Message from Council
So, how are we coping with COVID-19? As with the weather, we watch daily to see which
way it will go. We hear positive reports of flattening the curve, and hints of re-opening
some services. We also hear however, that we still have a ways to go before being back
to full operation.
Likewise, Council is watching very closely to see which direction to take. We are closely
following advice given by the province, and like you, look forward to the next steps of
safely moving back to normal.
Talking of weather, we are pleased to be encouraged to go out into this beautiful Spring
season. Bonnie Henry says "Please, go outside. Go outside with your family, but stay
away, keep your distance. Smile, talk to your neighbour, wave to them, be supportive of
each other, but do it in a way that maintains that distance."
We are also encouraged by the way our community is rallying around local businesses.
Now more than ever do they need our support. The Canadian Federation of Independent
Business reports that only 21 per cent of small businesses in Canada are fully open due to
the COVID-19 global pandemic, and 50 per cent have reported that they are unsure if their
business will survive.
We have heard encouraging stories of many businesses operating in new and innovate
ways while keeping the community safe! Thank you to businesses for pushing through,
and thank you to residents for supporting them! Read below on how to Support Local!
Support Local
We are proud of the many businesses that have quickly, creatively and safely adjusted to
provide services to our residents during COVID-19. Thank you!
Now let's show our thanks by supporting them whenever possible!
Buy Gift Cards - By buying gift cards now you can help a business stay afloat by providing immediate cash
flow to help pay expenses and keep losses lower.
Support Local Restaurants - 'Take out Thursday' is one way to show support for local restaurants. But this works
during the rest of the week too. This way we can support multiple restaurants during the
week.
Shop Local Online - Many local retailers have their products available for purchase online and are offering
curbside pick-up or delivery. Give them a call to find out how you can buy online.
Reschedule, Don't Cancel -
Instead of cancelling your upcoming appointments (painting, insulation installs, etc.), let
businesses know you intend on using them in the future. And, if you can, continue to pay
your dog walker, house cleaner or anyone who depends on regular income for you. Or
likewise, pay someone to mow your lawn or wash your windows to help support them during this time.
Share Experiences on Social Media - With so many on social media now, giving a shout out or tagging a local business
encourages others to buy local too.
Property Taxes
The 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
Payments and grants received after
December 1 will be subject to a
further 9% penalty. A 10% total
penalty is required by provincial
legislation. Stay tuned for more
details on payment options.
Drive By Supporting Essential Workers
A surprise drive-by from first responders this Wednesday left many smiling, and others
getting a fright - wondering what emergency warranted 20 vehicles with sirens ablaze!
This essential workers drive-by moves around the district from week to week to show
support for the essential workers in each community. These drive-bys are not advertised
to avoid large gatherings occurring. Each of the locations are informed the morning of the
drive by. This was the fifth week with past locations being Nanoose and Parksville.
Click here to see the video!
Emergency Preparedness Week - May 3-9
Emergency Preparedness Week is to raise awareness and offer information to help
prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency.
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!
Go to Emergency Management Oceanside
website for full details.
Canadian Blood Services
The Civic Centre will open for one day only to allow The Canadian Blood Services to
operate a COVID-19 friendly collection next week.
The Service says they are "thrilled to be completely booked up and won't be taking any
walk-ins. They wanted to pass on their thanks to all those that donate life-giving blood.
And likewise, the Town would like to thank The Canadian Blood Services for their front line
work, providing this essential service.
To learn about becoming a donor visit
www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible.
2020 Special Events Cancelled
The 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!
Here is a list of newly cancelled events:
- 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 until next year, with a new tentative date of July 25,
2021.
Go to our website here to see the full list of cancelled events.
Go to our website
here to see the full list of cancelled events.
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
Council adopted a new Revenue
Anticipation Borrowing bylaw at their April
22, 2020 regular meeting.
A revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw is a
tool available for local governments that
allows municipalities to borrow money for a
short term to continue municipal operations
while waiting for anticipated revenue (eg.
property taxes) to be received.
Read more on our
website.
Good News Stories
Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club Re-Opening
The Town of Qualicum Beach is pleased to support the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf
Club on their re opening to members only on Monday, May 4. Please visit the club's
website for more information at
www.golfqualicum.ca. "Be kind. Have fun. Stay 2-meters
apart".
Snowbirds Operation Inspiration
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are getting ready to take to the skies once again. The
planes will fly across Canada starting this weekend in Nova Scotia to pay tribute to those
trying to flatten the curve of COVID-19. "As we watch the Snowbirds fly over our homes,
let's remember we are all in this together," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on
Wednesday (April 29).
The flyovers, dubbed Operation Inspiration, will feature the team's signature nine-plane
formation with planes trailing white smoke behind them. The schedule will be released
day-by-day on social media and each flyover will be no less than 500 feet above any
obstacles.
COVID-19 Information Sources
