As our weather improves (we can hope) and with the easing of our isolation, we are able to get outside more and slowly expand our personal bubbles. We recognize many of our residents are concerned with returning to normal too quickly but if we continue to stay vigilant, limit our contact with others, maintain physical distance, practice good hand hygiene and stay home when sick, we will continue to weather this pandemic together.
We are encouraged by the recent information and statistics on COVID 19 rates from the province that show the community's efforts have dramatically reduced the spread of the virus in our region and on Vancouver Island. As we work through this next phase of the pandemic and a safe transition to Phase 3 in the provincial Restart Plan, the EOC will remain at Level 1 activation and continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation for our region.
Ongoing, the EMO enewsletter will be distributed monthly rather than weekly, on the second Tuesday of each month. When relevant COVID-19 related information becomes available, please know we will pass along to you in a timely manner. Thank you for signing up for this EMO newsletter which will now include such topics as emergency preparedness and fire smart info. We'd love to hear from you; ideas and input welcome to
info@emergencyoceanside.ca
We recognize this summer will be very different for our residents. Perhaps this summer is an opportunity to be a tourist in our own region, creating new summer adventures right at home. Vacationing at home and supporting local businesses is a great way to stay safe, enjoy the beauty of our community and keep us on the road to recovery. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your efforts over the past three months to keep us all safe. The safety and wellbeing of Parksville-Qualicum Beach residents remains our top priority.
GENERAL UPDATES AND INFORMATION
- Supporting Oceanside Businesses - tool for all local businesses to detail services being offered.
- Open During COVID-19 - directory of businesses open during COVID-19.
- Supporting Local Restaurants - directory list of restaurants open for business.
- Chamber visitor centres in Parksville and Qualicum Beach are now open.
- Rebound Oceanside is a recovery plan created for businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach/School District 69 region to provide assistance through the pandemic and minimize the negative impacts of an economic shutdown. Supported by Province of BC, WorkSafe BC and Parksville & Qualicum Chambers of Commerce.
- Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program provides Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast tourism businesses with meaningful, hands-on guidance and support to navigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards long-term resiliency.
UPDATES FROM TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH
Reopening of facilities
We know how important fresh air and active play are for families and as we reopen many of our public outdoor amenities, we are carefully following available recommendations and guidance from the province and ask that you follow the signage posted at each public amenity. Below is a list of amenities to reopen:
- Playgrounds - June 12
- Community Hall for bookings that meet COVID criteria - July 2
- Civic Centre for bookings that meet COVID criteria - July 6
- BMX track for casual use only - June 12
- Sports fields for casual play only - June 12
- Basketball hoops reinstalled - June 15
- Complete list of open facilities HERE
Conditions of use
- This reopening of amenities is subject to change without notice, is dependent on health orders and guidelines, and on customer compliance with procedures.
- Avoid overcrowding, large groups and gatherings.
- Keep at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households, even while playing.
- Limit use of playgrounds at busy times and limit use if others are waiting.
- Do not use facilities if feeling unwell, with no exceptions.
- The sports fields and BMX park are open for casual play only (not organized competition).
- Parents are responsible for supervising their children.
- Playgrounds are not sanitized.
- Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and frequently before/after activities and touching shared surfaces.
- Avoid touching face and cover coughs and sneezes.
UPDATES FROM CITY OF PARKSVILLE
The City of Parksville's gradual, multi-step approach to reopening services is intended to maintain and protect public safety. Next steps outlined here:
June 26 - Reopening splash park in Parksville Community Park
June 26 - Special event permits: hosts must provide COVID Response and Mitigation plans
June 26 - Return to play will include bookings of special events and recreational sports.
July 2
- Full service offered by finance - e.g. bus passes, garbage tags and dog licences will be available and tickets and licence fees may be paid.
- Finance hours will remain 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm
- All other City business by appointment only.
July 2 - City will resume such activities as in-person public hearings, community engagement and Coffee with the Mayor.
At this time, playgrounds, off-leash dog park, skate park and sports courts are open for use and we expect the volleyball nets in the Parksville Community Park to be installed later this week. Residents and visitors using City facilities are expected to follow public health requirements at all times. In accordance with provincial guidelines, signage is posted at City Hall and in our parks and open spaces to remind the public of the rules in place.
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:
For information, contact:
