May 15, 2020
BC's Restart Plan
The
BC Restart Plan was recently announced, and outlines the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions (more details here ). Premier Horgan emphasized that "this is not a return to normal? - we're going to a new normal."
The Town's Plan's on Re-Opening
Over the last weeks, the Town has been working on plans and procedures for the safe reopening of our facilities that closed in mid March due to COVID-19.
We understand an eagerness to open facilities such as the tennis courts, playgrounds, skate park and BMX track. These facilities remain closed for now, however staff will be receiving guidance from the Province, WorkSafeBC and the BC Recreation and Parks Association on the best practices for opening and operating these facilities. Once guidelines are received, the Town will work as quickly as possible to ensure these
guidelines are met and facilities re-open in a timely way. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this process.
Two new openings are:
1) Memorial Golf Course - now open to the general public.
2) Public washrooms on Veteran's Way (near the Curling Club).
Businesses Begin to Re-Open
You will have begun to see businesses re-opening, with COVID-19 measures in place to allow for distancing and hygiene. It is important to note that many businesses were always free to stay open, as no 'order' was given for them to close. These businesses decided to close to keep their employees and the community safe, and we are looking forward to being able to support them again by shopping locally.
We anticipate that this 'new normal' will evolve over the next few weeks, and we will continue to provide you with regular updates.
May Long Weekend Meets Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Restart Plan starts at the same time as the May long weekend. This is welcomed news for many who may now start to see their close friends and family.
Dr. Bonnie Henry encouraged us, that while we can now open our 'bubble' up to six people, to keep that group of people consistent. "Don't change it up every day, that's not going to be helpful," Dr. Henry said, noting that friends and family should agree to remain exclusive to their new small groups.
It's also a good idea, she said, to keep gatherings short and outdoors with "fewer faces, bigger spaces".
Happy Long weekend! Stay Local. Stay Apart. Stay Safe.
BC Survey on your COVID Experience
Your story, our future is a population health survey to elicit citizen experience, knowledge and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey is the first of several activities that will strengthen our pandemic response and our understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 to date (social, economic, mental wellness and community wellness).
The survey will be open until May 31.
COVID-19 Information Sources
