Daily News Update from CHLY 101.7FM: Recent Episodes
CHLY 101.7FM
Tuesday COVID-19 update
Island Health continues to fare poorly in terms of recent pandemic numbers. 39 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the past 24 hours and one more death. There are 260 active cases currently and so far there have been 23 deaths in our region.
Health orders lay the groundwork for mass vaccination clinics
The Provincial Health officer has issued a new health order, to allow more people to help run the mass vaccination clinics that are being planned for next month. The Provincial Health Office order will allow dentists, pharmacy technicians, paramedics, retired nurses and midwives to either administer vaccines or assist with duties like monitoring people for side effects or assisting elders at the clinics. Dr. Bonnie Henry says plans are underway to set up 172 clinics across the province with up to 500 staff in each health region.
"We are moving forward and doing a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure that the systems in our health authorities across the province, we have the tools and resources to take on this incredible and significant task. So we are very excited to be able to have the workforce that we are going to need over the next six months to ensure that we can get vaccine into as many people as wanted as efficiently as possible."—Chief Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says more details about the mass vaccination clinics will be presented next Monday.
Police act needs reforms to protect children and youth
BC's Advocate for Children and Youth is urging the province to change the Police Act to help young people in crisis. Jennifer Charlesworth presented a series of recommendations to an all-party committee that is tasked with reforming BC's 50-year-old Police Act. Charlesworth says young and vulnerable children have frequent contact with police because of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, child neglect, drug addiction and mental health breakdowns, but police are not always equipped to do the best for these children.
“Currently, police are now having to do work that was never envisioned as policing, because other systems are falling short. And not only are systems falling short, but police are not trained or prepared to do the work they're now being called upon to do in a good way. So children and youth who are living with vulnerabilities are experiencing interactions with police at very young ages, and when they may be at their most vulnerable.”
—BC's Advocate for Children and Youth, Jennifer Charlesworth.
Charlesworth is asking the committee to involve young people in its consultations. She is also asking that all police be trained in trauma-informed practice and that there be specialized training in child development for officers who have the most contact with children. The all-party committee is expected to present its report and recommendations to the legislature in mid-May.
Mayor emphasizes cost will not be borne by the city alone
It's been more than a year in the making, but Nanaimo City Council has approved the recommendations from its Health and Housing Task Force. The plan includes the creation of a funders' table, made up of representatives from groups like BC Housing, Island Health, Vancouver Island University, the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation and others. Its goal will be to contribute $65 and a half million dollars over five years on housing and health supports for Nanaimo's most vulnerable populations. Mayor Leonard Krog points out the financial burden will not be borne by city taxpayers.
"I want to emphasize, the City of Nanaimo is not budgeting itself $65.5 million dollars, but we are certainly going to ask the levels of government that have the jurisdiction and legal responsibility to step up to the plate and coordinate their spending in a way that effectively uses significant monies that have already been spent and are being spent with not much improvement in sight for a number of our fellow citizens, we estimate over 600, who are without housing in Nanaimo."—City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
The next step includes the creation of a self-sustaining group, made up of social service agencies, government representatives and others, to implement the Health and Housing Plan and to attract and coordinate the funding for various projects. The chair of the task force and city councillor Don Bonner says he's confident in that model.
"The work that we're going to start out on, cannot be done by one organization alone. And I think that coming out of this task force and this report, we now how the groundwork for a very good partnership, where we will create a made-in-Nanaimo solution to what is afflicting the most vulnerable in our town."—City of Nanaimo Councillor Don Bonner.
The city has set aside $300,000 for this work during 2021. It expects other funders will contribute to what will eventually become a million dollar a year budget for the group.
Winter coats for the homeless
Meanwhile, homeless people in Nanaimo may be feeling a little more comfortable these days, thanks to a donation of winter coats. Dodd's Furniture store on Uplands Drive has collected forty coats so far, and it continues to take donations of gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves. The winter wear is being distributed by the 7-10 club and the Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy. Both groups are also offering warming centres that are open 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday at 489 Wallace and seven days a week at 285 Prideaux.
Vancouver Island Regional Library online services down during upgrades
Online library users will not be able to access services for most of today. The Vancouver Island Regional Library system is undergoing upgrades until 5 p.m. That means library users will not be able to log into their account to place holds, renew items or access any e-resources like the online catalogue. However, library branches will be open for checkouts although there will be no access to public internet computers.
Monday COVID-19 update
COVID-19 cases counts spiked in the Island Health region over the weekend, with 99 new cases reported since Friday. 63 are on the Central Island, 13 in the south and 23 in the north. 16 people are in hospital and one Islander, a member of the Cowichan Tribes has died. So far in the pandemic, 24 islanders have died from COVID-19.
Vaccination delayed for Cowichan Tribes
Meanwhile, the Cowichan Tribes has been forced to delay a planned vaccination clinic because of a shortage of Pfizer vaccine. The Director of the Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre says 600 Cowichan Tribes members were scheduled to receive their second dose of vaccine at clinics that were supposed to begin today. Derek Thompson says that plan changed over the weekend when Island Health informed the community its vaccine shipment was delayed.
"It's disappointing but we also understand our community, like every nation and municipality across the province, are in the same queue awaiting the vaccine and like many nations and municipalities across the province we know that that time frame is going to shift here and there are we are ready to respond accordingly."
—Derek Thompson, Director of the Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre.
Thompson says the clinics have been postponed for two weeks until March the 8th. He says that's how long it will take to reschedule those receiving the vaccine and the availability of those who will administer them.
Gaps in complaints process allows no recourse against IIO or civilian employees of RCMP
BC’s Ombudsperson says people who feel mistreated by guards at RCMP lockups or by BC's Independent Investigations Office have no formal recourse to make a complaint. Jay Chalke says his office is not allowed to investigate any complaints against police officers' conduct, however, there are agencies that do. But he says there is no process at all for people who want to file complaints against civilian employees who work for the RCMP, including guards at holding cells in RCMP detachments. Chalke urged a legislative committee that's examining BC's Police Act to fill that gap.
"This gap concerns the most significant intervention the state can make in an individual's life: the deprivation of their liberty. The circumstances and issues here implicate fundamental human rights and international law."
—BC’s Ombudsperson Jay Chalke.
Chalke says people detained under the mental health act also have no recourse to complain, nor does anyone who is unhappy with how BC's Independent Investigations Office has handled investigations into police-involved injuries and deaths.
"I want to point out that there is no independent investigation of the complaints process set out in the regulation, and therefore no public accountability for how complaints are handled."
—BC’s Ombudsperson Jay Chalke.
Chalke says BC's Solicitor General has acknowledged the gaps but so far, has not offered any legislative or regulatory changes.
Legal petition filed by West Moberly First Nation regarding Site C
The former chair of the Joint Review Panel into Site C says it's time to draw back the veil of secrecy surrounding the ten and a half-billion-dollar project, the largest ever in BC's history. Harry Swain says the cost of the project represents twice the amount of revenue it will collect over twenty years. He points out BC Hydro has not filed its last two quarterly reports into Site C's progress with the BC Utilities Commission, and the Premier has refused to release two independent reports into whether the dam can be built safely.
"I think Mr. Horgan is in quite a dilemma right now. If all the advice that he's been getting from BC Hydro, from consultants and so on was to the effect: 'yes this can be safely built, yes the price is going to be acceptable. If that were the case, there would be no secrecy, there would be no reports out back. we would have had an announcement by now about where we're going to go. and the fact that it's taken this long means it’s highly controversial within the government because those assurances aren't there.”—Harry Swain, former chair of the Joint Review Panel into Site C.
Meanwhile, the West Moberly First Nation has filed a legal petition to force the government to release that information. Roland Willson is also urging Horgan to suspend work on the dam until cabinet makes a decision on the project. The Premier has not responded.
Province focused on the culturally safe delivery of COVID-19 vaccine for First Nations
BC's Provincial Health Officer is promising Metis people that health officials are working on ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be a culturally safe experience. Dr. Bonnie Henry spoke at a panel discussion at the annual general meeting of Metis Nation British Columbia over the weekend. She said officials are planning for 172 vaccination clinics that will begin mid-March. The acting Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority says it is in discussions with the province on how to make mass vaccination clinics culturally safe. Dr. Shannon McDonald says clinics on reserves have including blessings of the vaccine and the time needed to ensure those receiving them feel confident about what's happening to them.
"I know the province's goal is to maximize the number of people that can be vaccinated, but we also want to make sure that the people who walk in the door are happy with what happened when they're inside the doors before they go home.”—Acting Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority, Dr. Shannon McDonald.
Metis and other Indigenous people ages 65 and up will be eligible to get their shots at the same time as clinics begin for non-indigenous people over the age of 80.
Friday COVID-19 update
There are 22 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region. Province-wide, there has been another large increase with 508 new cases and six more deaths.
Vaccination will lead to increased access to family in long-term care
BC's Minister of Health says despite vaccine delays, the province will immunize all citizens over the age of 80 by the end of March. Adrian Dix says starting March the 1st, British Columbians over the age of 80 who receive home care will begin receiving vaccine, and others in that age group who are not connected to health care programs will start receiving vaccine on March 15th. Dix says almost all seniors in long term and assisted living will receive their second dose of vaccine this month. He says that means it won't be long before visiting restrictions now in place will be lifted.
"What we hope is going to change soon in long-term care, what we hope is going to change soon in assisted living, we believe in the month of March where people are going to have more access, not less and more opportunities to engage and not less."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix notes COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes have declined from 59 in December to 14 today is a result of immunity that residents have with the first dose of vaccine.
Replacement of NDSS highlighted in school district plan
Nanaimo District Secondary School is at the end of its useful life and desperately needs to be replaced. That's one recommendation in Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public School's latest long-range facility plan. The report says the school needs significant maintenance, is a high priority for seismic upgrades and is environmentally unfriendly. The school district's secretary-treasurer, Mark Walsh, identifying NDSS in the plan is meant to send a message.
“It's our number one seismic priority, it's end of life, school districts around the province are getting replacement schools right now, and NDSS, this again is a message to our community, to the ministry, to political partners, that this needs to happen.“—Mark Walsh SD-68 Secretary-Treasurer.
The plan also projects other schools could be seriously overcrowded in the next 10 years. Dover Bay Secondary and Pleasant Valley Elementary are already feeling the strain and are predicted to reach more than 180 per cent capacity by 2030. Walsh is recommending developers pay a School Site Acquisition Charge to help fund expansion.
"We are certain, at least in Nanaimo and Lantzville, that the school site acquisition charge is an absolute slam dunk. There's hundreds of thousands of dollars waiting for the district to go collect from development."
—Mark Walsh SD-68 Secretary-Treasurer.
The next step is for the board to discuss the plan with the community.
City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo RCMP, and VIU criminology students team up to conduct neighbourhood safety audits
The City of Nanaimo, the RCMP and student criminologists from Vancouver Island University are teaming up with selected neighbourhoods to help make them safer. The group is preparing to conduct safety audits. Nanaimo's community policing coordinator, Christy Wood says the audits are a response to what citizens have been asking for.
"Community members wanted to have a voice, and they wanted to not feel helpless and feel empowered to build some resiliency in their neighbourhoods and communicate their concerns to those social service agencies and local decision-makers about what was happening for them in their neighbourhood."—City of Nanaimo Community Policing Coordinator, Christy Wood.
The process is underway, with a crime analyst crunching statistics about the type of crimes committed and the harms they cause in various neighbourhoods. Census data and anecdotal information is also being collected to select neighbourhoods that need the most help. Wood says after that, local surveys will measure the perception of neighbourhood crime and the level of fear people are feeling. The team will present a final audit report to the neighbourhoods and to decision-makers and organizations in late March or early April. The audits will include what can be done to address the safety issues in each neighbourhood and identify partnerships to implement the recommendations.
Decline in enrollment cited as a factor, Ministry of Advanced Education approves deficits
Vancouver Island University says a decline in student enrolment and extra costs due to COVID-19 has led to a deficit in the current fiscal year and will likely lead to another deficit next year. The university says international student enrolment dropped by 34 per cent while domestic enrolment dipped by 13 per cent. It says pivoting to online instruction and extra cleaning has also affected the bottom line. VIU is not alone. That's why the Ministry of Advanced Education is allowing post-secondary institutions to run deficits.
VIU's Provost, Carole Stuart says post-secondary institutions would have preferred increased funding from the Ministry.
"You're speaking to the converted [laughs] we have tried."
The Ministry says colleges and universities will have to dip into their reserves to pay for the deficits. Stuart won't reveal the projected size of the deficit for 2020-2021, but she says dipping into reserves will have a long-lasting impact.
"While we can accommodate that over the next two years and deal with it we also have to come up with a deficit recovery plan so that means we'll be running very lean for the next two years in order to do that."—VIU Provost, Carole Stuart.
Stuart says at best, running deficits will allow the university to keep its focus on students and programming, while areas like building maintenance take a back seat.
Shelter in place order extended by Cowichan Tribes
The Cowichan Tribes has extended its shelter in place order until March the 5th in the wake of two deaths from COVID-19 last weekend. Chief William Seymour delivered the news on social media that the two people who died were young adults. They were in their 30s with pre-existing health conditions. Seymour says their deaths underline the danger the virus presents.
"It's not only a high risk disease for our elders. We all need to be careful and to take it seriously. I am asking you, please, get tested at the first sign of symptoms. If you catch this virus early you will have a much better chance of recovering from it."
—Cowichan Tribes Chief William Seymour.
There are currently 14 active cases of COVID-19 among the Tribes. CTV News is reporting there will be a delivery of 600 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Cowichan Tribes next week, which will allow elders to receive their second doses. Meanwhile, the Snuneymuxw nation, near Nanaimo has wrapped up two days of second dose vaccinations for 300 of its members. Chief Mike Wyse says there is one active case of the virus on reserve and two others off-reserve.
Thursday COVID-19 update
Meanwhile, BC has hit its highest daily new case count since early January, with 617 new cases and four deaths. There are 19 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region, bringing the total active cases to 169 on Vancouver Island.
City of Nanaimo to vote on the creation of SPO on Monday
Nanaimo city council will be asked on Monday, to give its blessing for the next steps toward the goal of providing a range of housing and other supports for vulnerable people. The city's Health and Housing Task Force has completed its work with a Health and Housing Action Plan. Step one is to create an entity to implement it. That entity, a Systems Planning Organization, or SPO, would be responsible for a number of duties. Task Force co-chair and city councillor Don Bonner says the SPO's main job would be to coordinate the needs of existing social service organizations with the funding agencies.
"If we all sit down and coordinate the work that they're doing, and we create a coordinated ask to the province and the feds, we will be successful in getting the money that we need in making a serious dent in this issue...and we'll have a lot less homeless people on the street and when people are approaching homelessness, there will be a lot more services to help them out.”
—City of Nanaimo Counsillor Don Bonner.
The SPO is also expected to attract members to what's being called a "funders' table," made up of groups like BC Housing, Island Health, local government and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. And the SPO must come up with self-sustaining funding. In its first year, it will be mostly funded through a $300,000 dollar contribution from the city. The recommendations to accept the Task Force Report and to create a working group to design the SPO goes to council on Monday.
Henry cites delay in vaccine delivery for late second dose
Thousands of seniors and long-term care workers in BC will not be getting their second dose of anti-COVID-19 vaccines before the 42-day maximum recommended interval. More than 30,000 seniors in care and 30,000 care workers in BC have received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. As of the end of January, less than half of 1% had received their second dose. At that time, BC's provincial health officer said because of a shortage of vaccine, the dates between doses would be extended from the 21 to 28 days recommended by the manufacturers to 42 days, which is the maximum recommended by Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Earlier this week, Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed the 42 day extended interval period will not be met in all cases.
"The Pfizer vaccine most people are still within the 42 days, at least starting to get second doses at day 42. We have some challenges with Moderna because the amount we are getting next week is lower than expected, so there will be some people will be delayed, so it's in the range of four to six thousand for both."
—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says she is confident people will not lose their immunity to the virus because of the delay. She says although there are no studies to prove this with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, she says the history of vaccine efficacy shows people can go for months between doses without losing immunity.
Provincial Government loosens restrictions for COVID-19 recovery grant
BC's Minister of Labour is sweetening the pot, in an effort to entice more small and medium-sized businesses to apply for a COVID-19 recovery grant. Businesses can be granted up to $30,000 and tourism businesses, up to $45,000 but so far, less than a third of the $300 million dollar pot of cash has been accessed. The province changed the criteria for the grants in December to enable more businesses to qualify. Now, Ravi Kahlon is hoping to remove another barrier to business, namely the need to create a business plan to qualify.
"So we've streamlined the process. The amount of paperwork you are required to submit is minimal. And the biggest change I think now, is that now you can go to your own bookkeeper, you can go to your own accountant to have them do the work and we will pay them to do the work for you. So they will do your business recovery plan, and they will submit it for the money and we will pay them up to $2000 for the work they're doing."
—Minister of Labour Ravi Kahlon.
But, larger businesses, including Victoria-based Harbour Air have complained they don't qualify because they employ more than 150 people. Kalon is promising a new program for them will be introduced soon.
Wednesday COVID-19 update
There has been another death from COVID-19 in the Island Health region. It's the third death this week, bringing the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in our region to 23. Island Health is reporting 18 new cases of the virus over the past 24 hours, while the province is reporting 427 new cases and 3 deaths.
Ladysmith approves BC Housing project
Ladysmith council has cleared the way for BC Housing to turn the Island Hotel on First Avenue into a homeless shelter for the duration of the pandemic. BC Housing and the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association plan to open a 15-bed shelter that has space for physical distancing. The current shelter in the Rialto building had to reduce capacity from 10 beds to five due to COVID-19 precautions. Mayor Aaron Stone says the new shelter could help lead some to find permanent housing.
“Creating trust and a welcoming space is step one to getting them into an opportunity to have a connection with somebody that could lead to better things. I know that through the shelter and through the tenting site that was temporary through the summer we were actually fortunate to find a couple homeless in our community more stable long-term housing.“
—Town of Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.
Councillor Duck Patterson, who ran for the BC Liberals in the last election, opposed the application and suggested the old hospital site would be better.
"Having a temporary homeless shelter there will probably cause the same feelings that this application has caused by the neighbours but for me it is a bit of an easier pill to swallow than kicking our downtown merchants and residents while they are still down."
—Town of Ladysmith Councillor Duck Patterson.
The current cold-weather shelter at the Rialto building is scheduled to close at the end of March.
Deputy Fire Chief is promoted
Nanaimo's Deputy Fire Chief will take the helm as the new Fire Chief. Tim Doyle has been with Nanaimo Fire Rescue for the past 20 years and has been Acting Chief since the new year when the former Chief Karen Fry became Vancouver's fire chief. Doyle will officially begin his tenure next Monday.
Nanaimo creator wins film prize
And finally—Sound Clip—That's The Short Lebowski, a one-minute movie of a movie that has won a Nanaimo man the fan favourite prize in a contest that had close to 350 entrants. Todd Cameron is a local filmmaker who used plastic dolls and home-made sets in his stop motion production. Cameron estimates it took 70 hours to produce his one-minute masterpiece, which he says is a labour of love.
"It's all stuff that I really love doing. Most of the time it was using my hands in a way that's fun for me so it was just kind of a cool opportunity to use some of the toys that I have."
You can watch The Short Lebowski on YouTube or on the CFOX-FM website, which sponsored the contest.
Fraser Valley churches to be heard by BC Supreme Court
BC's Provincial Health Officer has lost her bid for an injunction against three Fraser Valley churches that continue to defy COVID-19 rules banning in-person religious gatherings. Dr. Bonnie Henry applied for the injunction in response to the churches launching a legal challenge to her orders. But the chief justice of the BC Supreme Court has turned down the request. Justice Christopher Hinkson says the health orders already prohibit in-person religious services and Henry and the province have the power to escalate enforcement. Earlier this week, Henry said she isn't sure about that.
"My ability to under the public health act, to add additional measures to the orders, I don't think. I'm not aware that I have that authority, let's put it that way. But I think it is important that we needed to ensure that people realized that while the court challenge that the churches brought was being heard, that these rules still apply."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The larger court challenge to the health orders by the Riverside Calvary Chapel in Langley, the Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church in Abbotsford and the Free Reformed Church of Chilliwack will be heard next month.
Social service agencies impacted by pandemic
An interim report on the effects of the pandemic on social service agencies has found some good and some bad. Researchers from the Department of Social Work at Vancouver Island University interviewed representatives from eleven social service groups in greater Nanaimo last September. They found the organizations felt they were thrown into chaos when the pandemic was declared last March. The agencies had to respond to dramatic shutdowns, public health orders, and local directives they say changed from one day to the next. In the months that followed, some organizations were able to resume some in-person services. Many said they benefited from having time to train employees in online services and to collaborate with others to share best practices. The report found the organizations were grateful that emergency funding did not come with strings attached. That allowed them to act on what was urgently needed but not predicted. However, researcher Holly Bradley says some challenges remain unresolved.
"Who is becoming invisible? Not everyone is getting the same kind of service through remote service delivery. Not everyone is able to access it. Not everyone has access to free internet, to cell plans with phone minutes, with internet data, so there is that awareness that there are gaps, that there are people falling through the cracks, that there are needs that are not being met."—Survey Researcher Holly Bradley.
Bradley and her research partner, Jeanette Schmid hope to delve into that topic in the next round of research that begins next month when they re-interview the agencies' representatives. Their final report is planned for September.
Nanaimo a COVID-19 hotspot
The Nanaimo region has now become the epicentre of the pandemic on Vancouver Island. Cases of COVID-19 in greater Nanaimo more than doubled last week. The BC Center for Disease Control is reporting 94 new cases of the virus in the Nanaimo region on the week ending February 6th, compared to 45 the week before. Meanwhile, the number of cases in Cowichan Valley South, which had experienced high numbers due to an outbreak in the Cowichan Tribes has fallen dramatically. The case count declined from 53 during the week of Jan. 24, to 22 cases the week after that.
No evidence gay Qualicum Beach councillor was harassed: report
A report into allegations of mistreatment made by a Qualicum Beach councillor has found no evidence of discrimination, bullying or harassment. Councillor Robert Filmer claimed he was the victim of such conduct at the hands of his council colleagues. A report by Innova Strategy Group acknowledged there were strained relations on council. However, it found no evidence of discrimination against the 22-year-old openly gay councillor. Filmer posted his reaction to the report on his Facebook page. He questions the report's findings and accuses council of victim shaming, instead of improving their relationship. Filmer who is on a leave of absence has not said whether he will return to Qualicum Beach council.
‘Godmother of dub‘ to speak at VIU
Vancouver Island University is welcoming a two-time JUNO Award winner and dub poet at a virtual event this evening. Lillian Allen will deliver the annual Gustafson Distinguished Poet Lecture. The chair of VIU's creative writing and journalism department, Sonnet L'Abbe says Allen was selected for her important contributions to poetry in Canada and around the world.
"She's the godmother of dub poetry. Dub poetry is an entire form that emerged in Jamaica out of reggae but spread around the globe very quickly in the 70s. It has had an influence on pop on reggae itself and on spoken word culture. So it is the roots of a lot of forms of poetry that are popular right now. The kind of cadence that you heard Amanda Gordon use at the inauguration has connections to dub poetry. Lillian Allen is a huge figure and we are really excited to have her"
—Sonnet L’Abbé, chair of VIU’s creative writing and journalism department.
Allen agrees Gorman's reading at the inauguration was an important moment for spoken word poetry.
“It is a validation and a celebration of the voice, and especially that she's a young person, and crafting her terms and our words, in such a fine way to touch people and to bring people together, idealistic as it might be, that's the work of poetry, that's the work of the soul."
—Lillian Allen, Distinguished Gustafson Distinguished Poet.
Allen's lecture begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday. You can register by clicking on this link.
New in this update:
Monday COVID-19 update
COVID-19 cases in BC continue with an average of just over 400 new cases per day with 1236 new cases confirmed since Friday and 13 more deaths. In the Island Health Region, there were 86 new cases confirmed over the past three days, most of which continue to be on the central island. It leads with 168 active cases, followed by the south island with 63 and the north with 9. The provincial health officer says number of cases of the UK and South African variants continues to increase. So far, there have been 25 cases of the UK variant in BC including four in the Island Health region. There are 15 cases of the South African variant confirmed in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is planning more testing to try to figure out how prevalent the variants are.
"It does change the game in some ways if it starts to take off and become dominant in the community. And I think all of us are dreading that and right now we need to take actions and figure out how to assess how many cases we have, how much of a risk it is. Similar to what Ontario did where they tested they ran a screening test and did whole-genome sequencing on a whole day’s worth of tests and we will be doing that as well so we have a better understanding of are we catching people or is there more out there that we’re missing?"
—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says of the 40 variants of concern cases in BC, just three are currently active.
Development permits applied for
BC Housing has started the ball rolling on two supportive housing facilities it announced more than a year ago. It has applied for development permits for 285 Prideaux Street which is the site of the city-owned Community Services Building and for 702 Nicol Street, which is currently a vacant lot, owned by BC Housing. 50 supportive housing units are planned at Prideaux Street for people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. A four-storey facility is planned for Nicol Street with 59 supportive housing units for people requiring special care. During a public information meeting last August, the city's Manager of Development, Dale Lindsay, explained how the development permit process works.
"So a development permit process is looking in this case primarily at the form and character of the building and make sure it fits into the context of the neighbourhood. As part of that process, we do early notification to the neighbourhood and to the community. We also take the step of sending applications to neighbourhood associations so that they can provide comments and depending on the development permit, may ultimately go to council for approval." —City of Nanaimo Manager of Development, Dale Lindsay.
Both sites are already zoned for those uses. However, the development permit application for the Nicol Street project is expected to come before council at its meeting on February the 22nd.
Friday COVID-19 update
There are 28 new cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island today and 471 new cases across British Columbia. Six people have died of Covid since yesterday for a total of 1,246 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Health orders extended indefinitely as infections slowly decrease
The provincial health officer is holding out a carrot at the same time she is extending health orders. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the ban on social gatherings and events will remain in place indefinitely. She says B.C.'s COVID-19 infection rate is slowly decreasing but remains high among those in the 20 to 29 year age group. And, she worries that more transmissible variants could take off. But B.C.'s top doc is holding out hope that churches, sports teams and the safe-six bubble could be back in place by the beginning of March, but she says certain things have to happen first.
"Case rates are an important piece of it. Looking at outbreaks is an important piece. Looking at whether these variants are taking off and increasing so part of it is having that more detailed, multilayered surveillance in place. So it is all of the above and it is also making sure that we are starting on that road to be able to protect those who are most at risk in the communities."
—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says much will depend on B.C.'s vaccination program ramping up in the third week of February.
Stay at home order extended until February 19th for Cowichan Tribes
Meanwhile, the Cowichan Tribes has extended its shelter in place order. The order requires people to stay at home, prevents people from visiting, and people can only venture out for essential reasons, like medical appointments and groceries. The order, which has been in place for over a month, has been extended until February the 19th. The nation reported 181 cases in total as last week. It decided not to post numbers this week, out of respect for those mourning a person who died from the virus last week.
COVID-19 exposures and anxiety on the rise in Nanaimo schools
Island Health is reporting COVID-19 exposures at two more schools. Brechin Elementary and Nanaimo District Secondary join the list of nine schools with exposures on the central Island. Three other schools, Barsby, Rock City and Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh are experiencing clusters, meaning there has been at least one COVID-19 transmission within the school itself. The grievance officer for the Nanaimo Teachers Association, Jeremy Inscho says the clusters have heightened anxiety for everyone at these schools.
"We have three schools where transmission has happened. That's a concern. We aren't doing enough, especially in light of knowing there are new variants of the disease are more transmissible."
—Jermy Inscho, Nanaimo Teachers Associaiton.
The teachers association says it is disappointed the Ministry of Education has not expanded its mandatory mask order to include students in elementary schools as Ontario and Alberta have done.
Twitter account of Nanaimo Clippers owner 'lost at sea'
The owner of the Nanaimo Clippers has deleted his Twitter account after a tweet caused a storm of controversy last month. Wes Mussio tweeted he is "heading to Tampa Bay for the start of the Super Bowl party week.” Mussio faced a barrage of comments, criticizing him for travelling during the pandemic. But Mussio says he's been living in Florida since last October and travelling to the Super Bowl means travelling across a bridge.
COVID-19 transmission confirmed at three Nanaimo Elementary Schools
On the same day that BC announced increased COVID-19 safety measures in schools, there have been COVID-19 transmissions confirmed at three Nanaimo elementary schools. The clusters are at Rock City, Bayview and Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh schools. The province's new safety measures mean middle school and high school students must now wear masks at all times indoors, except when they are sitting or standing at their desks. But students in elementary schools and those in grades six and seven who attend elementary schools will not have to wear masks. The Nanaimo District Teachers Association says that's just one shortfall of many in the new regulations. Association spokesperson, Jeremy Inscho gives the new measures a failing grade.
"I don't think they're meeting expectations. Very little came in today that is actually helpful. The mask mandate is only for the students who were wearing it anyways in most cases. Doing a little bit more is probably not enough, when we know the virus is doing a lot more."
—NDTA Spokesperson, Jeremy Inscho.
Inscho is welcoming the establishment of school response teams to better manage exposures and outbreaks, but he says more rapid testing is needed and communication with teachers, students and their parents must be improved.
Thursday COVID-19 update
There have been 27 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region confirmed over the past 24 hours. Province-wide there were 6 deaths and 465 new cases.
“Overwhelming evidence of racism in this system”
Disturbing data from an investigation into racism in the health care system shows indigenous women are one and a half more times likely to develop cervical cancer. Indigenous elders and those with chronic health conditions are 89% more likely to not have a doctor to help manage those conditions. As a result, indigenous people access health care at emergency departments at rates far higher than anyone else in B.C. The report's author Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says the data proves an unacceptable truth.
"When you combine these inequities with the overwhelming evidence of racism in this system, it's not difficult to see why health outcomes for indigenous people are poorer.
—Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.
B.C.'s Minister of Health says steps are being taken to change that. Adrian Dix says an Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Health has been appointed. Funding is in place for five Indigenous Health Liaison Officers and nine of 32 new Indigenous Health Representatives have been hired. And Dix says a Task Force to implement Turpel Lafond's report has been established.
"Racism is toxic for people and it's toxic for care. The situation as it exists, cannot stand. Together with indig leadership, health professionals colleagues and partners we will address systemic racism in our health care system and root out its damaging effects."
—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix is also promising cultural sensitivity training will take place in every health authority. Turpel Lafond says she will continue her involvement until, as she says "the report's recommendations have been achieved."
Kids in school to mask up
Students in middle school and high schools in BC will now have to wear masks in all indoor areas, including classrooms, except when they are seated or standing at their desks. Masks are now required when singing, and physical distancing must be maintained when playing instruments. The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry offered no data to show why the stepped-up measures are needed. However, both the Minister of Education, Jennifer Whiteside and the head of the BC School Trustees Association Stephanie Higgenson suggest anxiety over safety by teachers and students was the major impetus for change.
"There is absolutely, anxiety amongst students and staff and their families in schools and their communities and it certainly is my hope that this does go some way in making folks feel more secure and confident."—Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside.
"I have noticed a heightened sense of divisiveness in the way people are expressing their concern about school safety. For the sake of the students who are watching, we must refocus this energy on the important tasks that we have at hand."
—B.C. School Trustee Association Stephanie Higgenson.
Students in elementary schools, including those in grades seven and eight, will not be ordered to wear masks, however, the advice being given to elementary schools has changed from "mask-wearing is not recommended" to "mask-wearing is encouraged."
“NoNo” returns home after three and a half years
A Nanaimo woman whose cat came back after three and a half years believe he was deliberately taken and dumped far from home. "NoNo" the cat was found by staff at the Living Forest campground near Cedar last week. Staff contacted the Nanaimo SPCA and it tracked down Nono's owner, through a tattoo. Laura Brethour says she was shocked and surprised at both the phone call and the fact that Nono was found 20 kilometres from where he went missing. Brethour does not believe her cat wandered that far away on his own.
"Without saying names and without 100% certainty, we actually know he was taken and he was dumped south of the city in hopes he wouldn't find his way home."
—Laura Brethour, NoNo’s owner.
Lesli Steeves says she's not surprised. Steeves is one of the founders of ROAM, a volunteer group devoted to finding lost pets. She says she's dealt with cases of cats being removed from neighbourhoods and dumped far away.
”There are occasions when it happens and there are certainly some little hot spot areas we do keep our eyes on and we try to work closely with the owners to try to pull out as much information as we can to see if they've had any problems with the neighbours or have heard anything in the neighbourhood."
—ROAM’s Lesli Steeves.
