COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Protection of Our Water Supply

Protection and enhancement of the water supply, a priority for the City of Parksville and the Englishman River Water Service and is reflected in the mission statement, "An environmentally sensitive use of water to improve fish habitat and domestic water supply." To successfully accomplish this mission requires careful stewardship of both the surface water and groundwater sources. The ERWS water treatment plant supplies water to residents and businesses of the City of Parksville and the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area.

The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, does not present a threat to the safety of the Englishman River Water Service treated water. The ERWS water treatment plant uses membrane filtration, ultra-violet light (UV) and chlorine disinfection. Benefits include reduced health risks and improved water quality. Membrane filtration removes bacteria and viruses naturally found in surface river water and the ability to deal with spikes in turbidity (muddy water). The plant employs a multi-step treatment process which includes filtration and disinfection to remove and kill viruses, including coronaviruses as well as bacteria and other pathogens.

The new water treatment plant which began testing in 2019, was commissioned in January 2020 and is well equipped to protect the integrity of the drinking water supply. Island Health issue operating permits to ERWS and we are in compliance with Island Health operating guidelines.

ERWS has many operating safeguards in place to protect the integrity of our water system:

• Emergency response plan for water treatment and water distribution systems.
• During the testing period, City of Parksville and Regional District of Nanaimo staff received extensive training and a Level 4 water treatment operator was hired to run the daily operations of the plant. In addition to the Level 4 operator, the plant employs one Level 3 water treatment operator as well as three Level 2 water treatment operators, all capable of providing coverage in an emergency.
• The City’s mutual aid agreements include operational support for the water treatment plant from neighbouring governments in the event of an emergency. This could include sharing of skilled/certified staffing for plant operations.
• Arrangements have been made with other mid-Island local governments which would allow sharing of qualified staff should there be staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. CUPE 401 has agreed there would be no collective agreement barriers to facilitating this need should it arise.

For the assurance of our residents, the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Media contact:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

COVID-19 Update for Parksville Residents

Message from Parksville Mayor

It is heartwarming to see our residents coming together to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Thank you for doing your part to help flatten the curve; staying home and staying safe is working. We know people living in isolation are looking to interact with others and we hope our online platforms provide a connection for you. Although our offices are closed to the public, we are open for business and welcome questions you might have about City services. City staff are providing services to our residents while staying safe and following provincial orders.

There are many resources available to stay up-to-date on the latest preventive measures and COVID-19 information for residents and businesses. Most recently, the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach through Emergency Management Oceanside, launched an enewsletter for our residents to provide additional information about the pandemic situation. Please consider signing up.

Our City will be very different this summer, much quieter without our many festivals and events; however, we are in this together and will get through it together. More than ever, we need our sense of community. Please support our businesses - by buying online locally, participating in "Takeout Thursdays" from our local restaurants and checking out the many other resources offered by our businesses such as online adventures with local attractions.

On behalf of Parksville Council, stay safe and stay well. We are proud of the way our community has come together to support each other and help slow the spread of this virus.

Protection of Our Water Supply

Protection and enhancement of the water supply is a priority for the City of Parksville and the Englishman River Water Service and is reflected in the mission statement, "An environmentally sensitive use of water to improve fish habitat and domestic water supply." To successfully accomplish this mission requires careful stewardship of both the surface water and groundwater sources. The ERWS water treatment plant supplies water to residents and businesses of the City of Parksville and the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area.

The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, does not present a threat to the safety of the Englishman River Water Service treated water. The ERWS water treatment plant uses membrane filtration, ultra-violet light (UV) and chlorine disinfection. Benefits include reduced health risks and improved water quality. Membrane filtration removes bacteria and viruses naturally found in surface river water and the ability to deal with spikes in turbidity (muddy water). The plant employs a multi-step treatment process which includes filtration and disinfection to remove and kill viruses, including coronaviruses as well as bacteria and other pathogens.

The new water treatment plant which began testing in 2019, was commissioned in January 2020 and is well equipped to protect the integrity of the drinking water supply. Island Health issue operating permits to ERWS and we are in compliance with Island Health operating guidelines.

