I had posted a story about businesses reopening but I was told one was a mistake and that their site will reflect that tomorrow . My apologies to anyone who tried to book a room.
Ralph Tieleman
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Friday, May 29, 2020
Covid19 Update
Navigate to other COVID-19 Information by Topic below:
| Public Health | Community Wellness | Individual Support | Business Support | Information for Visitors |
The District of Tofino understands that COVID-19 is not only a public-health challenge, but also an economic and social one. Like much of the world, British Columbia is still responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and working to mitigate potential impacts to individuals and our healthcare system.
Over the coming months, the District will be working with local organizations, businesses and community leaders to identify how to best provide leadership, coordination, and support for the cohesive recovery of all sectors of Tofino's community, while remaining steadfast to the principles and needs of the public health response to COVID-19.
On the COVID-19 Recovery Planning page you'll find the following information:
- Tofino's COVID-19 Recovery Action Plan
- Community Recovery Framework
- Mayor's Economic Recovery Task Force
- Mayor's Community Health Task Force
- Thought Exchange
- BC's Restart Plan
- WorkSafeBC Safe Plan
*** IMPORTANT HEALTH MESSAGE***
Do you need help? Reach out to someone for help if you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or struggling.
|
Tofino's COVID-19 Recovery Action Plan
The District of Tofino's COVID-19 Recovery Action Plan intends to chart a pathway for recovery while taking direction from the Provincial Health Officer. The role of the Plan is to fit within the COVID-19 response and recovery framework provided by the Province of British Columbia.
The District of Tofino,in collaboration with the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tofino, intend for the Action Plan to be a working document that is responsive to evolving circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategies and timelines provided are tied to directives of the Provincial Health Officer to allow for recovery actions that are fluid and reactive to the evolving situation,while following the recovery framework provided by the Province.
Community Recovery Framework
Recovery from emergencies is a responsibility of local government, however the activities of recovery are generally undertaken through partnerships between government and existing community organizations. Tofino's Recovery Task Forces outlined below are in line with the recovery model grounded in the Provincial Emergency Program Act, and are intended to provide a community-driven approach to undertaking immediate actions for the benefit of all Tofitians.
Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force
Membership inlcudes:
Mayor Osborne, Councillor Andrea McQuade, Dr. Carrie Marshall (Long Beach Physician Lead for the Divisions of Family Practice), Maureen Fraser (Common Loaf Bakeshop and Tourism Tofino), J.J. Belanger (Crystal Cove Beach Resort and Tourism Tofino), Ryan Teremy (Jamie’s Whaling Station and Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce), Saya Masso (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation).
Mayor Osborne, Councillor Andrea McQuade, Dr. Carrie Marshall (Long Beach Physician Lead for the Divisions of Family Practice), Maureen Fraser (Common Loaf Bakeshop and Tourism Tofino), J.J. Belanger (Crystal Cove Beach Resort and Tourism Tofino), Ryan Teremy (Jamie’s Whaling Station and Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce), Saya Masso (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation).
The focus the Task Force is to ensure coordination among the efforts of government and businesses, and to provide advice and make recommendations to Council and the Tofino Emergency Operations Centre on matters related to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early in its mandate, the Economic Recovery Task Force will establish its priorities through a needs / impact assessment and create an Action Plan.
Meeting Summaries
Mayor’s Community Health Task Force
Membership inlcudes:
Mayor Osborne, Councillor Tom Stere, Iris Frank (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation), Rebecca Hurwitz (Clayoquot Biosphere Trust), Margaret Morrison (West Coast Community Resources Society), Drew Ryan (School District 70), and Ursula Banke (Employment Centre).
Mayor Osborne, Councillor Tom Stere, Iris Frank (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation), Rebecca Hurwitz (Clayoquot Biosphere Trust), Margaret Morrison (West Coast Community Resources Society), Drew Ryan (School District 70), and Ursula Banke (Employment Centre).
