Victoria Viewpoints: Saturday/Sunday, May 30/31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for    Saturday/Sunday, May 30/31, 2020


Coronavirus response in BC

BC reports 11 new COVID-19 cases, bans overnight summer camps



Globe and Mail

Evacuation alert, state of emergency declared in BC's central Kootenay
Four First Nations in BC tout low-carbon path to postpandemic economic recovery
Health Minister  under pressure to ease long-term care restrictions
Demand for camping getaways - even under pandemic restrictions - crashes reservation system
Minimum wage goes up June 1 in BC as businesses face COVID-19 challenges
Watchdog asks Crown to consider charges against five Mounties in death of BC man


CBC

Thousands in Vancouver rally against police violence as George Floyd protests shake US
Hundreds of homes ordered evacuated in the Kootenay's due to rising rivers
North Vancouver considering open street plan, allowing drinks outside
Protesters block downtown Vancouver streets as unrest over killing of George Floyd grows in US
Young Canadians seek refuge in parents' homes as COVID-19 disrupts jobs, lives and dreams
BC winery, tour operator hope staycation tourists can boost summer season
UBC students to get fall reading break starting in 2021


Vancouver Sun

BC's dual health crises lead to more deaths and more demand for recovery services
Vancouver anti racism rally draws over a thousand
Delta hospice that refuses to permit medical assistance in dying loses funding
BC tourism organizations get federal funding
Number of students returning is a wild care as BC schools set to reopen Monday


Victoria Times Colonist

We have a chance to reorder the world. Will we take it?


Victoria News

Saanich Peninsula steps into post-pandemic phase
Province recognizes three Greater Victoria residents for work to combat racism





Global

Huge crowd protests racism in Vancouver as George Floyd protests, rock US
Rain pounds BC's southeast, as Central Kootenay placed on 'unprecedented' flood evacuation alert
Waterways in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Boundary could breach
BC's billion-dollar sport fishing sector hopes local anglers can keep them afloat

TransLink ups bus capacity to two-thirds, begins collecting fares Monday
Oppenheimer Park faces long remediation before returning to public use
Coronavirus won't stop BC from hiking minimum  wage Monday: Minister
Penticton's proposed booze-on-the-beach pilot project could start this week
Surrey's governing party under fire over deleted tweet accusing RCMP of murder


Georgia Straight

George Floyd solidarity protest begins in downtown Vancouver - without Black Lives Matter Vancouver
Mark Nykanen: Premier John Horgan to protesters - Go Fuck yourselves"
The future of the Empire in a post COVID-19 pandemic world
Some Vancouver Airbnb units are being converted into long term rental dwellings at far lower prices



The Tyee




Vancouver Courier

Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum's party posts, deletes tweets accusing RCMP officers of murder

Ottawa Observations: Saturday/Sunday, May 30/31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Saturday/Sunday, May 30/31, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Days after court decision against Meng Wanzhou, China shows no sign of angry retaliation
Chinese media, Hong Kong officials push back at US threat of curbs, sanctions
Hong Kong activist urges Canada, others to speak out against China security bill



The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario's contact tracing efforts are falling short, experts say
Blood kits to be sent to 10,000 Canadians to survey extent of COVID-19 in Canada
Four ways Ontario has made it harder to know how COVID-19 is hitting the province
New coronavirus losing potency, top Italian doctor says
BC reports 11 new COVID-19 cases, bans overnight summer camps

                                                                                                                                     
Globe and Mail

Montreal police use pepper spray, tear gas at George Floyd protest after they say projectiles thrown
Number os students returning is a wild card as BC schools set to reopen Monday
Ottawa hopes to 'save the summer' with big cash injection to boost domestic travel
This expert is alarmed by Canada's failure to collect race-based pandemic data


CBC

Canadian Transportation Agency overwhelmed by 2 year backlog of air passenger complaints
Ottawa pledges millions to promote tourism within Canada amid COVID-19 pandemic
Cooped up by the pandemic, more people are taking part in polls
Former Bloc Québécois leader Michel Gauthier dies at 70
As NHL looks to restart season, just how accommodating should government be with quarantine rules?
The Pandemic could be an opening to build a better Parliament
UN adopts new voting procedure during COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 is hastening the green economy, and we are far behind
Alberta Parks for now, for life, forever