Steeves urges neighbours to work together to find creative solutions like installing a motion sensor sprinkler to deter a wandering cat. She believes Nanaimo's new animal responsibility bylaw will also prevent cat-nappings in the future because people can call a bylaw officer to resolve such disputes. Meanwhile, Brethour says NoNo is now an indoor cat.
New in this update:
Wednesday COVID-19 update
There has been another death from COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. 20 people have died from the virus in the Island Health region since the pandemic began. Province-wide there were 16 deaths over the past 24 hours and 414 new cases. Cases on Vancouver Island continue in the double digits, with 26 reported today. Our active case count stands at 273.
Update to school guidelines to be announced at 10 a.m. Thursday
Meanwhile, B.C.'s Minister of Education and the Provincial Health Officer are poised to announce enhanced health and safety guidelines for students and staff, and more funding to support the continued safe operations of schools. COVID-19 exposures in schools continue to climb with the latest exposure at John Barsby Community School in Nanaimo. It's the tenth central island school to report an exposure over the past month. Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Dr. Bonnie Henry are planning a news conference on the subject tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the government of BC Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Grant launched for businesses to pivot online
The province is hoping a new grant program will help small and medium-sized businesses to sell their products online. B.C.'s Launch Online Grant program offers businesses up to $7500 dollars to work with web specialists to create or enhance online sales. The Minister of Labour, Ravi Kalon, expects up to 1,500 businesses will benefit. The founder of Goldilocks Wraps in Esquimalt says the pandemic forced her to pivot sales of her beeswax wraps from craft fairs to the internet.
"Our online sales made up nearly all of our revenue in 2020, which was a huge shift. The pandemic has really changed the way that businesses need to operate to stay afloat. And having an online presence has gone to being an added bonus to an absolute necessity."
—Amy Hall, founder of Goldilocks Wraps.
Amy Hall says this will be the first government assistance program she'd applied for.
"Currently I have been personally doing all of the work on our website but I am not a website developer so it's something that's gotten us by until now, but it will be really great to work with an outside expert who really knows what they're doing so I am really looking forward to applying for this specifically."
—Amy Hall, founder of Goldilocks Wraps.
Eligible businesses must have had minimum annual sales of $30,000 dollars in 2020 or 2019, employer fewer than 150 people and must develop a grant proposal to show how they will spend the money. Businesses have until March 31st to apply at www.launchonline.ca.
Bus company suspends service indefinitely
People who depend on regional buses to travel Vancouver Island no longer have that option. The Vancouver Island Connector and the Tofino bus will not be resuming service this month and will remain suspended indefinitely. The company says its business has declined by 95% since last March. It has applied for an emergency COVID-19 recovery contract from the Ministry of Transportation, but so far, no luck. The Vancouver Island Connector started operations in 2015 and had provided bus service from Victoria to Campbell River.
Nanaimo hasn’t had an EDC for four years
Nanaimo council will create a new, arms-length economic development corporation. The move comes four years after a previous council killed a similar organization that was rife with conflict, resignations and firings. The new economic development corporation will see the city of Nanaimo as the main shareholder. So-called Class B Shareholders will include the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Nanaimo Airport, the Chamber of Commerce, the Nanaimo Port Authority and Vancouver Island University. The membership will also include one representative from the non-profit sector and two members at large. The city's Director of Community Development, Bill Corsan described the corporation's purpose at a presentation to council on Monday night.
"The mandate is to maintain and update the economic development strategy and make sure that certain initiatives that attract business and employers to the community are being done and help with that coordination piece. There is kind of a common goal here to have a group of people providing leadership at that level."
—Bill Corsan, City of Nanaimo Director of Community Development.
The city's economic development strategy includes the redevelopment of downtown and the waterfront as well as making Nanaimo a healthcare center of excellence. The corporation should be in place by the middle of this year, with a five-year-long mandate. Its first annual budget will be just over half a million dollars, which is far less than the minimum million dollars that similar-sized cities spend on Economic Development Corporations.
COVID-19 updates from Cowichan Tribes temporarily suspended
The Cowichan Tribes will not be providing any COVID-19 outbreak numbers this week. Last Friday, the nation reported 26 active cases of the virus, for a total of 181 cases since the outbreak began in early January. The acting general manager of the Cowichan Tribes, Derek Thompson says updates will be suspended until next week.
"We decided to pause in an effort to be mindful and respectful of families in our community who are hurt and going through a process of grieving. We want to be respectful of the family going through a process of just profound loss and in the broader context of things, just families in our community who have gone through such profound loss."
—Derck Thompson, Acting General Manager for Cowichan Tribes.
One member of the tribes died from COVID-19 last week. Thompson says case counts continue to rise and they will continue to do so until more members of the community start following provincial health orders and a local shelter in place order that is set to expire on Friday.
Meanwhile, there have been 27 new cases of COVID 19 confirmed in the Island Health region over the past 24 hours. With 23 on the central island, 3 in the south and one in the north. There are 17 people in the hospital with the virus, six of whom are in intensive care.
Tuesday COVID-19 update
Another Nanaimo school has been added to the list of COVID-19 exposures. Island Health says there was an exposure at Rock City Elementary school last Wednesday. Rock City joins eight other schools on the central island that have experienced COVID-19 exposures, but none has turned into an outbreak. There have been 27 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Island Health region since yesterday, bringing our case count to 294. Province-wide in the past 24 hours, there have been 8 deaths from COVID-19 and 429 new infections.
Shovels in the ground for new ICU at NRGH
The sod was turned at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital this morning, to mark the start of construction of a new intensive care unit. The new unit will be triple the size of the current ICU, providing the space for the high-tech equipment needed to treat the most critically ill patients. It will increase from 10 to 12 beds, with overhead patient lifts, and there will be space for a high acuity unit to transition patients from ICU to other hospital units. Dr. Ben Williams, the vice president of medicine and quality for Island Health says the new layout will provide both physical and emotional comfort to patients and their families.
"Our old ICU is a very small unit, located at the end of a hallway that every critically ill patient has to be wheeled through, in front of staff members and patients and families. This new ICU is larger, it's state of the art. In the old ICU, there wasn't a family room where they could really go and be safe and have private conversation. This ICU is a much better and kinder place for our patients and their families."—Dr. Ben Williams.
The 41 and a half million dollar project is expected to be completed in early 2023.
Animal Responsibility bylaw is approved by Nanaimo City Council
Nanaimo City Council has passed a controversial animal bylaw that could see outdoor cats scooped up and sent to the pound. The new Animal Responsibility bylaw says owners must prevent their pets from wandering onto any private property without permission. Owners must have direct control over the animal when outside. When the bylaw was first proposed in November, it generated what Mayor Leonard Krog called a "voluminous" response from residents who were opposed to it. But Councillor Erin Hemmens says it's needed to manage conflicts between neighbours.
“This is not about leashing cats, this is not about keeping cats inside, this is setting up mechanisms and structures in order to support animal health for animals that either don't have a home or are creating a nuisance and that nuisance isn't resolvable between neighbours. Then we have some next steps to take based on this bylaw.”—Nanaimo City Councillor Erin Hemmens.
Cats must now have identification, such as a collar or microchip, and be sterilized. Having a cat without ID could cost you between $25 and $75 dollars, while fines for an unsterilized cat range from $100 to $150 dollars.
Shovels in the ground for new ICU at NRGH
The sod was turned at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital this morning, to mark the start of construction of a new intensive care unit. The new unit will be triple the size of the current ICU, providing the space for the high-tech equipment needed to treat the most critically ill patients. It will increase from 10 to 12 beds, with overhead patient lifts, and there will be space for a high acuity unit to transition patients from ICU to other hospital units. Dr. Ben Williams, the vice president of medicine and quality for Island Health says the new layout will provide both physical and emotional comfort to patients and their families.
"Our old ICU is a very small unit, located at the end of a hallway that every critically ill patient has to be wheeled through, in front of staff members and patients and families. This new ICU is larger, it's state of the art. In the old ICU there wasn't a family room where they could really go and be safe and have private conversation. This ICU is a much better and kinder place for our patients and their families."
–Dr. Ben Williams
The 41 and a half million dollar project is expected to be completed in early 2023.
Animal Responsibility bylaw is approved by Nanaimo City Council
Nanaimo City Council has passed a controversial animal bylaw that could see outdoor cats scooped up and sent to the pound. The new Animal Responsibility bylaw says owners must prevent their pets from wandering onto any private property without permission. Owners must have direct control over the animal when outside. When the bylaw was first proposed in November, it generated what Mayor Leonard Krog called a "voluminous" response from residents who were opposed to it. But Councillor Erin Hemmens says it's needed to manage conflicts between neighbours.
“This is not about leashing cats, this is not about keeping cats inside, this is setting up mechanisms and structures in order to support animal health for animals that either don't have a home or are creating a nuisance and that nuisance isn't resolvable between neighbours. Then we have some next steps to take based on this bylaw.”—Nanaimo City Councillor Erin Hemmens
Cats must now have identification, such as a collar or microchip, and be sterilized.
Having a cat without ID could cost you between $25 and $75 dollars, while fines for an unsterilized cat range from $100 to $150 dollars. However, the city will waive seizure and impound fees for cats caught outdoors until the end of 2022, if the cat is retrieved within 24 hours.
ICBC rebate incoming for drivers in B.C.
Drivers in BC will be getting a rebate next month, thanks to the pandemic. ICBC says it saved $600 million dollars last year because the pandemic led to fewer drivers on the road, and therefore fewer accidents. It is passing along those savings to those insured last year. It predicts the average driver will receive a $190 dollar rebate cheque, which will start rolling out in March. That is in addition to what ICBC calls Enhanced Care refunds customers will receive when they renew their insurance in 2021.
COVID-19 variants a growing concern in British Columbia
Concerns over new COVID-19 variants have prompted the province to step up genome testing. There are 14 cases of the U.K. variant in B.C., all of which are linked to international travel and those in contact with those travellers. There are four cases of the South African variant but officials do not know how those cases were transmitted. The provincial health officer says genome testing is now being targeted to any international traveller who tests positive for COVID-19 along with random sampling in areas with outbreaks or a high number of cases. Dr. Bonnie Henry says 11,000 genome tests have been completed and testing will continue to ramp up.
"This is one of the things that is most concerning for us right now. We are seeing some transmissions in some communities of this variant and this is one of the things that is factoring into the decisions that we have to make together over the next coming weeks.”—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says data on the variants and next steps will be announced on Friday. That's when current COVID-19 health orders are set to expire. Four cases of the UK variant were detected on Vancouver Island. Island Health says one traveller and three household members tested positive for the variant, but those cases have been contained.
Man charged with second-degree murder in beating death of homeless man
A man has been charged in the beating death of a homeless man in Campbell River last October. 60-year-old Dean Dool was attacked outside the Royal Bank on Shoppers Row around 11 p.m. on October the 15th. Campbell River RCMP says Justin William Arnett has been charged with second-degree murder. Police say Arnett was arrested on an unrelated warrant last Thursday and remains in custody.
A new investigative team gives a boost to cold case murder
Meanwhile, a high-profile cold case in Victoria is getting a boost, with the creation of a new investigative team. 24-year-old realtor Lindsay Buziak was murdered 13 years ago today when she was showing a house to an unidentified couple. Saanich Police Constable Marcus Anastasiades says fresh eyes and new technology will now be applied to the investigation.
"We have established a task force, comprised of new investigators who are taking a fresh look at the case. The task force has obtained assistance from the FBI and continued support from the RCMP. Technology not available at the time of the crime has allowed us to develop new investigative leads. Advancements in fields of genealogy and DNA analysis has led to the resolution in many other cases.”—Saanich Police Constable Marcus Anastasiades.
Anastasiades says investigators are urging those with knowledge about the crime to come forward.
Monday COVID-19 update
The provincial health officer is hinting current health orders that are set to expire on Friday will continue and there could be more restrictions if COVID-19 cases continue to remain high. Dr. Bonnie Henry says many new cases are the result of people between the ages of 20 to 50, having small get-togethers, and others not obeying health orders in restaurants and bars.
"We will be providing an update on Friday, about the orders, but I am calling on everybody right now, hold off on the Super Bowl celebrations this year. You should not be planning whether it's at home, in a bar, at a restaurant, viewing of the Super Bowl so that we can keep our bars, our restaurants, our retail spaces, our workplaces open."
—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Since Friday, there have been 21 more deaths from COVID-19 and more than 1100 cases province-wide. In the Island Health region, there were 78 new cases confirmed over the past three days. There are 252 active cases in our health region.
Stz’uminus mother and daughter receive an apology from Island Health over treatment
Meanwhile, Island Health is apologizing over complaints of a racist incident at the Ladysmith Community Health Centre. The Ladysmith Chronicle is reporting allegations by an unidentified woman that she and her 13-year-old daughter were treated like a nuisance, rather than a patient when they sought help there last week. The woman says the doctor admonished them for not staying home due to the pandemic and suggested the daughter might die. Island Health released a statement to the newspaper which says: “Island Health acknowledges that this patient did not receive culturally safe care and the care provided did not meet the family’s expectations. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this experience on the patient, their family, the Stz’uminus First Nation, and the broader community.” But Stz'uminus chief Roxanne Harris told the Chronicle she wants to see action from the health authority instead of empty apologies.
Woman survives avalanche due to well-prepared group
The head of Comox Valley Search and Rescue says an injured skier survived an avalanche near Mount Cameron yesterday because she was with a group that was well-prepared and educated in avalanche safety. A group of experienced backcountry skiers triggered the avalanche, at two o'clock yesterday afternoon. The slide carried two of them 200 metres down a slope. One was buried nearly one and a half metres under the debris. The second skier skidded along the slide’s surface and was able to locate and free the injured woman within five minutes. Paul Berry says those venturing out in the backcountry need to be fully prepared.
"They should not be going alone. They should be going with people who have equal skills in terms of training and fitness and they need to know how to use their avalanche beacon and shovel. As was the example yesterday, they were able to locate the subject and had to dig a good metre and a half to reach her. So time is of the essence."—Paul Berry, Comox Valley Search and Rescue.
Members of Comox Valley Search and Rescue assisted in airlifting the injured woman to hospital in Vancouver. She suffered multiple fractures of her legs, a dislocated shoulder and cuts and bruises. The avalanche danger remains high on Vancouver Island from alpine areas to below the tree line.
Quam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School temporarily closes due to COVID-19 exposure
Students at an elementary school on the Snumeymuxw First Nation will not be attending classes today or tomorrow because of a COVID-19 exposure. Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh school will be closed for the next two days for deep cleaning. A letter to parents and guardians yesterday says the exposure happened last Thursday. It says the school is closed out of an abundance of caution, while Island Health completes its contact tracing and risk assessment. The Snuneymuxw reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases earlier this month, but the nation says there are currently no active cases of the virus in the community.
Island Health identifying groups who are not on the province’s list
Island Health's Chief Medical Officer says the health authority is asking the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer to include more health care workers on its priority list for COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Richard Stanwick says Island Health's clinical advisory committee has identified several groups of health care workers who are not on the province's list.
"Whether it's community workers and we're talking about some of our outreach workers who are seeking out individuals who may be COVID or are high risk, the individuals who do the home visits, in terms of home care. All of the people who are providing a service are being identified. They aren't under the radar. They are on the radar and these lists are actually being put forward to the province and saying 'this is the way we believe we need to prioritize people, based on the risk.' So we do not want to miss anybody."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
So far, Island Health has offered vaccines to everyone who works and lives in long term and assisted living facilities.
Urban Mayors: complex care facilities needed in B.C.
Mayors from B.C.’s largest cities, including Nanaimo, are asking the province to help address the mental health, substance use and homelessness crises with the creation of a new type of housing. The B.C. Urban Mayors’ Caucus wants the province to build five complex care housing facilities across the province within a year. Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says the need is painfully obvious.
"There are a number of individuals in each of our communities who suffer from severe mental health and addiction issues, often coupled with brain injury. What we're asking for as urban mayors is a realistic acceptance of the fact that there are people in dire straits on our streets, whose lives are not improving, who are literally dying in the streets, who we are condemning to die in the streets because we do not have the complex care facilities that they need."—City of Nanaimo Leonard Krog.
The pilot project proposes the construction of 40 to 50 unit housing facilities, staffed with doctors, addiction counsellors and mental health specialists with one on Vancouver Island, the north, the interior and two in Vancouver. Krog says the proposal was well received in meetings last week, with the Minister of Housing, David Eby and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson. However, a response may not come until the province tables its annual budget in April.
Dr. Bonnie Henry welcomes move by feds to suspend flights to vacation destinations
The provincial health officer is welcoming new federal rules, aimed at limiting international travel. Ottawa has announced flights by Canadian airlines to Mexico and the Caribbean will be suspended, starting this Sunday until April the 30th. Dr. Bonnie Henry believes that will discourage British Columbians from travelling abroad. And, she hints there may be similar restrictions to US vacation destinations like Hawaii and California in the coming days.
"People from BC do go to Mexico quite a bit and myself, I'd be running away to the Caribbean if I could, but that's not in the possibility this year, so yes, we understand that Canada is having ongoing discussions with our neighbours to the south, with the United States as they are updating and revising their border measures, so I expect to hear more about that in the coming days."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The federal government will impose new requirements for international travellers, starting February the 3rd. Those arriving at Canadian airports will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. They will have to quarantine at a government-approved hotel, at their own expense, while awaiting test results. Those who are positive for the virus must then quarantine for two more weeks at a government-approved facility. International flights will be restricted to airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. People crossing into Canada at a land border will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Friday COVID-19 update
Meanwhile, in BC today, there were 514 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed, and 5 deaths. The Island Health region has recorded 29 new cases, 19 in the Central Island and 10 in the South Island, bringing our active case count to 246.
Controversial subdivision on Hornby Island will not go ahead
Hornby Island Local Trustees will not allow a controversial division of land to proceed. The trustees voted unanimously against a request by a local doctor to subdivide a four-hectare lot in a rural area. The rejection of the rezoning application came after a well-attended virtual public hearing today.
Neighbours, including Allan Fletcher who runs a farm across from the property spoke against the plan.
"David Wiseman is a neighbour and he is a friend. He was my doctor when I was growing up. I don't like being in the position that I'm in now, where I'm having to say to him 'no, you can't do that.' Why are we even discussing this? There is a covenant on the property. There are many reasons why this property was not allowed to be subdivided. It just dumbfounds me why we're here."—Hornby Island Resident Allan Fletcher.
Trustee Alex Allen noted all but two of Wiseman's neighbours opposed the subdivision and that their participation in the public hearing was important.
"Really, you can't always choose your neighbours. I've been next to a vacation rental, the guy who pretends he's in a woodlot with his chainsaw down the road and on and on and on. But this is a time where democracy is speaking out."—Hornby Trustee Alex Allen.
The property owner, said he was disappointed by the decision. Dr. David Wiseman hinted that it might prompt him to leave the island.
"I was counting on this for my future here on Hornby and it's gonna make a huge difference to how much longer I can live here."
—Hornby Island Resident Dr. David Wiseman.
Wiseman is now unable to divide the lot under current zoning.
Complainant wants more data about COVID-19 available to public
A Victoria man is asking BC's Privacy Commissioner to begin an investigation that could force the province to release more data about COVID-19. BC's Information and Protection of Privacy Act says a public body must disclose to the public, information about a risk of significant harm to the environment or to the health or safety of the public or a group of people, or any topic clearly in the public interest.
Anthony Roy says the Minister of Health, the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Center for Disease Control have not lived up to that standard. Roy says data sets about where and under what conditions people are being exposed to the virus are not being released. For example, he says there is no public data that explains why church gatherings are banned, while AA meetings of the same size are allowed.
"I'm not asking for one minute that people shouldn't respect the orders. I'm happy to obey. What I'm not happy about is the lack of proper discussion and lack of proper justification for the orders. This is the proper discussion people should be having without somebody trying to shut it down by not providing the information."—Anothony Roy.
Roy says public health orders that ban people from gathering, attending events or worshiping in faith settings are an infringement of their charter rights. He's hoping the privacy commissioner will agree denying people the information needed to assess those decisions should not be allowed to continue.
Bob Joseph on Indigenous relations
One of the country's leading experts on Indigenous relations is encouraging young people to pursue a career in reconciliation. Bob Joseph is the author of the best selling book "21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act." He led a virtual discussion yesterday, that included more than 1000 people from across Vancouver Island. Joseph has delivered courses and advised countless companies and organizations for decades, on how to work with first nations. Joseph says Indigenous relations is a growing industry.
"Every level of government, federal, provincial and local government, nothing gets built in this country without talking to indigenous peoples, and I mean lengthy conversations, so if you're looking for a career path that way, you could get involved in consultation and engagement. Some of my friends who are really good at it charge out at $1700 to $2000 dollars a day because it's such a specialized skill. And so if you want a job where I get to change the world, meet new people and do stuff that's never been done before, Indigenous relations is it."
Yesterday's virtual question and answer session was hosted by the Vancouver Island Regional Library. The discussion included the future of Indigenous governance, how to approach first nations as an ally and how the Indian Act needs to evolve.
Wing locked down after outbreak was declared last Saturday
Island Health's chief medical health officer says he's confident an outbreak of COVID-19 at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is contained. The outbreak was declared last Saturday, after two staff and one patient tested positive for the virus. The east wing of the hospital's fourth floor has been locked down. Dr. Richard Stanwick says he's confident that it will not spread further.
"It does appear that at this point in time, it is limited to that area. Nanaimo has it contained. Remembering, Nanaimo had an experience with an outbreak earlier. They've built on that experience and are certainly aware of what the infection control measures that are needed to contain it to that particular area."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Today's COVID 19 numbers show there are 30 new cases of the virus in the Island Health region, bringing our active case count to 236. Province-wide, there have been 546 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours and 12 deaths.
2020 saw a small decline in the Indigenous graduation rate, but is trending upwards compared to prior years
Graduation rates in the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District have improved for some groups of students, but not for others. New data shows graduation rates for students with special needs increased by more than 5% last year and by more than 8% for students whose first language is not English. However, the graduation rate of indigenous students declined by 1.4% last year, compared to the year before. School District 68 Superintendent, Scott Saywell says the reasons for the decline include socio-economic inequities and the challenges of COVID-19.
"We know students that are going to struggle. They're children that are new to our country. They're children from low socio-economic situations and they're indigenous children. not all of them, but a lot of them. And we know that covid has disproportionately affected students in low socio-economic situations."—School District 68 Superintendent, Scott Saywell.
Saywell says the district has tried to help overcome COVID-19 challenges by providing computers for online learning, but students continue to struggle. The school district board's vice-chair Jessica Stanley says she's concerned that the raw data provided by the ministry of education doesn't tell the whole story.
"And that, to me, it portrays our school district inaccurately, because it doesn't indicate what great work we do in this district. It doesn't indicate what great work we do to lift those students up, and I worry that this is undermining to confidence in our system and to staff."—SD 68 vice-chair Jessica Stanley.
Although indigenous graduation rates fell slightly last year, they have been steadily increasing in the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District. In 2017 the graduation rate of indigenous students was 56%, whereas last year, it was just under 68%.
Shortage of vaccine will result in rationing
Island Health's chief medical officer says he's frustrated, disheartened and concerned by what he calls the “international squabbling” and the hoarding of vaccines in certain countries. Dr. Richard Stanwick says there will be no shipments of Pfizer vaccine delivered to BC this week or next, and it's still not clear how many vaccines will be delivered after that. As a result, provincial health officials have decided people who need their second dose of the vaccine will not get it within 35 days as planned. Now they will receive it at day 42. Stanwick says the shortage has also forced Island Health to consider rationing which health care workers will be vaccinated during phase one.
"And it's gotten to the point where we may even have to ration it to only those hospitals where there are COVID units. So I think some of the really big frustration is the degree to which we're playing who gets into the lifeboat and who gets out of the lifeboat, when it comes to vaccine."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Nevertheless, Stanwick is making no apologies for being one of the first in line to receive the Pfizer vaccine. He says he is the only member of the executive team at Island Health to receive the vaccine. Stanwick says he did so after consulting with the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
"I spoke to Dr. Henry about this, asked her about the appropriateness and I can tell you, given as the advocate for this particular vaccine, did I believe in it? and I can tell you I have had more than half a dozen members of the community, walk up to me and ask: 'Do you believe the vaccine is safe?' and I've said 'I've taken it.' 'Oh, so you really believe in it?' And I've said 'yes.' So if I'm gonna preach about something, I'm going to basically practice it as well."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Stanwick adds he plans to take part in future immunization clinics.
New in this update:
Wednesday COVID-19 update
Vancouver Island is reporting one of the highest numbers of new COVID-19 cases in a 24 hour period. There are 45 new cases of the virus in the Island Health region, bringing our active case count to 220. Province-wide, there have been 485 new cases and four deaths.
Island Health's top doc is sounding the alarm. Dr. Richard Stanwick says the region has seen a spike in cases, with 500 this month alone. He says most are the result of gatherings during Christmas and New Year. But he says many others are the result of workers letting their guard down.
"The people you work with are not your household contacts. They are the people you work with so you need to practise the same sorts of physical distancing, making sure if you can't that you mask properly, you wash your hands regularly. You have to treat them as members of the general public and take those same measures because we have definitely seen workplace spread."
—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Stanwick says the health authority is stepping up workplace inspections, especially where there have been complaints. However, he says the goal is to educate businesses on compliance, rather than imposing fines or closures.
Premier cites differences between B.C. and Manitoba for not imposing a mandatory quarantine for interprovincial travelers
The Premier is rejecting calls to tighten up the BC border in the fight against COVID-19. John Horgan says he will not impose a mandatory quarantine for people travelling from other provinces, as Manitoba has done.
The differences between Manitoba and B.C. are obvious to most people, there are four roads into Manitoba and dozens of roads into B.C. We have major airports, there is but one major airport in Manitoba.
—Premier John Horgan.
The Premier says he would consider quarantine measures if the Provincial Health Officer advised him to do so. Instead, Horgan says visitors are expected to follow public health guidelines and orders from Dr. Bonnie Henry.
"If you are coming to BC on non-essential travel you better behave appropriately, you better follow our public health guidelines or we will come down on you like a ton of bricks."
—Premier John Horgan.
Horgan is not discouraging people from visiting BC. He says ski hills like Whistler are COVID-safe, but the danger comes from what people do off the slopes.
“It's when people leave the hill and look for the party that we're seeing transmission and that's where we are very concerned. And that's where Dr. Henry and Minister Dix are looking at what the consequences are of those that are coming from away as well as those quite frankly who are coming from downtown Vancouver, or the Island, or any other part of British Columbia looking for a party.”—Premier John Horgan.
So far, the province has issued 650 tickets for violations of public health orders and 80 tickets related to the federal Quarantine Act.
Island Health’s top doctor alarmed over COVID-19 case count
Vancouver Island's Chief Medical Officer is sounding the alarm about the rising case counts in the health region. Dr. Richard Stanwick says there have been 500 new cases of the virus recorded in Island Health since Christmas. Close to 200 are the result of an outbreak within the Cowichan Tribes, but Stanwick says case counts are rising everywhere.
"What has given us some concern, is there has been evidence of community spread in the Duncan area. We've also seen it emerging in Nanaimo and just in the last day or so we're seeing an uptick in cases on the south island. So we have tools at hand and if people would just practise them to keep this virus under control until we can get more vaccines in arms."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Stanwick says some cases are the result of people not wearing masks or keeping their distance in workplaces, but most are the result of gatherings during Christmas and New Year’s. He says the fear is with Chinese New Year, BC Family Day and Valentine’s Day on the horizon, people will ignore health orders to stay within their households. He says currently, 700 Islanders are in isolation because they have had contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
A treatment program for PTSD sees positive results
A unique psychedelic therapy has led to a five-year, $450,000 grant for a nursing professor at Vancouver Island University. Dr. Shannon Dames developed a 12-week program that uses the drug, ketamine along with group therapy to manage depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The first group of health care workers has completed the treatment program. Dames says she chose health care workers to take part in the therapy because of the nature of their work.
"Health care prof are a high-risk population. We know PTSD, depression and a whole lot of other mental health conditions we are at much higher rates and health care providers and really anyone that in a high stimulus and trauma-laden work environments, it leads to people turning themselves off so they can continue to serve others which is really difficult to address with typical psychotherapy and typical pharmaceuticals.”—Dr. Shannon Dames.
Dames says the results of the therapy are impressive, with all 16 participants showing no signs of PTSD after completing 12 weeks of treatment. The nearly half-million-dollar grant from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation will allow for more groups to receive the therapy, as well as a peer-reviewed research project and by next January, the first course in Canada to offer a certificate program to train therapists and other health care providers.
Tuesday COVID-19 update
There has been another death, related to COVID-19 in the Island Health region. It's the second death reported in our region this week. The Cowichan Tribes is reporting one of those deaths is related to its outbreak. Province-wide, there have been 14 more deaths related to COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. The BC Center for Disease Control is reporting 22 new cases in our region, and 407 new cases across the province.
ICBC rates tool released
A new online tool will allow ICBC customers to calculate how much they will save the next time they renew their auto insurance. Customers can also view and adjust coverage options. The Minister responsible, Mike Farnworth used the announcement to repeat the government's message that the average auto insurance premium will decrease by $400 dollars.
"The biggest decrease in basic insurance rates in 40 years and a large decrease in optional liability rates aren't the only great things ahead, which you can now see for yourself with this estimator tool. We're making affordability and caring for people a priority and more than ever, ICBC's going to reflect that, going forward."
—Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Farnworth is also promising a COVID-19 rebate will be announced very soon. ICBC plans to base the rebate on how much it saved in costs due to the fact there were fewer drivers on the road and fewer accidents during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the new online tool can be found at icbc.com/enhancedcare.
Seawall fight wraps up with a win for Islands Trust
A fight over a seawall on Mudge Island has ended eight years later, with a ruling by the BC Court of Appeal. The court has ruled the Islands Trust has the right to create land-use zoning bylaws that may affect the rights of landowners to use or protect their property. The case went to court after the Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee ordered a landowner to remove a deck, fencing and seawall because they were non-conforming structures. The BC Supreme Court said the local trust committee bylaws applied to all but the seawall. Last week, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision, ruling the bylaws apply to seawalls as well. The Chair of the Islands Trust Council, Peter Luckham, says the ruling is important both locally and province-wide.
"It's significant because of our mandate, which is to preserve and protect the Islands Trust area, which includes over 1200 kilometres of shoreline and so this decision has asserted that we do have that jurisdiction and it affects every coastline in British Columbia."
—Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council.
Luckham says there are many soft shore protection designs that reduce erosion and preserve the natural shoreline. Owners can get more information through the Island Trust's document entitled "Landowner's Guide to Protecting Shoreline Ecosystems."
Vaccine delay
Another delay in Pfizer vaccine deliveries means British Columbia will increase the time between first and second doses from 35 days to 42 days. The provincial health officer says the province already knew it would not be receiving any Pfizer vaccine this week, but expected it would be able to deliver second doses within 35 days. Dr. Bonnie Henry says that changed over the weekend, after being informed there may not be any Pfizer vaccine delivered next week either, and deliveries for the following two weeks in February remain up in the air. Henry says now, second doses will be extended to 42 days.
"This means we can use what little supply we have right now to finish our long term care home immunizations and to address the outbreaks that are happening in our hospitals and our communities. This is about putting out fires before they get out of control."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Meanwhile, Island Health has completed the first round of vaccinations of staff and residents at all long term care homes and assisted living facilities. However, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where two staff and one patient on the east wing of the Fourth floor have tested positive for the virus. Over the weekend, the Island Health Region recorded 77 new cases of COVID-19 and one death. Province-wide there were 1344 new cases and 26 deaths.
Appeals court overturns a decision made over Mudge Island seawall
A fight over a seawall on Mudge Island has ended eight years later, with a ruling by the BC Court of Appeal. The court has ruled the Islands Trust has the right to create land-use zoning bylaws that may affect the rights of landowners to use or protect their property. The case went to court after the Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee ordered a landowner to remove a deck, fencing and seawall because they were non-conforming structures. The BC Supreme Court said the local trust committee bylaws applied to all but the seawall. Last week, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision, ruling the bylaws apply to seawalls as well. The Chair of the Islands Trust Council, Peter Luckham, says the ruling is important both locally and province-wide.
"It's significant because of our mandate, which is to preserve and protect the Islands Trust area, which includes over 1200 kilometres of shoreline and so this decision has asserted that we do have that jurisdiction and it affects every coastline in British Columbia."—Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council.
Luckham says there are many soft shore protection designs that reduce erosion and preserve the natural shoreline. Owners can get more information through the Island Trust's document entitled "Landowner's Guide to Protecting Shoreline Ecosystems."
Change to vaccination schedules due to pause in vaccine production
The provincial health officer says another delay in Pfizer vaccine deliveries means British Columbia must increase the time between first and second doses from 35 days to 42 days. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province already knew it would not be receiving any Pfizer vaccine this week, but she says over the weekend, it was told there may not be any Pfizer vaccine delivered next week either, and deliveries for the following two weeks in February remain up in the air. Henry says that has forced a change in vaccination schedules.