ERWS has many operating safeguards in place to protect the integrity of our water system:

• Emergency response plan for water treatment and water distribution systems.
• During the testing period, City of Parksville and Regional District of Nanaimo staff received extensive training and a Level 4 water treatment operator was hired to run the daily operations of the plant. In addition to the Level 4 operator, the plant employs one Level 3 water treatment operator as well as three Level 2 water treatment operators, all capable of providing coverage in an emergency.
• The City's mutual aid agreements include operational support for the water treatment plant from neighbouring governments in the event of an emergency. This could include sharing of skilled/certified staffing for plant operations.
• Arrangements have been made with other mid-Island local governments which would allow sharing of qualified staff should there be staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. CUPE 401 has agreed there would be no collective agreement barriers to facilitating this need should it arise.

For the assurance of our residents, the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Thank You to Our Community Volunteers

We wish to thank volunteers for their many contributions to our community. Recognition is even more significant this year as we see how you are supporting essential services during this public health crisis and we recognize those who help by staying home to protect themselves and their community. Volunteers contribute to the well-being of Parksville and without your dedication, it would be impossible to sustain the services we all enjoy. We recognize the vital contribution volunteers make to our community and the impact this has on the quality of life in our community. Thank you!

City Operations

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

Sign Up 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. A new EMO Enews includes updates about COVID-19 as well as emergency preparedness info for the Oceanside region. Signup up at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

Message from Parksville Mayor

It is heartwarming to see Parksville residents coming together to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Thank you for doing your part to help flatten the curve. Staying home and staying safe is working.

We know that people living in isolation are looking to engage and interact with others. We hope our online platforms are providing a connection for you. Although our offices are closed to the public, we are open for business and welcome your any questions you might have about City services during these challenging times. City staff continue to successfully provide services to our residents while staying safe and following provincial orders.

There are many resources available to stay up to date on the latest preventive measures and COVID-19 information for residents and businesses. Most recently, the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach through Emergency Management Oceanside, launched an enewsletter for our residents to provide additional information about the pandemic situation and how it affects our community.

Our City will be very different this summer, much quieter without our many festivals and events; however, please remember we are in this together and will get through it together. More than ever, we need our sense of community. Please support our businesses - by buying online from local businesses, participating in "Takeout Thursdays"from our local restaurants and checking out the many other resources offered by our businesses such as online adventures with local attractions.

On behalf of Parksville Council, stay safe and stay well. We are proud of the way our community has come together to support each other and help slow the spread of this virus.

Mayor Ed Mayne

250 954-4661

mayor@parksville.ca

Media contact:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

Emergency Management Oceanside Community Update - April 16

Let’s keep the effort going to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The message is the same, these next few weeks are extremely important for all of us; we must continue to do our part while doing our best to support and care for those around us. Staying home will save lives and following the rules means we will be able to put this situation behind us. Please, help bend the curve, not the rules.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Parksville & District and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce - are actively helping to support local businesses impacted by economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber has created a resource page for businesses to list available services. The Chamber encourages support of local businesses who go the extra mile to ensure that our community thrives.

The Chamber is hosting an online business recovery forum on April 16 at 7 pm to connect businesses directly to local MLA's, municipal and business leaders to help inform about resources and assistance important to business continuity. Email the Chamber to participate.

Harbour Air re-opens - In response to demand, Harbour Air is again servicing routes between Nanaimo/Sechelt; Nanaimo/Vancouver and Vancouver/Victoria.

BC Stats show how Canadians coping with COVID-19 - Statistics Canada results indicate Canadians are concerned about the pandemic and the majority are taking precautions and following physical distancing rules.

RDN Transit service to Duke Point - Due to reduced BC Ferries services and closure of Departure Bay terminal, RDN Transit is offering temporary service to the Duke Point ferry terminal, operating Monday to Saturday, providing transit between the Downtown Nanaimo Transit Exchange, South Parkway Plaza and the Duke Point ferry terminal to meet three ferry sailings per operating day. Please refer to the schedule.

Signup for Emergency Management Oceanside Enews - As well as ongoing communications through the City and Town, EMO will send regular updates about emergency preparedness for the Oceanside region. If you wish to receive updates directly from EMO to your inbox, please signup at EmergencyOceanside.ca.

UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

• A reminder that dogs are not able to physically distance themselves and may act as a source of transmission of COVID-19 through touch (petting) as well as encourage others to breach physical distancing guidelines (who can resist a cute pup?!) Please keep all dogs on leash and keep them near you when passing others. The Town of Qualicum Beach does not permit dogs, on or off-leash, on any public beach between March 1 to April 30 due to the migration of Brant Geese. Dog owners in contravention are subject to $100 fine. Dogs are permitted on the street level walkway on-leash.
• The Qualicum Beach farmers' market was open the past two Saturdays with great success. The Town has been working with the market and the provincial health authority to ensure physical distancing guidelines are met. The Town will continue to monitor market operations and support the market as directed by the province. Reminder to please "shop, don't stop". Once finished shopping at the market, we encourage everyone to quickly make their way home and not congregate in the parking lot and surrounding areas.
• This sunny weather is drawing more people out into the fresh air. Thank you for keeping to physical distancing guidelines; together, we are flattening the curve and your efforts are making a difference!

UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE

• Garage sales and spring cleaning go together; however, garage sales should not be held nor should you attend garage sales when COVID-19 orders are in place. Garage sales are inconsistent with provincial orders to practice physical distancing, to stay at home and to restrict non-essential travel. During COVID-19, buying and selling individual items online for pickup also has risks as there is no way to know if the seller has been exposed to COVID-19. Please wait until orders are lifted before considering garage sales, whether in person or online.
• City services continue and with our offices closed to the public, please contact us by phone or email. Main phone 250 248-6144 and info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information on the City's website.

HEALTH REMINDERS

• Bounce Back is a free evidence-based program designed to help youth and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back? teaches effective skills to help young people improve their mental health. Call toll free 1 866 639-0522; www.bouncebackbc.ca
• HeretoHelp provides information about managing mental illness and maintaining good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests for wellness, mood, anxiety and risky drinking. www.heretohelp.bc.ca
• Anxiety Canada also has online resources for helping adults and children to cope with COVID-19. https://www.anxietycanada.com/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
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Island Health
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397
• Senior Support Program - 211

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 continues to ask residents to comply with provincial health orders which includes keeping a physical distance of two metres away from others when in public. The City wishes to thank residents for taking proactive actions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while supporting the community during this challenging time.

At this time, our trails, parks and parking lots remain open. As you are aware, we have increased the presence of staff at local parks and public spaces throughout the City to remind the public to following distancing requirements. The weather is forecast to stay warm and sunny and we believe a reminder is necessary to encourage all residents to remain fully committed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to ensure our public spaces remain open to be enjoyed while following the rules.

Here's what you can do:

• Limit activities outside your home; stay home as much as possible. Avoid non-essential trips and when you do go out, practice physical distancing, especially in grocery stores or other indoor spaces.
• Walk in your neighbourhood or choose trails that are less popular and avoid going out at peak times when parks and trails are busy. Walk in single file when approaching people coming towards you to ensure proper distancing.
• Follow proper hygiene as directed - wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and cough into your sleeve or tissue.
• Practice social distancing by socializing virtually; there are many options to connect virtually with others.
• Do not go out in public if you sick or returning from a trip.
• Limit your contact with people who are higher risk such as those with health conditions or older.
• Should you see others not complying with the public health officer's orders should report as follows:

City of Parksville bylaw@parksville.ca 250 954-4650

Island Health HPES.Parksville@viha.ca 250 947-8222

Here's what the City is proactively doing:

• Utility payments have been deferred to June 30.
• City offices are closed to the public and City meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Meetings may be viewed from webstreaming, live or archived.
• In partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach, we are operating a Level 2 Emergency Operation Centre to ensure a coordinated response and continued delivery of services.
• All playgrounds in the City are closed and Community Park sports fields, racquet courts, lacrosse box and skateboard park are closed. Springwood Park sports fields, tennis courts, batting cage and off-leash dog park are closed to use by the public.
• Washrooms in Foster Park, Community Park and Springwood Park remain open with reduced hours of 7.30 am to dusk, in order to support additional sanitization efforts.
• Remote access has been provided to key staff allowing them to work productively from home.

Garage Sales

Spring cleaning and annual garage sales go together; however, garage sales should not be held nor should you attend garage sales when COVID-19 orders are in place. Garage sales are inconsistent with provincial orders to practice physical distancing, to stay at home and to restrict non-essential travel. During COVID-19, common sense rules apply to garage sales and buying and selling individual items online for pickup also has risks as there is no way to know if the seller has been exposed to COVID-19.

Parksville Fire Drive-bys for Birthday Memories

The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department would love to help celebrate birthdays. We recognize that living day-to-day with restrictions resulting from COVID-19 orders is stressful and challenging and when we add an important birthday into the mix, it becomes even more difficult for families wishing to celebrate an important milestone with friends and family.