This Task Force will focus on coordinating the community health and psycho-social aspects of recovery. It is proposed to be established in partnership with existing organizations that have a focus on health and wellness and community capacity building.
Meeting Summaries:
Thought Exchange
The Thought Exchange results are in! Join Mayor Josie Osborne as she reviews the results of the Though Exchange that asked Tofitians, and our West Coast region, what's important to be thinking about as we respond to COVID-19 and prepares for the future.
A downloadable PDF version of the presentation can be found here.
BC Restart Plan
BC’s Restart Plan lays out a series of steps that we will take together to protect people and ensure that our province can come back from COVID-19 stronger than before. Learn more and see the full plan on the Government of BC's website.WorkSafeBC Safety Plans
Find health and safety information, industry information for Phase 1, returning to safe operation for Phase 2, and claims at the WorkSafeBC website.
Contact:
Elyse Goatcher-Bergmann
Information Officer
District of Tofino Emergency Operations Centre
information@eoctofino.ca
Information Officer
District of Tofino Emergency Operations Centre
information@eoctofino.ca
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Resorts in Tofino and Ucluelet prepare to reopen in June
https://www.westerlynews.ca/news/resorts-in-tofino-and-ucluelet-prepare-to-reopen-in-june/
Mixed messaging as Tofino’s mayor urges tourists to stay away. Tofino’s beaches have remained open throughout the pandemic. Restaurants and resorts are opening up. Pacific Rim park opening early next month. My informal survey showed most Tofino businesses scrambling to open with safeguards in place. Plexiglass is in high demand.
Mixed messaging as Tofino’s mayor urges tourists to stay away. Tofino’s beaches have remained open throughout the pandemic. Restaurants and resorts are opening up. Pacific Rim park opening early next month. My informal survey showed most Tofino businesses scrambling to open with safeguards in place. Plexiglass is in high demand.
Pacific Rim National Park As of June 4, 2020
Long Beach Unit
The following parking areas and nearby washrooms/pit toilets are open for day use in the Long Beach Unit (please observe directional signage to ensure physical distance measures):- Long Beach North
- Long Beach South
- Wickaninnish Beach (Kwisitis Visitor Centre parking lot and beach access trail will remain closed)
- Rainforest Trail A and B
- Shorepine Bog Trail
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Mayor’s Task Force Update
DATE MEETING WEB PORTAL
BACKGROUND
MEETING SUMMARY
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force www.tofino.ca/covid-19
On May 4th, 2020, the District of Tofino launched two COVID-19 Recovery Task Forces as part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force and a Mayor’s Community Health Task Force will support the District’s recovery efforts in the short term, with a focus on the economic and psycho-social impacts of the pandemic. Structured as small teams of up to seven participants, the Task Forces are designed to be nimble and responsive, and will be informed by relevant information and data, including the input of residents, businesses and service organizations. While the intention of the Task Forces is to take immediate, community-informed actions, the District’s recovery efforts will also lead to opportunities to discuss longer-term community and regional resiliency.
MEMBERSHIP
The Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery is chaired by Mayor Josie Osborne, joined by J.J. Belanger (Crystal Cove Beach Resort and Tourism Tofino), Maureen Fraser (Common Loaf Bakeshop and Tourism Tofino), Dr. Carrie Marshall (Long Beach Physician Lead for the Divisions of Family Practice), Andrea McQuade (Kuma Restaurant and Tofino Council member), Ryan Teremy (Jamie’s Whaling Station and Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce), Saya Masso (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation).
SUMMARY – MAY 20, 2020
The Task Force meeting began with an acknowledgement that members were meeting remotely within Tla- o-qui-aht territory.