"This means we can use what little supply we have right now to finish our long term care home immunizations and to address the outbreaks that are happening in our hospitals and our communities. This is about putting out fires before they get out of control."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Meanwhile, Island Health has completed the first round of vaccinations of staff and residents at all long term care homes and assisted living facilities. However, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where two staff and one patient on the east wing of the Fourth floor have tested positive for the virus. Over the weekend, the Island Health Region recorded 77 new cases of COVID-19 and one death. Province-wide there were 1344 new cases and 26 deaths.
Casino CEO who jumped vaccination queue resigns
The head of the country's largest casino company has resigned after he and his wife lied to get a COVID-19 vaccine in a remote community in the Yukon. Last Thursday, the then-CEO of the Great Canadian Casino Corporation, Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker went to the vaccine clinic in Beaver Creek, an isolated Indigenous community of 100 people. The couple apparently travelled from Vancouver to Whitehorse, before chartering a private plane to Beaver Creek. Yukon's Minister of Community Services, John Streicker, told the Yukon News that the couple claimed to be workers at a local motel, in order to receive a dose of the Moderna vaccine. The pair was ticketed $1150 dollars each and charged under the Yukon’s Civil Emergency Measures Act for breaking isolation requirements and misleading officials. The Great Canadian Casino Company announced Baker's resignation as CEO earlier today.
Snowfall advisory lifted
Environment Canada has lifted its snowfall advisory for the east coast of Vancouver Island. The predicted 5 to 15 centimetres of snow did not materialize this weekend. Residents expecting to wake up to a dump of snow on Sunday woke to a rainy day instead. However, the advisory continued until this morning.
Local government issues join statement calling out racist behaviour
Cowichan Valley residents honked horns and drove around the region in a convoy of 50 vehicles yesterday, in a show of solidarity with Cowichan Tribes members. An ongoing COVID-19 outbreak among Tribes has led to an alarming number of anti-Indigenous comments and treatment by some residents and local businesses. Cowichan Tribes member Joe Elliot says the rally was a positive show of force.
“It was awesome! It was awesome to witness. Most of the people we passed, there was a lot of support people coming out, waving their hands and honking their horns in appreciation. so I thank the organizers for that support.”—Cowichan Tribes member Joe Elliot.
The mayors of Duncan and North Cowichan along with Cowichan Chief Willie Seymour reacted to the recent events with a joint statement on Friday. In it, the leaders called out racist behaviour by some businesses, advising them to stop asking customers if they live on reserve, and then refusing service to those who do. The tribes say the stress of the outbreak and the racist reactions has made many fearful to venture out for groceries. Cowichan Tribes Councillor Stephanie Atleo took part in an anti-racism forum after the car rally. She called upon her non-indigenous neighbours for support.
"What would you do if you were standing in line and the cash register asked the brown person in front of you if they're allowed off the reserve to be shopping? What would you do if you were the person who was next in line? So those are the questions that I am challenging those watching right now."—Cowichan Tribes Councillor Stephanie Atleo.
Outbreak at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Meanwhile, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. It’s the second in as many months. The latest outbreak involves 2 staff and one patient. The health authority says the hospital's fourth-floor east wing is locked down. Staff, there will not be working in other areas of the hospital and patients on the fourth and fifth floors, along with those in rehab will not be transferred to care homes while the outbreak is underway. The hospital suffered another outbreak in November when five staff in the transitional care unit tested positive for COVID-19.
And there is another case of COVID-19 at a long term care home in Nanaimo. Island Health says a second staff member at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence has tested positive. It says the staff member had been working on one of the ongoing outbreak units. Seven residents and two staff have now tested positive for the virus since the outbreak began on December the 27th.
Local photographer wins competition
Finally, a shout out to Cumberland photographer and teacher Sara Kemper for placing first in a Canadian Geographic Photography Competition. Kemper took first place in the magazine's "What is Home? Location Photo Competition." Her winning shot is the beach at Seal Bay, where she grew up. Kemper calls it "an homage to my childhood."
Revised plan for vaccination in B.C.
British Columbia has revised its COVID-19 vaccination plan to focus on age as being the deciding factor in the next phase of immunizations. The first priority group underway now, includes those who live or work in long term care and other vulnerable populations. Starting in late March, age will determine vaccination dates, rather than the risk of exposure due to where someone works. That means teachers, first responders and grocery store staff will not be given priority. The first in line will be those over the age of 80 who live outside of care homes. Mass vaccination clinics will continue throughout the spring and summer with people in their 70s starting in April, people in their 60s in May and so on. The youngest group 18 to 24 year-olds will get their shots in September. Meanwhile, the provincial health officer says the vaccine rollout does not mean she is about to lift current restrictions. Dr. Bonnie Henry is urging people to stay close to home in their household bubble.
"Do not make plans for family day, stay local, stay in BC. We won't be at a place where we can travel. We need to think more about staying in our communities as we're rolling out this program. We know there are a number of celebratory events coming up like Chinese new years and others and we need those to remain low-key virtual events this year."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Dr. Henry says it may be possible to relax some restrictions by Canada Day but it will likely be the fall before things start returning to normal.
Friday COVID-19 update
Meanwhile, in BC today, there are 508 new cases of COVID-19 and 9 deaths. In the Island Health region, there are 13 new cases today, bringing our weekly total to 78. According to Island Health, there are 194 active cases of the virus, with the vast majority 152 on the central island.
Weekend snow?
Nanaimo and the east coast of Vancouver Island could see some snow this weekend. Environment Canada is forecasting between 5 and 15 centimetres will fall Saturday night and into Sunday morning. That could make driving the Malahat and higher elevations a challenge. But, meteorologist Bobby Sekhon says the white stuff probably won't be around for long.
"We're gonna have temperatures right around the freezing mark and above freezing during the day so we're not expecting it to stick around too, too long. We will get some melt during the day so this is probably going to be wet, slushy type of snow where we don't quite have the arctic air in place to give that light, fluffier kind of snow so it's going to be a high moisture content.”—Meteorlogist Bobby Sekhon.
Sekhon says the region hasn't seen any snowfall so far in January. He says the norm for the month is 21 centimetres.
New in this update:
Vaccination implementation plan changes to focus on age
British Columbia has revised its COVID-19 vaccination plan to focus on age as being the deciding factor for when people will get their vaccines. The province has not changed its plan to deliver the vaccine to those who live and work in long term care, along with other vulnerable populations. But, starting in late March, mass vaccination clinics will begin, with the first in line being those over the age of 80 who live outside of care homes. Age groups will continue on a descending scale with 70-year-olds starting in April, 60 to 70-year-old starting in May and so on, with the youngest group 18 to 24 being done in September. Premier John Horgan acknowledged that some groups including teachers and others with less critical medical conditions will be disappointed.
"I know how people feel about this. In almost every sector in the economy, I receive mail, a couple of inches thick, from advocates saying that their particular sector, that their particular profession, deserves a higher priority and all of the arguments are pretty compelling. But the science is pretty clear. Age is the dominant, determinant factor on severe illness and death. If given the opportunity to have a vaccination today, knowing that there are other people more vulnerable, I am confident that the vast majority of British Columbians would defer their vaccination, to protect someone more vulnerable."—Premier John Horgan.
Meanwhile, the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says she expects British Columbians will be allowed non-essential provincial travel and larger get-togethers by the summer.
COVID-19 counts continue to rise in central island
COVID-19 case counts continue to rise on central Vancouver Island. Of the 47 new cases confirmed yesterday, 36 are on the central island. There are 212 active cases of the virus in Island Health, with three-quarters of those in the central region. Many of those are due to an outbreak within the Cowichan Tribes. As a result, the chief and council extended the shelter in place order until February the 5th. They also took to social media to underline that message. As of Monday, there were 128 members who tested positive for the virus and seven in hospital. Councillor Cindy Daniels says the rising cases counts weren't really surprising.
"We knew in these two weeks, that the numbers may spike if the community didn't keep still during the holidays. And right now our numbers are spiking but it is my hope now that with the shelter in place that our numbers start dropping."—Cowichan Councillor Cindy Daniels.
Other councillors, including Deborah Toporowski, urged members to self-isolate and to not be afraid to get tested.
"I've had questions from our community members about the confidentiality of these testing. We don't even know who’s getting tested or who’s tested positive or negative. It is all confidential and it is safe."—Cowichan Tribes Councillor Deboarah Toporowski.
Meanwhile, the Snuneymuxw First Nation lifted its shelter in place order on Wednesday. saying it has contained its outbreak to 36 cases, only six of which are currently active.
New in this update:
Malcolmson to focus on building up systems of care
The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says she has no intention of reintroducing a controversial bill that would allow young people to be involuntarily admitted to hospital for treatment after a drug overdose. Bill 22 drew criticism from civil liberties groups, BC's Representative for Children and Youth and the provincial coroner. They feared young people would not seek medical help if they thought they would be forced into rehab. The province withdrew the bill, and the Premier said one reason he called the election was because the Green Party would not support it. However, Sheila Malcolmson says she will not re-introduce Bill 22 in the upcoming session of the legislature, which begins on March the 1st.
"I've got a lot of work to do with indigenous leadership, with all kinds of partners and stakeholders across the province on what we learned from the Bill 22 discussions that happened last summer, but honestly, my priority is on building up the system of care and particularly getting at the interventions we can do outside of hospital, to prevent things from building to a crisis."
However, Malcolmson is not ruling out reintroducing a revised Bill 22 during her government's 4-year term.
Filmmaker hopes film will give youths tools to recognize exploitation
A Cowichan Valley production company is hoping to shine a light on Victoria's dirty little secret. Empress Avenue Media is in the midst of filming “Tug of War” which explores in disturbing detail the impact sexual exploitation of youth has on victims and their families in the region and beyond. The documentary's director, Mia Golden is also a counsellor with the Mobile Youth Services Team in Victoria.
"People don't really know how extensive the youth exploitation situation is within our communities. They didn't realize to what extent and that it is happening in all our backyards and that there are children that they know that are being exploited without their knowledge."—Mia Golden, Counsellor with Mobile Youth Services.
Golden says the internet has made that exploitation so much easier for pedophiles, who she says spend their days online, grooming and exploiting hundreds of kids at once. She says others are exploited through escort agencies and sex trafficking rings. And she says the dysfunctional nature of internet porn teaches kids that violent sex is normal. Golden says no family and no community is immune. Her documentary is set to debut at middle schools in Victoria this spring. She's hoping it will give young people the tools to recognize what's not normal and to recognize when they're being exploited. She also hopes it will help parents to prevent their children from becoming victims and to know how to seek help if they do.
Bilingual signs in Duncan
The city of Duncan is going bilingual. Its council has approved a plan by the local Business Improvement Association to erect street signs in English and Hul'q'umi'num the traditional language of the Cowichan Tribes. Some of the names are translations while others hold significance in Cowichan Tribes' culture. For example, Third Street is named Smuyuqw’a which means ladybug and was chosen for its significance in Cowichan storytelling. Seven streets will include names in the Hul'q'umi'num language.
New in this update:
Thursday COVID-19 update
Central Vancouver Island continues to be a hotspot for COVID-19. Island Health is reporting 47 new cases of the virus today. There are now 212 active cases in the health region, with the vast majority, 157 on the central island. Province-wide, there were 564 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours and 15 deaths.
Gaming grant funding to help vulnerable youth
Vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo are getting a boost, through a series of gaming grants. The Cowichan Valley Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association will receive $121,000 dollars to buy two vans. Its executive director, Lise Haddock says the vans are the key to connecting youth at risk with the supports they need.
"Many of our kids who are being impacted by homelessness, the opiate crisis, the impact of COVID and the lack of resources and a lack of services, really need to be reconnected,. and we see these vehicles as a mechanism around relational practices and a mechanism to connect. So the use of vehicles, we see them as a therapeutic tool. They're more than a vehicle."—Cowichan Valley CMHA Executive Director Lise Haddock.
The Vancouver-based Take A Hike program for youth at risk says it will also buy a van with its $76,000 dollar grant, and it will be used in its Nanaimo program that serves 40 young people.
VIU benefiting from Health Career Access program
Meanwhile, Vancouver Island University will benefit from the province's plan to train and hire more long term care workers. The government's Health Career Access program will fund 600 post-secondary seats across the province, including 72 at Vancouver Island University. The health care assistants will be paid while they complete their courses and train at care sites. And, incentives are paid to those who remain in the industry after graduation. The $8.4 million dollar program was announced last September in response to the pressure put on the system by the pandemic. Today's announcement is the second this week in relation to health care education funding. On Monday, the province announced it would spend $800,000 dollars to fund more seats to train community mental health workers at four BC universities including VIU. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the MLA for Nanaimo, Sheila Malcolmson says the programs will also benefit those already working in the sector.
"To give those already facing burnout in the sector, to give them that optimism that we've got some fresh, newly trained, energetic young workers on their way to lend their support and make their work more sustainable."—Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson.
VIU will offer 16 more seats in its spring session for community mental health workers as a result of the new funding.
New in this update:
Wednesday COVID-19 update
Island Health says two of the four COVID-19 deaths reported this month are related to the outbreak at the Chartwell Malaspina long term care home in Nanaimo. There have been seven residents and one staff member who tested positive for the virus since the outbreak was declared two days after Christmas.
Meanwhile, there are 32 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region today, bringing our active case count to 183. Province-wide, there are 500 new cases and there have been 14 deaths over the past 24 hours.
Coroners Report: teenager’s death due to lack of training
A Nanaimo teenager was killed on the job because of inadequate training, according to a coroner's report, released today. 18-year-old Aidan Webber died while working on a tugboat near Port Hardy in March 2019. He was crushed between the hull of a tugboat and a stanchion barrier, as the tugboat was docking. The coroner's report concluded a number of workplace safety violations by his employer, Sea Roamer Services, contributed to Webber's death. It said, "the training that had been provided to Mr. Webber was informal in nature and did not provide specific guidelines for docking safely." Webber was an accomplished BMX rider, who won Canada's BMX championship for junior men in 2018. He also represented Canada at the world championships in 2016.
Word on the Street is…
CHLY is joining Literacy Central Vancouver Island's "Word on the Street" Project. Starting this week, copies of our news update can be read on Literacy's "Bulletin Board." The "Bulletin Board" hangs in the window of Well Read Books on Commercial Street and is accessible to all. The group's adult literacy outreach coordinator, Rhiannon, says the idea came to fruition because of the pandemic.
"The Bulletin Board is a feature of that program that's dedicated as a communications space and a creative space for homeless individuals and other people who don't have regular access to the internet. Particularly since the beginning of COVID-19, at which time so many services shut down, including libraries and other points where people might be able to get on a public computer."—Rhiannon, Literacy Central Vancouver Island Adult Literacy Outreach Coordinator.
Besides news, the bulletin board includes event posters, maps to social services, creative writing and a weekly joke.
VIRL launches SOLARO
Speaking of literacy, the Vancouver Island Regional Library is helping students from grades 3 to 12 with their homework. It's launched a new, online resource called SOLARO. SOLARO is aligned with the BC school curriculum and provides practice tests along with study materials and can be accessed with your library card.
New in this update:
Public meetings ‘lacking’ for health authorities during pandemic
B.C.'s Minister of Health says he will "have a word" with the province's health authorities about a lack of public meetings. The Board of Directors at Island Health has not held a public meeting in a year. Previously, the board would hold three or four public meetings annually but all of that changed with the pandemic. Adrian Dix says the work done by Health Authority boards over the past year has been "exceptional," but he says he understands how suspending all public meetings during that time might raise some concerns.
"The nature of COVID-19 and the intensity of the work has meant that some things that are very important as well, including public meetings haven't happened as much as we'd like, or as you describe in Island Health, at all and we'd obviously like to get back to that and that is an issue that I can raise with the chairs of the health authorities.”—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Meanwhile, Island Health's board chair, and former deputy minister of health Leah Hollins, has not responded to several requests for comment. Island Health's media relations department has not said when a public meeting will be held but in a written reply, it said the board is still working on some of the logistics of holding a virtual public meeting. It also said the board held closed, in-camera meetings over the past year, and it is not aware of any requirement to hold public board meetings.
Improvements needed in treatment of mental health
The province says it is committed to improving how the health care system deals with young people who are involuntarily committed to hospitals for mental health treatment. A newly released report by BC's Representative for Children and Youth found an alarming 162% increase in the number of youth committed for treatment without consent between 2008 and 2018. The report's author says she is concerned there is no legislation or regulations to guide the use of restraint, drugging or confinement measures. Jennifer Charlesworth says involuntary committal to hospital should only be used as a last resort.
The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions agrees. Sheila Malcolmson says her goal is to increase community-based programs while improving the way treatment in hospital is delivered.
"We are determined as a government to work with First Nations leadership, with families, with health care workers and with youth to make sure they get the most healing out of the time they are in hospital and that's a very high priority for our government and work that we must do quickly."—Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson.
The representative's report sets out deadlines in late 2021 and throughout 2022 to implement its 14 recommendations. They include the creation of culturally sensitive and trauma-informed treatment to the establishment of a patient's rights advocate and review board.
New in this update:
Tuesday COVID-19 update
Seniors in BC continue to succumb to COVID-19, with 12 deaths reported over the past 24 hours. There are 465 new cases in the province, including 21 in the Island Health Region. 9 schools in Island Health are reporting exposures. The high number of cases among staff has forced the Duncan Christian School to close for the next two weeks, and the elementary school on the Snuneymuxw first nation is also closed as part of the community's shelter in place order.
Immunization program will ensure a second dose
There is more bad news today about the supply of the Pfizer vaccine. Now the federal government says it will not receive any doses of the Pfizer vaccine next week. Late last week, Ottawa said the shipments would be cut in half over the next month because Pfizer shut down part of its factory in Belgium to prepare it to manufacture more vaccines. BC's Minister of Health says although the reduction in vaccine deliveries over the next month is "disappointing," Adrian Dix says the province will still be able to immunize everyone who needs their second dose within 35 days of their first.
"I think getting the second dose is important. It's important to both the strength of the program and people's confidence in the program. So we'll have to make adjustments. We'll have to see. Hopefully, this is s one-time interruption but what we can do in British Columbia is use the vaccine we receive and use it effectively and on vulnerable populations and that is what we're gonna do. And that means second doses are particularly important, it seems to me, in making our long term care facilities safer."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
More details about the revised vaccine roll-out plan will be released tomorrow.
Report contains heartbreaking stories from young people in mental health system
Young people in BC are being involuntarily detained for treatment under the mental health act at an ever-increasing rate, but no one is able to say why. That's just one finding in a report, released today by BC's Representative for Children and Youth. The report is calling on government to amend the mental health act to ensure compassionate care for youth who are forced into mental health treatment. Jennifer Charlesworth says her report contains dozens of heartbreaking stories from young people, forced into mental health treatment that she says results in trauma.
"They were really concerned and distressed by what had happened to them and they often said 'when does the healing begin?' You know this was an experience in sedation and medication and maybe some stabilization, but it was not an experience of helping."—Jennifer Charlesworth, BC's Representative for Children and Youth.
What would help, according to the Representative, is for government to ensure involuntary hospital detention is truly the last resort, instead of it being the default position due to the lack of community-based programs. Charlesworth says young people should be involved in or at least informed about what mental health treatments they will receive and why. She says Health Authorities need to start collecting consistent data about who is being committed, restrained, sedated and how often. And, she's recommending a Mental Health Review Board be created that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
New in this update:
Wild mink also at risk from farming
A Nanaimo veterinarian and several animal scientists are calling on the province to end mink farming in B.C. Dr. Ken Langelier says COVID-19 outbreaks at two farms in the Fraser Valley have shed light on the unnecessary risks posed to human health. Scientists are concerned because the virus can mutate in mink and the mutations could affect vaccine efficacy. Animal welfare specialists say wild mink are also at risk for the virus because of the farms and mink farming itself is cruel. Langelier says the public health risk posed by the mink farms far outweighs any social or economic benefits.
"And it's a big concern as the virus continues to mutate, that we may all of a sudden have something come up in our own province and do we want to continue to take this chance. And really, this industry that provides fur and false eyelashes and mink oil, we don't need it. It's not really providing what I would say is a valuable function in our society and it should go.”—Dr. Ken Langelier.
The letter, to BC's Ministers of Agriculture and Forests and Lands, calls on the province to help BC's 13 mink farms transition to other types of agriculture. It is signed by Langelier, 2 animal welfare scientists and environmentalist David Suzuki. The BC SPCA has also called on the province to end mink farming, but so far, no one from the province has responded to those requests.
Immunization program will ensure a second dose
The provincial health officer says a delay in the supply of the Pfizer vaccine means BC will receive only half the doses it expected over the next three weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry says that's why the immunization program will focus on those who need a second dose.
“We have, however, been able to rearrange and look at the process we have to make sure that we are continuing with providing the first of two doses to those at highest risk and that we are able to start second doses at day 35. So it is a bit of a setback but it is only a delay.”
—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Despite the setback, Henry says residents and staff at every care home in BC will have received their first COVID-19 vaccine by the end of next week.
Mountain rescue
Three people from Victoria were rescued from a steep section of Mount Arrowsmith on Sunday. The Alberni Rescue Squad Search manager says a helicopter hoist was used to remove the hikers, who were clinging to each other on a ridge. Dave Poulsen told Nanaimo News Now that had “one of the hikers let go, more than one of them would have fallen." One woman is in serious condition in hospital, while another is stable. The male hiker suffered no injuries. Witnesses say the trio left the Judge's Route Trail and were hiking in uncharted territory.
New in this update:
Monday COVID-19 update
31 more people died from COVID-19 in BC over the weekend, including two seniors in the Island Health region. Since Friday there have been 1330 new cases of the virus confirmed, with 65 of those cases in Island Health.
Christian School temporarily closes due to COVID-19 cases and exposures
The Duncan Christian School is closed for the next two weeks, due to a cluster of COVID-19 cases. School officials say "a high number of staff members are affected, which makes it difficult to function, operationally." The Christian School is one of seven in the Island Health region to report COVID-19 exposures, and it is the second school to close due to the virus. The other is the Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh elementary school on Snuneymuxw territory. It was closed, not because of an exposure at the school but as part of a community-wide shelter-in-place order that is set to expire on January the 19th.
Dr. Bonnie Henry comments on pause in Pfizer vaccine production
Meanwhile, the provincial health officer says a delay in the supply of the Pfizer vaccine means BC will receive only half the doses it expected over the next three weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry says that's why the immunization program will focus on those who need a second dose.
“We have, however, been able to rearrange and look at the process we have to make sure that we are continuing with providing the first of two doses to those at highest risk and that we are able to start second doses at day 35. So it is a bit of a setback but it is only a delay.”—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Despite the setback, Henry says residents and staff at every care home in BC will have received their first COVID-19 vaccine by the end of next week.
The saddest day of the year?
Today is Blue Monday, so named by a group of British promoters in 2005 who called it "the most depressing day of the year." Psychologists worldwide have used the day as an opportunity to talk about mental health. Vancouver Island University's Mental Health Strategist Sara Lamarr, says VIU's Talk to Me program helps students beat the blues.
"The world itself is going through a lot this past year, obviously with COVID and then when we add in things like the stress of not being able to see the people we love over the holidays and bills and all of those kinds of things, it wouldn't surprise me if students and the general public are feeling it more at this time of year."—Sara Lamarr, Vancouver Island University’s Mental Health Strategist.
Ashley Sandhu is one of six student wellness promoters, who facilitate events like virtual games night. They help students maintain good mental health, and connect those who need more support, with programs or counselling. Sandhu says being a wellness promoter has also helped her personally.
"I was a new student to VIU when I moved from Vancouver so I had no social connections on campus so for me, the talk to me team is pretty much like my family. They've made VIU very much like my home and I've been able to create so many connections through the talk to me program and I'm so grateful for that."—Ahsley Sandhu, VIU Student Wellness Promoter.
If you'd like to connect with the Talk to Me program, go to their Facebook pages under "Talk to Me" or "Thrive”.
New in this update:
One-third of BC Recovery Benefit applications flagged
If you're still waiting for your BC Recovery Benefit, don't hold your breath. The province admits one-third of those who have applied for it have had their applications flagged for review, and of those flagged, just 13% have been resolved. The Ministry of Finance says manual reviews are triggered for reasons including a change in marital status, errors on applications or the information provided does not match up with the information government has on file. The $500 dollar per individual or $1000 dollars per family benefit was an election promise that John Horgan said would be delivered in early January if not before Christmas. The Premier has offered little comfort to those still waiting for that promise to be delivered.
"Could we have done better? Of course we could but I'm convinced that most British Columbians, in fact 1.4 million of them, are pretty happy with the way the program rolled out."—Premier John Horgan.
The premier's statistics are not accurate. The Ministry of Finance says 1.4 million British Columbians have applied for the benefit, but 400,000 applications are under review and it has no idea when that backlog will be eliminated.
Province unclear how it will proceed with a gap in vaccine production
More details will be released this afternoon, about how the province will handle a reduction in shipments of the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccine maker says it is shutting down some of the lines in its plant in Belgium, to prepare it to manufacture more vaccine. The Minister of Health says BC will receive about half of the 50,000 doses it had expected this month and next. Adrian Dix says it is not clear how that will affect those who have received their first dose, and were expecting to receive their second dose in just over a month.
"So what it means for British Columbia is it will have some effect, some significant effect on this stage on the priority one groups and when they get their doses, so some of the issues before us, and no decisions have been made about this is, of course, is the 35-day gap and what this might mean for that."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix and the provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry are expected to release more details about a revised vaccine roll-out plan this afternoon.
Park closed by City of Nanaimo for maintenance
The Beban Kinsmen Participark will be closed this week. Crews will be removing hazardous trees and invasive plants starting today until Friday. Participark was built in the 1970s as part of Ottawa's ParticipACTION program to motivate Canadians to exercise. Participark includes 12 exercise stations along a 2-kilometre trail circuit. This week's tree removal is the first step in a project that will see the old wooden workout stations replaced with a new circuit.
New in this update:
Pfizer pausing production in order to expand capacity
B.C.'s Minister of Health says vaccination rollout plans are being reassessed after Pfizer announced it will reduce the number of doses it will send to Canada over the next month. The pharmaceutical firm says it's pausing some production lines at its plant in Belgium, in order to expand its long term manufacturing capacity. Adrian Dix says that means BC will receive less than half of what it expected in February. Dix says that will have an effect on who gets a first dose and when others get their second dose.
"It just means that a significant number of people in the first priority groups won't get their doses either first or second and in particular first doses, as soon as we would like, which is like, yesterday, so in that sense it has an impact and it's our hope that this is just a small blip but regardless, with the change in circumstances, we'll have to get organized around that change."
Dix says details of the revised vaccination plan will be made public on Monday.
Alberni hospital to get an upgrade
The West Coast General Hospital is getting a long-awaited shot in the arm, with the announcement of a $6.25 million dollar capital plan to expand and improve its emergency department. Construction will begin in March to create three new beds along with a new private seclusion room for mental health emergencies. The waiting area will be expanded and there will be two entrances created for ambulances and the general public. The newly-elected MLA for the area, Josie Osborne says the expansion has been a long time coming.
"As a former chair of the hospital district myself, and the mayor of Tofino, this is a project that we discussed around the board table many, many times and I know just how important it is to the residents of the Alberni valley and out on the west coast. So it's exciting to see it and once again, just can't wait for it to get started. I know everybody is waiting and wants it finished yesterday and getting it finished within the next year is going to be fantastic."
The $6.2 million dollar project will be cost-shared among the province, the West Coast Hospital Foundation and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional Hospital District. It is expected to be completed by the summer of 2022.
Today is the very first Black Shirt Day in BC. It is a grassroots initiative to show solidarity with Black and racialized communities in B.C. in their ongoing struggle for equity, equality and justice. Jan. 15 is also the birth date of Martin Luther King Jr. Monday is a national holiday in the United States in honour of the civil rights leader.
New in this update:
Troubled dam project has an unstable foundation and other geotechnical problems
The saga over the future of the Site C dam has taken another strange turn, resulting in the government delaying its decision to sometime in the future. The Premier has announced two new technical reviews of a new fix being proposed by BC Hydro. The Horgan government hired a former deputy minister of finance to assess the troubled project one year ago. Peter Milburn was supposed to recommend to the government, whether the dam's unstable foundation and other geotechnical problems made the project unsafe or too expensive to proceed. At that time, BC Hydro said it did not know how to fix the problems, how long it would take or what the cost would be. Yesterday, Premier Horgan said Milburn's report did not answer the safety questions. In addition, he disclosed BC Hydro is now proposing a solution. Horgan says that's why the government has commissioned two more reviews.
"Milburn worked with the information that was available to him: the fix that's been proposed by Hydro and we're now asking for two other opinions on the efficacy of that fix and when we have those and they've been assessed and digested, that will all be made public." —Premier John Horgan.
Horgan did not provide the names of the experts doing the reviews, nor any details about Hydro's proposed fix, nor any timeline about when a decision on the future of the project will be made.
Calls for kindness from various leaders counter racist remarks and action towards Cowichan Tribes
The Mayor of North Cowichan is calling for kindness, in the wake of racist and anti-racist battles on social media. Last Sunday, Al Siebring posted on Facebook, condemning racist comments and actions that had been directed toward members of Cowichan Tribes following a COVID-19 outbreak in the First Nations community. Siebring says that the post went viral, with more than 200,000 views. Provincial and federal leaders endorsed Siebring's call to end racism, including the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Yesterday, Siebring posted again saying one of the people he called out had received hateful messages and death threats. He says the person tried to apologize unreservedly and was on a suicide watch, due to the harassment. Siebring is calling for kindness from all sides, writing "We're all human. We all make mistakes. And we all need to learn to apply grace and forgiveness. Please, please let's tone things down."
New in this update:
Thursday COVID-19 update
There have been 536 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC over the past 24 hours, with 21 in the Island Health region. Seven more people have died from the virus including one senior in our health region. Meanwhile, BC's Provincial Health Officer says genome testing has revealed four cases of the UK variant in B.C. Three of those are within the same family on Vancouver Island, and the other is an individual in the Vancouver area. The discovery of the first case of the South African variant is also causing concern. It is feared that variants may affect the efficacy of vaccines. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the person with the variant resides in the Vancouver area but has not travelled and has not had any contact with international travellers.
"So we are still investigating where this person may have contracted this virus. It is concerning to not know where this arose. However, we don't believe that either of those variants are causing a lot of spread within our communities yet, but we are not by any means out of the woods."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says random genome testing to identify variants is being increased and health officials are looking at whether to start monitoring for the variants by sampling wastewater.
Bus to link RDN and CVRD
A new public transit bus route between Nanaimo and Duncan will become a reality in September 2022. The Regional District of Nanaimo has endorsed a plan that would provide six round trips a day between Nanaimo's downtown bus exchange on Front Street and the Village Green shopping centre in Duncan. The service will cost $1.2 million dollars a year. The RDN and the Cowichan Valley Regional District will split $460,000 in annual operating costs and BC Transit will cover the rest. Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog and Maureen Young, the Regional Director for Nanaimo Lakes and East Wellington say they're thankful the long-awaited service is about to come to fruition.
"This has been a public request for a very long time. It's consistent with the strategic environmental values of the regional districts and most of the politicians around this table this morning so thanks to staff and well-done."—City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
"I know the people in the south will be very happy for the connection between Ladysmith and South Wellington and the Cassidy extension. A great connection, thank you."—Maureen Young Region Director for Nanaimo Lakes and East Wellington.
A survey of more than 2000 area residents found most did not plan to use the bus service to commute to work, as planners had expected. Instead, most riders plan to use the route to access recreation, entertainment and connections to ferries.
New in this update:
Would a travel ban violate charter rights? Cabinet to get legal advice
The Premier says he's getting legal advice on whether BC can close its borders to travellers. John Horgan says he's been hearing from British Columbians who are concerned about the number of out of province visitors at places like Whistler, while they are making sacrifices by staying at home. He says the province has resisted calls to close its borders because Canadians have the right to travel freely within their own country. However, he says cabinet will be consulting with lawyers on whether a travel ban would be a violation of Canada's Charter of Rights.
"I want to put this either to rest, so that British Columbians understand that we cannot do that and we're not going to do that or there is a way to do it and we will work with other provinces to achieve it. But people have been talking about it for months and I think its time we put it to bed finally and said either we can do it and this is how we would do it or we can't and this is the reason why and that is the objective over the next couple of days."—Premier John Horgan.
The Premier says the discussion will be part of a two-day virtual cabinet retreat. He says other items on the agenda will include more initiatives related to the overdose crisis, affordable housing and daycare.