Toronto Star

'We want answers': Thousands march with family of Regis Korchinski-Pacquet
Ontario government asks feds to help expand internet access for students
Toronto teachers told to boost their weekly contact with students
Think Justin Trudeau will move fast on long-term care? History - and politics - suggests otherwise


Toronto Sun

Senior home industry needs to be sent a strong message
Fundraising campaign for Regis Korchinski-Paquet tops $225,000
Trudeau's lost the high ground on racism
Primary care physicians first line of defence
Federal COVID assistance lacks targeting


National Post

What COVID-19 pandemic policies have done to our psyche
The unlucky generation: For millennials, the hits just keep on coming. Here are three of their stories
30 day limit on prescriptions in Ontario expected to end by July 1
In hard-hit Quebec, families struggle to mourn those lost to COVID-19


Maclean's

How Canada has bungled the COVID-19 endgame


Global

Huge crowd protests racism in Vancouver as George Floyd protests, rock US
Rain pounds BC's southeast, as Central Kootenay placed on 'unprecedented' flood evacuation alert
Waterways in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Boundary could breach
BC's billion-dollar sport fishing sector hopes local anglers can keep them afloat

TransLink ups bus capacity to two-thirds, begins collecting fares Monday
Oppenheimer Park faces long remediation before returning to public use
Coronavirus won't stop BC from hiking minimum  wage Monday: Minister
Penticton's proposed booze-on-the-beach pilot project could start this week
Surrey's governing party under fire over deleted tweet accusing RCMP of murder
Canadians have 'deluded' themselves about the state of long-term care: doctor
Canada in 'good position' for Security Council seat amid Chinese threats: ambassador


Miscellaneous

George Floyd solidarity protest begins in downtown Vancouver - without Black Lives Matter Vancouver
Mark Nykanen: Premier John Horgan to protesters - Go Fuck yourselves"
The future of the Empire in a post COVID-19 pandemic world
Some Vancouver Airbnb units are being converted into long term rental dwellings at far lower prices

Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum's party posts, deletes tweets accusing RCMP officers of murder

Second day in a row with no recorded deaths attributed to COVID, 11 new cases reported and Back to School overview makes for Saturday report

 Saturday's COVID-19 update from Doctor Bonnie Henry noted 11 new cases, for a total of 2,573 cases in British Columbia.

With today's numbers there are 228 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 2,181 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, 35 individuals are hospitalized, five of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. "

902 cases have been recorded in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,285 in the Fraser Health region, 127 in the Island Health region, 195 in the Interior Health region and 64 in the Northern Health region.

There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths in the last day, for a total of 164 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doctor Henry also took to the theme of Monday's return to school, highlighting some of the considerations that have been given towards the relaunch of the school year for in class instruction.

“On Monday, our K-12 schools will re-open to in-class learning for the remainder of the school year. We are ready for this and are re-opening schools because it is safe to do so. 

We have learned a lot about COVID-19 – where the greatest risks are, and the measures we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. 

We know that COVID-19 has a very low infection rate in children, and children have milder symptoms. We also know that transmission in children, and between adults and children mostly occurs in household settings, not in schools, or playgrounds. “

We have purposely timed the re-opening for two weeks after the start of phase two to make sure we could proceed safely. Had there been a significant increase in new cases, schools would not be opening. 

Restarting in-class instruction now is a cautious approach that gives teachers and other education staff the tools and experience to prepare for the larger return to school in the fall, while supporting those children and families who need it. 

Much thought and consideration has gone into this decision; to provide the best protection to everyone in our schools – students, teachers, learning assistants, and administrators. 

This is the right time to make this happen, and precautions and safety measures are in place."




You can review the Saturday update here.