To help you celebrate in a special way, Parksville Fire members are offering to drive-by your home with a fire truck to recognize birthdays for children twelve and under and for young-at-heart seniors 75 and older. Drive-bys could be subject to delay should fire/rescue incidents occur during your time and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here's what we need from residents of the Parksville Fire Protection Area to reserve a drive-by:

• Email your request to fire@parksville.ca
• Include birthday person's name, age, address (12 and under/75 and older)
• Day and time - we do prefer daytime drive-bys due to staff availability (evenings can be arranged).

City Operations

City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, please contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and email info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is posted 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.ca; 250 954-3073

EMO - COVID-19 Community Update

We must continue to do our part while doing our best to support and care for those around us. The weather this coming Easter weekend promises to be sunny and warmer but the threat of transmission is still here. Please stay safe by continuing to keep distance from one another. These next few weeks are extremely important for us in successfully preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to do your part to keep us all safe and healthy.

This week, Minister of Health Adrian Dix spoke to "bending the curve, not the rules". Another reminder about how important it is for us to maintain physical distance while outdoors. If you must leave your home then then step back to let others pass at a safe distance when using trails or walkways. If you do not have a yard of your own and need some fresh air, try to use large, open spaces at off-peak times.

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. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the City and Town, through EMO are operating a Level 2 Emergency Operation Centre which provides the ability to respond to and coordinate activities together.

EMO ENews SIGNUP

As well as ongoing communications through the City and Town, EMO will send regular updates about emergency preparedness for the Oceanside region. If you wish to receive updates directly from EMO to your inbox, please signup at EmergencyOceanside.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. Many services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information may be also be obtained from:

BC Centre for Disease Control

Public Health Agency of Canada

Island Health

Medical COVID-19 information - 811

Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319

Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

Senior Support Program - 211

QUALICUM BEACH UPDATES

• With the farmers' market opening again last weekend, we saw excellent physical distancing and safety protocols within the market. Just a reminder; however, to please "Shop. Don't Stop". Once you have finished shopping at the market, we encourage you to quickly make your way home and not congregate in the parking lot and surrounding areas. Let's keep the market safe so we can support our local producers!
• The Town of Qualicum Beach would love to send a personal call out to all our front line workers who are keeping the Town cared for and safe! Doctors, nurses, support staff, cleaning staff, and let's not forget the people working to ensure there is little disruption to our food supply, utilities, and security. We thank you!

PARKSVILLE UPDATE

• City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, please contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is on the City's website.
• The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 20 and although closed to attendance by the public, meetings may be viewed through webcasting from the City's website and meeting highlights are posted to the website.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION

• Vancouver Island Public Library - VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times Library branches remain closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Books and materials out on loan will not be required to be returned until the library re-opens. In the meantime, VIRL is offering many online resources - explore these digital resources including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspaper, music, learning tools and more all available 24/7 with your VIRL card. Virl.bc.ca
• BC Parks has closed the entire BC Parks system, including all parks, protected areas, conservancies, recreation areas, and ecological reserves. All camping (front and backcountry) is now banned until May 31. http://bcparks.ca/
• BC Ferries has made changes to routes and there are no sailings from Departure Bay until further notice. https://www.bcferries.com/current_conditions/travel-advisory.html
• New Emergency Relief Support Fund and added service flexibility for parents of special needs children https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0043-000650
• On Sunday at 11 am, the Prime Minister will be hosting a video conference with Dr. Tam, dedicated to answering questions from young people. Kids are encouraged to send suggestions and questions through to cbckidsnews@cbc.ca and also watch live at https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/

HEALTH REMINDER

What is self-isolation? Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people. This can help prevent the spread of infections. Self-isolation lowers the chance of spreading the illness to other people. When you are exposed to an illness, there is the time between exposure and when you start to feel sick. This is called an incubation period. There is a chance you can spread germs in the days before you feel sick. People at high-risk of having been exposed to the illness are asked to self-isolate. Plan ahead and prepare for what you will do if you or a family member becomes sick and needs care.

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

City of Parksville www.parksville.ca

Town of Qualicum Beach www.qualicumbeach.com

Covid-19 Update - City of Parksville

MESSAGE FROM PARKSVILLE COUNCIL

It is unlikely we will return to normal any time soon as we may be in a period of social isolation for sometime to come. More than ever, as Council members and community residents, we need to be flexible and continue to do the best we can during this unprecedented time.

Our wish for you is for a safe and healthy Easter; enjoy your time doing whatever makes you happy this weekend. With the promise of sunny days, please be cautious. Please stay safe; limit the number of outings and when you do go out, respect physical distancing of at least two metres. Stay in touch virtually with neighbours, friends and family and we would love to hear your stories about how you are staying connected; please email mayor@parksville.ca.