More information on outbreaks not the answer to countering racism against First Nation
The First Nations Health Authority says it is not convinced that releasing more information about where outbreaks are occurring in non-indigenous communities would stop-racist incidents in areas where first nations have disclosed the size of their outbreaks. The issue came to the fore after the Cowichan Tribes released detailed information about the size of their outbreak and the age of those who had contracted the virus. The mayor of North Cowichan said he was angry after learning some Cowichan Tribes members were refused service at a dental clinic and grocery store. Al Siebring suggested that Island Health start releasing similar statistics to show that the virus is in all communities, not just indigenous ones. But, the acting deputy chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority, Dr. Nel Wieman does not think that is the answer.
"The racism that's experienced is probably not only related to the release of data. It probably speaks to existing tensions that have been around and relationships between different communities for a long time and it's the pandemic that puts these strained relationships into high relief."—Acting FNHA Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nel Wieman.
Wieman says what's really needed is to create an atmosphere of zero tolerance for racist behaviours, rather than a release of more data. She says she's pleased that the Cowichan Tribes have been given support by local municipal leaders, in calling out racism in the community.
New in this update:
Storm knocks out hydro
High winds knocked out power to more than 100,00 hydro customers on Vancouver Island overnight. The hardest hit were on the south island. Fewer than 2000 customers are still without power in North Cowichan, Duncan and several gulf Islands, however, BC Hydro expects to have power restored to all by the end of the day.
Vaccination start for Cowichan Tribes
Members of the Cowichan Tribes who are over the age of 60 started receiving COVID-19 vaccines today. Six hundred doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been allocated to the community and vaccine clinics are planned for the rest of this week. Health officials decided to make the vaccine available to try to control a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cowichan Tribes that began on New Year's Day. Last week, Island Health's chief medical officer said there were no plans to divert vaccine to that outbreak. Today, BC's provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry contradicted that version of events.
"We never rejected calls. It was all part of the outbreak response. So this was one of the things that was discussed very early on in the operations centre that was set up initially in the outbreak and as vaccine became available we were able to look at where it could best be used so we are targeting it to seniors at risk in that community, where we know there is ongoing transmission."—Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The outbreak in the Cowichan Tribes is currently at 72 cases. So far, no one has had to be hospitalized. Most cases are in people between the ages of 20 to 30. Only six people over the age of 60 have contracted the virus so far.
Province-wide, more than 62,000 people have been vaccinated with their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as of today. They are workers and residents at long term care homes along with essential visitors and hospital personnel who work in COVID-19 care wards and intensive care units.
YCD at 70% of it’s pre-pandemic air traffic
The CEO of the Nanaimo Airport Commission predicts business will not return to usual until 2024. Dave Devana says passenger counts hit an all time high of 500,000 in 2019, but he says those numbers plummeted by 96 per cent in April, after the pandemic was declared. He says the current numbers are 70% of what they were last January. Devana says the industry is predicting it will not return to pre-COVID-19 numbers until 2024 even if Canada completes its vaccine program by this fall.
“And while Canada may have everyone vaccinated by September, 2021, It's still going to be a world-wide issue. And so we just think that it's going to take a bit longer.”—Dave Devana, The CEO of the Nanaimo Airport Commission.
The Airport Commission is reporting a $1.4 million dollar loss in 2020, but it still plans to implement a five year $28 million dollar capital plan for improvements to the runway, taxiway and apron.
New in this update:
Serious injuries send 3 to hospital after Duke Point highway accident
A serious accident has closed the Duke Point highway for most of the day. Three people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a 3 vehicle collision. RCMP say a westbound van crossed over the centre line just after 7:30 this morning, and collided with an eastbound semi-tractor, causing the semi to go off the roadway. A female passenger in the van was ejected onto the roadway. Shortly after, a westbound pickup truck collided with the van. The pickup driver was seriously injured and was airlifted to a Victoria hospital. The female passenger and the semi-tractor driver were taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the van received only minor injuries but was also taken to the Nanaimo hospital. Police say all three vehicles were destroyed. They are asking any witnesses or those with dashcam footage, to come forward.
Last sailings out of Duke Point cancelled
Meanwhile, BC Ferries has cancelled the last sailing of the day out of Duke Point. The ferry corporation says bad weather has forced the cancellation of the 8:15 p.m. from Tsawassen and the 10:45 p.m. from Duke Point.
Tuesday COVID-19 update
COVID 19 case counts continue in double digits in the Island Health region. There are 17 new cases being reported today, bringing our active case count to 185. Province-wide, there were 446 new cases, and 9 more deaths.
Cowichan Tribe to receive vaccine
Island Health has decided to divert vaccine to some Cowichan Tribes members, in an attempt to control an outbreak that includes 70 cases of COVID-19. Island Health says it will administer vaccine to Cowichan Tribes members over the age of 65, starting tomorrow. The Tribes are currently under a shelter in place order, that asks residents to not leave their homes except for work, school, medical appointments or to get groceries or medications. Last week, members of the Snuneymuxw first nation received enough vaccine to innoculate 71% of its on-reserve population. At the time, Island Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Stanwick, said there were no plans to do the same for the Cowichan Tribes.
"At this point in time, we're sticking with the traditional model and have not entertained using vaccine as an intervention. Eventually, we hope we will be in a position to have sufficient vaccines and if it proves to be an effective measure, to use vaccine in community outbreak control."—Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Island Health has not responded to requests for comment about why it reversed its position and will now deliver vaccine to senior Cowichan Tribes members.
New in this update:
Monday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 case counts in the island health region set a new weekend record, with 59 new cases reported since Friday and one death. There have been 13 deaths related to COVID-19 in the Island Health region since the start of the pandemic. It is not known if the most recent death is the result of outbreaks at any of the three senior care homes on Vancouver Island. Currently, there are 187 active cases of the virus in Island Health. Province-wide, there were 1475 new cases confirmed and 22 deaths since Friday. Back to school has meant more exposure to the virus. Six schools in the Island Health region are reporting exposures, including Duncan Christian School, Quamichan middle school and Cowichan Secondary in Duncan as well as the Distance Education Centre on Smith Road in Courtenay and St Michael's University School in Victoria.
Rollout continues of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine in B.C.
The provincial health officer says protocols are evolving as more is being learned with the roll out of vaccine in BC. Dr. Bonnie Henry says immunizations are now being targeted to senior care facilities that are experiencing outbreaks. However, she says not everyone will benefit from those immunizations.
"People who are positive today who have symptoms, the vaccine is unfortunately not going to give them benefit, but we do want to give it to people who have been exposed who are in the incubation period. Some of those people, it will be too late. They will already have enough virus that they will develop illness, regardless of having the vaccine but for some people, if they have not yet been exposed in an outbreak situation, it will prevent that next generation of exposures and that's what we're hoping for."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
More than 70,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will have been distributed in BC by the end of this week. Some concerns have been raised about how many care home workers may refuse to be immunized. Henry says the uptake has been very high and she will present those numbers on Thursday.
Rental vacancies have increased by 7 per cent
The Ministry of Finance says the province's speculation tax has led to an increase in long term rentals. A statement from the Ministry says vacancy rates across the province have increased by 7 per cent. It says taxation data from 2019 reveals the levy encouraged owners to “repurpose” formerly vacant properties into long-term rentals, but no hard numbers were provided. More than $130 million dollars has been raised by the tax since it was introduced in 2018. All revenues from it helps fund housing, shelter or rental initiatives in the five regional districts where the tax applies, including Lantzville and Nanaimo.
New in this update:
COVID-19 case at Hart House care home.
Island Health has declared another COVID-19 case at a care home. One staff member at Hart House in Victoria tested positive for the virus. Island Health says all 17 residents have been tested in the long-term care home, but there are no positive cases among them. Outbreaks have also been declared at Chartwell Malaspina long-term care home in Nanaimo and the Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility in Duncan.
71% of Snuneymuxw received vaccination
The chief of the Snuneymuxw first nation says a two-day vaccination clinic has resulted in "community immunity" against COVID-19 among those who live on the reserve. Chief Mike Wyse says 71% of the reserve population received the Moderna vaccine last week. The acting Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority says it the Snuneymuxw was not on the original list of indigenous communities to receive the first doses of the vaccine, but some vaccine was diverted to examine whether it could stop the spread of an outbreak involving 28 cases. However, Dr. Shannon McDonald says that does not mean that other nations with outbreaks, including the Cowichan Tribes, will also receive vaccines while the outbreak is occurring.
"This is the first time that we have gone away from our original plan and list of prioritized communities. This is an opportunity that we had because there was vaccine made available to respond to this cluster. Depending on, as time goes on how many vaccines we're alloted, we may not have the opportunity to do this."
—FNHA Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shannon McDonald
McDonald says the first eight nations to receive the vaccines last week were chosen because of their remote locations and for having experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. In total, there have been 191 cases of the virus among indigenous people both on and off-reserve on Vancouver Island during the pandemic. The First Nations Health Authority will not confirm how many deaths have occurred.
VIU student selected for Canada’s Culinary Olympic Team
A burgeoning chef and student at Vancouver Island University have been named a member of Canada's Junior Culinary Olympic Team. 19-year-old Otis Crabbe is working on his Red Seal designation and will receive his Culinary Management diploma from VIU this spring. At the same time, he will start training with eight other Olympic culinary students from across the country at the Culinary Institute of Canada in Vancouver. Crabbe may have been born to it, having started working at his family's restaurant in Ucluelet by the time he was 13.
"I started off standing behind, just barely looking over the till to take orders and as soon as I could I was running the oven. At one point, you know, everybody wants to be a cowboy or an astronaut or a soldier, but I always just wanted to be a cook."—Otis Crabbe.
Crabbe and the team will represent Canada at the oldest culinary competition in the world, which takes place in Stuttgart Germany in 2024.
New in this update:
Friday COVID-19 update
Vancouver Island is ending the week with COVID-19 case counts in the double digits. Today, there are 27 new cases confirmed, for a total of 134 new cases in the past seven days. The chief medical officer for Island Health, Dr. Richard Stanwick, says he expected to see a spike in cases this week, the result of Christmas and New Year's gatherings. Province, wide there are 617 new cases and 18 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Clarifications made to essential visitors policy
The Minister of Health has announced changes to the province's essential visitor policy at long term care and assisted living facilities. Essential visitors are people who help residents with tasks ranging from hygiene or eating to mental wellness. They are supposed to be allowed to visit daily, but many have complained visits are denied arbitrarily. Some care homes have been accused of never telling families that an essential visitor designation was available to them. Adrian Dix says the amended policy is intended to more clearly outline what is expected of care homes when it comes to essential visitors.
"This will provide more consistency across care homes because there has been justifiable concern about that and not just from families and residents but also from workers and providers themselves, so this provides more consistency. And it also provides a clear pathway when a family or a person disagrees with a decision not to allow an essential visit."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix says there has been no change to social visitor policies, which usually take place once every two weeks for about an hour. He says that is unlikely to change for months until workers and residents in all homes in B.C. have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine queue calculator
Are you curious about when you might receive the COVID-19 vaccine? There's a new online site that can give you a rough idea. It's called the Vaccine Queue Calculator for Canada It takes into account the federal guidelines for who gets the vaccine across the country, which is in line with the plan in B.C., however, every province has its own schedule so the results are only an estimate. The calculator's developers say as more data and more vaccines are approved, the calculator will become more predictable and accurate.
B.C. ahead of national average for employment
Employment figures for November show B.C. is doing better than the national average. While the national unemployment rate fell less than half a percentage point to 8 and a half per cent, the unemployment rate in B.C. fell almost a full point to 7.1 per cent. Despite new COVID-19 restrictions on events and gatherings, B.C. gained 24,000 jobs in November. Most of those gains were in construction. However, about 20,000 part-time jobs were lost, most of which were in sectors like tourism and hospitality. B.C.'s total employment has now bounced back to 98.7% of pre-pandemic levels.
New in this update:
Health Orders extended until February 5th
BC's provincial health officer has extended the ban on gatherings, events and adult sports until February the 5th. Dr. Bonnie Henry says rising case counts make it necessary.
"The risk of spread of COVID-19 remains very high right now and our curve is trending upward. We are in this period of greatest risk and greatest potential benefit. We need to have the room to provide vaccine. These orders enable our health care system, our schools, our essential workplaces to continue to stay open. This is important for all of us, for our mental, physical and emotional health."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Thursday COVID-19 update
There were 8 deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours on the lower mainland and the interior. There are 761 new cases of the virus, with 23 of them in the Island Health Region. The region is also reporting an outbreak at an assisted living facility in Duncan. It is not known how many cases there are at the Ts'i'ts'uwatul' Laylum home, which is a 50 room facility for indigenous elders and persons with disabilities.
Vaccine intervention not yet coming to Cowichan Tribes
Close to 4000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out at long term care homes on the central and north island today. However, Island Health's chief medical officer says there are no plans to begin vaccinations among the Cowichan Tribes, despite an outbreak involving 28 members. Dr. Richard Stanwick was asked why not since the Snuneymuxw first nation near Nanaimo was bumped up the list to receive the vaccine because of an outbreak there.
“At this point in time, we're sticking with the tradional model and have not entertained using vaccine as an intervention. That has been something that is being tried in the Snuneymuxw tribe in Nanaimo but that is being carefully assessed to see how effective it is as a community intervention, and if it proves to be an effective measure to use vaccine in community in outbreak control, but at this time, traditional measures."—Island Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Stanwick.
Those traditional measures include testing, contact tracing and self-isolation to control an outbreak.
Dollars in the wind
It was raining money on a north Nanaimo street on Monday, and now police are asking the owner to come forward. Nanaimo RCMP says a woman was enjoying her daily walk when a vehicle went flying past her. Seconds later, money began floating from the sky and fell to the ground around her. The lady collected the cash and left it with the police. RCMP Constable Gary O'Brien says so far, no one has claimed it. The cash is with the cops for the next 90 days and if no owner is found, it will be given to the finder.
New in this update:
Cowichan Tribes to shelter in place until January 22
A second first nation on Vancouver Island has issued a shelter in place order, as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Cowichan Tribes has ordered its members to remain in their homes until January the 22nd, and to not travel, except for essential services like school, medical appointments and groceries, if they cannot be delivered to them. There have been 23 confirmed cases of the virus among the tribes since the outbreak began on New Year's Day and it expects more confirmed cases as test results come in. The Snuneymuxw first nation issued its own shelter in place order and banned in class learning for two weeks, starting on January the 1st. There are 19 confirmed cases among the Snuneymuxw. Both nations have restricted access to their reserves as well.
Long term care and assisted living facilities to remain locked down for time being
B.C.'s Minister of Health says expanding visits to long term care and assisted living facilities will not happen, even as vaccines are starting to roll out in those locations. Adrian Dix says even if everyone at an individual care home is vaccinated, that home will not be allowed open visits until all facilities in B.C. are in the same position.
"I think it's going to be awhile yet, but there are also some changes to essential visitor policy in the province that we're looking at right now which I would expect to speak to shortly. That's on essential visitor policy. I think in general, it's going to take some weeks before the impact of the immunization is fully felt."
—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
In fact, the province has said it will likely take until the end of March before all long term care and assisted living workers and residents will have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Councillors in hot water for international travel during pandemic over holiday break
Two greater Victoria politicians have come under fire after traveling during the winter break. Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow used his Facebook account to apologize for traveling to east Africa to visit family and friends. Mayor Lisa Helps says she is disappointed by his judgement.
"Councillor Dubow's decision to travel internationally was both disappointing and irresponsible. As community leaders we should be held to a higher standard. We should be exemplary role models. Councillor Dubow's is responsible to the public and the next steps are in his hands."
—City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
In Metchosin, councillor Kyara Kahakauwila travelled to Mexico in December to attend a business associate's wedding. She is less apologetic, saying she considers it a business decision. Meanwhile, in Nanaimo it appears council members stayed put. Mayor Leonard Krog and six councillors who responded to CHLY's inquiry said they have not travelled, although councillor Tyler Brown joked that he did look at some past vacation photos. Two councillors, Jim Turley and Ben Geselbracht have not yet responded to the question.
New in this update:
Wednesday COVID-19 update
COVID-19 numbers are on the rise in the Island Health region, with 28 new cases being reported today. Island Health is also reporting an exposure at Chemainus Secondary School that happened on Monday. There are 148 active cases of the virus in our health region. Province-wide, there have been 625 new COVID-19 infections confirmed over the past 24 hours and 8 deaths. There are outbreaks at 52 care homes, including Malaspina Long Term care in Nanaimo. 10 hospitals are also dealing with outbreaks but none is in the Island Health region.
Amidst outbreak, Snuneymuxw receives Moderna vaccine
Residents of the Snuneymuxw First Nation are receiving COVID-19 vaccines today, in the wake of an outbreak of 19 cases of the virus. The nation requested the vaccine after issuing a shelter in place order and a ban on in-class instruction on new year's day. Today, the First Nations Health Authority delivered close to 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine to a pop-up clinic on the reserve. The nation says it will start with vaccinating elders and those at risk of developing severe symptoms from COVID-19. Front line workers will be next on the priority list followed by all local residents on a first-come, first-served basis. The pop-up clinic will run today and tomorrow. The Snuneymuxw was not on the original list for the first roll-out of vaccines to first nations in BC, but the outbreak hastened the response.
Snowboarder death at Mount Washington
The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating the death of a 22-year-old Victoria man who died Tuesday while snowboarding on Mount Washington. In a written statement, Mount Washington Alpine Resort says the man was snowboarding in bounds with four friends during a snowstorm Tuesday afternoon when he fell in open, intermediate terrain. His group told lift operators he had fallen and did not meet them at the bottom of the chairlift as they planned. The resort’s ski patrol and his friends found him unresponsive but with no obvious signs of trauma. They were unable to revive him.
Oxygen tank ignition suspected in Duncan fire that killed one and injured seven
The Victoria Times Colonist is reporting the man who died in a fire in Duncan on New Year's Eve is Gerry Dore, who is described as a loving grandfather who volunteered as an outreach worker for more than a decade. Last Thursday’s fire in a four-storey apartment on Lewis St. left Dore dead and sent seven people to the hospital. Witnesses say some jumped from upper-storey balconies, while others were rescued by fire crews. Dore's daughter Dawn Dore told the newspaper the fire is believed to have started in her father's fourth-floor suite. It’s suspected his oxygen tank ignited but she doesn’t know how or why that happened. Dawn says her dad was instantly recognizable from colourful tattoos on his face and arms. He spent 17 years as a tattoo artist, as well as 15 years as a volunteer with the Mustard Seed Foodbank. North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say the fire is not suspicious, but have not released the cause. The BC Coroner's Service is investigating the death.
New in this update:
Ferries cancelled due to storm
BC Ferries has cancelled all of its sailings between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland tonight. The forecast for high winds of up to 90 kilometres an hour off the east coast of Vancouver Island prompted the ferry corporation to cancel all of its afternoon sailings before the stormy weather started. Late this afternoon, BC Ferries decided to cancel the evening runs as well, because the gale force winds continue.
Tuesday covid-19 update
Today's COVID-19 numbers are showing no large spikes as a result of the holiday season, but case counts remain high, with 428 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours, including nine in the island health region. There have been 8 more deaths from the virus, but none was on Vancouver Island. Currently, there are 122 active cases of COVID-19 in our health region.
First Nations a priority for vaccination
Meanwhile, vaccines have started rolling out at six first nations communities on Vancouver Island. The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says the remote communities are a priority because they do not have critical health care facilities and are ill equipped to manage outbreaks.
"We have an important commitment to remote and isolated first nations communities. We've seen the devastation that can happen if this virus gets into those communities. As well, we know the access to care is much more challenging, particularly as we’re heading into winter months."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Just over 5000 doses of the Moderna vaccine is being made available to selected BC first nations communities this week, including four that have battled COVID-19 outbreaks on Vancouver Island. Vaccines are being offered to everyone over the age of 18, with the exception of pregnant women and nursing mothers. The vice chair of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council says the vaccine's arrival has brought a sense of excitement and hope to the communities but Mariah Charleson says with hope, comes some vaccine reluctance as well.
"The worry is that many of our people, there's a long standing history of oppression from the health care system as well as the government of Canada and so there's lots of reluctance there, so we're really trying to work on the positive messaging and sharing as much information about the vaccine as we can so people feel well informed about taking the vaccine.”—Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice-President, Mariah Charleson (łučinƛcuta).
Charleson says it helps that the vaccine is being administered by first nations nurses who are culturally sensitive. She says community leaders including Chief Robert Dennis of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation have been among the first in line to demonstrate the vaccine is safe and effective. The province has said it plans to immunize close to 9000 indigenous people in remote BC communities by the end of January and close to 15,000 more by the end of March.
New in this update:
Afternoon Ferries Cancelled
BC's Ferries has cancelled all afternoon sailings between the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. The decision was made last night, after Environment Canada issued a high wind warning, forcasting winds of up to 90 km/h along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall says lower traffic volumes, due to COVID-19 made it easier to make the call to suspend the sailings long before the bad weather set in.
"Our traffic, actually over the past little while has been down about 60 per cent in vehicles for the major routes and close to 75 per cent in passengers so it certainly makes it a lot easier, if we do have to cancel sailings for high winds, that we're not affecting as many customers."—BC Ferrie Spokesperson Deborah Marshall.
Marshall says the ferry corporation will decide by late afternoon, whether any sailings will go ahead this evening.
First Nations a priority says Dr. Bonnie Henry
Vaccines have started rolling out at six first nations communities on Vancouver Island. The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says the remote communities are a priority because they do not have critical health care facilities and are ill equipped to manage outbreaks.
“And yes, we absolutely will be hitting that mark over this next couple of weeks. If not today, I will say as well that if we're looking at getting to the point of herd immunity that we're going to have to scale up even more than that, once vaccine becomes available.”—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Just over 1000 doses of the Moderna vaccine is being made available in selected Nu-Chul-Nuth communities in phase one. It is being offered to everyone over the age of 18, with the exception of pregnant women and nursing mothers. The vice chair of the Nu-Chul-Nulth Tribal Council says the vaccine's arrival has brought a sense of excitement and hope to the communities But, Mariah Charleson says with hope, comes some vaccine reluctance as well.
"The worry is that many of our people, there's a long standing history of oppression from the health care system as well as the government of Canada and so there's lots of reluctance there, so we're really trying to work on the positive messaging and sharing as much information about the vaccine as we can so people feel well informed about taking the vaccine.”—Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice-President, Mariah Charleson (łučinƛcuta).
Charleson says it helps that the vaccine is being administered by first nations nurses who are culturally sensitive. She says community leaders including Chief Robert Dennis of the Hu-ay-aht First Nation are among the first in line to demonstrate the vaccine is safe and effective. The province has said it plans to immunize 25,000 indigenous people in remote BC communities by the end of January, with the remainder vaccinated by the end of March.
We'll bring you the latest COVID-19 numbers on our next newscast at 6 p.m.
New in this update:
Wednesday evening COVID-19 update
There is another case of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. Currently there are 12 active cases of the virus. Province wide, there were 115 new cases confirmed since yesterday but no deaths.
Cancer care centre promised for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
NDP Leader John Horgan is promising Nanaimo a cancer care centre within the next decade. Horgan's 10 year cancer plan includes “investing in dedicated teams providing a full continuum of care, and new equipment to deliver leading-edge prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services.” Currently, Nanaimo's Regional General Hospital's cancer clinic sees 34 patients a day, which is more than 50 per cent higher than just three years ago. Despite this, there is no oncologist on staff at NRGH. A report by the Nanaimo Medical Staff Association says more specialists and diagnostics are needed to meet what it calls "the overwhelming demand" for cancer services.
City of Nanaimo to review building permit process
The City of Nanaimo has hired a consultant to review its building permit process. Councillors say they receive lots of emails from frustrated homeowners and developers who say they're waiting too long for permits. The city's Director of Development Approvals told this week's council meeting that it can take up to four months to get building permits for large commercial developments, but smaller projects like one or two homes takes less time. Jeremy Holm says his 16 person staff is doing all it can to keep up with record setting numbers of applications.
"The volume of work is substantial so time to actually get to the full code review and the complexity of the applications is substantial as well. So when you look around at other communities, those timelines, they're not far off and in many cases, better than in other municipalities."—Jeremy Holm, City of Nanaimo Director of Development Approvals.
The review will compare systems in other municipalities and will make recommendations to the city in January.
After complaint, masks now mandatory at Nanaimo’s RCMP detachment
An Extinction Rebellion activist says Nanaimo RCMP are not following COVID-19 safety rules, when it comes to dealing with prisoners. Howard Breen told the Vancouver Island Free Daily that officers at the Nanaimo detachment who interacted with him did not wear masks, nor did they maintain two metres physical distance when he was in cells. The 66 year old was arrested on September the 29th, for blocking logging trucks near Port Renfrew. He says officers removed his mask and did not ask whether he has underlying medical conditions. Breen has asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Breen has written to the provincial health officer, outlining his concerns. Two days after the arrest, masks were made mandatory for all employees at the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.
New in this update:
Furstenau unveils plan for young families
BC Greens are promising free childcare for children under the age of four and up to $500 dollars a month in subsidies for stay at home parents who have children three years of age and younger. Leader Sonya Furstenau says the Green Plan will help women re-enter the workforce and allow families to strike a better work/life balance.
"Families with young children are under tremendous pressure in BC. The generation raising young children today juggles their long working hours and multiple demands on their time, as their household incomes stagnate and housing costs skyrocket. We need to move beyond a 20th century approach for working lives and we need to develop working supports that recognize the needs of working families today."—BC Green Party Leader Sonya Furstenau.
The party is also proposing more professional development and training for early childhood educators, along with setting professional wage levels. It says the plan will cost $223 million dollars over four years.
Wednesday Afternoon COVID-19 update
The latest COVID 19 numbers show another new infection in Island Health bringing our active case count to 12. There were 101 new cases, confirmed in the rest of the province over the past 24 hours. Two more people have died from the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities in BC to 244. Despite new cases in the triple digits, Dr. Bonnie Henry says BC is flattening the curve because people have reduced the number of contacts in their lives.
"We are opening schools, people are going back to work but we're having safe connections. We're somewhere around 45 per cent of the contacts we are having have the potential to transmit this virus. That is where we need to stay. This is what will keep us on this low and slow curve through the next few months."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry is urging families to limit their Thanksgiving gatherings to their own households.
Ladysmith Lightup and other events cancelled due to COVID-19
Another victim of the pandemic is the much loved Ladysmith Christmas Light Up. The event attracts 30,000 people on the first weekend of November. Related events including the Kinsmen Parade, street entertainment, fireworks, Light Up the Night arts show, and the Eagle’s spaghetti dinner are also cancelled. But residents still plan to decorate their town and are inviting people to enjoy the light show on their own time and in a socially distanced way.
Whale likely died from ship strike
A young humpback whale that was found offshore from Victoria ten days ago likely died after being struck by a ship. A necropsy was performed on the whale, nicknamed "Hawkeye" by scientists with Cascadia Research Collective. It concluded the whale was "so decomposed it was not possible to determine an exact cause of death. But, it had been in reasonable health prior to death and showed evidence of pre-mortem blunt force trauma to the head." Two other humpbacks have been struck and killed by Washington state ferries in the last two years, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
New in this update:
Nanaimo RCMP officer cleared of excessive force by IIO
A Nanaimo RCMP officer did not use unnecessary or excessive force, despite breaking a woman's leg in a takedown. That is the conclusion of BC's Independent Investigations Office which looked into an incident that happened last March. That's when police were called to a mental health facility in Nanaimo, to deal with a woman who was agitated, uncooperative and possibly suicidal. The Investigations Office concluded the takedown of the woman was justified and was a "supportive push to the ground." It says the injury was unfortunate but “the move to the ground was well within the bounds of what was reasonable in the circumstances.”
Election trail update
On the election trail today, the NDP released a platform of promises, some that the Greens say are ideas stolen from them and another that BC Liberals are calling a bribe. John Horgan has promised an NDP government would pay a pandemic recovery benefit of $1000 dollars per family and up to $500 dollars for singles. Liberal critic Jas Johal is calling it a pandemic bribe.
"The thousand dollars for a family and five hundred dollars for an individual! That money was sitting there in March. To hold that money back and then to announce it now, in the midst of an election, is offensive."—Jas Johal, BC Liberal critic.
Johal sees no parallel to the Liberal promise to eliminate the provincial sales tax for a year, which will put about the same amount of money into the pockets of British Columbians as the NDP promise. Meanwhile, Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says NDP promises on pay equity, moving child care under the Ministry of Education and modifying the renter’s rebate were proposed by her party in a letter before the election was called.
"All of the proposals that are in the NDP platform today could have been worked on right now in the legislature but what we have is a party and a leader who is making it very clear that he does not want to work with others. He will take good ideas from others but he wants to work with more power and less accountability and that is not in the best interests of this province."—BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau.
The party leaders will have an opportunity to debate the issues face to face on a televised debate, that will take place one week from today.
Tuesday COVID-19 update
Today's COVID 19 numbers show another new infection in Island Health, bringing our active case count to 12. There were 101 new cases, province-wide since yesterday. Two more people have died from the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities in BC to 244. Despite new cases in the triple digits, Dr. Bonnie Henry says BC is flattening the curve.
"We are opening schools, people are going back to work but we're having safe connections. We're somewhere around 45 per cent of the contacts we are having have the potential to transmit this virus. That is where we need to stay. This is what will keep us on this low and slow curve through the next few months."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
New in this update:
City of Nanaimo applications for infrastructure funding may not fit funding criteria
Nanaimo city council is hoping the province will fund two million dollar projects, but one councillor questions whether either project qualifies under BC's Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program. It is meant to create new employment or re-employ workers laid off by COVID-19. The city has put forward two proposals: one is to replace the Loudon Boathouse and the other is to replace the track at the Rotary Bowl. Councillor Don Bonner, whose background includes grants and funding applications believes the city's choices may not fit the funding criteria because they do nothing to address COVID-19 issues, like improvements to create distancing, which are required under this provincial grant program.
"There's a thing we say in these grant applications called "that's a stretch," where they're trying to take a program and fit it into a funding stream and generally, they're not very successful. I think what we're done and what's happened is this grant funding stream has appeared out of nowhere and we're trying to pigeon-hole some applications that we think might work so I'm not sure if they will really qualify for what the province is asking for."—City of Nanaimo Councillor Don Bonner.
City staff concedes it was rushed to put forward eligible projects, saying the recently announced provincial program has a tight deadline that requires applications be made by the end of the month.
New in this update:
Monday COVID-19 Update
There have been 11 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Island Health region since Friday. It's the largest number of cases reported at once since the end of April. There were 358 new cases of the virus in BC over the weekend. There have been four more deaths in long-term care residents on the lower mainland. And, Delta Hospital will not be taking any new admissions after the deaths of seven people from COVID-19. Dr. Bonnie Henry says none of the cases on Vancouver Island is considered an outbreak.
"Some of them are travel related. Most of them are individual cases in a number of different communities on the Island and Island health is following up on these cases and one of them is related to a school exposure event."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The school exposure event happened at Alberni District Secondary School. Others may have been potentially exposed to the virus on Sept 14, 15, 17, 18 and 22nd. Neither the school nor the health authority will say whether it is a staff member or a student.
Sunken float home did not cause environmental damage
Federal officials say a float home that sank off the east shore of Valdes Island last month has not caused any environmental damage. Transport Canada has told Nanaimo News Now that the 65-foot long float home sank due to operator error while being towed. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says no fuel was on board at the time. Although the incident happened near a Rockfish Conservation Area, it is not within the area itself. Images taken by area residents showed the float home broke into hundreds of pieces in the days following the Sept. 20 mishap. Transport Canada paid $20,000 for the cleanup.
Horgan promises free COVID-19 vaccine once developed
In provincial election news today, NDP leader John Horgan says his government will provide free vaccines for COVID-19, one a vaccine is developed. Horgan made the promise at a virtual town hall meeting that's underway at this hour. Meanwhile, BC Liberals are promising to replace the George Massey Tunnel with a 10 lane bridge. The promise is included in what it's calling a Rebuild B.C. Plan. The $8 billion dollar, four-year capital plan would build more schools, hospitals, transit and roads in every corner of the province. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau is promising a billion dollars to bring mental health services under the Medical Services Plan. The money would be spent over four years to include mental health counselling, youth intervention services that would be paid for through MSP and not by individuals, as is currently the case.
New in this update:
Annamie Paul wins leadership race for Federal Greens
The Green Party of Canada has a new leader who's first public job will be managing a controversy over a high profile resignation. Annamie Paul is a global affairs lawyer who won the leadership race after 8 ballots on Saturday night. She is the first black woman to lead a political party in Canada. And, in her first week on the job she will have to try to heal the wounds from yesterday's resignation of the party's executive director. Prateek Awasthi was accused of bullying and harassment in his former position in the private sector. The debate caused rifts among Greens, who were divided over whether he should be fired. Paul is reluctant to become publicly involved in the controversy.