The Task Force reviewed the Recovery Action Plan and discussed a summary of actions taken by members, including:
o Upcoming land use report to District of Tofino Council in support of patios and outdoor dining options.
o Development of a local economic impact survey in partnership with Tourism Vancouver Island, and a One-Stop-Shop web portal for COVID-19 related information (i.e. public health, mental wellness, financial supports, business readiness, etc.) – see www.tofino.ca/covid.
o Ongoing sector-specific round tables for businesses (retail, health and wellness, tour operators, small accommodation, restaurants, accommodation). Common themes include:
1
Working toward common signage, procedures and messaging; concern for local healthcare capacity and social license to welcome visitors; concerns about making enough revenue during the summer to cover expenses in shoulder seasons; some businesses identifying that the new guidelines are too cost-prohibitive to re-open; difficulties in workforce planning; concern about waste from single-use items; and common concern for employee/employer mental health and stress.
o Monthly occupancy projections were discussed to inform planning decisions. The Task Force reviewed draft marketing and advertising copy to promote local tourism in Phase 3, and key messages for industry staff and media.
o Consideration of healthcare capacity at Tofino General Hospital and potential volume of care from routine injury/illness and COVID-19 related presentations.
o Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation protocols still include no visitation between communities and there remains significant community concerns related to vulnerable populations as businesses in the region begin to reopen to visitation. Nations are in consultation with Parks Canada and BC Parks about resumption plans and ways for community members to continue to access areas within their territory.
The Task Force identified the need to reassure workers and employees of protocols being put in place for their safety, and to provide widespread access to mental health and wellness support to businesses and workers who may be struggling with increased stress and anxiety about re-opening to the public.
The Task Force discussed upcoming communication priorities:
o Visitor-facing: Welcoming visitors in Phase 3, setting expectations and providing information
about appropriate behavior and changes to available services.
o Resident-facing: How businesses are preparing to protect staff and public using WorkSafe BC guidelines, acknowledgement of concerns, readying the community welcome visitors again under Phase 3 enhanced protocols.
NEXT MEETING: MAY 27, 2020
At their next meeting, the Economic Recovery Task Force will review the economic impact survey, draft visitor- facing communication for Phase 3 re-opening, and invite Elmer Frank, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Emergency Operations Centre Chairperson to participate in discussions.
BACKGROUND
MEETING SUMMARY
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force www.tofino.ca/covid-19
On May 4th, 2020, the District of Tofino launched two COVID-19 Recovery Task Forces as part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force and a Mayor’s Community Health Task Force will support the District’s recovery efforts in the short term, with a focus on the economic and psycho-social impacts of the pandemic. Structured as small teams of up to seven participants, the Task Forces are designed to be nimble and responsive, and will be informed by relevant information and data, including the input of residents, businesses and service organizations. While the intention of the Task Forces is to take immediate, community-informed actions, the District’s recovery efforts will also lead to opportunities to discuss longer-term community and regional resiliency.
MEMBERSHIP
The Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery is chaired by Mayor Josie Osborne, joined by J.J. Belanger (Crystal Cove Beach Resort and Tourism Tofino), Maureen Fraser (Common Loaf Bakeshop and Tourism Tofino), Dr. Carrie Marshall (Long Beach Physician Lead for the Divisions of Family Practice), Andrea McQuade (Kuma Restaurant and Tofino Council member), Ryan Teremy (Jamie’s Whaling Station and Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce), Saya Masso (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation).
SUMMARY – MAY 20, 2020
The Task Force meeting began with an acknowledgement that members were meeting remotely within Tla- o-qui-aht territory.
The Task Force reviewed the Recovery Action Plan and discussed a summary of actions taken by members, including:
o Upcoming land use report to District of Tofino Council in support of patios and outdoor dining options.
o Development of a local economic impact survey in partnership with Tourism Vancouver Island, and a One-Stop-Shop web portal for COVID-19 related information (i.e. public health, mental wellness, financial supports, business readiness, etc.) – see www.tofino.ca/covid.