Parksville’s Council offers sincere thanks and appreciation to Parksville residents for doing your part to prevent the spread of this disease and successfully flatten the curve. We now know that our behaviour does affect just how long this crisis will last and our actions are generating positive results. Stay safe, stay well.

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. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the City and Town, through EMO are operating a Level 2 Emergency Operation Centre which provides the ability to respond to and coordinate activities in partnership, working with Emergency Management BC, neighbouring communities and other partners.

As well as ongoing communications through the City and Town, EMO will send out regular updates about emergency preparedness for the Oceanside region.If you wish to receive updates directly to your inbox, please signup at EmergencyOceanside.ca .Please email questions to info@emergencyoceanside.ca

Here are a few reminders for our residents:

ONGOING CITY OPERATIONS -City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, contact is by phone (250 248-6144) or email (info@parksville.ca) Direct department contact information may be found on our website. City offices are closed for the Easter statutory holidays (April 10 and April 13)

CITY PARKS- Our parks remain open to use by the public. It is extremely important those using the parks remember to keep distance from others in public spaces. Bylaw compliance officers and City staff will be patrolling to assist in enforcing the public health officer’s orders. If people using parks do not practice physical distancing, we may have no choice but to close our parks.

UTILITY NOTICES -Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the due date for City utility notices covering water, sewer, garbage and recycling has been extended to June 30. If you did not receive your notice in the mail, please call 250 248-6144. With City offices closed to the public until further notice, we encourage the public to pay this utility bill via Canada Post or through online or telephone banking.

VANCOUVER ISLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY -The VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times Library branches remain closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Books and materials out on loan will not be required to be returned until the library re-opens. In the meantime, VIRL is offering many online resources - explore these digital resources including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspaper, music, learning tools and more all available 24/7 with your VIRL card.

Guidelines Support Compliance with Public Health Officer’s Orders

To provide a consistent approach throughout BC and reflect the public health officer’s recommendations for individuals and communities, local governments are encouraged to focus enforcement efforts on COVID-19 orders and through the bylaw enforcement order, clarified bylaw compliance officer roles:

• To assist with the compliance and enforcement of public health orders.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to detain an individual because of a contravention or suspected contravention of a public health order.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to exercise any authority to issue a fine or penalty.
• Enforcement will be directed by the provincial health officer and/or Island Health.

Working hard to protect our community isn’t new for the City’s bylaw compliance officers; however, protecting our community during a pandemic is new. Prior to the order, bylaw compliance had started to patrol and educate about the public health orders as well as monitor City infrastructure. We will continue to deploy on-duty bylaw officers to assist in enforcing provincial health orders, such as monitoring community facilities and areas closed to the public. Island Health will cover food premises including grocery stores as well as personal service establishments. Bylaw officers will remind residents of facility closures, as well as the critical need to physical distance. City staff are also integrating patrols into their daily tasks and will report concerns to bylaw. The City’s priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents.

Compliance concerns should be directed to:

City of Parksville
bylaw@parksville.ca

250 954-4650

Island Health
HPES.Parksville@viha.ca

250 947-8222

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
dtardiff@parksville.ca

250 954-3073

New Guidelines Support Compliance with Provincial Health Officer's Orders

New Guidelines Support Compliance with Provincial Health Officer's Orders On March 25, the Bylaw Enforcement COVID-19 Order came into effect through the office of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General with further direction from the province last week.

To provide a consistent approach throughout the province and reflect the public health officer’s recommendations for individuals and communities, local governments are strongly encouraged to focus their enforcement efforts on orders relating to COVID-19. The province clarified bylaw compliance officer roles:

• To assist with the compliance and enforcement of public health orders.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to detain an individual because of a contravention or suspected contravention of a public health order.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to exercise any authority to issue a fine or penalty.
• Enforcement will be directed by the provincial health officer and/or Island Health.

Working hard to protect our community isn’t new for members of the City’s bylaw compliance department; however, protecting our community during a global pandemic is new. Prior to the order, the City’s bylaw compliance, in conjunction with Island Health, had begun to patrol and educate the public about the public health orders as well as actively monitor City infrastructure.

As requested, the City will continue to deploy on-duty bylaw compliance officers to assist in enforcing provincial health orders, such as monitoring community facilities and areas closed to the public. Island Health will continue to cover all food premises including grocery stores as well as personal service establishments and pools. Bylaw officers will continue to remind residents of the playground and sports courts closures, as well as the critical need to physical distance. City staff are also integrating patrols into their daily tasks and will report concerns to bylaw to assist with compliance. The City’s priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents.