"I really don't feel that it's appropriate for me to comment on a situation that I'm not fully apprised of. So I am looking forward to meeting with our federal council. I'll be meeting with our caucus and they're going to bring me up to date on all of these things. But being a leadership candidate I actually have been completely separated from all of the inner workings of the party during this period."—Federal Green Party Leader Annamie Paul.
Paul is also facing a challenge to win a seat in the House of Commons. She is running in a federal byelection in her home neighbourhood of Toronto Center, which has been held by a Liberal for the past 27 years.
Arbitrator finds BC Ferries management in the wrong, but recommends no remedy
The Victoria Times Colonist is reporting an arbitrator has ruled B.C. Ferries did not have the right to unilaterally lay off more than 1,100 workers in early April due to the pandemic. Arbitrator John B. Hall did not recommend a remedy. He says it's up to the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers union and the company to find one.
Death of 60 deer on Galiano Island may be due to disease not found in British Columbia
B.C.'s provincial veterinarian says the deaths of more than 60 deer on Galiano Island may be due to a new disease that's not been seen in this province before. Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease attacks the lungs and intestines of deer, elk, moose and caribou. The fatal and incurable condition has been documented in the United States since 1994. Dr. Helen Schwantje says it's not known how it arrived on Galiano Island in September, or if it's spread to other Gulf Islands, where there have been unconfirmed reports.
"Perhaps exposure to a carcass or equipment that was used to handle a carcass, so it's possible that someone inadvertently brought it back to Galiano Island, but we don't know that. So we're trying to learn more about it and how widespread it is."—Dr. Helen Schwantje, provincial wildlife veterinarian.
Schwantje says samples have been sent to experts in California for further analysis. The disease cannot be spread to domestic animals or humans, but hunters are asked not to harvest unhealthy deer. Instead, they're being asked to report any to the province's Wildlife Health Laboratory or local conservation office.
New in this update:
Evening Friday COVID-19 update
Just one day after Dr, Bonnie Henry expressed cautious optimism that BC is flattening the curve, today's COVID-19 numbers show 161 new infections in the past 24 hours. However, there are no new cases in the Island Health region. There have been three more deaths from COVID-19 since yesterday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 238.
COVID-19 testing results wait times causing frustrations
Film production companies and travellers say they're waiting too long for results of COVID-19 tests. They say what used to take 48 hours is now taking up to a week. Film companies say that's costing them money since they have to shut down productions until test results come back. Others who must be tested before being allowed to return to schools or workplaces are also expressing frustration with the wait times. BC's Provincial Health Officer says people who test positive for the virus are informed within 24 hours so that public health can help control its spread with contact tracing. Dr. Bonnie Henry says health officials are working with companies like Lifelabs to inform people who test negative for COVID-19 sooner.
"We have had some challenges in some parts of the province with getting the negative test results out in a timely way. This is really because we have several different lab platforms and the IT systems sometimes have a challenge talking to each other. We are absolutely working on that to streamline it."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
More than 20,000 tests for the virus were conducted in BC in the past two days. More than 19,800 of them have come back negative.
Motorcyclist pronounced dead from highway accident at Turner Road
A fatal accident has closed Highway 19A at Turner Road for at least another hour. Nanaimo RCMP says according to witnesses, at 2:45 this afternoon, a motorcyclist who was travelling northbound on the highway ran a red light at the Turner Road intersection. The motorcyclist collided with a vehicle that was turning onto the highway from Turner Road. The unnamed male on the motorcycle was pronounced dead in hospital. No one else was injured. Vehicle traffic has been diverted to Metral Road or Uplands Drive for most of the afternoon. Investigators are asking any witnesses or drivers with dashcam video to come forward.
Merle Logan Field copper thief arrested
Meanwhile, police have arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with a copper wire theft that put the lights out of commission at the city's Merle Logan Field. The arrest was made on Thursday morning, just one day after close to 500 feet of copper wire was taken from the light fixtures at the multi-purpose playing field. RCMP say a tip led them to one of the red barns at the Beban Park Recreation Centre, where they found the suspect in the process of stripping the plastic coating from the stolen wire. City officials believe most of the wire can be re-installed. They expect the lights to be up and running in the next couple of days. The unnamed man was released from custody and will appear in court on December 1st.
New in this update:
Candidate nomination deadline today
The provincial election will see three-way races in all mid-island ridings. Today is the last day for candidates in the provincial election to get their paperwork in with Elections BC. Nomination documents must be filed by 1 p.m. today. The riding of Parksville Qualicum is the only one of six mid-island ridings held by a Liberal, and it appeared Michelle Stilwell might not face any challengers. But, last night the NDP confirmed its candidate is Adam Walker, a Qualicum councillor who has raised eyebrows during his tenure by sending out personal surveys to constituents and challenging the town's processes in court. The Green Party also fielded a candidate at the 11th hour. Rob Lyon is a retired naval officer who says he's been a conservative all his life, but his love of the outdoors convinced him he is a Green at heart.
Friday COVID-19 update
There has been one new case of COVID-19 confirmed in the Island Health Region yesterday, bringing our active case count to four. Province-wide there have been 82 new cases, and one death over the past 24 hours. BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says she's cautiously optimistic about where BC is heading.
"We are not seeing that exponential increase. We've been having a linear increase and it's kind of slowed down. We still have numbers that reflect the fact that there is ongoing transmission within the community that we need to be aware of and we need to be careful. It sneaks up on us and we can have explosive outbreaks if we're not on our guard."—Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry.
Henry says she will present more detailed information next week about how the virus is currently being spread and who is spreading it.
IIO investigating RCMP due to death in custody
Independent Investigations Office of BC is examining whether police played any role in the death of a man at the Wilkinson Road jail near Victoria. RCMP say a man was arrested by officers from the North Cowichan/Duncan detachment just before 8:30 last Saturday night. The following day, Emergency Health Services were called at the man's request. Paramedics spoke to the man but he reportedly refused treatment. He was then transported to the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. The man was found dead in his cell the following day, Monday.
Heading south? Road closures in Victoria
A heads up to drivers heading to Victoria tonight. Highway 1 southbound and northbound between Tillicum Road and Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenues will be closed starting at 11 p.m. until Saturday morning at 5 o'clock. The closure will allow crews to install an overhead guide sign. There will be a detour using Admirals Road.
New in this update:
Thursday COVID-19 update
There has been one new case of COVID-19 confirmed in the Island Health region since yesterday, bringing our active case count to four. Province-wide there have been 82 new cases, and one death over the past 24 hours. BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says she's cautiously optimistic about where BC is heading.
"We are not seeing that exponential increase. We've been having a linear increase and it's kind of slowed down. We still have numbers that reflect the fact that there is ongoing transmission within the community that we need to be aware of and we need to be careful. It sneaks up on us and we can have explosive outbreaks if we're not on our guard."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says she will present more detailed information next week about how the virus is currently being spread and who is spreading it.
Visions for seniors’ care released by Greens and NDP
New Democrats and BC Greens are offering their visions of what seniors' care homes should look like. Yesterday, NDP leader John Horgan promised $140 million dollars a year to create single bedrooms in public facilities owned by provincial health authorities. The NDP is also promising to continue paying workers the same higher wages and benefits after the pandemic ends. It says it will make private operators more accountable for the public dollars they receive” but offered no specifics on how it would do that. Today, the BC Green Party announced its goal is to eliminate private for-profit companies from the senior care sector. It would begin with more oversight with annual audits and inspections of private facilities. The Greens are promising better pay for care workers by designating them as Health Care Professionals and setting their wages through the Health Employers Association of BC. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says her party has not attached a cost to its promises. She says that's because it has not had months to work on it. However, Furstenau believes goal setting is the first step.
"We see time and time again that the other parties are content to tinker around the edges of major problems. We need to think bigger and we need to think long term about what our seniors need and deserve."—BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau.
Meanwhile, the BC Liberal Party has yet to release its platform on senior care.
Copper wire stolen from lights at Merle Logan Field
Nighttime use of the city's Merle Logan Field has been suspended because of the theft of copper wire used in the lighting fixtures. RCMP says thieves made off with between 300 and 500 feet of copper wire sometime between 1 and 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Police believe whoever took the wire had some knowledge of the wiring in the park. The city estimates it will cost $20,000 to replace and install the wiring. It has not said when that will happen.
New in this update:
Krog and other urban mayors of B.C. call for new revenue streams to fund local governments
The Mayors of B.C.'s thirteen largest cities, including Nanaimo, are calling on provincial party leaders to promise immediate help to deal with the mental health and addictions crises plaguing their communities. The "Urban Mayors' Caucus Blueprint for BC's Urban Future" makes a dozen requests, ranging from making the safe drug supply program permanent, to using other service providers and not just the police in responding to mental health and substance-use calls. It also recommends new ways of funding municipal government, beyond property taxes, and asks for more investment in affordable housing. Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says the Urban Mayors' Caucus is the result of cities being unable to cope with problems that fall outside of their responsibilities.
"We're facing increasing financial pressures related to the growing asset base, our aging infrastructure, climate change, housing challenges and the opiod crisis. We're all facing the same problems. We are confident that when you put the urban mayors together, this kind of group, it will certainly and hopefully encourage the political parties to address this issue in a serious way."
The Urban Mayors hope the election will force all parties to put their commitments to urban renewal on the table for voters to see.
Feedback wanted for proposed transit bus route from Nanaimo to Cowichan
BC Transit wants to hear from you about a proposed new bus route between Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley. A survey on Nanaimo's BC Transit page asks for feedback on start and stop destinations, times and proposed fares. Nanaimo City councillor Tyler Brown says the service could be important for people in the Cowichan Valley who want to shop or attend university in Nanaimo. Brown says the survey results will help the regional districts of Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley create a business plan.
"I think there's a level of commitment here to try to find a way to make this work and the survey and any subsequent reporting, coming back to those boards, we'll outline the recommended service level and have all those costs and things like that. So at that time, it will be up to the local jurisdictions RDN and CVRD, to make that final decision."
The survey ends on October 16.
Haze from US wildfires returns
The hazy skies over southern Vancouver Island are not the result of a low pressure system. Smoke from US wildfires will continue to affect our region over the next 24 hours. However, Environment Canada is rating air quality as a moderate risk to health and it is not expected to get worse. Earlier this month, people were being warned to stay indoors and avoid exercise because the amount of smoke in the air was a danger to health.
New in this update:
Wednesday COVID-19 update
There have been two new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Island Health Region since yesterday. There are three active cases of the virus in our region but there have been no exposures in area schools and no one in hospital with the virus in Island Health. There are 125 new cases of COVID-19 across the province. There have been no new deaths from the virus over the past 24 hours.
Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson pleads ignorance
Elections BC is investigating a complaint that Liberals in Surrey-Fleetwood are illegally collecting personal information and requesting vote-by-mail packages on behalf of voters. The penalties for doing so include a fine of up to $20,000 dollars, 2 years in jail and a ban on voting or being an MLA for seven years. A conversation on What's App shows a Liberal campaign organizer, telling volunteers to "register as many voters as we can by ordering ballots in the mail." Earlier today, Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson pleaded ignorance about the details.
"Well I first heard about this about half an hour ago and I understand its been reported to Elections BC And of course, as this mail-in ballot phenomenon gets the attention of the public and the voters, there is going to be some confusion, but we have to be clear: it is the obligation of candidates to follow the law and we expect that of them and as this unfolds we'll see if Elections BC has a position, which we will, of course, respect."—BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson.
In a statement, Elections BC says "we have no evidence to suggest that requests for vote-by-mail packages were actually made on a voter’s behalf." It says The BC Liberal Party has sent a reminder about the law to Surrey Fleetwood Liberal candidate Gary Thind and all of their candidates and campaign managers. Elections BC says it is "taking appropriate and ongoing steps to address this matter," but it offers no details about what ongoing steps it is taking.
Virtual convocation for VIU grads today
One of the valedictorians at Vancouver Island University's graduation ceremony says COVID-19 has brought some positive signs for the future. Seth Recalma delivered his pre-recorded speech at VIU's virtual convocation today. 1100 graduates marked their graduation with an hour-long live stream on the university's Facebook page. Recalma says COVID-19 actually pushed him to get his dream job at the Moose Hide Campaign.
"I think if anything it pushed me even harder to dig my heels in and tap into a few other jobs. I worked a few other jobs over the summertime and a few other contacts that contacted me with the Moose Hide Campaign, it's been good."—Seth Recalma VIU valedictorian.
The Bachelor of Business Administration grad planned to watch today's virtual celebration with a small group of friends.
New in this update:
Party platforms expected next week for BC election
The BC Liberal Party and the BC Greens are promising to release their party's platforms by next week. BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau admits her party may not run candidates in every riding, but she is promising a platform that takes into account all areas of the province.
"We will be starting to introduce planks in our platform later this week. Of course, we have been focussed this week, in getting our candidates introduced."—BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau.
Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson is promising to present his platform next week which will include details about his party's daycare plan.
"Unlike the NDP who are just chattering around the edges and reannouncing old projects, we're going to come forward with a bold plan to get BC back on its feet. And what we have to do is convince Islanders that we have their interests at heart."—BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson.
The Liberals won just one seat out of 14 on Vancouver Island in the last provincial election. The NDP won 10 and all three green party members represent Vancouver Island ridings.
Orange Shirt Day, a “day of learning and remembering”
Today is Orange Shirt Day, a day to commemorate indigenous children who attended residential schools. The Director of Instruction of Indigenous Learning for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District says the message to students is it is not a celebration. Ted Cadwallader says it is a day of learning and remembering.
"I'll say it this way, our School district is on the path of understanding how to operate better on this territory that we exist on."—Ted Cadwallader for SD-68.
Orange Shirt Day started in Williams Lake in 2013. The day honours the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad. In 1973, when she was six years old, she had a new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will live stream a 90-minute presentation titled Every Child Matters: Reconciliation Through Education. Residential school survivors, Indigenous musicians and dancers, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders will appear throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m.. It can be seen on the NCTR Facebook page.
Nature Inspiration Awards highlights two on Vancouver Island
A Courtenay area Hermit Priest and a Parksville innovator are among this year's winners and nominees for national Nature Inspiration Awards. 97-year-old Father Charles Brandt of Oyster River is being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature. He was instrumental in the rebirth of the Tsolum River, which was poisoned by runoff from an abandoned copper mine near Mt. Washington. Father Charles is the only hermit priest in Canada, ordained by the Roman Catholic Church.
Parksville's ULAT is in the running for an award in the Small to Medium Business Category. The company was the first wool-dryer ball manufacturer in the world. The dryer balls provide an environmentally safe alternative to single-use dryer sheets.
New in this update:
Temporary Patio program renewed for a full year
Nanaimo diners will be able to have an outdoor patio experience for the next year. City council voted unanimously to extend its temporary restaurant patio program until October 31st, 2021. The city's general manager of development services says 15 city restaurants and cafes signed up for the program in May and every single one urged the city to extend it. Dale Lindsay told council the program is paid for by the restaurant owners and city officials consider it a success.
"This temp program has doubled the amount of patio areas that we have in our public realm. So I think that alone has been a great outcome of this program, more areas for people to congregate, especially now during the times of pandemic and especially now with how with how difficult it is for many of these restaurants to run on reduced internal numbers.”—Dale Lindsay, City of Nanaimo General Manager of Development Services.
The city has also agreed to extend its pre-approvals for all future requests for patio liquor licenses until the end of October next year, as requested by the province. Lindsay says the patio program remains open to other businesses that may want to join.
Risk remains high for seniors in care homes
Families of people in care homes are calling on the province to expand their visitation rights. Dozens held a rally on the lawn of the BC Legislature today. They say care homes have the ability to designate family members as "essential visitors" but so far, most facilities are refusing to grant the designations. BC's Advocate for Seniors has called on health officials to weigh the risk of COVID exposure against the poor quality of life for seniors who have been cut off from regular family visits since the start of the pandemic. BC's Provincial Health Officer says she's committed to expanding visits to care homes, but Dr. Bonnie Henry says the risk remains high.
"We've seen in Quebec and Ontario, in particular, that they did expand quite a lot and they're now starting to see larger outbreaks in their care homes. It is extremely challenging thing for us to find that balance and we will continue to look at and modify and support families to be with their loved ones in care homes."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Currently, there are COVID-19 outbreaks at fourteen care homes in the province.
Tuesday evening COVID-19 update
Today's COVID-19 numbers show 105 new infections have been confirmed over the past 24 hours, but none is in the Island Health region. There has been one death from the virus, at a long term care home in the Fraser Health Region. Currently, there are five active cases of COVID-19 in Island Health, and 1268, province-wide.
New in this update:
Tuesday afternoon COVID-19 update
There has been one death and two new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region. The new cases are among 267 confirmed in BC since Friday. The death is among three that occurred over that time. Two deaths were residents of long term care homes on the lower mainland. BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry says Island Health officials did not know the man who died on Vancouver Island was suffering from COVID-19.
"This was a man in his sixties, who did have underlying health conditions and unfortunately died in the community at home and was identified as being positive for COVID after his death. So very disturbing and tragic for his family and our condolences go out to his family and his community."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The unidentified man's death is the first in the Island Health region since May the 6th. 233 people have died from COVID-19 in BC, including six in Island Health.
Most sleep rough due to a lack of temporary shelters
Nanaimo has one of the country's highest per-capita homeless rates, and it leads the nation in the number of homeless people sleeping on the streets. Those conclusions are in a homeless count conducted in the city last March. Last night, the team that led the study presented details to city council. It said the current homeless population of 430 people is two and a half times higher than it was at the last count in 2018. More than 70 per cent are from Nanaimo. And most of them, sixty-two percent, are sleeping rough due to a lack of temporary shelters. The Executive Director of the local United Way says most people think the homeless in Nanaimo are the people they see downtown, causing trouble. Signy Madden says that group makes up less than 10 per cent of those without a place to call home. She says the vast majority are simply poor.
"They're Nanaimo people who just can't afford housing because of the increasing cost of housing. You've lost your housing because you're 69, you're on a fixed income and your apartment's been put up for sale. And brain injury. 23 per cent of folks have brain injuries, often from workplaces. They've been working for three to five years in the forest industry or some other industry and now they are unable to work and can't find a living."—Signy Madden, Executive Director of United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island.
Madden says delivering services to those without shelter has been tough on service providers, who she says are burning out. Madden warns homelessness will likely increase over the next six months to a year, as government COVID-response programs wind down.
New in this update:
Monday Covid-19 update
There has been one death and two new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region. The new cases are among 267 confirmed in BC since Friday. The death is among three that occurred over that time. Two deaths were residents of long term care homes on the lower mainland. BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry says health officials did not know the man who died on Vancouver Island was suffering from COVID-19.
"This was a man in his sixties, who did have underlying health conditions and unfortunately died in the community at home and was identified as being positive for COVID after his death. So very disturbing and tragic for his family and our condolences go out to his family and his community."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The unidentified man's death is the first in the Island Health region since May the 6th. 233 people have died from COVID-19 in BC, including six in Island Health. In other COVID news, there has been a new community outbreak in Kelowna where five cases of the virus have been tracked to a service at the Calvary Chapel Church on September the 20th. And, there are three new outbreaks at care homes on the lower mainland. In those cases, one worker at each facility has tested positive for the virus.
Woman killed on Highway One near Nanaimo Airport
A 37-year-old woman from Nanaimo and her dog were killed on Highway One, just south of the airport, early this morning. The highway was shut down for several hours while investigators surveyed the scene. It appears the woman may have deliberately stepped into traffic. She was hit head-on in the southbound lane of the highway just before 6 a.m. RCMP Corporal Chris Manseau says a preliminary investigation has found no fault with the driver.
"The road conditions were good at the time, although that area is known to be dark. It's not believed that speed, alcohol or distracted driving were a cause of this collision."—RCMP Corporal Chris Manseau.
The driver of the Blue Nissan sedan was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
BC Liberals make their first big election promise
In his first major announcement during the election campaign, Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson says if elected, his party will eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax for one year. And reinstate it at 3 per cent in the second year. Wilkinson says the idea is to stimulate the economy by leaving British Columbians with more money to spend. Eliminating the seven per cent PST for one year would mean close to $7 billion dollars in lost tax revenue—but Wilkinson says a BC family with a $120,000 dollar a year income would save more than $1700 if the PST was eliminated. The NDP has responded by saying a PST cut would disproportionately help the wealthy who spend more on luxury items.
New in this update:
Both new and familiar names, among those pursuing seats in legislature
Provincial political parties are scrambling to nominate candidates in the wake of last week's snap election call. Over the weekend, the Green Party named Chris Istace its candidate in Nanaimo-North Cowichan. He runs the website called "Mindful Explorer" which focusses on backcountry hiking and mountain biking. The Liberal candidate Duck Paterson has been a Ladysmith councillor for 32 years. They will try to upset incumbent Doug Routley in a riding that has traditionally voted NDP. In Nanaimo, NDP incumbent Sheila Malcomson is being challenged by the just named Liberal candidate Kathleen Jones. The BC Green Party has not named a candidate in Nanaimo. Neither the Greens nor the NDP has named their candidates in Parksville-Qualicum. That riding is currently held by Liberal Michelle Stillwell.
Clippers given permission to have up to 50 spectators at games
The Nanaimo Clippers are trying to bring as many fans as possible back to the stands. The Provincial Health Officer has given the BC hockey league permission to have up to 50 spectators in their arenas. However, the Clippers' 2400 seat Frank Crane Arena remains closed due to the pandemic. The city has not said why. As a result, the Clippers will start their exhibition season at the 50 seat Cliff McNabb Arena. The owner and president of the Nanaimo Clippers, Wesley Mussio says his organization is doing whatever it takes to bring fans back.
"So whatever we can do safely, we're going to do because I think the bottom line and why I have hockey and you know, in the Nanaimo Clippers is to give back to the fans of Nanaimo and right now the way it's going without the fans in the stands sort of you know, it's something that Nanaimo is not benefiting from." —Wesley Mussio, Nanaimo Clippers owner and president.
The Nanaimo Clippers’ first exhibition game takes place this Friday.
GoByBike to Portugal
Starting today cyclists in Nanaimo have the chance to win prizes from gift certificates to a trip to Portugal. The "Pedal to Places" challenge encourages residents to explore Nanaimo by biking to specific locations and collecting code words to win a $200 gift card. The challenge is part of a province-wide biking campaign called “GoByBike BC.” The provincial contest is for cycling teams to log their kilometres for a chance to win a cycling trip to Portugal. The city's manager of transportation, Jamie Rose says the campaign is to encourage people of all ages to get comfortable riding in all seasons.
"Whereas the fall one is focused on really sort of reminding drivers and cyclists that the weather's changing, we need to adapt to our biking and driving habits, we need to dress for the weather, we need to make sure and be seen and be aware that there are other road users out there."— Jamie Rose, City of Nanaimo Manger of Transportation.
The two competitions run until October 4th. Details can be found on the City of Nanaimo's Facebook page.
New in this update:
Dr. Bonnie Henry speaks out on threats with calm
BC's Provincial Health Officer says she's grateful for the support she's getting since disclosing she has received death threats. Earlier this week, Dr. Bonnie Henry told a panel on leadership at a municipal convention that she has received abusive emails, phone messages and has had security in her home as a result of her being the public face of the response to the pandemic. But Henry appears to take her own words of advice to be calm and be kind, in response to the negative abuse.
"When people are anxious and afraid, some people's reaction is to lash out in anger and frustration and these were unprecedented times. So, I am doing fine. I have a strong sense of community; my neighbours, my friends, my family, to support me and I really do appreciate the support that I get from our community here in BC."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Island has one new confirmed COVID-19 case today, bringing the active case count in our health region to seven. It's the first new case reported in Island Health since Sunday. Province-wide, there are 98 new infections and one more death.
Federal Green Party leadership vote begins tomorrow
Voting begins tomorrow, to elect a new federal green party leader. Eight candidates are in the race to take over the leadership. Elizabeth May resigned her post more than a year ago but continues to be the face of the party in the House of Commons. Over the next week, the Greens are expecting to receive 200 mail-in ballots and close to 35,000 online votes from party members. Interim party leader Jo-Ann Roberts expects the vote will go smoothly because online voting was planned before the pandemic hit.
"Because of COVID, obviously there is no large gathering. None of that will happen, but the fact that we're doing online voting means voting can go ahead as planned. So I'm really pleased about that because it would have become really difficult to do that at the last minute."—Interim Federal Green Party Leader Jo-Ann Roberts.
Online voting opens to Green Party members tomorrow. The result will be announced at a virtual convention in Ottawa at 3 p.m. next Saturday, October 3.
Voter registration for provincial election ends tomorrow
British Columbians who want to register to vote in the provincial election can do so by phone until 8 p.m. tomorrow or online until midnight tomorrow. However, voters can still register to vote or update their information when they cast their ballot, but the process will take longer. Registering online or by phone means voting quicker on election day while helping to reduce wait times for others. To register by phone, call 1-800-661-8683 before 8 p.m. tomorrow. Do it online up until midnight tomorrow at elections.bc.ca/ovr.
New in this update:
Nanaimo Clippers players will be charged higher than normal fee to play
Public Health officials have given the go-ahead for up to 50 spectators to attend Junior A hockey games in Nanaimo. Junior A teams rely on ticket sales as their main source of revenue. The Nanaimo Clippers would normally attract up to 1500 people per game. To try to make up for the shortfall, players are being charged a higher than normal fee to play this year. The owner and president of the Nanaimo Clippers says the limited number of tickets will be offered to parents of the players first, followed by season ticket holders, head sponsors and the general public. Wesley Mussio believes fewer fans in the stands will have an effect on the game.
"The whole part of the junior a hockey experience is to have fans and, and to, you know, hear the excitement of the fans in the stands and to not have that's going to be a very significant impediment to the quality of the league in the games in my respectful view, because you're not going to see the same intensity."—Wesley Mussio, owner of the Nanaimo Clippers.
The Clippers will play their first home exhibition game in the smaller Cliff McNabb Arena on October the 2nd.
Schools to only be used on weekends says Chief Electoral Officer
Parents at Uplands Park Elementary School are raising concerns about using schools for polling stations. The school's parent Advisory Council has written the School District, saying people should not be allowed on school grounds during school hours if they do not have business with the school. But their concerns may be moot. BC's Chief Electoral Officer says the need to protect students is real. Anton Boegman says that's why using schools as polling stations is being limited in this election.
"We are going to limit our use of schools to weekend days. So the first weekend of advanced voting is Saturday and Sunday and then on voting day which is on a Saturday. So these are days when students are not present in the schools when it’s possible to make sure that the necessary cleaning is done before and after the use of these facilities."—B.C.’sChief Electoral Officer Anton Boegman.
Boegman says historically, 44 per cent of all voting locations are at schools.
Henry asks islanders to not become complacent
B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer is asking Island residents to not become complacent about stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Island Health region currently has only six active cases of the virus. There is no one in hospital, there has never been an outbreak at a long-term care facility and there hasn't been a death from COVID-19 on the Island since early May. Nevertheless, Dr. Bonnie Henry says Islanders cannot let their guard down.
"We feel a little insular in our Island here, but we need to remember as we're going into cough and cold and flu season that there's going to be a lot more illness around and it's going to be very challenging for us to figure out what is COVID? What is influenza? What's just a cold. So now's our time to start regrouping and pulling back and doing the things that led us to be in this position in Vancouver Island. So it is not a time to be complacent and if we are complacent, that is the time we put our communities at risk."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Currently, there are 1,371 active cases of COVID-19 in BC, with 146 new cases reported in other health regions yesterday.
New in this update:
Thursday COVID-19
There have been two deaths and 148 new cases of COVID-19 in BC since yesterday. There are also 30 schools in the province that are reporting exposure events—but there are no outbreaks at any of the schools. On Vancouver Island, there have been no new cases of the virus reported since the weekend. There have been no exposures in island schools, no one is in hospital and the region hasn't reported a death from the virus since early May. Nevertheless, BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry says Islanders need to not let their guard down when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
"We feel a little insular in our Island here, but we need to remember as we're going into cough and cold and flu season that there's going to be a lot more illness around and it's going to be very challenging for us to figure out what is COVID? What is influenza? What's just a cold? So now's our time to start regrouping and pulling back and doing the things that led us to be in this position in Vancouver Island. So it is not a time to be complacent and if we are complacent, that is the time we put our communities at risk."—Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry.
Currently, there are 1,371 active cases of COVID-19 in BC including six in Island Health.
Cause of fire at Schnitzer Steel remains unknown
Schnitzer Steel says a fire at its recycling operation near Cassidy caused no injuries and nor damage to buildings or equipment. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Company spokesperson Colin Kelly says the company will continue to work closely with regulators and the community." Toxic fumes from the fire that started on September the 11th, along with chemicals used to extinguish it, raised concerns over air quality and possible contamination of nearby private wells. However, Island Health's Public Health Inspector says test results so far show groundwater is within acceptable limits set under the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. Tim Bilyk says the company has committed to continuing to take groundwater samples in an area larger than required. He says weekly sampling will continue until the end of October. There will be monthly sampling in November and December, and starting in the new year, sampling will be done quarterly.
Nanaimo RCMP are fining distracted drivers
Nanaimo RCMP handed out 19 tickets to drivers using cellphones in a 90-minute blitz at a busy intersection earlier this week. The $368 fine for Use of an Electronic Device While driving were issued at the corner of Highway 19A and Norwell Drive last Tuesday afternoon. RCMP Constable Gary O'Brien says many of the drivers offered no excuse while others expressed in colourful terms, what they thought. O'Brien says the blitzes will continue because cellphone distraction is the second leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents. O'Brien says people should ask themselves if the LOL is worth it.
New in this update:
SD-68 Island Connect Program sees enrolment quadrupled
The Nanaimo Ladysmith School District has hired 28 new teachers to handle the increase in students opting to learn from home, rather than be in classrooms full time. The District says it's Island Connect Program enrollment quadrupled this year. The program provides at-home learning with a half-day of classroom time every week. A second, temporary learn-at-home program was also created this year, to address concerns about returning to classrooms in the midst of a pandemic. It allows students to keep their spot in their school and decide by early November if they want to return, or continue with at-home learning. The District's Superintendent says 456 students have enrolled in the "Transition Learning Program." Scott Saywell says instruction for those students started on Tuesday.
"We started our transition learning program this week, which involves another 400 students It's the equivalent of starting a whole new school in a couple of weeks."—SD-68 Superintendent Scott Saywell.
Saywell says 17 temporary full-time teachers have been hired for the Transition Learning Program and 11 more teachers have been hired for the Island Connect Program.
Imagine VIU campaign success now funding student assistance
A capital fundraising campaign at Vancouver Island University has been so successful, it's allowed for the creation of millions of dollars in student assistance. Over the past two years, the Imagine VIU campaign raised $7.3 million dollars, exceeding its goal of $5 and a half million dollars. The campaign helped fund the Dr. Ralph Nilson Centre for Health and Science, the Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre and the District Geo-Exchange Energy System building. An additional $2 million dollars raised in the building campaign will now be spent on new scholarships, awards and bursaries for students.
Trudeau urges Canadians to bend the curve
The Prime Minister says Canada is at a crossroads when it comes to battling COVID-19. Justin Trudeau took to the airwaves late yesterday afternoon, urging Canadians to bend the curve.
"The second wave isn't just starting. It's already underway. We're on the brink of a fall that could be much worse than the spring. And we can't change today's numbers or even tomorrow's. Those were already decided by what we did or didn't do two weeks ago. But what we can change is where we are in October and into the winter. It's all too likely we won't be gathering for Thanksgiving, but we still have a shot at Christmas."—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Prime Minister is asking Canadians to heed the advice of public health officials to limit bubbles, wear masks and avoid parties. He is also asking Canadians to get a flu shot this year and to download the government's COVID-19 Alert app.
New in this update:
The federal government is promising a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system to help women return to the workforce. Today's Speech from the Throne also promises an overhaul of the Employment Insurance program, to give easier access to self-employed and gig-based workers. Governor-General Julie Payette, says the federal government will focus on adding more jobs to the Canadian economy.
"One way the government will create these jobs is by extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy right through the next summer. The government will work with businesses and labour to ensure the program meets the need of the health and economic situation as it evolves."—Governor-General Julie Payette.
The wage subsidy program was set to end in December. The federal government plans to unveil the details of its Throne Speech promises in its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan some time this fall.
Homeless man set on fire in Campbell River
Campbell River RCMP are investigating the case of a homeless man who was deliberately set on fire early yesterday morning. Police say the 20-year-old man was set on fire while he was sleeping underneath the Highway 19 bridge over the Campbell River. The man managed to shed his burning clothing and make his way to a nearby parking lot for help. He was found by two fishermen at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. RCMP Constable Maury Tyre says the man was taken to hospital, suffering from serious but not life-threatening burns to his back. He says some personal items were also stolen from the man's encampment under the bridge. Tyre says police have some leads, but no suspects.