The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, May 29, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for    Friday, May 29, 2020


Coronavirus response in BC

Examining hot spots for community spread across Ontario
New Brunswick delays reopening amid cluster of new coronavirus cases linked to doctor
China says Wuhan wet market was site of 'superspreader' event, not ground zero
BC reports four new COVID-19 cases, no deaths 10 days into province's pandemic reboot
Doctor Bonnie Henry reports only four new cases of COVID-19 today in British Columbia
BC records no new COVID-19 deaths in a 24 hour period for second time this week
BC ends week with fewest new COVID-19 cases since March
BC health officials announce four new cases, no new deaths
Only four new COVID-19 cases, 228 active across BC


Globe and Mail

Developers vow to keep building skyscrapers, even as tech firms ditch their offices
Kootenay Boundary region issues evacuation alert due to possible weekend floods
COVID-19 stress pushing more paramedics to seek mental-health support in BC

CBC

How BC controlled COVID-19 while Ontario, Quebec face disaster
Police watchdog to investigate death of man shortly after his arrest
Experts hope to locate Asian giant hornet nests after insect found in Langley
BC tourism communities looking forward to welcoming visitors ... eventually
New cruise ship restrictions will mean big hit to BC economy, industry says
IIO asks Crown to consider charges against 5 Mounties in 2017 death of man in custody
Victoria City Council approves use of $330K COVID-19 response fund to house city's homeless
Vancouver's Chinatown lions defaces by racist graffiti for second time




Vancouver Sun

Surrey says Elvis music at seniors' home contravenes noise bylaw
Metro renters on edge with looming end of rent relief program
Cruise ship season cancelled, a further blow to Vancouver's tourism sector
Negotiating to ease struggles of keeping COVID-19 out of long-term care
Watchdog asks Crown to consider charges against five officers in Prince George man's death


Victoria Times Colonist

Cruise ship ban extended, effectively scuttling season in Greater Victoria
City books hotel rooms for homeless moving them out of Beacon Hill
Save-On-Foods ends hazard pay for staff, other grocers continue it
Multi-use trail touted for E&N line
After pandemic, we should keep option of seeing doctor by phone


Victoria News

Cancelled Cruise ships costs Victoria more than $130 million
Phase-by-phase look at how Greater Victoria Public Libraries will reopen
BC tourism seeks relief as businesses wait for COVID-19 restrictions to ease




Global

Evacuation alert issued for Boundary residents as flood risk rises
School resumes in BC on Monday This is what things will look like
Whistler tourism gears back up despite continue recommendation against non-essential travel
Large cruise ships banned from Canadian waters until October 31
Coronavirus travel restrictions between Yukon, BC to be lifted by July
State of local emergency declared in BC's Boundary region; flooding deemed probably
British Columbians can now sign up to get air quality alerts via text


Georgia Straight

Burnaby council doesn't want tenants renting Airbnb suites


The Tyee

Will BC pass its back-to-school test?
This is the moment to shatter the foundations of racism in Canada
Public Transit is Essential. Where's the support, Prime Minister?
Pandemic further strains BC's fragile heritage sites
Essential Passenger Rail Still shut down in Northern BC
Where education goes now


Vancouver Courier

School district election cancelled due to pandemic
COVID-19 highlighting government secrecy, changes urged
Is a Vancouver city manager's desire to hire social media guru an overblown controversy?
UBC researchers developing biodegradable N95 masks from local wood fibre
Canadian airliners not required to offer full refunds for cancelled flights
Canada extends cruise ship ban to at least October 31

Ottawa Observations: Friday, May 29, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Friday, May 29, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Hong Kong officials lash out at Trump after he orders his administration to begin eliminating city's privileges
The China-Canada 'relationship' is not worth saving
Take a hard line on China whether Beijing likes it or not
US. Britain anger China at UN meeting after raising concerns on Hong Kong


The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Examining hot spots for community spread across Ontario
New Brunswick delays reopening amid cluster of new coronavirus cases linked to doctor
China says Wuhan wet market was site of 'superspreader' event, not ground zero
BC reports four new COVID-19 cases, no deaths 10 days into province's pandemic reboot
Doctor Bonnie Henry reports only four new cases of COVID-19 today in British Columbia
BC records no new COVID-19 deaths in a 24 hour period for second time this week

                                                                                                                                     
Globe and Mail

Has the pandemic changed Doug Ford?
The fall of Canada's razzle-dazzle paper. Can it find glory again?
Airline customers have no right to complain about not getting refunds
Four-hour limit on MPs to review pandemic spending 'unfortunate, to say the least,' PBO says