Concerns regarding compliance with the public health officer’s orders should be directed as follows:

City of Parksville bylaw@parksville.ca 250 954-4650

Island Health HPES.Parksville@viha.ca 250 947-8222

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications dtardiff@parksville.ca 250 954-3073

Changes to Parksville Council Meetings

On March 12, the City announced that Council meetings are no longer open to attendance by the public. Due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation and the need to physical distance, our Council meetings will no longer be held in the Forum, Parksville Civic and Technology Centre. Due to the technical challenges caused by this change, webstreaming and video archiving of meetings may not be available as usual. Please know we are taking every effort to make these options available as soon as possible and at the first opportunity. In the meantime, thank you for your patience while we work through these new meeting logistics.

Meetings of Council will be held as follows:

• April 6, 6 pm Council meeting
• April 8, 6 pm Council budget meeting
• April 20, 6 pm Council meeting

Highlights of Council meetings are available the day after meetings, posted to the homepage of the City's website.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca

250 954-3073

EMO - COVID-19 Community Update

We all must be 100% committed to doing our part to flatten the COVID-19 curve and to do this for as long as it takes. Now more than ever, it is important to keep distance from one another; we can do our part together while staying apart. #alonetogether

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. Many services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information may be also be obtained from:

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

The BC government announced a new service pairing volunteers with seniors isolated at home. The new senior support program was launched to address immediate needs of seniors staying at home during COVID-19. People can call to offer everything from virtual visits to grocery deliveries. Seniors needing support and healthy individuals who wish to volunteer can call 211 to access the service. bc211.ca.

GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION
The City and Town through Emergency Management Oceanside (EMO) are now operating a Level 2 Emergency Operation Centre. This provides the ability to respond to and coordinate activities of in partnership, working with Emergency Management BC, neighbouring communities and other partners.

CURBSIDE COLLECTION
The RDN advises garbage, recycling and food waste curbside collection is continuing as scheduled and have asked for help to keep collection drivers safe by taking the following precautions: All garbage waste must be bagged and securely tied (no loose waste, including vacuum dust) If someone in your household is sick, please double-bag and securely tie all personal waste All paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, face masks, gloves, and disposable sanitary wipes (flushable and compostable) must be disposed of in your garbage, not recycling or food waste containers Waste that does not adhere to these guidelines will be left behind with no exceptions.
Tags for extra containers of garbage may be purchased through the RDN online portal for $3 per container, which will be billed on your utility bill and your address will be added to the driver's route list on your next scheduled collection day. This change is made to safeguard staff and residents. The website also lists retail locations where tags may be purchased.
SOCIETY OF ORGANIZED SERVICES
As people begin to feel the financial strain this pandemic has on their lives, SOS reminds resident they are there to help. The emergency assistance and advocacy program will provide vouchers to residents in need and if you are in need of assistance, call 250-248-2093. www.sosd69.com.

QUALICUM BEACH UPDATES

• Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market - will reopen on April 4 with new COVID-19 measures in place. BC Ministry of Public Safety designated farmers' markets as an essential service and the Town has been working with the market to reopen at its original location selling food (fresh, frozen and prepared) items only. As we continue to comply with provincial recommendations to stay home and practice physical distancing, we suggest the public only attend the market if necessary. As an alternative, many market vendors offer online orders through the market's website.
• Qualicum Beach trails and dog parks remain open with staff closely monitoring to ensure physical distancing. Should physical distancing become an issue, these amenities may be closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre and Community Centre remains closed for April and all bookings have been cancelled or postponed.

PARKSVILLE UPDATE

• City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, please contact us by phone or email. Our main phone number is 250 248-6144 and info@parksville.ca. Direct department contact information is on the City's website.
• The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 6 and a budget meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8. Although closed to attendance by the public, meetings may be viewed through webcasting from the City's website and meeting highlights are posted to the website.
• Please refer to the City's social media channels for regularly posted information - Facebook, Twitter and for fun, Instagram and Pinterest.

HEALTH REMINDER
How do I clean and disinfect my home? Clean and disinfect common areas once a day. Each day, clean places and surfaces in the room(s) you are using. Regular cleaning products are fine. Disinfect (kill germs) by mixing 1/50 solution of bleach and water (eg. about 20 ml bleach per litre of water or 2.5 ounces per gallon) and apply to areas that are touched often such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.
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