"We're not sure who the individual or individuals was that did this. Nor do we know what their motives were, so it is very, very concerning that this kind of incident could happen. Whether that be someone that was completely foolish and could not think of the consequences of their actions or whether it was something vicious."—RCMP Constable Maury Tyre.
Tyre says the man has since been released from hospital and has been offered assistance by RCMP victims' services.
Wednesday Covid-19 update
Today's COVID-19 numbers show 91 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in BC over the past 24 hours. There are no new cases in the Island Health region. Currently, our active case count stands at eleven. Province-wide, there are 1376 people suffering from COVID-19. 62 are in hospital. There have been no new deaths reported since Monday.
Province-wide overdose deaths up by 8.65% compared to last year
Meanwhile, more people have died from drug overdoses in British Columbia this year than in total last year. The latest statistics from the BC Coroner's Service show so far this year, 1068 people have died from toxic drugs. Last year, the total was 983. Those statistics mirror what is happening in the Island Health Region, which has reported 190 overdose deaths so far this year, compared to 163 deaths last year. Province-wide, there were 147 illicit drug overdoses recorded in August, including 24 deaths in the Island Health Region.
New in this update:
Bonnie Henry speaks out regarding death threats and abuse towards her
BC's Provincial Health Officer says she's received death threats and other abuse in her role as the public face in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Bonnie Henry made the remarks at a panel discussion at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention. Henry says like many leaders and people in high profile positions she is a target for abusive behaviour.
"There are many people who don't like what I do or don't like the way how I say it, or don't like my shoes and feel quite able to send me nasty notes, to leave phone calls, to harass my office staff. I've had to have security in my house. I've had death threats. How do we deal with that?"—Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry.
Henry wonders whether women are more often the victims of such vitriol or whether men just don't talk about it. She says talking about it and making it unacceptable is the way to encourage young people and those from diverse communities to become the leaders of the future.
Land transfer will create forestry jobs for both the Stz'uminus and Snuneymuxw
The Snuneymuxw First Nation believes it will take up to 18 months to finalize a land transfer agreement signed with the provincial government last week. The province has said the agreement that covers land on Mount Benson and Mount McKay will not be implemented until overlapping claims by other nations are resolved. The Chief of the Snuneymuxw First nation says negotiations are underway with the Stz'uminus First Nation. Chief Micheal Wyse says the land transfer will create forestry jobs for members of both nations.
"That's 3000 plus hectares of land, you know, forested lands that a great opportunity to bring some economics to us that aim up but not only Snuneymuxw but are surrounding territory here the people the be able to work in the forest industry, which will help mid-Island region"—Snuneymuxw First Nation, Chief Micheal Wyse.
The nations hope to create 160 new jobs in forestry once the agreement is implemented.
Port theatre to launch live-streamed Spotlight Season
The Port Theatre is launching its artistic season tomorrow, with the sale of virtual theatre tickets. The Port Theatre Society's General Manager says the group was hit hard when the pandemic struck having to refund tickets to 90 scheduled shows. However, Bruce Halliday says the group was able to retain its 14 full-time staff with the federal government's wage subsidy program. Other grants helped it buy equipment to live stream this year's Spotlight Season. Five shows from October to December will feature Vancouver Island musicians. Halliday says the live streaming aspect merges well with this year's theme.
"The main theme in this season is about an old theatre tradition called 'breaking the fourth wall' where the performer actually steps out of character and talks directly to the audience. And, a lot of people are seeing live streaming now of course, and I think that is the ultimate in breaking the fourth wall because you are literally taking the audience outside the theatre."—Port Theatre General Manager Bruce Halliday.
Tickets for the $12 dollar live-streamed shows go on sale online through the Port Theatre's website starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
New in this update:
Tuesday Covid-19 Update
There are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in the Island Health Region in the last 24 hours, but there have been 96 new cases province-wide. No new deaths have been reported since yesterday. There is a new outbreak at another hospital—this time at St. Paul's in Vancouver. Three other hospitals are also managing active outbreaks. They are in Surrey, Langley and Whiterock.
‘Wildman’ found dead in water near Lasqueti
The man found dead in the water near Lasqueti Island north of Parksville on Saturday has been identified as Quentin Russ of Qualicum Beach. The body of the 51-year-old was found by fishers and taken on board their vessel until police arrived. Oceanside RCMP believes his death was caused by a kayaking accident. Russ's ex-partner Lindi Russ told CHEK News that he was a "wildman of the west coast" who "lived life fiercely." She believes Russ suffered a heart attack while out on the water, as he had been struggling to recover from quadruple bypass surgery.
Police crack down on drag racing and stunting at Duke Point
Nanaimo RCMP has issued dozens of fines and impounded ten vehicles in an operation designed to shut down a well-known area for drag racing and stunting. The RCMP's Municipal Traffic Unit closed the roadway near the BC Ferries Duke Point Terminal for four hours on Sunday. Police say along with the seizure of 10 vehicles, 30 violation tickets were issued under the Motor Vehicle Act, 23 orders were handed out for vehicle defects and 11 vehicle inspection orders were delivered to drivers of vehicles deemed unsafe to be on any roadway. More than 100 spectators were dispersed, but none was charged in relation to the illegal gathering. RCMP spokesperson Constable Gary O'Brien says despite various enforcement actions and traffic calming initiatives over the years, the drag racing and stunting have not stopped. And, he says officers fully expect participants will set up at an alternate location.
Arts organization light up in red to raise awareness
Arts organizations across the country, including the Port Theatre, are lighting up their buildings in red tonight. The General Manager of the Port Theatre, Bruce Halliday says the goal is to raise awareness for an industry that is still dark—and will be one of the last to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
"We're just saying 'red alert, raise the visibility and that we are ready to get back to work whenever we can."—Port Theatre General Manager Bruce Halliday.
The arts and culture industry generates $100 billion dollars a year in Canada. The pandemic has led to the loss of 152,000 jobs in that sector.
New in this update:
Election results may not be known for weeks after election
B.C.'s Chief Electoral Officer says the question of who will form the next government may not be answered for weeks after voting day. Anton Boegman says the final count for mail-in ballots will not start for at least 13 days after voting day on October the 24th. That's because officials need to verify that mail-in ballots are legitimate and that voters did not vote once by mail and once in person. And Boegman says that assumes 200,000 mail-in ballots will be cast. But he says survey results suggest up to 800,000 British Columbians may opt to vote by mail.
“If there are a significant amount of absentee ballots, including vote-by-mail ballots, the preparation time before final count may take longer. We don't know what that may be because we do not know the volume of the absentee ballots and vote by mail ballots that will be cast during this election.”—Chief Electoral Officer Anton Boegman.
Boegman says more than 20,000 British Columbians have requested mail-in packages in less than 24 hours since the election was called.
Some at UBCM concerned over Provincial Election and what NDP loss could mean for funding
Some municipal politicians are raising concerns about having a provincial election right now. Delegates at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities discussed their worries at a panel on the opening day of their Annual General Meeting. The Executive Director of the BC Green Party, Jonina Campbell is worried about having a majority government.
"So, if people are in a position where people don't have access and the power is kept among the captain it's really difficult for people to have their, what they need to be represented or heard or listened to so this is why the minority is good at that"—BC Green Party Executive Director Jonina Campbell.
Others raised concerns about what will happen to the BC Restart Plan funding if New Democrats are not re-elected. Under it, municipalities will get $540 million dollars for local government operations and a further $100 million dollars for COVID infrastructure projects.
Tuesday COVID-19 update
B.C.'s most recent COVID-19 numbers, compiled since last Friday show there have been 366 new infections in BC over the past three days. There have been seven new cases of the virus confirmed in the Island Health region during that time. That brings our active case count to eleven. There were four deaths from the coronavirus in B.C. since Friday—none in Island Health. Later this morning, B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer and the province's chief electoral officer will hold a news conference to outline plans to ensure a safe voting process in the midst of the pandemic.
Temperature checks and mandatory masks come to Woodgrove Centre
Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo has become the first shopping mall in B.C. to initiate temperature checks and mandatory masks for shoppers. The new policies were announced on Friday by the mall's new owner. Weihong Liu, a Chinese immigrant businesswoman, purchased the property through her family's company, Central Walk, on September 1st. She has lived on Vancouver Island for the past six years and has owned and managed shopping centres in China for 20 years.
New in this update:
Premier John Horgan calls an election
British Columbians are going to the polls a year earlier than planned Premier John Horgan has announced an election will be held on October the 24th. The next scheduled election was set for October of 2021. However, New Democrats hope a snap vote will turn the party’s 41-seat minority government into at least a 44-seat majority. Horgan is currently enjoying a 70 per cent approval rating in the polls, but he insists the snap election is not about politics.
"I have grappled with this. We have significant challenges ahead on the health front, on the economic front, and what instability that brings to our communities and our social fabric. I believe the best way to get going on the work ahead, is to put the politics behind us. I cannot imagine twelve more months of bickering, twelve more months of not knowing whether a bill would pass the legislature because of uncertainty in numbers. I think the best way forward is to resolve that now. And that's why we're doing this."—Premier John Horgan.
Nanaimo’s voters last went to the polls in January 2019 in a by-election for a seat that was left vacant when Leonard Krog resigned to become the city's mayor. Sheila Malcolmson won the byelection for the NDP with 49.88 per cent of the vote. In the 2017 provincial election, the NDP’s Doug Routley won the Nanaimo-North Cowichan riding. Both MLAs say they will run again in this provincial election.
Dr. Bonnie Henry to go it alone with Health Briefings during election
Meanwhile, today's election call means the current Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, will not be taking part in the regular COVID-19 briefings. Starting today, only the Provincial Health Officer will attend those briefings. Dr Bonnie Henry explains why:
"It would not be appropriate for him being on the campaign and have the opportunity to speak publicly twice a week. But he will very much be involved in ensuring the ongoing management of the crisis, along with Minister James who is the caretaker-minister during this period."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says as provincial health officer, she has the power to make health orders without the consent of the government. However, she says she intends to continue to advise and consult with government ministers including Dix and James. Meanwhile, Henry and BC's Chief Electoral Officer will release the details of the COVID election safety plan tomorrow.
Monday COVID-19 update
Today's COVID-19 numbers, compiled since last Friday show there have been 366 new infections in BC over the past three days. There have been seven new cases of the virus in the Island Health region during that time. That our active case count to eleven. There were four deaths from the coronavirus in BC since Friday and none in Island Health.
New in this update:
Premier John Horgan calls an election
British Columbians are going to the polls. Premier John Horgan has announced an election will be held on October the 24th. Advance Polls will open on October the 16. The next scheduled election is set for October of 2021. However, New Democrats hope a snap vote will turn the party’s 41-seat minority government into at least a 44-seat majority. Horgan is currently enjoying a 70 per cent approval rating in the polls, but he insists the snap election is not about politics.
"I have grappled with this. We have significant challenges ahead on the health front, on the economic front, and what instability that brings to our communities and our social fabric. I believe the best way to get going on the work ahead, is to put the politics behind us. I cannot imagine twelve more months of bickering, twelve more months of not knowing whether a bill would pass the legislature because of uncertainty in numbers. I think the best way forward is to resolve that now. And that's why we're doing this."—Premier John Horgan.
This will not be the first time in B.C. history that voters will go to the polls during a provincial state of emergency. An election was held under a provincial state of emergency in World War two.
Worksafe BC is investigating complaints at two schools
WorkSafe BC is investigating complaints by Nanaimo and Ladysmith teachers about unsafe working conditions at two schools. Teachers at Cilaire Elementary and Ladysmith Intermediate lodged complaints because neither school has a working ventilation system and smoky skies last week forced students to be in classrooms with closed windows all day. WorkSafe BC has told the district and the local teachers' association to begin a joint investigation with the goal of finding a solution. The School District has said it plans to install a new HVAC system in the schools within the next five years. Teachers expect the short term solution will be to purchase portable hepa filtration units.
24/7 support coming to local ACT team
People living with severe mental health challenges in Nanaimo will now be able to access 24/7 community-based support. A new Assertive Community Treatment team will provide individualized support for adults with serious and often persistent mental health challenges that make it difficult to manage day-to-day activities. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says COVID-19 has made existing mental health struggles even worse so the new ACT team will be available 24/7 and can deliver services in any situation, ranging from clients homes, work places, parks or recreation locations. The MLA for Nanaimo, Sheila Malcolmson says, it means more people with serious mental health challenges will receive regular and consistent mental health support.
New in this update:
Court appearance today for Steven Michael Bacon in Makala Chang murder
The man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager three and a half years ago, made his first court appearance today. 60-year-old Steven Michael Bacon is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Makayla Chang. The 16-year-old was last seen on March 17, 2017. Her body was discovered two months later but police won't say where. Today, Bacon appeared by video conference from Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he is being held.
Chang's father was at the courthouse in Nanaimo today. Kerry Chang says it made his skin crawl to see the accused killer. He says his family is grateful that the legal proceedings have started. Chang says it has been hard being kept in the dark about what happened to his daughter three and a half years ago. He says this tragedy can serve as a caution to parents.
“It's just really important to know what their children are doing. Who they're hanging out with and what's going on. I think it’s really important. Something that seemed so harmless in the beginning has turned out to be a tragedy, so... yeah."—Kerry Chang, Makayla Chang’s Father.
Meanwhile, Bacon remains in custody. His next appearance is set for October the 19th. No date has been set for a preliminary hearing.
Groundwater in Cassidy water cleared for consumption
It's safe to drink the water in Cassidy. Groundwater was tested in the area around the Schnitzer Steel operation near the airport, after a fire at the site more than a week ago. Island Health’s Medical Health Officers and Environmental Health team have determined the chemical results are safely within the maximum allowable concentrations set in the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Fines meant to save bears from being euthanized
Some residents along Nanaimo Lakes Road have been fined for putting their garbage out the night before pickup. The Nanaimo News Bulletin is reporting the BC Conservation Officer Service issued seven tickets on Wednesday evening. Conservation Officer Stuart Bates says the reason enforcement is occurring now is that conservation officers know bears come for fruit trees on the outskirts of areas like Parksville and Nanaimo at this time of year. He says the goal is to prevent the bears from getting at garbage, becoming habituated and then possibly having to be euthanized. Bates says the $230 dollar ticket is for violating a bylaw that says garbage must not be taken to the curb before the pickup day.
Friday COVID-19 update
There are 139 cases of COVID-19 being reported in BC today, but not all of them are from the past 24 hours. 40 are cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region that were confirmed between August the 11th and September the 16th, but not reported until today. There are no new cases confirmed in the Island Health Region today, however, there have been nine new cases of the virus in our region confirmed over the past week, bringing the total to 196 cases in our health region since the pandemic began. There were three deaths from COVID-19 on the lower mainland over the past 24 hours.
New in this update:
Court appearance today for Steven Michael Bacon in Makala Chang murder
The man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager three and a half years ago, will make his first court appearance today. 60-year-old Steven Michael Bacon is charged with first degree murder in the death of Makayla Chang. The 16-year-old was last seen on March 17, 2017. Her body was discovered two months later but police won't say where. Bacon was arrested on an unrelated charge in New Brunswick more than a year ago. He was transferred to Thunder Bay after the Nanaimo murder charge was approved. He will appear in court by video conference from Thunder Bay.
New COVID-19 testing for children to be used in B.C. school districts
Students from Kindergarten to Grade Nine will get a different kind of COVID-19 test, one that is more comfortable than a nasal swab and does not require a nurse or doctor to administer it. The saline mouth rinse and spit test can be administered by a parent or the student, but it must be taken at a testing centre. BC's Provincial Health officer says the made in B.C. collection method is one of the first of its kind in the world. Dr. Bonnie Henry says it will help reduce wait times and make testing easier for children.
"It is a way that we've tried to make it more efficient so we don't have as long line ups and it doesn't take as long to do, but we've had limited supplies so to start with we've focused on children because we know right now it's going to be very critical for children, if they start showing symptoms of COVID-19 and they're in a school setting, many of them will need to be tested, so it's a way of trying to facillitate that and make it easier right now."–BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry
Like with the nasal swab test, the new saline test will be sent to a lab for analysis, so it is not considered a rapid test.
COVID-19 Numbers
BC has set a new record for daily COVID-19 infections, with 165 new cases confirmed yesterday. That includes more than 100 new cases in the Fraser Health Region and one in the Island Health Region. Health officials say many of the new cases are people who were already self isolating because of close contact with others who have the virus. The new case counts also include two new outbreaks, at the Delta and Peace Arch Hospitals. There has been one new death reported, bringing BC total fatalities to 220. Fifty seven people are in hospital, including one in Island Health.
Forest March B.C
People who are united against forest practises in B.C. are planning a march this afternoon. The loosely organized group, Forest March BC describes itself as being dedicated to "uniting and empowering B.C. communities by creating a network of engaged resistance and solidarity for nature-based management of B.C. forests,”
Marches are scheduled across 13 communities including Nanaimo, Victoria, Powell River, Comox Valley, Gabriola Island and Parksville. In Nanaimo, the march begins at 1pm at Diana Krall Plaza.
New in this update:
Horgan unveils economic recovery plan
The provincial government is targeting its $1.5 billion dollar economic recovery plan at health care, small business, tourism and local government. More than $400 million will be spent on job creation and training including immediate programs for jobs in healthcare, childcare and community service. Another $405 million will be spent on helping small and medium-sized businesses. The measures include a recovery grant of up to $30,000 dollars for businesses hit hard by the pandemic and up to $40,000 for tourism sector businesses. Tax breaks will be offered to businesses that create jobs and retain employees and there will be a provincial sales tax exemption on machinery purchases. Tourism organizations will receive cash infusions for marketing and promotion and a just created Tourism Task Force will dole out $50 million dollars more in the coming months. Dozens more initiatives will focus on infrastructure and community development projects for municipalities. Premier John Horgan says the plan was crafted with people in mind.
"This plan is built on extensive consultation with individuals, groups and communities. Fundamental priorities remain the same. We need to protect people's health, we need to keep the economy open safely and we need to support communities.”—Premier John Horgan.
New record for COVID-19 in B.C.
B.C. has set a new record for daily COVID-19 infections, with 165. That includes more than 100 new cases in the Fraser Health Region and one in the Island Health Region. Health officials say many of the newly confirmed cases are people who were already self-isolating because of close contact with others who have the virus. The new case counts also include two new outbreaks, at the Delta and Peace Arch Hospitals. There has been one new death reported, bringing B.C. total fatalities to 220. Fifty-seven people are in hospital, including one in Island Health.
Students K-9 in B.C. to be tested by saline mouth wash COVID-19 test
Students from kindergarten to grade nine will get a different kind of COVID-19 test, one that is more comfortable than a nasal swab and does not require a nurse or doctor to administer it. The saline mouth rinse and spit test can be administered by a parent or the student, but it must be taken at a testing centre. BC's Provincial Health officer says the made in B.C. collection method is one of the first of its kind in the world. Dr. Bonnie Henry says it will help reduce wait times and make testing easier for children.
"It is a way that we've tried to make it more efficient so we don't have as long line ups and it doesn't take as long to do, but we've had limited supplies so to start with we've focused on children because we know right now it's going to be very critical for children, if they start showing symptoms of COVID-19 and they're in a school setting, many of them will need to be tested, so it's a way of trying to facilitate that and make it easier right now."—Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Like with the nasal swab test, the new saline test will be sent to a lab for analysis, so it is not considered a rapid test.
New in this update:
Recovery plan for B.C. to be presented today
B.C.'s much anticipated economic recovery plan will be revealed today. At the start of the pandemic, the provincial government set aside $1 and a half-billion dollars for economic recovery. Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James will announce how it will be spent at 1:30 this afternoon. You can watch it live on the Government of BC Facebook page, Twitter account or YouTube channel. We will bring you details of the announcement on our news update at 3 p.m.
Nanaimo—Ladysmith MP Paul Manly to host town hall on Guaranteed Livable Income
People interested in finding out more about a Guaranteed Livable Income can tune into a virtual town hall meeting today. The idea of providing a minimum annual income to Canadians is being studied by a senate committee. Senator Kim Pate and a panel of experts will explain the basics and talk about the pros and cons. The Zoom meeting event is being hosted by local MP Paul Manly. He says support for a Guaranteed Livable Income has been a Green Party policy since 2006. Manley says the COVID-19 pandemic has given the idea traction.
"There was a real scramble to ensure that Canadians were taken care of and the CERB is a type of guaranteed livable income payment. There's been some recent polling as well that shows that people want a different system in place for the social safety net and I think that this crisis with COVID 19 and the economic crisis that has been created by it demonstrates that we don't really have that social safety net in place for people."—Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Ladysmith, Paul Manly.
The town hall starts at 4 p.m. today and you can register at the website: Paul Manley, MP.
Council cautious to define role in health and housing too quickly
Nanaimo city council has decided to delay defining what role it will play when it comes to health and housing. It had planned to create a position statement, a guiding document that outlines its values and goals on housing and homelessness. But a staff report presented last Monday concluded the document needed work and recommended it be sent to the city's health and housing task force to be refined. But, the city councillor who chairs the task force, Erin Hemmens made a motion to delay defining the city's role for six more months.
"I didn't want the Health and Housing Task Force to wrestle with necessarily, what is the city's role. I think that's our job as nine council, to do that. And given that we're in this process in possibly reorganizing ourselves around a new mandate in this realm, that I'd like to defer it. Give it six months and I can digest it, we can all digest it and we'll have a lot more information in terms of where we're at in terms of health and housing."—Councillor Erin Hemmens.
Council voted unanimously in favour of delaying the discussion until February. Meanwhile, the Task Force Action Report on Health and Housing is due at the end of October.
COVID-19 update for Wednesday September 16th
There have been 122 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC over the past 24 hours. However, there have been no new cases in the Island Health region since Monday. There have been no new deaths reported today but admissions to intensive care units in hospitals have doubled to 23 in one week. No one is in hospital for coronavirus in our health region.
No COVID-19 cases reported at School Districts within Island Health region
School districts will soon be reporting on COVID-19 cases. Regional health authorities are creating school notification pages. They will provide the date and type of notification, whether it be an outbreak, a cluster of cases or exposure, which is when someone from a school has tested positive for coronavirus but has little if any close contact with others. The Fraser Health Authority school notification page is in place now and shows there has been COVID-19 exposure at 6 schools. Other health authorities, including Island Health, are expected to have their school notification pages available soon. There have been no reported cases of school exposures in the Island Health region.
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses will now be able to prescribe hydromorphone
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses will now be able to prescribe safer alternatives to street drugs. BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued the order today. Previously, only physicians and licensed practical nurses had the power to write prescriptions for alternative drugs like hydromorphone. BC's Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says this latest order is another step in dealing with the overdose crisis.
"Even the changes we made to expand the guidelines in March have seen a tripling of the number of people receiving hydromorphone in that project, in that program, but we felt we needed to create more opportunities that made sense for nurse practitioners and nurses to do it." —Minster of Health Adrian Dix.
Health officials say the order will help those who come into contact with nurses working on outreach teams and in-hospital psychiatric departments to avoid toxic street drugs. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is also looking at expanding the types of alternative drugs that can be prescribed. Statistics from July show there were 175 drug toxicity deaths in BC, and in June, there were 177 fatalities.
Air quality slowly improving
The air quality in Nanaimo has improved somewhat today. Environment Canada is rating air quality at 8, down from 10+ yesterday. However, that still means people should avoid strenuous exercise and vulnerable groups like children, seniors and pregnant women should consider staying indoors. Winds from the south are expected to continue to push smoke north over the next 24-48 hours and rain in the forecast is expected to help as well. The improvement in local air quality has led Canada Post to promise deliveries in some Nanaimo neighbourhoods today.
Smokey skies continue
Smoke from US wildfires will continue to affect skies over Nanaimo today. The city's air quality rating remains at a 10+ which means a very high risk for those with respiratory ailments and underlying health conditions. People are being advised to avoid exercise stay indoors, windows closed and run furnace fans with clean filters to improve indoor air quality. Environment Canada is predicting the possibility of relief from the smoke starting tonight or tomorrow.
Lockdown at First Nation on Sunshine Coast
The Tla'amin First Nation near Powell River continues its local lockdown, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the community reaches 28. Hegus Clint Williams of the Tla'amin tribe says the community is pulling together but tensions remain.
"It tugs at your heartstrings when you see the stress and the anxiety and fear that people have, kind of trying to figure out what is happening so I feel for all of them and we're trying to do the best we can by protecting everybody."—Hegus (Chief) Clint Williams.
The Tla'amin Executive Council has extended its Shelter in Place order until tomorrow at 5 p.m. while it awaits results from more COVID-19 tests.
Twelve active cases of COVID-19 in Island Health
Meanwhile, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region, but there have been 97 new cases confirmed elsewhere in the province over the past 24 hours. There are twelve active cases of the virus in Island Health and just under 1600 active cases province-wide.
Mayor comments on Navigation Centre
Nanaimo has been selected as the second community in BC to get what's called a Navigation Centre. It's a 60-bed shelter for the hardest to house street people, but unlike other shelters, this one will include hand-picked clients who will receive treatment for mental health and addictions. Mayor Leonard Krog says the province will provide the space, a local service provider will manage it and the city will work on buy-in from the wider community.
"From my perspective as mayor of this city, it's a substantial problem for the community; the level of resources it's absorbing. And as a human being, it's the 21st century and you have people, as I've said before, living in hell on the streets and making a bit of hell for people around them and it needs to get fixed."—Mayor Leonard Krog
Krog says a location has not been found yet but he expects the Navigation Centre to be up and running by next spring.
New in this update:
COVID-19 update
There are no new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region, but there have been 97 new cases confirmed elsewhere in the province since yesterday. There are twelve active cases of the virus in Island Health and just under 1600 active cases province-wide.
Indigenous rights and privacy rights at odds
A coalition of first nations is asking BC's Information and Privacy Commissioner to order the province to disclose the location of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases near their communities. The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Tsilhqot'in National Government and the Heiltsuk Nation say they need that information to keep their communities safe. They want to be told whether the case involves a person that has travelled to one of the Nations and the name of a person infected, if they are a member of one of the Nations so that culturally-safe contact tracing can be put into place. BC's Minister of Health, says he discussed the issue with first nations leaders yesterday. But, it appears Adrian Dix is not willing to agree to their request.
"There are issues to balance here, in terms of people's right to privacy, which is closely connected to their willingness to engage with us, in the health care system. So these are issues we are working on with first nations communities."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix says the best way to protect first nations communities is to have a robust and culturally sensitive approach by the health care system that supports those affected by the virus.
The BC Greens will have full slate of Candidates says Furstenau
The new leader of the BC Greens says her party will run a full slate of candidates, if a snap election is called. Sonia Furstenau says calling a snap election would be irresponsible and unnecessary in the midst of a pandemic. But she says her party is ready if that happens.
"We're going to bring forward a platform and policy ideas to show that we are ready to lean into the recovery from COVID-19 in a way that puts health and well-being, security of people, small businesses, renters. It addresses the inequalities that we see in this province and we're going to focus on being a very strong alternative to what has existed in BC politics and will show we have only just gotten started in changing politics in BC and we are going to do a lot more in the future."—BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau.
Furstenau says BC Greens have set partisanship aside and collaborated with the NDP government to ensure British Columbians get the programs they need to cope with the pandemic. She says she will continue to operate in the spirit of collaboration, no matter what the outcome of the next election.
Mayor of Tofino announces plan to run for Mid Island-Pacific Rim for NDP
Meanwhile, election speculation continues with the Mayor of Tofino throwing her hat in the ring as the NDP candidate in the next provincial election. Josie Osborne announced her plans to run in the riding of Mid Island-Pacific Rim, less than 24 hours after the current MLA Scott Fraser announced he will not run again.
New in this update:
Smoke in Nanaimo continues
Smoky skies have suspended mail service in Nanaimo. Canada Post says it will not be making deliveries due to unsafe air quality conditions. Meanwhile, BC's Provincial Health Officers is advising people to wear masks while outside, because of the smoke from US wildfires. Dr. Bonnie Henry says symptoms from smoke irritation can mimic COVID-19. She says she supports children continuing to go to school, despite the fact they will remain indoors throughout the day, in rooms where the windows are closed.
"Schools can be a very safe place for people, and children and all adults those in the school system. It's a place where you can be protected from both COVID-19 and from the smoky skies. We need to go back to our basics making sure we are screening out and if we have concerns about symptoms, to stay away from school. To make sure that we have our distancing, our hand cleaning, that we close windows during those conditions and that we use, if available, the HVAC systems with HEPA filters, which some places have."—Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Rising COVID-19 Case Numbers
British Columbia continues to see rising case counts, deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. There have been 317 new cases confirmed since Friday and 6 more deaths, including the first coronavirus death in the Northern Health Region. There are five new infections confirmed in the Island Health region but no hospitalizations. However, there are 58 people in hospital elsewhere in BC, including 16 in intensive care. Nevertheless, BC's Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says he still intends to expand visits to assisted living and long term care homes.
"The visits that have been conducted to date have been positive, that we haven't seen from those visits any cases and that gives us confidence that we're on the right track. It’s clear that as a goal, we want to increase those visits so that's the effort that's going on right now."—Minister of Health, Adrian Dix.
Dix says the issue of visits in care homes is the most common topic in communication he receives from the public.
Premier Horgan to call an election?
The speculation over whether the Premier will call an election this month continues to grow, with the MLA for Mid-Island-Pacific Rim announcing he will not run the next time around. Scott Fraser, who is also the Minister of Indigenous Relations, has been an MLA for the past 15 years and before that, he was the mayor of Tofino. Fraser says "It is time to spend more time with my loved ones and allow space for the leaders of tomorrow to step forward." B.C.'s Minister of Forests, Don Donaldson has also said he will not run again.
New in this update:
Five new COVID-19 infections in Island Health, no hospitalizations
British Columbia continues to see rising case counts, deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. There have been 317 new cases confirmed since Friday and six more deaths, including the first coronavirus death in the Northern Health Region. There are five new infections confirmed in the Island Health region but no hospitalizations. However, there are 58 people in hospital elsewhere in BC, including 16 in intensive care. B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer says increasing admissions are putting a strain on hospitals, but Dr. Bonnie Henry says it's nowhere near capacity.
"As we get more cases, the chances of getting spillover into people who are more vulnerable, people who are more likely to have severe illness and end up in hospital is going up and we're seeing that. We're not seeing overwhelming of our health system but we need to do our best to prevent transmissions to people who are more likely to end up in hospital or ICU."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says the spillover is happening when young people with the virus infect senior members of their own families.
Screening for lung cancer coming to B.C.
British Columbia has become the first province in Canada to launch a comprehensive screening program for lung cancer. The CT scan screening program will be in place in hospitals across the province by the spring of 2022. The vice president and chief medical officer of BC Cancer says currently, three quarters of all lung cancers are diagnosed in late stages, and has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers. Dr. Kim Chee says lives will be changed because of today's announcement.
"Six British Columbians will die everyday from lung cancer. Prevention and early detection are the keys to changing this statistic. By introducing lung cancer screening in BC and linking these efforts with prevention by smoking cessation programs, we can decrease mortality, increase the chance of cure and improve survival from lung cancer."—Dr. Kim Chee.
When complete, the program will screen 20,000 people a year.
Sonia Furstenau warns Premier Horgan against early election
Sonia Furstenau, the MLA for the Cowichan Valley is the new leader of the BC Green Party. Furstenau won the three way race in the second ballot, with 52.4 per cent of the vote. In her victory speech, Furstenau warned the government against what she called "the spectre of a completely unnecessary and irresponsible early election."
"To John Horgan, I say: 'You have a responsibility to govern. This is not the time to dissolve the government, to leave a province leaderless for over a month in hopes of securing more power for yourself.'"—BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau.
Furstenau also stressed the need to continue the party's focus on the environment and to press the provincial government to provide mental health counselling under the medical services plan.
New in this update:
Air Quality in Nanaimo one of the worst on the planet
Smoke from US wildfires will continue to plague us today, but meteorologists say the skies will start to clear. Southern Vancouver Island has been under a health advisory for several days. Air quality in Nanaimo reached a 10 plus rating on Saturday, which made it one of the most polluted cities on the planet. The rating means there is an increased risk of respiratory issues. People are being urged to stay inside and avoid strenuous exercise.
Meteorologists say rain in the forecast tomorrow will help dissipate the smoke.
COVID-19 Outbreak in the Tla'amin First Nation
The Tla'amin First Nation has extended its shelter in place order until 5 pm today, in an effort to keep people from spreading COVID-19. The original order was issued last Tuesday, after 4 people tested positive for the virus. However, 14 more cases were confirmed on Saturday. Children are being encouraged not to attend school until the order is lifted. The first nation, near Powell River, believes the virus was originally transmitted at a funeral.