CBC

Troops on pandemic duty to get benefits paid to soldiers serving abroad
Canadian airlines could 'fail' if forced to refund passengers, says transport minister
That's me in the middle: Julie Van Dusen reflects on a career covering politics
Speaker rejects Tory request for Senate to resume sitting, says it's not in the public interest
Ottawa looking at how to reunite families separated by border closure, says Trudeau
Ottawa announces $650M in  new COVID-19 funding for Indigenous communities
Garneau says Iran still hasn't released black boxes from airliner shot down in January
Ottawa extends large cruise ship ban until October to limit COVID-19 spread
MacKay, O'Toole pitch pandemic recovery plans heavy on tax incentives, fiscal prudence
Why the PM's daily briefings have worked - and why we might see fewer of them soon
How BC controlled COVID-19 while Ontario, Quebec face disaster
More firearms being banned without public notice following May 1 order from Ottawa



Toronto Star

What happens when a doctor breaks quarantine? NB health worker's bad decision' raises questions about consequences
A quarter of the residents at this nursing home have died from COVID-19. Families are demanding answers
Spouses split by US-Canada border grow frustrated as Ottawa mulls options
He says Chinese authorities forced a confession out of him. Now he wants the WHO to fire the man who presented it on TV
Justin Trudeau says he respects provincial jurisdiction. But during the pandemic, he hasn't always acted like it
Students must say yes to university offers by Monday - but what are they signing up for?
Environmental advocates say going green  could help boost Canada's COVID recovery
Doug Ford back reopening Ontario by region which remains infection-heavy GTA may have to wait


Toronto Sun

City cites 'technical glitch' in erroneous COVID-19 numbers
Trudeau's gun ban focused on wrong target
Getting pandemic priorities right


National Post

Greedy political parties shouldn't be dipping into the wage subsidy fund
COVID-19 restrictions could derail Canada's immigration-fuelled growth strategy, RBC report warns
Spaced desks, one-way halls, voice technology - your post-COVID 19 office will look much different
Newfoundlands' SOS falls on deliberately deaf ears
Don't think abusive and wrongful arrests are just a US problem
Drive thru restaurants in Alberta will soon be asking 'Would you like masks with that?'


Maclean's

In 2007, Howard Hampton went on a tirade about long-term care. We all moved on
The smiley, friendly cunning Francois-Phillippe Champagne


Global

Evacuation alert issued for Boundary residents as flood risk rises
School resumes in BC on Monday This is what things will look like
Whistler tourism gears back up despite continue recommendation against non-essential travel
Large cruise ships banned from Canadian waters until October 31
Coronavirus travel restrictions between Yukon, BC to be lifted by July
State of local emergency declared in BC's Boundary region; flooding deemed probably
British Columbians can now sign up to get air quality alerts via text
Senate to stay closed two more weeks until June 16
Canadian Council of Imams alleges "Islamophobia' at CRA after Ottawa mosque loses charity status


Miscellaneous

Burnaby council doesn't want tenants renting Airbnb suites

Will BC pass its back-to-school test?
This is the moment to shatter the foundations of racism in Canada
Public Transit is Essential. Where's the support, Prime Minister?
Pandemic further strains BC's fragile heritage sites
Essential Passenger Rail Still shut down in Northern BC
Where education goes now

School district election cancelled due to pandemic
COVID-19 highlighting government secrecy, changes urged
Is a Vancouver city manager's desire to hire social media guru an overblown controversy?
UBC researchers developing biodegradable N95 masks from local wood fibre
Canadian airliners not required to offer full refunds for cancelled flights
Canada extends cruise ship ban to at least October 31

Just four cases and no deaths to report as part of Friday COVID update from BC government

As British Columbians prepare to head towards the last weekend of May, Doctor Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix shared some positive news when it comes to the ongoing response to the COVID pandemic.

With both of the province's health officials making note of only Four new cases on the day, making for a total of 2,562 cases in British Columbia.

There are 228 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,170 people who tested positive have recovered.

