity in our local businesses with online or delivery options being provided, modifications to grocery stores to protect shoppers and staff, and virtual classes or entertainment ideas being shared. We will be able to celebrate our successes in unique ways, no matter how small they seem. We have accomplished much together over the past two months, please continue to be kind to each other as we become familiar with our new reality.

"Be calm, be kind, stay safe." - Dr Bonnie Henry

Public Comments at Council Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation and until further notice, City meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Parksville Council continues to meet regularly and meetings are held virtually through Zoom and webcast live and archived from the City's website.

Council agendas are posted to the City's website on Thursday the week before the Monday Council meeting. Residents are welcome to send comments related to items on the agenda to Council@parksville.ca. If you wish your comments included in the public record, comments must be received by noon, the day of the Council meeting. Please include a full name and address for the comment to be included in the minutes.

A reminder to residents and until further notice, Council meetings will be held at 3 pm. Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month and when a regularly scheduled meeting of Council coincides with a designated statutory holiday, the alternate day for the Council meeting will be Wednesday of the same week.

Oceanside Business Resource https://supporting-oceanside-businesses.com

The Parksville & Qualicum Chamber of Commerce has provided a resource that lists the services being offered by local businesses at this time. Local businesses in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region can register, detailing the levels of modified business services provided and it's a great resource for residents to quickly determine what local businesses are open and if there are changes to service delivery for that business.

City Operations

City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and email info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is available on the City's website.

Signup for Emergency Management Oceanside Enews

Emergency Management Oceanside is a partnership between the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach to provide emergency support and disaster service to residents of the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area. We are offering an EMO Enews which will include updates about COVID-19 as well as emergency preparedness info for the Oceanside region. Please sign up at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville, 250 954-3073

COVID-19 Community Update

Dr Bonnie Henry's words continue to provide comfort, "All of us need to do our part and we need to continue to support each other. Be calm, be kind to each other and be safe."

Our communities will look different this summer, much quieter without our many festivals and events but please remember we are in this together and will get through it together. Our sincere thanks to Parksville-Qualicum Beach residents for doing your part - let's keep going to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

TAKE-OUT THURSDAYS or any other day of the week!

Support our local restaurants and make Take-Out Thursdays a thing! Check out the restaurants in our region that are offering takeout and delivery options any day of the week.

COVID-19 Support Service for BC Businesses

To help BC businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and provincial governments have partnered with Small Business BC to provide online support service. The website provides info from industry and community partners, along with resources and tools to help businesses navigate challenges from COVID-19. https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca/hc/en-us.

BC Hydro residential and business customers can apply online for COVID-19 Relief Fund at bchydro.com/covid19relief.

RDN Virtual Activities and Fitness Videos

The RDN recreation website has a new platform with ways the community can stay active and connected.

• Fitness videos join in at bit.ly/3btifrc
• Butterfly Art Project - in association with The Old School House (TOSH)
• Be inspired by random acts of recreation and see ideas to keep active
• For all the details visit www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/rec-connect

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

Special Events - COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on summer special events in Qualicum Beach; however, we are looking forward to making 2021 bigger and better than ever!

• 2020 Qualicum Beach Triathlon has been cancelled.
• Seaside Cruizers Father's Day Show and Shine will not take place in June; further details to be announced.
• Beach Day has been cancelled with a tentative date of July 25, 2021.

Property Taxes - due date for property taxes will remain July 2, 2020. Penalties have been adjusted as follows:

• No penalties will be applied to payments and/or homeowner grants received by October 1.
• Payments received between October 2 and December 1 will be subject to a 1% penalty and payments and grants received after December 1 subject to a further 9% penalty. A 10% total penalty is required by provincial legislation.

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

• In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, 75th birthday celebrations planned for this summer will be celebrated in style on Saturday, June 19, 2021.
• City services continue and with offices closed to the public, please contact us by phone or email. Main phone 250 248-6144 and info@parksville.ca. Department contact information is available on the City's website.
• Parksville Fire would love to help you celebrate a milestone memory such as an anniversary, wedding or birthday with a drive-by your home. Drive-bys on a first-come, first serve basis are for residents in the Parksville Fire Protection Area until May 31. Info and how to book at parksvillefirerescue.ca.

HEALTH REMINDERS

CMA Resources and Tools - Canadian Medical Association is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial and territorial medical associations and the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health to share the most up-to-date and reliable resources with physicians and patients.

How do I practice physical (social) distancing?

Please stay at home as much as possible and follow local public health emergency requirements. When outside of the home practice physical (social) distancing from others, avoid any crowded places. Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and wash your hands frequently. If you develop two or more symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny rose or headache), immediately go home or stay home and isolate from others and follow the advice of Island Health.

• As much as possible, stay home. Even if you don't have COVID-19 symptoms, you could become infected by others.
• Stay at home, unless you have to go to work or obtain essential supplies.
• Avoid all non-essential trips in your community and do not gather in groups.
• Limit contact with people at higher risk (eg older adults and those in poor health).
• Go outside to exercise but stay close to home.
• If you leave your home for any reason, always keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others.
• Household contacts do not need to distance from each other unless sick or have travelled in the last 14 days.
• You can go for a walk if you have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, do not have symptoms and have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.

STAY INFORMED

Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information is available from:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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