New School Buses for High School Students
It will be a slightly different journey to school for high school students who live on Gabriola Island. Starting today, they will board two school buses before embarking on the ferry to Nanaimo. A spokesperson for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District says the students will stay on the buses during the voyage and be dropped off and picked up at their high school. Dale Burgos says the first-of-its-kind agreement with BC Ferries is an effort to ensure a safe school restart.
"By keeping them on the bus, it keeps them from coming into contact with other people. So we can control that by bringing these buses on to the ferry, for sure."–Dale Burgos, Executive Director of Communications, Privacy and Community Engagement for SD-68.
About 100 students from Gabriola Island attend Nanaimo District Secondary School.
MLA Sonia Furstenau chosen as Leader of BC Greens
The votes are counted and BC Greens will announce their new leader this afternoon. Three candidates threw their hats in the ring. They are Cam Brewer, a Vancouver Lawyer and SFU prof who specializes in environmental and aboriginal law. Kim Darwin, a mortgage broker from Sechelt. She ran unsuccessfully for the greens in the last provincial election, and arguably the best-known candidate, Sonya Furstenau, the MLA for Cowichan Valley and Deputy Party Leader. The pandemic delayed the race which was originally planned for June. Interim Party Leader Adam Olsen says the race has attracted more members but he says having leadership races for both the provincial and federal greens at the same time has hurt fundraising efforts.
"It's difficult for people to sort through. If they are members of both parties, it's made it difficult with respect to fundraising. Both federal leadership contestants and provincial leadership contestants going to the same people has made it difficult."—Interim Party Leader Adam Olsen.
BC Greens have also called on government not to call an election before next fall's deadline, but political pundits have been postulating that the Premier may drop the writ before the end of this month.
New in this update:
No new Covid-19 deaths today, three total for past week in British Columbia
British Columbia is closing the week with its second-highest daily case count of COVID-19 infections. There have been 132 new cases confirmed since yesterday's record setting number of 139. There are three new cases in the Island Health Region, bringing our weekly total to 10. There have been no new deaths reported today and province wide this week, there were three deaths. All were residents in long term care homes on the lower mainland.
SD-68 selected in school bus seatbelt safety study
The Nanaimo Ladysmith School District has been selected to be part of a national pilot project for seatbelt safety on school buses. The pilot begins in January, once the district receives two buses, equipped with five point harnesses. The buses will also be equipped with interior and exterior cameras, to measure how bus riders and other drivers and pedestrians react in various situations. The district will monitor and collect data for Transport Canada, which in turn, hopes to entrench enhanced safety measures on school buses. School District Superintendent Scott Saywell says Nanaimo welcomes the chance to participate.
"In Nanaimo-Ladysmith, we're very proud of the reputation we have with working with governments, with other school districts to try new things and in this case, to make our students as safe as we can."—SD-68 Superintendent Scott Saywell.
The project will run until the end of this school year.
Schnitzer Steel fire update
People from Ladysmith to south Nanaimo are being advised to stay indoors and avoid using water because of a toxic fire burning south of the Nanaimo Airport. The fire at the Schnitzer Steel recycling property is now under control, but smoke from burning tires and plastic continues to billow from the site. Environmental experts are assessing whether groundwater has been contaminated. People who draw their water from wells in the area have been asked not to use them until the results are in, which could be tonight or tomorrow. People in the Ladysmith area are being asked not to use water to ensure there is enough supply to fight the fire. The fire broke out just after 10 yesterday morning and at its peak, more than 50 firefighters from 15 departments were battling it. About a dozen firefighters are expected to remain on the scene throughout the weekend.
Deadly gravel road to Bamfield to be paved
A $30 million dollar project is planned for a narrow, gravel road near Bamfield that has been the sight of serious accidents for many years. The road is the only link to the community, and also leads to the West Coast Trail. The 76 kilometre long road will be paved over the next three years. The Huu-ay-aht First Nation will contribute $5 million dollars for the upgrade. Almost exactly one year ago, a bus carrying biology students and instructors from the University of Victoria to Bamfield Marine Sciences Center, rolled down an embankment while trying to make room for an oncoming vehicle. Two students died in the crash.
New in this update:
People from Ladysmith to South Nanaimo are advised to stay inside and avoid using water
People from Ladysmith to south Nanaimo are being advised to stay indoors and avoid using water because of a toxic fire burning south of the Nanaimo Airport. The fire at the Schnitzer Steel recycling property is now under control, but smoke from burning tires and plastic continues to billow from the site. Environmental experts are on-site to assess whether groundwater has been contaminated. The fire broke out just after 10 a.m. yesterday morning and at its height, more than fifty firefighters from fifteen departments were battling the blaze.
COVID-19 pandemic funding
B.C.'s Auditor General wants to know what kind of government oversight is in place to measure how its pandemic program spending is benefiting British Columbians. Michael Pickup's report on COVID-19 Pandemic Funding Allocations and Other Financial Relief Measures was released today. It is not an audit. It is simply a list of where $5 billion dollars in government pandemic relief has been budgeted. Pickup says it's too early to say whether it is money well spent.
"Given the uncertainty around the magnitude of economic decline caused by the pandemic, the province's path to economic recovery is largely unknown. One driver of this impact of a second wave of COVID-19 cases will be and what measure will need to be taken to keep the people of British Columbia safe."—B.C.'s Auditor General, Michael Pickup.
BC's Minister of Finance says she will be announcing details next week, on how the government plans to spend one and a half billion dollars set aside to stimulate economic recovery.
There are no masks available for elementary school students in Nanaimo and Ladysmith
The Nanaimo Ladysmith School District is asking students to bring their own masks to school because it has not received its promised supply. A spokesperson for the district says there are no masks available for elementary school students and a very limited supply for those in high school. The Ministry of Education promised each student would receive two reusable face masks this year. Its return to class plan says high school students must wear masks when physical distancing is not possible. District spokesperson Dale Burgos says the lack of masks comes down to a supply problem.
"We've received some, but not enough for all schools. And so, we've got enough for our secondary students, who the masks are mandated for through the restart plan and through the province. I can't say if they are actually in the schools just yet. And we are waiting for another shipment of masks coming in, just so we can have masks available for every student if needed."—District spokesperson Dale Burgos.
Burgos says the district hopes it will receive its next shipment of masks early next week.
New in this update:
Fire at Schnitzer Steel could threaten local groundwater supplies
People from Ladysmith to south Nanaimo are being asked not to use water this evening because of the risk of contamination from a large fire, just south of the Nanaimo Airport. Seventy firefighters from fifteen fire departments have been battling the blaze at the Schnitzer Steel recycling property since 11 o'clock this morning. A spokesperson for the Cowichan Valley Regional District says toxic smoke from burning tires, foam and plastics have prompted an air quality advisory. Kris Schumacher says runoff from the debris could threaten local groundwater supplies.
"Groundwater contamination is a very real threat right now. We're certainly urging residents in the area to avoid using their water, if at all possible. Not just because of a threat of groundwater but also because crews are drawing on the groundwater reservoirs right now to fight the fire so every last drop hopefullywill count."—CVRD Spokesperson Kris Schumacher
Schumacher says emergency officials considered ordering an evacuation of the area, but he says that was not neccessary since firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties, including the Cold Star refrigerated transport centre. Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene overnight.
British Columbia has set an all time high for new COVID-19 infections, with 139 confirmed over the past 24 hours. There are two new cases in Island Health, bringing our active case count to 8. There have been no deaths from the coronavirus over the past two days.
Federal regulator to reinstate regulations regarding ferry passengers on car decks
The Premier says he's fighting a federal government decision to ban ferry passengers from remaining in their vehicles during sailings. Transport Canada allowed the practise last March, to help ensure physical distancing on BC ferries. Now, all passengers must wear masks on the ferries, so the federal regulator will reinstate its regulation that prohibits people from remaining on car decks during voyages, starting September the 30th. John Horgan calls the federal decision "disappointing" and an unwelcome intrusion on the province's right to manage its marine highway.
"We believe that we can safely transport people. This is not something we sought. This is something that's being imposed. It's returning to a previous situation that we also felt was somewhat heavy-handed for the inland waters that our ferries travel in. This is an unwelcome intrusion by the federal government at this time, and we're going to pursue it aggressively."—Premier John Horgan.
Horgan says he voiced his opposition at a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland earlier this week.
New in this update:
BC’s financial performance for the first quarter as expected
BC's financial performance in the first quarter of this year has confirmed what was predicted. The projected deficit will be just under $13 billion dollars for this fiscal year. The Minister of Finance says it's the result of declines in tax revenues and unprecedented spending on pandemic relief programs. BC's unemployment rate declined slightly to 10.7 per cent in August but remains twice as high as what it was before the pandemic began. Carole James says the hardest hit groups are youth, women and those employed in the service sectors. The Minister says she's optimistic about recovery, but expects it will need a boost from government.
”We've seen couple of months where the numbers have been very good. To see over 60 per cent of the jobs return that were lost in February is a very good sign, but again we continue to see tourism, accommodation, those areas very hard hit when it comes to the pandemic. So we will be looking and we are looking at all sectors including the hosp sector as part of the economic recovery plan and you'll hear about that shortly. That will be coming shortly."– Minister of Finance, Carole James.
James says there will be an announcement next week, on how BC will spend $1 and a half billion dollars for economic recovery.
Man accused of killing Nanaimo teen charged with first degree murder
The man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager three and a half years ago has now been charged with first degree murder. Sixteen year old Makayla Chang went missing on St Patrick's Day 2017. Her body was found two months later but police will not say where. Fifty-nine year old Steven Bacon was interviewed by police back in 2017 and his home was searched twice before Chang's body was found. Her family has said he had an unhealthy relationship with her. A Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson says Bacon was arrested on unrelated charges one year ago in Thunder Bay Ontario. Constable Gary O'Brien says finding, holding and charging Bacon is the result of cooperation among police, local authorities and members of the public.
"There was over 200 police officers working on this investigation and it spanned from Nanaimo all the way across Canada with not only RCMP officers, but municipal agencies and investigators working on this file, so it was tremendous cooperation. And without that cooperation, this first degree murder charge would never have been laid."– Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, Constable Gary O'Brien.
There is no word yet when Bacon will make his first court appearance.
Large fire burning south of Nanaimo
A large fire is burning at the Schnitzer Steel facility south of Nanaimo. The Nanaimo News Bulletin is reporting fire departments from Ladysmith, Duncan, Crofton, Cedar, Sahtlam, North Oyster and Cranberry are all assisting. Heavy machinery is being used to pull wreckage away and allow the crews to get to the fire. A helicopter is also at the scene and assisting in battling the blaze.
New in this update:
Nightclubs and banquet halls ordered closed
B.C.’s nightclubs and banquet halls have been ordered closed by the Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Bonnie Henry says they are the source of too many COVID-19 infections.
"And despite weeks of effort by public health teams, these venues are still the source of significant risk to everybody in B.C., so these restrictions are meant to take away that late night temptation that people have where we know that there's been mixing going on and transmission has been happening at these types of venues across the province."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry has also taken steps to reduce the consumption of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants. Starting now, alcohol sales at those venues are banned after 10 p.m. and the venues must close by 11 p.m.. As well, the volume level of all music and television events in those venues must be reduced to the same level as conversations, in an effort to prevent people from getting close and talking loudly. Henry says the restrictions are in response to rising COVID case counts, combined with the need to return students to classrooms safely, and there could be more restrictions as early as tomorrow. The Premier, the Minister of Health and Dr Henry are planning a news conference to announce updates to BC's Pandemic Plan for this fall.
429 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC over Labour Day long weekend
Meanwhile, there have been 429 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC over the long weekend, including four new cases in the Island Health Region. There have been two more deaths of former residents of long term care on the lower mainland.
Long ferry waits for those leaving Vancouver Island after Labour Day
People trying to leave Vancouver Island after the long weekend are running into usually long ferry waits. Since Sunday, travellers have been facing up to five sailing waits from Duke Point and Departure Bay. A spokesperson for BC Ferries says although sailing waits are common during long weekends, this Labour Day weekend has been more congested than predicted. Astrid Chang admits some travellers may have to wait until Wednesday to catch a ferry. And she is offering little for stranded travellers.
"When we do see a popular travel day like today those people who haven't made a booking on their selected sailing of choice we recommend they consider alternatives routed or alternative times of travel."—BC Ferries Spokesperson Astrid Chang.
Chang says BC Ferries has no plan to increase the number of sailings for the next long weekend in October.
Smoke from Washington State wildfires hazes south coast
People in Victoria are being advised to stay indoors today, because of heavy smoke from wildfires that are burning in Washington State. The air quality on the southern island is rated 10+ meaning "a very high risk." A high pressure weather system and high winds drew the smoke from Washington State to southern Vancouver Island late yesterday. There are close to 65,000 hectares of land burning in the state. Environment Canada is predicting the smoke may clear by this evening.
New in this update:
Nanaimo recreation department services reopen
Nanaimo's recreation department is hoping to make a splash this week, with the reopening of indoor rec centres and the Aquatic Centre. The region's rec centres and pools were closed in March, due to COVID-19. The city's manager of aquatics says there has been a lot of interest in Thursday's reopening of the Aquatic Center. Kathy Gonzales says she's been hearing from competitive sports teams, families and many others.
"The one group I hear the most from would be mostly seniors and people looking for access for rehabilitation and range of motion type activities, and people with mobility issues in general"—Manager of Aquatics, Kathy Gonzales
Gonzales says although the pool got the official go-ahead from the province in mid-June, a lot of organizational work followed to ensure a safe reopening. Plans had to be approved by both city and local health officials. Gonzales says changes might still be made throughout this opening week, and she's asking people to be patient.
"The COVID-plans seems to be fluid with COVID and constantly changing and so we ask for patience and understanding while we are working through the changes and figuring out what needs to be done to and how we can keep offering great services to the community."—Kathy Gonzales
There will be public swims but pre-registration is required since the number of swimmers will be limited to 20. There are no swimming lessons being offered yet and there are no immediate plans to reopen the pool at Beban Park. Other rec activities including skating, drop-in sports, weight room workouts and pottery sessions are starting up as well. All sessions must be pre-registered and pre-paid up to 72 hours in advance. This new system to limit participants is to comply with the Provincial Mass Gathering Order and to give staff time to clean and sanitize the facilities between sessions.
RCMP handout fines to four Americans dawdling through the province
RCMP in B.C. have handed out fines to four Americans for dawdling on their way through the province. A police spokesperson told the Associated Press it started with a call about a suspicious vehicle with an Alaskan license plate in Vancouver last month. Dawn Roberts says police concluded the four Alaskans were not on the most direct path from Alaska to Washington State. They had been in BC for longer than the allowed time. Roberts says the driver and three passengers were fined $500 each for violating an emergency order. They were escorted to the Peace Arch Border Crossing. Roberts says they did not pose a health risk and similar situations have so far, been rare.
Vancouver Island will be the first region in B.C. to convert to LED lighting along provincial highways and roadways. The Minister of Transportation says the new lighting will improve visibility for drivers and benefit the environment. Claire Trevena says besides providing better visibility, LED lights will use less energy and reduce maintenance costs. There are 24,000 lighting fixtures that will be converted throughout BC. It will save the province $2 million dollars a year.
New in this update:
COVID-19 update
British Columbia is ending the week with one new death from COVID-19 and 121 new infections confirmed. There have been two new cases in the Island Health Region in the past 24 hours. Over the past week, the region has recorded eight new cases.
Trudeau kiboshes decriminalization of hard drugs
BC's Minister of Health is downplaying recent comments by the Prime minister refusing to decriminalize hard drugs. This comes after the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police the Premier and Dr. Bonnie Henry have called for decriminalization for simple possession. Earlier this week, Justin Trudeau told CBC Vancouver that is not going to happen
"The key to decriminalization is making sure there is a safer supply for people struggling with addictions and that is what we will move forward on without having to take the step to decriminalize."—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Nevertheless, Adrian Dix says the federal position does not affect the province's plan to deal with the overdose crisis.
"It is true that a more fundamental change would require a change by the federal government but the public health emergency related to the overdose crisis that was declared some years ago and made worse by the COVID-19 crisis that public health emergency requires a comprehensive response and that's what we are doing"—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
Dix says the province is working with the federal government to expand the safe drug supply.
SD-68 brings another option to the table for parents with children returning to school
A vast majority of parents in Nanaimo and Ladysmith say their kids will be returning to classrooms next week. A school district survey of more than 12,000 families found 83 per cent intend to send their children back to in-class learning on September 10. Fewer than 200 have chosen home schooling, with no support from the district. However, close to 1,000 students have opted for the district's distributed learning program, which is a hybrid model, and, more than 1200 others are undecided. In light of that, the district has created a fourth option: a Transition Learning Program for Kindergarten to Grade 9. District Superintendent Scott Saywell says it will give families more time to decide whether their child will return to in-class instruction.
"We have a great number of parents who are a little nervous or anxious for their son or daughter to return to school so we have created a transition option for them. So students will keep their spot at their home school and they will have a completely online education."—SD-68 Superintendent Scott Saywell.
But that online education will only last until November the 4th. By that date, students will have to decide whether to return to class, enroll in the distributed learning program or opt for home schooling.
New in this update:
Indigenous leaders call for rapid testing for COVID-19 in their territories
There are 89 more cases of COVID-19 in BC today and one more death at a long term care home. The death toll now stands at 210. There were no new cases of the virus reported in the Island Health Region, however, a new case that was confirmed earlier this week in a first nation community near Gold River has indigenous leaders worried about the future. In June, the Nuu-Chul-Nulth Tribal Council called for rapid testing and screening of visitors in its territory. It also asked for training and implementation of culturally safe contact tracing and a protocol to inform the nations if a COVID case is nearby. Tribal Council president Judith Sayers says none of that has happened.
"We still would really like these four requirements put in place immediately or as soon as they possibly can. And we certainly want them to act soon. I mean, in Haida Gwaii, they had to wait for an outbreak before shutting it down."—Judith Sayers, Nu-Chul-Nulth Tribal Council President.
Sayers believes communities could avoid being shut down if the tribal council's four requirements are acted on.
Minister of Education sticking to directions given by Provincial Health Officer for classrooms
The Minister of Education is rejecting calls to order school districts to ensure physical distancing in classrooms. Rob Flemming says he's sticking with the advice given by Dr. Bonnie Henry that physical distancing is not required in BC classrooms. The BC Teachers Federation has asked Flemming to order districts to spend $243 million dollars worth of federal funding on reducing class size. Flemming is refusing to make that order.
"This funding will be used in different ways by different school districts based on what their priorities are for additional resources for COVID safety. They are going to receive per-pupil money that we are directing from the federal government to match the original provincial investment for them to use on health and safety and learning priorities in their district.”—Minister of Education Rob Flemming.
The province has already allocated $46 and a half million dollars in extra funding to school districts to implement COVID safety measures in their back to school plans. However, the secretary-treasurer of the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District told trustees at a meeting last night that the money allocated by the province has not been enough to cover all of its COVID related expenses.
Ian Hargreaves to resign from Comox Valley School Board
The Chair of the Comox Valley School Board has resigned, saying it had become clear his vision for the board was not consistent with that of a majority of trustees. Ian Hargreaves made the announcement at the school board meeting on Tuesday night. He also criticized board members for ignoring staff advice or leaving public meetings when a vote did not go their way. He said the friction had taken a toll on his health and resignation was his only option. In his parting remarks, Hargreaves said “This board is dysfunctional and has lost its focus… the problem is not at the board office but at the board table.”
New in this update:
Campbell had grown fans and sponsor-base for team
The General Manager of the Nanaimo Clippers is stepping down. The Junior A team says Tali Campbell has decided to move on to other ventures which will further expand his already impressive portfolio and resume.
In less than a year’s time, Campbell helped the team grow from an average of 900 fans per game to more than 1400. Its sponsor based doubled under his tenure. The Clippers owner, We Mussio says Campbell will be sadly missed and leaves a significant role in the management team heading into the 2020-21 season. Mussio is inviting candidates to apply for the General Manager's position by emailing the club.
Nanaimo Ladysmith School Board Public Meeting
The Nanaimo Ladysmith School Board held its first public meeting since the District's back to school plan was announced. But last night's virtual meeting went in-camera before any questions from the public could be asked and answered. Trustee Jessica Stanley had put forward a motion to require elementary school cohorts be kept separated from one another during non-instructional time, like recess. Trustee Stephanie Higgenson tried to put the discussion on hold until the board could get a medical opinion. Trustee Lisa Marie Barron wondered why that was necessary.
"I also question whether we would need medical information if we want to go above what is being recommended."—Trustee Lisa Marie Barron.
Under the province's COVID-19 safe return to school plan, different cohorts can mingle outside during recess. After the board voted against tabling the discussion about changing that, School District Superintendent Scott Saywell suggested another reason to kybosh the motion.
"There is an order that holds us not liable for damages resulting in anything that we do as a school district if we follow the order. Anytime we go outside that or put ourselves in a position where we propose to know more than the experts, I think it's a slippery slope and we increase our risk as a district."—School District Superintendent Scott Saywell.
Board members decided to get more legal advice behind closed doors. The board did resume the public portion of its meeting, but members of the public were unable to view it. The district says it will post the full meeting on its Youtube channel today.
Suspect arrested in fatal Ladysmith hit and run
The man suspected in a fatal hit and run near Ladysmith last weekend has been arrested. CHEK News is reporting the man was found at the Mountainaire Campground, south of Nanaimo yesterday morning. Two longtime female friends told the television station they allowed the distraught suspect to stay at their camp. He is accused of driving a Ford Pickup truck that crossed over the center median and into the northbound lane on Highway-1 near Ladysmith and then crashed head-on into an SUV. Katie Blogg, a 35-year-old mother of two young children, died at the scene early Saturday morning. South Island Traffic Services continues to investigate and has not yet recommended charges.
New in this update:
COVID-19 infections continue spike with new cases
COVID-19 infections continue to spike in BC, with 104 new cases confirmed since yesterday. Three new infections are in the Island Health Region. Some of the new infections are the result of an outbreak at Surrey Memorial Hospital. There are 1127 active COVID cases in BC and more than twice as many people are under public health monitoring because of their close contact with a known case.
School districts to receive extra funding this year for mental health programs
School districts in BC will get an extra $2 million dollars this year, to enhance mental health programs. The minister of mental health and addictions says because children are returning to school during uncertain times, it is important that students can get extra support to help with anxiety or depression. Judy Darcy says it is up to each school board to decide how to spend the money.
"It really about the school district looking at what their needs are because the mental health programs at the school might vary widely. So some might have certain programs but not others so there might be a gap they will want to fill. But this is very much about expanding programs that will support students and families and staff around the anxieties especially around COVID-19"—Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
The funding is a one time increase to the three year $8.8 million investment in school district mental health programs that was initiated last year. This school year, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District will receive three and three quarters of a million dollars to promote mental wellness.
SD-68 School Trustee Chair expects many questions regarding preparedness for new school year
The chair of the Nanaimo school board expects to be peppered with questions from parents at tonight's meeting. Tonight's agenda includes more than a dozen letters from parents, calling on the board to mandate masks, delay school openings and create hybrid learning programs. Tonight's livestream is another opportunity to ask questions. Charlene McKay says it's the board's job to respond.
"Parents have just been waiting for answers. You know, what is the ministry going to say? What is the ministry going to ask for and then what is our board going to do about it? So it's not necessarily a specific question that they've been asking so much as I think that they are going to get into the specific questions now that they know that back to school is going to look different than it did in June."—Charlene McKay, SD-68 School Trustee Chair.
Tonight's meeting is just getting underway now. You can watch by going to the district's website. Scroll down the right side under "Board News Bulletins" and select Online Meeting.
New in this update:
British Columbians’ information rights are being undermined
A new report says the provincial government is breaking the law, when it comes to requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The report examined 4,000 requests for information between 2017 and 2020. It found government regularly extends the thirty day time limit to answer those requests without seeking approval from the privacy commissioner's office first. The Information and Privacy Commissioner says as a result, British Columbians' information rights are being undermined. However, Michael McEvoy also found the current government's behaviour is an improvement over how the former Liberal government responded to requests before 2017. The report makes several recommendations, including using automation for the processing of records.
Nanaimo City Council to pursue Housing Navigation Centre pilot project
Nanaimo council has voted to pursue a pilot project aimed at providing shelter housing that includes medical supports. BC Housing is offering one and a half million dollars a year for four years to a Vancouver Island community willing to help provide space for a sixty bed shelter. The Housing Navigation Center would offer space to homeless people after they are screened and their medical needs assessed. Council voted to write a letter of interest to the province, to get the ball rolling. However, two councillors, Sheryl Armstrong and Ian Thorpe were opposed.
"The cost to run them in the States is over four million dollars so I don't how we can run them for 1.5 and these are going to be drug and alcohol allowed in that so my concern is we are going to see the exact same thing that's happened with the others and that we're going to have dealers in the neighbourhoods."—Nanaimo City Councillor Sheryl Armstrong.
"I am sensing that our city is sort of at supportive housing fatigue right now. We've got enough challenges facing us to get the proposed buildings up and running and satisfying the concerns of the neighbourhoods where they will be located. I don't feel I can support taking on another similar type of project at this time."—Nanaimo City Councillor Councillor Ian Thorpe.
Armstrong and Thorpe were outvoted by their fellow councillors who pointed out the letter is an expression of interest and does not commit the city to agree to the project.
Two affordable housing projects completed in Nanaimo
In other housing news, the province is heralding two new affordable housing projects for seniors and physically disabled people in Nanaimo. Later this month, twenty-eight one-bedroom townhomes will open on Uplands Dr. The project includes twelve accessible homes for people with developmental disabilities. Four full-time staff members will help support residents in their home and provide services according to each individual's care plan. Monthly rents for these units will be $500. Fifteen other homes will rent at $880 per month.
A second project includes fifty-seven units including three accessible units on Mill Street. These units will range in rent from $935 to $1135 dollars a month. The rent includes phone, internet cable and laundry.
New in this update:
Covid update
There are 58 new cases of COVID 19 confirmed in BC today, and one more death. There were no new cases in the Island Health region.
Ladysmith grieves, and raises money for victim of hit and run
Ladysmith residents, grieving the loss of a 35-year-old woman who was killed in a car accident last weekend, have contributed more than $86,000 dollars to a GoFundMe campaign. Katie Blogg died early Saturday morning after her SUV was hit head on by a Ford pickup truck that drove over a center median and into her northbound lane. She is survived by her husband and a young son and daughter. The fundraiser is intended to create a memorial tribute to Katie and an education fund for her children. Police say the suspect driver left the scene after allegedly stealing a nearby vehicle. RCMP say the man is known to them and although he promised to turn himself in, so far, he has not done so.
South End Community Association of Nanaimo seeks to work with BC Housing, City of Nanaimo, and RCMP in regards to announced supported housing
South end residents are taking steps to ensure they can peacefully co-exist with two recently announced supportive housing projects. The province intends to build space and provide support for more than 100 hard to house people at two locations on Nicol Street. The chair of the South End Community Association says tomorrow night's meeting will update ongoing talks with BC Housing, the city and social services. Sydney Robertson says her community could be a model for how neighbourhoods and governments can resolve social housing issues before they become problems.
"Southenders are really good at making the best of things. We're compassionate but we're not naive. We want to talk about the nitty gritty details that will hopefully help these buildings to integrate into the neighbourhood and not overwhelm their neighbours."—Sydney Robertson, Chair of the South End Community Association.
Robertson says her group wants a seat on the project's Community Advisory Council, made up of BC Housing, the city, the RCMP, Island Health and the service provider. She says some residents have also volunteered to help design a site plan that will discourage crime and social disorder. The group also wants to find a way to ensure future social housing projects are dispersed throughout the city.
Hunger strike ends for hotel workers
Laid-off hotel workers have ended their hunger strike, claiming victory in their fight to get their jobs back. Members of Unite Here Local 40 began their campaign three weeks ago, on the lawn of the legislature. They said their recall rights were about to expire and called on the Minister of Labour to extend those rights for two more years. Yesterday, the Minister rejected that option. However, Harry Bains announced that any economic recovery package offered to the hospitality sector must contain a pledge for employers to offer jobs to existing employees when work resumes.
New in this update:
Hotel Workers seek recall rights
The Minister of Labour says he will ensure the hospitality industry re-hires laid off workers if it wants to receive government assistance. Harry Bains says he is encouraging cabinet colleagues to do the same with any government economic recovery program. The Minister says will also be advocating that access to jobs in the public sector is provided to workers affected by tourism closures if their skills are transferrable. Bains made the promises in response to a report he commissioned about the impact of COVID-19 on hotel workers lay off and recall rights.
Hotel workers have been holding demonstrations including hunger strikes on the lawns of the legislature and at the minister's office because their recall rights are about to expire. Unite Here local 40 wants the Minister to legislate a two year right of recall. Bains has not agreed to that. Meanwhile, the union has not responded to requests for comment. It remains unclear if it plans to end its protests.
Support from Province for expansion of harm reduction services
The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says she supports an expansion of harm reduction services, including the types of alternative drugs being offered and who can prescribe them. Judy Darcy says street drugs became more toxic with the pandemic because historical supply chains were disrupted. The federal government responded by allowing doctors and nurse practitioners to prescribe safe alternative drugs like suboxone and hydromorphone. Darcy says registered nurses will soon be added to the prescribers list.
"We did within a couple of weeks of the pandemic being declared start expanding access to a safe supply of subscription medication alternatives to the poison drug supply and critically, critically important because we need people to stop using the drugs on the street so that means for many people they need to have access to safe prescription alternatives"—Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
Darcy says her ministry is also exploring adding more types of alternative drugs that can be prescribed. Harm reduction advocates say the safe drug supply list should include injectable hydromorphone, pharmaceutical fentanyl and heroin.
New in this update:
Dr. Bonnie Henry asks for ‘slowing down’ with likely second wave
Two hundred and ninety four people have tested positive for COVID-19 and four people have died from it since Friday in B.C. Five of the new cases are in the Island Health region, which brings our active case count to 25. Province-wide, there are more than 1100 active cases and more than 2700 people who are self isolating because they have had close contacts with COVID cases.
The provincial health officer is asking British Columbians to prepare for the fall by shrinking their bubbles. Dr. Bonnie Henry says with schools about to reopen and more people returning to work, everyone needs to rethink who they are having contact with outside of those controlled settings.
"We are entering a new phase of our B.C. COVID-19 pandemic. We will likely have a second wave. Now we must slow down. We need to take a step back from some of the social interactions that we have had this summer. As the weather changes and we move towards more indoors, we need to keep our visitors to a minimum and I need everyone to pay attention."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says people can look to restaurant limits of six and limits of five visitors at short term rentals as examples of social gathering limits. Parents need to consider whether to allow their kids to participate in extra curricular activities. She says people who have close contact with elders may need to reduce their contacts even more.
B.C. not alone in economic woes caused by COVID-19
From a budget surplus of $274 million dollars to a deficit of $321 million dollars, that's how COVID-19 has affected last year's provincial budget. BC's Minister of Finance has presented what's called "Public Accounts" or the final accounting of the past fiscal year, which ended in March. Carole James says during the first three quarters of the fiscal year, B.C. had no operating debt, was seeing steady economic growth and had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. James says COVID-19 changed everything.
"COVID 19 has ravaged economies across the world and BC is not immune to those impacts. Specifically, the pandemic led to lower tax revenues, a bigger loss at ICBC in the fourth quarter and unexpected government spending and health authority costs in respect to COVID-19."—Minister of Finance Carole James.
James is calling it “The worst economic crisis in the province's history”. And the bad news isn't over yet. Last year accounting captured only the first month of the pandemic. Next year, B.C.'s deficit is already projected to be $13 and a half billion dollars. Next month, James will give a financial update on the first fiscal quarter of 2020.
New in this update:
Government sponsored program to clean up ocean pollution
Wilderness tour operators along the BC coast are hoping to stay afloat with a government sponsored program to clean up ocean pollution. The Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative will employ nine ships with 100 crew, along with 75 first nations mariners to remove garbage from waters along the central coast. The co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures says COVID-19 has been a wrecking ball for the wilderness tour industry. Maureen Gordon says operators are grateful the province has agreed to spend three and a half million dollars to fund their initiative.
"It does put our crew to work this year and it does give each company a little bit of money to cover some but not all of the expenses and the losses we've incurred, But it's really important to give those people that work so that they can stay in the industry and stay with us and psychologically, its important for everyone involved to know we can get out there and make a difference."—Co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures, Maureen Gordon.