Also of  significant note from the reports from provincial health authorities was that from the total number COVID-19 cases, 34 individuals remain hospitalized, with only six still in intensive care.

The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Across those Health Authorities it was observed that 900 cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,277 in the Fraser Health region, 127 in the Island Health region, 195 in the Interior Health region and 63 in the Northern Health region, the same number recorded on Thursday.

 The positive theme of the day continued as Doctor Henry observed that “There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths in the last day, for a total of 164 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Both officials also made note of the news today that the Federal Government has decided to extend the restriction on cruise ship port calls in BC until October, something both stated was welcome news.

“We commend the federal government’s decision to maintain the restrictions on cruise ships in Canadian waters until October. This is the right thing to do for our country and our province right now to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into our coastal communities. 

Easing restrictions can be done only after thoughtful consideration. Our focus and priority are the health and safety of all British Columbians. With your help and all of us doing our part, we will get through this storm together.”

You can review the Friday update here.

The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

British Columbia's Large vessel Cruise season is over for 2020, with Federal ban to continue through to October

The Northland Cruise Terminal will be a good place for physical distancing
this summer, that as the Federal Government brings an end to the
2020 Cruise season, banning port visits until October

When it comes to Prince Rupert's still developing cruise industry, 2020 will be marked as the year that there were no Large Cruise Ship port calls on the North Coast.

Any thoughts for the potential of a short summer season featuring cruise ship visitors came to an end this morning as Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced that the Federal Government was extending the ban from March on Cruise ships in Canadian ports until October at least.

The move a continuation of the Federal Governments response to the COVID pandemic.

In the Information release it was noted that:

Cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020. 

In 2019 each of the 22 vessel calls on the schedule held more than 100 passengers, 9 of those that called on Prince Rupert hosted more than 500 guests per trip.

For any vessel operators with less than 100 passengers the regulations note that as of July 1, 2020, all other passenger vessels must follow provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority requirements for timelines and processes to resume operations.

Any vessel owners which do not comply with the prohibitions could be subject to a penalty of $5,000 per day for an individual and $25,000 per day for a corporation.

Considering British Columbia's current themes on non-essential travel, it seems unlikely that even those smaller vessels would find a welcome berth at BC facilities this summer, should they show up unexpectedly.

“Our Government is committed to protecting Canadians, particularly during these challenging times. It is for that reason I am announcing updated measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels in Canada, which includes prohibiting larger cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020. 

Our Government continues to work with other levels of government, transportation industry stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to re-examine measures and to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe and secure during this time. We are all in this together.” -- Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

As the day moved forward, the British Columbia government also hailed the federal move.

The Prince Rupert Cruise season is normally underway by the end of May, however any plans for Port visits this summer were put on hold as the COVID pandemic began to spread across the nation

The news probably won't come as too much of a surprise to the Prince Rupert Port Authority, which operates the Prince Rupert Northland Cruise Terminal and has been a key partner in trying to rebuild the cruise industry in the city.

Since the Federal government began it's response to the COVID pandemic, the prospect of any kind of cruise season for Canadian ports seemed like an unlikely one, with concerns over transmission of the coronavirus guiding the message since March.

For more notes on today's announcement see the Federal background page here.

A wider overview of the Prince Rupert Cruise Ship industry and past port call visits can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

New Bridges highlight provincial infrastructure work on Haida Gwaii

Two bridges (top) will be replaced this summer with new structures
similar to those constructed last year (bottom) on Haida Gwaii
(Photo from BC Gov't website)

The Province of British Columbia will be spending 5.4 million dollars on a pair of bridge projects that will make for more efficient and safe travel on Haida Gwaii.

Announced this morning, the new Gold Creek Bridge will be a two-lane, 21-metre-long bridge, eight kilometres southeast of Port Clements. 

The new Geikie Creek Bridge No. 1 will be a two-lane, 21-metre-long bridge, 3.5 kilometres northwest of the village of Tlell. 

Both bridges will be constructed of concrete and steel, replacing timber bridges that were at the end of their serviceable life.

The contract was awarded to Formula Contractors of Prince George, with work to get underway in coming weeks with an eye towards the completion deadline of this fall.