o Ongoing sector-specific round tables for businesses (retail, health and wellness, tour operators, small accommodation, restaurants, accommodation). Common themes include:
1
Working toward common signage, procedures and messaging; concern for local healthcare capacity and social license to welcome visitors; concerns about making enough revenue during the summer to cover expenses in shoulder seasons; some businesses identifying that the new guidelines are too cost-prohibitive to re-open; difficulties in workforce planning; concern about waste from single-use items; and common concern for employee/employer mental health and stress.
o Monthly occupancy projections were discussed to inform planning decisions. The Task Force reviewed draft marketing and advertising copy to promote local tourism in Phase 3, and key messages for industry staff and media.
o Consideration of healthcare capacity at Tofino General Hospital and potential volume of care from routine injury/illness and COVID-19 related presentations.
o Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation protocols still include no visitation between communities and there remains significant community concerns related to vulnerable populations as businesses in the region begin to reopen to visitation. Nations are in consultation with Parks Canada and BC Parks about resumption plans and ways for community members to continue to access areas within their territory.
The Task Force identified the need to reassure workers and employees of protocols being put in place for their safety, and to provide widespread access to mental health and wellness support to businesses and workers who may be struggling with increased stress and anxiety about re-opening to the public.
The Task Force discussed upcoming communication priorities:
o Visitor-facing: Welcoming visitors in Phase 3, setting expectations and providing information
about appropriate behavior and changes to available services.
o Resident-facing: How businesses are preparing to protect staff and public using WorkSafe BC guidelines, acknowledgement of concerns, readying the community welcome visitors again under Phase 3 enhanced protocols.
NEXT MEETING: MAY 27, 2020
At their next meeting, the Economic Recovery Task Force will review the economic impact survey, draft visitor- facing communication for Phase 3 re-opening, and invite Elmer Frank, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Emergency Operations Centre Chairperson to participate in discussions.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Tofino Story Without Josie Osborne
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/where-would-you-travel-in-b-c-if-restrictions-were-lifted-1.5572826
Perhaps the Mayor was a bit too quick with her offer of “ Palliative Support “ for financially compromised Tofino business operators. This article would indicate that some of the summer season could be salvaged.
If you are a business operator in a tight spot , the federal government has a variety of programs available. From wage subsidies and interest free loans to rent relief there is help. There is a loan program for businesses that didn’t qualify for the previous ones that will be offered through Community Futures in Port Alberni .
If you want any information you can contact me through this blog or telephone me. I’m in the phone book . Ralph
Perhaps the Mayor was a bit too quick with her offer of “ Palliative Support “ for financially compromised Tofino business operators. This article would indicate that some of the summer season could be salvaged.
If you are a business operator in a tight spot , the federal government has a variety of programs available. From wage subsidies and interest free loans to rent relief there is help. There is a loan program for businesses that didn’t qualify for the previous ones that will be offered through Community Futures in Port Alberni .
If you want any information you can contact me through this blog or telephone me. I’m in the phone book . Ralph
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
BC Recovery Story from Globe and Mail
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bc-may-shuffle-political-priorities-as-it-begins-to-reopen-economy/“There’s an opportunity through all the difficult times for a reset of what we want this province to look like," he said.
Monday, May 4, 2020
District of Tofino Initiates COVID-19 Recovery Planning
|
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Interview with Mayor . Monday ,April 27 2020
https://tuffcityradio.rocks/podcasts-%26-interviews
Start listening around 49:00
The mayor has some choice words .
Not “ we will get through this “ or “ we are all in this together” but
“ it is not going to be possible for every single business to survive”
“ a handful of businesses aren’t going to make it”
When people are looking to the mayor for leadership and inspiration she talks about ” palliative support” for business.
Tofino deserves better than this.
Ralph Tieleman
Start listening around 49:00
The mayor has some choice words .
Not “ we will get through this “ or “ we are all in this together” but
“ it is not going to be possible for every single business to survive”
“ a handful of businesses aren’t going to make it”
When people are looking to the mayor for leadership and inspiration she talks about ” palliative support” for business.
Tofino deserves better than this.
Ralph Tieleman
Friday, May 1, 2020
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