The Geikie Creek Bridge will make for the latest infrastructure project along the route, following the construction of two other bridges in the area.

They were built last year as part of the replacement of aging infrastructure program on the Islands.

You can learn more about the two Haida Gwaii bridge projects here.

More notes on other current infrastructure projects in northern BC can be viewed here.

More items of interest on Transportation on the Highway 16 corridor can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Keys in hand to Crane's Crossing, North Coast Transition society looks forward to work ahead on Supportive Housing

The staff of the North Coast Transition Society shared a snapshot yesterday of what will one day be the newest  addition to their listings of supportive housing in the community, with the NCTS taking note through their Facebook page of having taken possession of Cranes' Crossing, the name that has now been given to the old Raffles motel.

As we outlined at mid month, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice announced the purchase of the motel on the west side of the city's downtown core, the step forward for housing in the community coming by way of a partnership of BC Housing, North Coast Transition Society, the City of Prince Rupert and the Provincial Government.

At the time of the announcement, Ms. Rice highlighted the range of services and amenities that will come with opening day.

The building will also include a commercial kitchen, dining and lounge areas, storage and amenity space, and laundry and a medical examination room. It will also have 24/7 on hist staff and support services on site, as well as to offer a range of services towards life and employment skills training, health and wellness programs.

Once complete, the building will also have the capacity for a 35-space temporary shelter or an Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter.

Construction will begin in fall 2020. The shelter portion of the building is expected to open in early 2021, while the supportive homes will be ready later in the year, by fall 2021.

Once the renovations are complete, the residents of the Fisherman's Hall shelter will transition to the new supportive building at Five Corners.

The province is providing 11.8 million dollars to the project through it's Supportive Housing Fund, as well there will be an annual operating subsidy of $1.2 million for the facility.

You can follow the North Coast Transition Society Facebook page here, for updates as the project moves forward through the year ahead.

You can find more notes on housing in Prince Rupert from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

As Property tax bills arrive at your door, the City of Prince Rupert has a few thoughts on payment for you

The annual distribution of City of Prince Rupert Tax bills has begun, with mail carriers starting their deliveries of the city's payment due notices today to residences across the community.

As the bills arrive, the City's Administration offices have taken to Social Media with a few thoughts as to how you may wish to pay your annual tax bill this year;  this year coming with a strong suggestion that residents make use of measures in many instances, won't involve a visit to City Hall.

In their Facebook post the City outlines the preferred methods of payment, as well as to discourage one that for many has been part of their annual payment ritual for years.

Online banking: Search “Prince Rupert” and add the City property taxes payee. You will need your roll number from your tax notice (without the decimal). Contact your financial institution if you need exact instructions on adding a payee and/or making an online bill payment. 

Cheque dated no later than July 2, 2020 - and dropped in the mailslot at City Hall PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE. The mail slot is located up the ramp on the east hand side (Charles Hays Statue side) of City Hall 

Paytm Canada app: (see 'Credit Card Payments' below for more information - Please note that this app charges a convenience fee.) 

Debit card (by booking an appointment to attend City Hall - see below for details). 

Cash is discouraged (other methods preferred at this time). If cash is your only means of payment, we encourage you to go to a bank and obtain a money order.

The City also notes that it does not accept payment for property taxes by way of credit card.

Property tax payments must be received no later that 4:30 PM on Tuesday July 2, 2020.

The city reminds the public that online payments can take up to 4-5 days to process and to keep that in mind as the deadline nears.

For those that still wish to pay their bills in person, can't make a payment, or need assistance with the homeowner grant process,  the city notes that City Hall will be accessible by appointment only,  you can contact the City at 250-627-0960 or 250 627-0950.

The full information package on today's delivery of tax bills and information on the Home Owners grant can be explored here.

As we outlined yesterday, the City of Prince Rupert shifted to the by appointment only access this week, with City Manager announcing the Wednesday re-opening of City Hall to the public, with the one person at a time, by appointment protocols now in place.

More notes on the City's Financial themes can be explored here.

A wider overview of City Council themes is available here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review .

With summer on the horizon, Port Edward Council looks forward to infrastructure work ahead

Road work and attention to some public infrastructure is the focus for an update for Port Edward residents this week, as Mayor Knut Bjorndal relays some of the themes of discussion from Port Edward Council this month.

In the monthly update for residents the District's Mayor provided a look at the work underway by McElhanney Engineering which has been busy surveying the District's road system in anticipation of the District's road plans for the summer.

As Mr. Bjorndal notes the first two roads that will be addressed with be Evergreen and Sunset in the District townsite. 

The Port Edward Mayor also provided for a heads up towards work hey are looking at for the District Fire hall and Municipal building, with details to come for residents as they develop their project planning.

Mr. Bjorndal also highlighted the work that Public Works is engaged in at the moment, with attention towards moving park areas and grass long the District's streets.

He also made note of the work that Council has been involved with as part of a unified regional approach towards a COVID response, observing as to the District's efforts in working with other area governments in reinforcing a call to include a travel ban to small communities on the coast.

In his message to residents Mayor Bjorndal observes that to his knowledge there have been no reported cases in Prince Rupert or Port Edward and notes of how residents have been following the guidelines to help prevent the transmission of the virus.

When it comes to Municipal operations, the Mayor notes that the Municipal office remains closed to the public at this time, he also outlines some of the public works efforts underway including the flushing of hydrants, changes to the annual Spring Clean Up program and the plans from CN Rail to control vegetation along their right of way through the District.

More on the CN Vegetation control program can be reviewed here.

Mr. Bjorndal also alerted the community to concerns over Bears, relaying word of a recent siting in the District and reviewing what Port Edward residents can do to help reduce any attractants for wildlife.

You can review the full update for the community here.

For more notes related to Port Edward council see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Northern Health Virtual Town Hall explores range of themes as BC restarts economic and social activities

Northern British Columbians had a chance to once again ask 
questions of Northern Health officials on Thursday evening

The latest in Virtual Health Care Town Halls took place on Thursday evening, with North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice and Cariboo MLA Coralee Oakes hosting the one hour review of some of the progress that has been made towards the COVID response by Northern Health.

Northern Health Authority CEO Cathy Ulrich and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Raina Fumerton were along for the night, the medical officials providing some answers on a number questions.

Among the themes explored on the evening was a look at the BC Restart program and whether it was wise to move forward with a reboot for the province's economy and activities.

Dr. Fumerton noted that that while the disease is still part of our day to day experience, that British Columbians have worked hard to flatten the curve, noting that it's not a disease where we can focus on elimination she observed how we can't stay in a position where the economy remains closed down and how in her opinion it is the right time to restart and reopen.

She did note that Northern Health will be watching for any cases that are reported over the next few weeks to adjust their care program accordingly.

Another question explored the prospect for when social gathering measures may be relaxed.

Towards that the current measures on gatherings of up to fifty people were outlined, with a focus put on the need for continued attention towards physical distancing, good hand hygiene and to stay home if you are sick.

As to a best guess as to when some of the restrictions may be lifted, Ms. Ulrich observed that at this point they don't really have any date in mind, noting that officials will be watching over the next few weeks what impact the more relaxed measures bring.

Ms. Rice made note of the patience that British Columbians have had when it comes to some of the services such as haircuts and other personal service appointments that they once enjoyed, relaying a question as to the special requirements that will be required for those services in the future.

Ms. Ulrich noted of the range of guidelines that the WorkSafeBC website hosts that outline the safety plan that barbers shops, beauty salons and such will have to follow to ensure that both staff and customers are safe.

MLA Oakes delivered a viewer question on Dental Clinics, asking on themes of proper disinfection of materials at clinics.

The Northern Health CEO noted of the guidance that the provinces dentists have received as they prepare to resume their duties, with a range of measures in place to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

How Northern Health plans to expand on an elective surgery restart was explored, with Ms. Ulrich noting that the surgical capacity is now at around 70 percent since they returned to the operating rooms, with 26 percent of those patients who had their surgery plans put on hiatus having now been contacted to learn of their desires to move forward.

Non essential travel made for a question with the Northern Health officials reinforcing the themes introduced by the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to ensure that if you do travel to other areas that you hold to the public health measures in place.

Dr. Fumerton observed that as the province moves forward into phase Two, that health officials will be reviewing data regularly to determine any further actions towards the non essential travel themes, with mid June the first benchmark towards that review.

When Seniors may begin to resume some of their out of home activities made for a question, with Dr. Fumerton noting that generally speaking the best way for Senior's to protect themselves is to use the same measures they would in flu season, including taking a pass on large gathering events and limiting some of their activities. Though she observed that it's not practical that Seniors would remain in a lockdown situation for months at a time.

The Back to School plans ahead provided for some discussion, with a few questions on how to best manage sending children back to class.

Dr. Fumerton highlighted that the recommendation is that if students have any symptoms of any illness all they should remain at home, expanding on the process that is in place for those that have been in close contact with confirmed cases, with the Dr. noting that those students would not be returning to school.

As for any increase in cases that could come from a reopening, Dr. Fumerton outlined how the Health Authority would be watching the return carefully,  she did acknowledge that there could be some community spread but again reinforced the need for proper awareness by families.

The prospect of antibody testing and whether it will be introduced in the Northern Health region made for a question, with Dr. Fumerton outlining how it may be helpful towards research on the virus though as it's presently just in a pilot project process, she was unsure as to when Northern Health may be included in the timeline of research.

Some of the other themes explored included how parents should approach the reopening of sports and recreation facilities in the future and what protocols will be in place.

How the pandemic has effected the lives of children, the differences in face coverings and when Doctor's Clinics may return to more normal operations as they did prior to the arrival of COVID.

An often asked question as to why Northern Health does not release the locations of COVID cases was relayed once again, with the Health officials reviewing how the decision to release information was made owing to the desire for patient privacy and to reduce the potential for undue panic in smaller communities.


You can review the full hour of information and commentary from the BC Government's Facebook page archive.




 For more notes on items of interest from Northern Health see our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

North Pacific Cannery Historical Site begins process towards restoration and maintenance plans

Having announced in April that owing to the COVID pandemic the North Pacific Cannery Historical Site will not be open for visitors this year, the District of Port Edward is now moving forward with plans for continued site restoration and maintenance work.

This week the District posted a Request for Proposals to provide for estimates on work to be done towards their Master Conservation Plan of 2018.

Towards the work the District noted the following as part of its RFP:

Scope of estimates must take into account conservation of cultural landscapes, exterior assemblies and / or interior finishes, including restoration and use of stockpiled materials that are on site where possible. Each building is to be evaluated/ estimated separately and prioritized following the 2018 Maintenance Restoration Project Plan (MRPP) and following the Master Conservation Plan of 2015 (MCP).

For reference, the MRPP lists each building, the work detail required, skill requirement, priority, status, and difficulty level. The subsections of the MRPP categorize tasks into labour types including general labour, pilings, millwright, carpentry, paint and electrical. The MRPP outlines works already performed and prioritizes works to be completed.

The MRPP further outlines the intervals of time needed to upkeep all historical structures. Some of the works classified as complete or in progress may require revisiting and costing. Scope and framework of estimates are to include recommendations of all specialized sub-contractors/ and or costs along with a time frame for compilation as applicable.

The District has established a criteria for those considering a response to the RFP, among the areas of note that Port Edward is looking for include:

a) Have experience in providing high level estimates for heritage sites. 
b) Have a valid and current business license. 
c) Must demonstrate the ability to complete large scale costing/ estimates which are to include costing of sub consultants where necessary. 
d) Have the ability to provide examples of three similar or comparable project estimations with references.

The Closing Date for the Request for Bids is June 19th.

The Contract award for the estimates work will be delivered on July 3rd, with the deadline for the work to be done set for August 14th.

Those interested in submitting a bid and may wish for a tour of the Cannery Site can contact NPC General Manager Ann Leach at manager@northpacificcannery.ca

The Bids are to be delivered to the District of Port Edward, identified as North Pacific Cannery Restoration and Maintenance Estimates.

To learn more about the request, as well as the way that they will evaluate the Proposals that are submitted see the District of Port Edward website.

For more on some of our past items related to North Pacific see our archive page here.

A wider overview of notes from Port Edward can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.