Gordon says they expected to pick up close to 100 tonnes of debris like fishing gear, styrofoam and plastic along 1000 kilometres of remote coast line from the tip of northern Vancouver Island to the Douglas Channel. The first of two 21 day excursions has been underway for a week, and it's already exceeded estimates. Gordon says so far, more than 30 million tonnes of debris has been collected.
Ladysmith hit and run driver identified
Police say they have identified the suspect involved in a fatal hit and run near Ladysmith but they still haven't found him. The Vancouver Island Daily is reporting the RCMP says since the man has not been charged, he cannot be identified yet. A 35 year old woman from Ladysmith was killed early Saturday morning, when the SUV she was driving was hit by a Ford pickup truck that crossed over the centre median and entered her northbound lane. Police say the man escaped the scene and stole a second vehicle. The second vehicle was found near the crash site a few hours later.
New in this update:
International Overdose Awareness Day
BC’s Provincial Health Officer will take part in a remembrance ceremony to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Dr. Bonnie Henry and Co-founder of “Moms Stop the Harm,” Leslie McBain will take part in what’s being called “A Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance.” McBain says the online vigil is to remember people who have died from an overdose and to support those who loved them. She is calling on the provincial government to step up and expand access to safer alternatives to toxic street drugs.
"That is the one thing that will impact the number of deaths and they need to do it in a way that is non-stigmatizing, pretty straightforward, low barrier for people who need to access that."—Leslie McBain.
The candlelight vigil begins tonight at 7 PM on the Moms Stop The Harm Facebook page.
Fatal hit and run in Ladysmith
Ladysmith RCMP continue to search for the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a fatal accident early Saturday morning. Just after 8:30, RCMP officers were called to a multi-vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Oyster Stolo Road. Officers found a southbound truck had gone over a high centre median and collided with a northbound SUV. The SUV driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck fled on foot and is believed to have stolen another vehicle near the scene. His whereabouts are unknown.
If you were a witness to this collision and have not already spoken to police, you are urged to call South Island Traffic Service at 250-416-0352
BC Ferries continuing enhanced ferries services until next spring
Smaller island communities can expect smooth sailings as BC Ferries announces it will be continuing enhanced ferries services until next spring. Vancouver Island Free Daily is reporting a pilot program that added extra sailings to small island community routes will continue thanks to an infusion of cash from the provincial and federal governments. The ferry corporation says it has added 769 sailings above its contract on minor and northern routes.
Traffic on the routes continues to climb after being down 80 per cent of last year’s numbers. The additional sailings will be in effect from September 8th to March 31, 2021.
New in this update:
B.C. hits record for new COVID-19 cases
British Columbia has set its highest new case count for COVID-19 with 124 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours. There are four new cases in the Island Health region. The second highest case count was set last Saturday, with 109 new infections. Despite the record setting numbers, BC's Provincial Health Officer continues to reassure parents their children will be safe and protected when they return to class next month. Some parents are calling for a delay to the start of the school year. They fear the labour day long weekend will lead to an uptick in COVID-19 infections or that asymptomatic superspreaders will wreak havoc. Dr. Bonnie Henry believes those fears are unfounded.
"We have very low transmission in our community. We have low prevalence of disease. We have people who know what to do. And, it's going to be an adjustment as we go into the school setting, but no, I do not expect to see widespread outbreaks in our schools, like we've seen in some places."—Chief Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says BC's coronavirus transmission rates are among the lowest in North America. As well, she says school plans are focused on prevention and each school is directly connected to assigned medical health officers who are prepared to contain any outbreaks.
City of Nanaimo to be asked to partner with Province on social disorder issues
Nanaimo city council will be asked to commit to two provincial programs aimed at tackling so-called "social disorder" issues. Local MLA Sheila Malcolmson will make a presentation to council on Monday, asking it to partner with the province to create a "situation table." Situation tables include police and local social service providers who meet regularly to quickly identify and respond to the risks present in the lives of vulnerable people. The idea is to connect vulnerable people to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event like an overdose or an eviction.
Situation Tables are funded by the province and so far, 10 have been created but none is on Vancouver Island. Councillors will also be asked to commit to a project to create up to 60 shelter beds. The province will provide one and a half million dollars a year for three years to operate a so-called "Navigation Centre." These are 24/7 shelter accommodations that include health supports. However in a report to council, the city's head of social planning, David Stewart points out BC Housing intends to locate the centre within an existing building, and at this time, no location has been identified and finding one in the future will be a challenge.
New in this update:
Nanaimo Ladysmith School District
The demand for at home schooling in Nanaimo is so high this year, the district's website crashed on the first day of registration. The president of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School Board says more than 300 students have registered for the Island ConnectEd program. It allows students to learn from home. The district is hiring more teachers for the program. Charlene McKay says the district is doing all it can to accommodate students and their families.
"The registration is wide open. We are not wait listing families. We are getting them in. and we'll make those connections as soon as we can and then we'll investigate what else we need to do for those supports."—President of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School Board, Charlene McKay.
The district opted to expand the program, instead of creating wait lists, after the Minister of Education, Rob Flemming promised school districts their funding would not be reduced. In past years, the district would receive less funding for a student enrolled in the ConnectEd program, compared to a student enrolled at a school.
More Details on COVID-19 Numbers
BC's Provincial Health Officer is offering more details into where and how COVID-19 cases have been transmitted. Normally, Dr. Bonnie Henry provides case counts by Health Region. Now, those numbers are being broken down into smaller areas. As of the end of July on Vancouver Island, the highest case count recorded is on the North Island, where 30 people in Alert Bay were infected in an outbreak early in the pandemic. There have been 15 cases in Nanaimo, nine in the Cowichan Valley and six in Parksville. Dr. Henry says the exposures fall into three main categories.
"About a third of the cases that we're seeing now are related to events like parties like clubs and nightclubs that we've seen and about a third are related to transmission within families and community groups and then a third are related to a workplace cluster or outbreaks at long term care homes."—B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry
Henry says there is a smaller proportion of cases related to travel.
COVID-19 Testing on Vancouver Island
Meanwhile, people on Vancouver Island are reporting being put on hold for up to 90 minutes when trying to book an appointment to be tested for COVID-19. Some say they made dozens of calls over several days before getting through to the COVID-19 call centre. The call centre saw its highest count of 900 calls on August the 17th. BC's Minister of Health says 70 per cent of calls were abandoned on that day. However, Adrian Dix believes the problem will be fixed soon.
"Island health is actively recruiting staff, extending offers to 45 individuals and recruitment continues. This week, Island Health has more than doubled the number of nurses they have answering calls and will have more nurses and registration clerks starting tomorrow."—Minister of Health, Adrian Dix.
The call centre has extended its hours of operation to seven days a week.
New in this update:
COVID-19 Update
There are 68 new cases of COVID-19 in BC today, including three in the Island health region. The case count in our region has been on a slow but steady climb this month. There were eleven new cases confirmed in Island Health over the past week. The total number of active cases on Vancouver Island stands at twenty. Province-wide the active case count is 906.
Changes to be proposed in regulations for health professions
The minister of health will present a plan to cabinet that will change the way health professionals are regulated in B.C. Adrian Dix says the plan has been more than two years in the making and included extensive consultations with the public and with members of groups like B.C.'s college of physicians and surgeons.
The plan recommends merging 22 existing regulatory bodies and just six to improve efficiency. A new arms-length group would be created that would oversee the colleges and decide disciplinary action complaints and investigations would be made public. Dix says the changes mean more transparency and accountability.
"I think one of the frustrations in this process for many people and even in the professions is, uh, a lack of trans, a certain lack of transparency up to now. I think this makes the process of uh discipline more just when the disciplinary actions more transparent. And I think we're making the health professional colleges more efficient and ensuring that they have the resources to do the job they need to do, uh, to regulate health professions."
If cabinet approves the plan, the minister will introduce amendments to the Health Professions Act.
Unite Here 40 hunger strike
A hunger strike by laid off hotel workers has moved from the Legislature to the Ministry of Tourism. The hunger strike began last month in an effort to pressure the minister of labour to extend the recall rights of hospitality workers who were laid-off because of COVID-19. A spokesperson for Unite Here 40, says the protest has moved in front of Lisa Beare's office in Maple Ridge. Stephanie Fung says, workers want the minister to join their fight.
"The government needs to listen to us and we'll be here, um, outside your office for as long as it takes for the government to, um, put workers first."
B.C.'s minister of labour has commissioned a report into the issue, but Harry Bains has yet to decide whether to extend the workers, recall rights for two more years.
Man Jumps from Coastal Inspiration Ferry
BC Ferries is running behind schedule today because a man jumped overboard on the Duke Point-Tsawwassen run this morning. BC Ferries says the man jumped from deck seven on The Coastal Inspiration. He was rescued by another vessel that was on the scene. The unnamed man's condition is not known. Ferry spokesperson Deborah Marshall says both The Coastal Inspiration and The Queen of Alberni were diverted to assist in the rescue, which is why they are both running late now.
New in this update:
School Districts across the province have unveiled their back to school plans and many of the new rules apply to all. Elementary students will receive in class instruction 100 per cent of the time, while high school students will spent three quarters of their time in a classroom, with the remainder online. Neither masks nor physical distancing will be required within learning groups. But classrooms will be set up to ensure the maximum distance possible between students. Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies will be in all classrooms. There will be staggered times for pick up, drop off, lunches and breaks. Students will bring their own supplies and take them home daily...there will be no lockers used this year. Each student will get two reusable masks. Classrooms will be cleaned twice a day and deep cleanings in schools will happen at night. BC's Minister of Education, Rob Flemming, says the plans are blueprints for a new normal.
There's no question, as we all know, that schools are going to look very different than they did before the pandemic began or even in June. And that's why I encourage all families to visit their local school district's website, to find out the details of their local plans.
High school students in the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District will take two courses for ten weeks, before switching to two new courses for the next ten weeks and so on. Elementary school classes will be limited to 30 students, with a maximum of 60 in a single learning group. But there is uncertainty over when elementary school students will be assigned to their classrooms and learning groups Superintendent Scott Saywell says a spike in new student enrollment means students may not be in their permanent classrooms by their first day on September the 10th.
"That is a bit of our challenge. We have a lot of work to do over the next number of days before schools start up."
The plan says those students may start with more online and remote activities until intake meetings and registration has stabilized. The District does not yet have a transportation plan for highschool students on Gabriola, who have to travel off island to attend class. And, two schools, Cilaire Elementary and Ladysmith Intermediate have classrooms with no ventilation so in the short term, that means turning up the heat and opening up the windows. Despite the uncertainties, School Board Chair Charlene McKay believes issues will be resolved by engaging with parents.
"I think that we're going to continue our conversations and look at what our community might be needing, after they've had a chance to review it and then the board will be able to take that into consideration and make any local adjustments that they need to.
Parents will receive specific plans for their childrens' schools via email in the coming days. The Board's next virtual meeting is on September the 2nd.
The survey for seniors and their families can be taken online, by phone or through the mail. It is open until September the 30th and Mackenzie expects to have recommendations for the future of care home visits in October.
New in this update:
Gaps in SD-68 return to school plan: The much-awaited safe return to school plan has been revealed by the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District. The 22-page document outlines what parents and students can expect when classes resume on September the 10th when it comes to cleaning protocols, mask-wearing, ventilation and how many students will be in each class. However, there are gaps that the administration admits may not be resolved by the time schools open their doors. It's not known how social distancing will be achieved on the school bus that transports high school students from Gabriola Island to the ferry. Two schools do not have proper ventilation systems so they will be forced to turn up the heat and open the windows this year. District Superintendent Scott Saywell says students in Kindergarten to grade 7 may not be assigned to their permanent classrooms or their learning groups before their first day of school.
"That is the bit of the challenge. We have a lot of work to do over the next few days before schools start up."—Scott Saywell, SD-68 Superintendent.
The plan says a spike in elementary school enrolment means those students will start the year with more online and remote activities until intake meetings and registration has stabilized. The District says specific plans for individual schools will be sent via email to parents in the coming days.
Island Health issues advisories regarding COVID-19 exposures: Today's COVID-19 numbers are slightly down today, with 62 new cases of the virus confirmed over the past 24 hours, including two in Island Health. There have been no additional deaths. Meanwhile, Island Health has issued two public advisories, warning people of possible COVID-19 exposures at two restaurants in Sidney. Anyone who was at the Ten Acres Market on August 20th or 21st or at Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe on August 21st or 22nd should monitor their health and if symptoms emerge, to self isolate and contact Island Health's hotline to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test.
Long term care survey: BC's Seniors' Advocate has launched a survey she hopes will shape a better future for residents of long term and assisted care homes. Isobel Mackenzie says she's heard from seniors and their families who question whether COVID-19 safety rules around visits are worth the damage being done to their quality of life. Mackenzie says it's urgent that seniors and their families have a say in how they will live out their lives under the pandemic.
"Time is more important for somebody in long term care and assisted living because frankly, they have less of it. And so I think as the magnitude of how long this is going to last starts to bear down, I think it becomes clear we have got to figure out something that is humane, that we can live with."—Isobel Mackenzie, BC’S Seniors’ Advocate.
The survey for seniors and their families can be taken online, by phone or through the mail. It is open until September the 30th and Mackenzie expects to have recommendations for the future of care home visits in October.
New in this update:
Back to school plans: Parents will learn the details of back to class plans today. The Ministry of Education and the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District have scheduled news conferences this afternoon. We'll bring you the details on our news update at 3 o'clock.
Meanwhile, parents who are educating their children from home say the local school district is not providing information that parents need to make informed choices about alternative schooling. Kirsta Whaley whose children learn from home believes a letter posted by the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District is misleading. The letter says students have just three options; in-class learning, distributed learning through the district's Island ConnectED program, or homeschooling. Whaley says there are more choices out there.
"I know a lot of people feel like they don't have any options and they're scared to take their kids back to school but they feel there aren't any choices. It disturbs me that people are feeling like they haven't got any choices."—Kirsta Whaley.
Whaley says there are at least four other distributed learning programs that are not mentioned in the letter. District spokesperson Dale Burgos suggests it's not the district's responsibility to explain all the options.
"There are more options, definitely in the community but of course, this was directed to the families of the district whose kids are enrolled in our system already, so not necessarily for all of the people who live in our region."—Dale Burgos.
Meanwhile, schools and school districts across the province will be publishing their detailed back to class plans today. We'll bring you the details on our news update at 3 o'clock.
Layoffs at Vancouver Island University: COVID-19 has also had an effect on workers at Vancouver Island University. 54 employees have been handed layoff notices. Almost all of the 11 BCGEU positions affected are instructors at the University's English Language Center, which has seen a dramatic drop in international students due to travel restrictions. 43 CUPE positions are in food services, the campus store, the print shop and the library. VIU's associate vice president of human resources says with fewer bodies on campus, fewer services are needed.
"The physical isolation and restrictions and the shift to online learning and most of our employees working from home and as a result, a lot of the services that we operate on campus are not currently viable."—Dan VanderSluis.
Dan VanderSluis says the university has offered temporary, casual and short term work, including four COVID Safety Ambassador positions to those affected. It has also struck a deal with Island Health to offer jobs in its food services departments. VanderSluis says laid-off workers have 18 to 24 months worth of recall rights and he says they will be hired back once demand for on-campus services increases.
New in this update:
New data on COVID-19 shows a concerning rise in the number of people hospitalized. Today, there are 22 people in hospital due to the virus. That's close to triple the number from one week ago. There are 58 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed over the past 24 hours, including 2 in Island Health. Currently, there are 18 active cases of coronavirus in our health region and 925 province-wide. There have been no new deaths from the virus since yesterday.
Meanwhile, more people have died from drug overdoses in BC than from suicide, murder, motor vehicle accidents and COVID-19 combined. The BC Coroner's service reports 176 people suffered fatal overdoses in July. In Nanaimo, there were four overdose deaths, bringing this year's total to 24. That's just three shy of the total number of overdose deaths in Nanaimo for all of 2019. You can read more about the coroner's report on overdose deaths on our website.
Part of BC's response to the overdose crisis has been to give physicians the ability to prescribe safe alternatives like hydromorphone. But, that program has been stymied because of the reluctance of many physicians to write those prescriptions. BC's provincial health officer says the province is looking at expanding the program to allow others like nurse practitioners or pharmacists to prescribe safe alternatives. Dr. Bonnie Henry says new guidelines are coming within weeks, but at least one harm reduction specialist is urging the province to include more drugs in that safe supply. Guy Felicella from the BC Center on Substance Use says hydromorphone is not a viable alternative for users of cocaine or methamphetamines.
"We need to give drug users not the least sought after drugs but the drugs they're actually seeking, in order to remove people completely from the toxic drug supply and not partially. And I think our challenge is what we are doing is not working."—Guy Felicella, BCCSU Peer Clinical Advisor.
Dr. Henry says the province is looking at adding injectable hydromorphone to its alternative supply. She says it's been difficult to get prescription heroin because it is not manufactured in Canada.
The Victoria man who was fined $2300 dollars for violating COVID-19 party rules last weekend says he plans to fight the ticket. 20 year old Nate Christian told CHEK news he was following COVID-safety guidelines.
"I gave everybody hand sanitizers. I took everybody's names down and I showed the cops that but they did not care. They're like 'yeah, you're getting a ticket.'"—Nate Christian
Victoria police say they fined Christian after two warnings and when they entered his one-bedroom apartment, they found the windows fogged up and 30 guests who were sweating from being in such a confined space. Christian admits the only rule he failed to follow was the one about physical distancing. He says he has been evicted from his apartment.
New in this update:
Another disturbing record was set in the ongoing overdose crisis in BC. 175 people died from overdoses in July. It's the third straight month that overdose deaths have topped 100. In Nanaimo, four people died from overdoses in July, bringing this year's total to 24 deaths. That's just three shy of the total number of overdose deaths in Nanaimo for all of 2019. Part of BC's response to the overdose crisis has been to give physicians the ability to prescribe safe alternatives like hydromorphone. Those efforts have been stymied because of the reluctance by most physicians to write those prescriptions. BC's provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province is exploring other options.
"We're also looking at how we can ensure that there are appropriate protocols in place so that other prescribers other than physicians who may be more accessible to people in the community are able to provide people who need it with pharmaceutical alternatives to the street drug supply and we're looking to expand that as fast as we can." —Dr. Bonnie Henry
Another problem is the type of alternative drugs offered. Hydromorphone is not a good substitute for users of cocaine or methamphetamines. Henry says there are hurdles to adding other alternative drugs.
"We are also expanding that to look at injectable hydromorphone and other opiods that ppl need. The challenge we have with prescription heroin is that it's not readily available in Canada but we are looking at how we can do that." —Dr. Bonnie Henry
Harm reduction advocates say the province needs to add pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl to that alternative drug supply. However, it would be up to Health Canada for approval.
The Victoria man who was fined $2300 dollars for violating COVID-19 party rules last weekend says he plans to fight the ticket. 20-year-old Nate Christian told CHEK news he gave everyone hand sanitizer and took everyone's name down. He says some guests wore masks but Christian admits the only rule he failed to follow was the one about physical distancing. police say they fined Christian after two warnings and when they entered his one-bedroom apartment, they found the windows fogged up and 30 guests sweating from being in such a confined space.
New in this update:
COVID 19 cases continue to increase in BC, with 269 new cases confirmed since Friday and one more death. There are six new cases in the Island Health Region, bringing the total to 16 active cases here. There are 913 active cases province-wide. BC's Provincial Health Officer says although the case count now is as high as it was when all but essential services were shut down, Dr. Bonnie Henry says the approach to containing the virus is not the same.
"We didn't know how much was circulating in the community early on in March and into April. We didn't know how to best manage in places like long term care we didn't know the settings that we were going to see transmission. So we need to be able to manage outbreaks, to manage clusters in our community and that is what we need to focus on now. Shutting down is not the answer to things."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry says keeping the economy going, continuing with surgeries and allowing visits at long term care are the goals and she says thanks to effective contact tracing, that's been able to continue.
RCMP in Surrey say its COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team issued $2300 dollar fines to a local restaurant, two banquet spaces and one after hours club over the weekend. In Victoria, police issued a $2300 dollar ticket to the host of a private party at a downtown apartment on Friday night. Police issued a $230 ticket to a party goer at the same apartment during a different gathering early Sunday morning. When announcing the new fines last week, BC's Solicitor General told people to contact their local bylaw office to report large gatherings or private parties where social distancing is being ignored. But the manager of community safety for the city of Nanaimo says his bylaw officers do not have the power to issue tickets for contravening COVID safety rules.
"That authority for ticketing was not extended to bylaw enforcement officers of municipalities. So the role of the bylaw officers always was and continues to be just providing the community with information and assistance with respect to the public health orders."—Dave LaBerge, City of Nanaimo Manager of Community Safety.
Dave LaBerge says if bylaw officers see persistent or egregious violations of health orders, they would call the police or the province whose special officers would follow up with enforcement including ticketing.
Canadian Snowbirds pilots are now able to take flight once again, but with new restrictions. The Canadian Forces aerobatic team was grounded in May, after one of its jets crashed in Kamloops, and its public affairs officer Captain Jennifer Casey, was killed after ejecting from the aircraft. The Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division, says the team will return to its home base in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan over the next two weeks. But, Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly says there will be some flying restriction and a focus on increased maintenance. The Snowbirds' 2020 air demonstration season has been cancelled. The investigation into the Kamloops accident continues. A preliminary report found a bird strike may have caused the accident, but it also suggested a problem with the plane's ejection system.
New in this update:
Victoria Police served fines to a party host and a party goer over the weekend. Police say the host was twice warned about COVID party rules on Friday night before being hit with a $2300 dollar ticket. Police say 30 people were in the one bedroom apartment at the time but dozens more had come and gone between the warnings. Officers returned to the same Fort Street apartment for another crowded party early Sunday morning. When one partygoer refused to leave, he was hit with a $230 dollar fine. The fines were levied under new COVID-19 public safety rules, announced by the province on Friday.
Nanaimo's Loaves and Fishes foodbank is turning the hardships of COVID-19 into an opportunity to improve services. Its executive director says many volunteers were uncomfortable about continuing to serve when the pandemic started. The foodbank was able to replace them with six younger workers for longer shifts thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Victoria Foundation. Peter Sinclair says other cash donations paid for COVID needed supplies like tents for outside food distribution. He says food donations also increased dramatically from restaurants that were shut down due to the pandemic.
“At the height of it, we were receiving 9,000 dozen eggs a week: all of them were supposed to go to restaurants and we also got a lot of salmon coming in, again destined for restaurants. So we saw a dramatic increase in donations.” —Peter Sinclair, Loaves and Fishes Foodback Executive Director.
Sinclair says Loaves and Fishes shared its overflow with other not for profit groups. As a result, that decreased the number of its clients, who collected their food hampers from other local organizations.
Casino operators are hoping to get the green light to reopen, now that they have created restart plans, with the BC Lottery Corporation. The new rules would mean fewer slot machines, more plexiglass and only dealers would be allowed to touch the cards. But, BC's Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says there are NO plans to reopen casinos in BC, although they are open in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec. BC's Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson, says casinos are too high risk.
"COVD 19 transmission is highest risk in close settings where people are in close proximity, touching many things, and especially if some of the behaviours are altered by alcohol. We also know that as people get older, their risk of severe disease increases. So from a disease control perspective, these would be particularly worrisome places to reopen." —Dr. Reka Gustafson.
Last year, casinos contributed close to one and a half billion dollars to provincial government revenues. Close to 3,000 casino workers were laid off when the pandemic began.
Starting today, masks are now mandatory on all BC Ferries and your local transit buses.
New in this update:
There are 90 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC over the past 24 hours and 2 more deaths. Both deaths are seniors who had been living on the lower mainland. There is one new case of the virus in Island Health. Over the past week, there have been 10 new cases confirmed in our region. All are considered community exposures which means, at this point, it is not known where the virus originated. However, health officials say they expect to find the source of the cases as their contact tracing investigations continue.
BC's Minister of Public Safety says tougher fines and more enforcement are now in place, in an attempt to stop large public and private parties that have been the source of most new COVID-19 infections. Mike Farnworth says it’s time to crack down on the small minority of people who are putting others health at risk. Party organizers will be fined $2000 dollars for gatherings of more than 50 people or for smaller gatherings if contact numbers are not collected and social distancing is not maintained. The same fine applies to people who host more than 5 guest at Air BnBs and other vacation rentals. Party goers who refuse to disperse and people who bully or abuse restaurant workers will be fined $200 dollars. Farnworth says he's empowering police, bylaw officers, and inspectors from provincial liquor, cannabis, community safety, gaming and Worksafe BC to levy fines.
"Stricter enforcement is necessary. The province is building a comprehensive and integrated compliance and enforcement regime to put a halt to bad actors in all corners in BC. This is an 'all hands on deck' approach."—Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth.
However, neither RCMP nor local bylaw officials have been consulted about the plan and there is no word whether the province will compensate local governments for bylaw and police hours spent on enforcing public health orders.
It appears retail stores across the country are bouncing back, according to new numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The Stats Can report says sales were up in all types of stores. The numbers show at the start of the pandemic, from February through April, retail sales fell by a third. Things began to improve in May and June with increases of 143 per cent in clothing stores, 70 per cent in home furnishings and 65 per cent at hobby, book and music stores, compared to the previous months. And, retailers are doing better now, than they were before the pandemic. In BC, sales in June of 2020 were close to two per cent higher than they were compared to June of 2019.
New in this update:
The province will hit partiers where it hurts... in the pocketbook. The Minister of Public Safety has announced new fines for party organizers and party-goers who violate health orders on mass gatherings and social distancing. Party organizers can be fined $2000 for hosting a private party or public event in excess of 50 people, failing to provide hand sanitation and washrooms failing to ensure physical distancing, failing to obtain a list of names and contacts or having more than five guests gathered in a vacation accommodation. Partygoers can be fined $200 for refusing to leave a gathering or who bully or abuse restaurant staff who are trying to enforce COVID safety plans. Minister Mike Farnworth says it's time for a crackdown.
"There is a small minority of selfish individuals across the province who are disregarding the public health measures in place. Large house parties, unsanctioned events on our streets, on our beaches. Enough is enough."—Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.
Farnworth says along with police, the power to ticket will be given to municipal bylaw officers, conservation officers, and provincial liquor, cannabis, community safety unit, gaming and Worksafe BC inspectors. He says people who want to report a violation should call local bylaw first, then local police non-emergency lines.
Although the new provincial fines are meant to flatten the curve that's been driven by large private gatherings, the source of COVID-19 transmissions in the Island Health region are a mystery. Currently, there are ten active cases of the virus in Island Health, which is considered low, all but one has been labelled a "community exposure." Those types of exposures are a concern because they are not linked to a known case, so the chain of transmission is unknown. However, BC's Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson says she's not worried about the mysterious source of infection among the cases in Island Health.
"As the investigation proceeds, in the vast majority of cases, the source of the infection is identified. so we do monitor that and that number changes and often early in the investigation it's higher and as we speak to more contacts we have been able to identify the vast majority of the sources of infection"—Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson.
Gustafson says finding the sources of infection is important because it helps contain an outbreak by ensuring those who may be infected are self-isolating.
New in this update:
There are 80 more cases of COVID-19 in BC today, and two more deaths. The deaths were seniors in care homes in the Fraser Valley. Most new cases are among young people on the lower mainland. There is a new outbreak of nine cases among workers at the Loblaws warehouse facility in Surrey. Today's case count includes one new transmission in the Island Health Region. That makes ten active cases of the virus here. All but one have been labelled "community exposures." Those types of exposures are a concern because they are not linked to a known case, so the chain of transmission is unknown. However, BC's Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson says she's not worried about the mysterious source of infection among the cases in Island Health.
"As the investigation proceeds, in the vast majority of cases, the source of the infection is identified. so we do monitor that and that number changes and often early in the investigation it's higher and as we speak to more contacts we have been able to identify the vast majority of the sources of infection”—Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson.
Gustafson says finding the sources of infection is important because it helps contain an outbreak by ensuring those who may be infected are self-isolating.
Unemployed Canadians will be able to collect one more CERB cheque, before the program transitions to a new employment insurance plan. The federal government says Canadians will now qualify for EI after working as few as 120 hours in the last 52 weeks. Workers who are self-employed or not EI-eligible and still need support because their work has not yet returned due to COVID-19 will receive $400 dollars a week for up to 26 weeks. They will be able to earn income but will pay fifty cents of every dollar earned in tax, once their annual income is above $38,000. Those who have to look after children or a family member will qualify for $500 per week for up to 26 weeks. And, workers without sick pay but who have to call in sick will receive $500 a week for up to two weeks. The new programs begin on Sept the 27th, but benefit payments may be retroactive.
Unemployed hotel workers are planning a candlelight vigil tonight on the grounds of the provincial legislature. Close to 40,000 hospitality workers in BC were laid off in March because of the pandemic. Many unionized workers have recall rights, but those rights are about to expire. Members of Unite Here Local 40 have been on rotating hunger strikes for the past 10 days. They have been joined by non unionized workers. They are asking the government to guarantee the right of workers to return to their jobs by extending recall rights to two years. Tonight, they are awaiting recommendations in a report on the topic, commissioned by the Minister of Labour.
New in this update:
BC Ferries is reporting a $62 million dollar loss in the first quarter of this year. Last year at this time, it was reporting a $12 million dollar profit. The loss in revenue is not surprising, since ferry traffic dropped by 80 per cent within days of the pandemic being declared in March. However, the ferry corporation says by the end of June, traffic volumes recovered to 65 per cent of normal. Earlier this month, the provincial and federal governments announced they will assist BC ferries in recovering from the loss. BC's Minister of Transportation says she wants to see a business plan first. Claire Trevena says that business plan must be in the public interest.
The BC Wildfire Service says two fires burning near Victoria's drinking supply are not expected to grow. Fire crews are still working on the fires on Trap Mountain, which is in the Sooke Reservoir watershed. Fire Information Officer Julia Caranci says although rain does help the fire crew, it does not put out fires.
"So although we do have some rain happening right now we still want to press to people that there remains an open burning ban and while campfires are still allowed they have to be small, less then half a meter to half a meter, you have to monitor your campfire at all times, and you must not leave the area until, as our crews do it to the fires we attacked, the fire must be cold to the touch." —Fire Information Officer Julia Caranc.
The fire danger level remains at high on Vancouver Island.
The Minister of Health is downplaying complaints by family members who say visits to long term care facilities need improvement. All care homes in BC that do not have active COVID-19 cases have been allowing one hour-long visit every two weeks. And, only one designated permit may visit and it must be the same person every time. Some facilities allow hugging, others force visitors to remain up to five meters away. The Minister says he's hearing positive reports about visiting protocols in care homes. Adrian Dix says officials are reviewing whether more frequent visits are possible and whether more than one person can be a designated visitor. But he says those decisions will depend on the number of COVID cases in the wider community.
"There are 47,000 workers in long term care in BC and if there is a lot of COVID in the community, that affects people who work in health care and so it's all of our task to support this." —Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
Dix says there may be an announcement next week, about whether visiting will be expanded at long term and assisted care facilities.
New in this update:
Despite Vancouver Island's low COVID-19 case count, health officials say it's an average two day wait to get tested. And, they say people trying to book an appointment for a test through its Testing Call Center, are often on hold for up to ninety minutes.
BC's Minister of Health says it's important that Island Health ensures timely testing because Vancouver Island has a higher proportion of seniors and people with chronic medical conditions that make them more vulnerable if they get sick. Adrian Dix says improvements are coming.
A Vancouver Island MLA who sits on a Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act says he's confident it will address the issue of defunding the police. Adam Olsen says the goal of the review is to ensure the right resources are showing up in the right places when they're needed.
The 9 member committee of MLAs from all three parties has held two meetings so far. It heard presentations by the top level bureaucrats who manage the 45 year old Police Act. Presentations by members of the public will be scheduled over the fall and early spring. The committee will present its final report by May the 14th, next year.
A pilot project at the Vancouver Island Regional Library's Harbourfront branch has proven to be a popular initiative. Close to 3200 people have taken advantage of the Walkthrough Service in its first three weeks. That's an average of 144 library customers a day. The Library says customers wore masks and followed COVID safety protocols. Staff say they received "an overwhelmingly positive response."
In fact, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District visited the branch to learn how the Walkthrough program could be used in school libraries this fall. The Walkthrough Service will expand to other regional library branches in the coming weeks.
New in this update:
COVID-19 cases in the Island Health Region continue to creep up, but at a much slower rate than on the lower mainland. There have been two new cases of the virus confirmed here over the past 24 hours. Province-wide, there are 83 new cases but no deaths.
BC's Minister of Public Safety has extended the province's state of emergency until September the 1st. The extension allows the province to continue to manage what it calls "immediate concerns, including recent outbreaks in some areas of the province." Mike Farnworth has confirmed he will be bringing in new measures later this week to address the actions of those he says "demonstrate their indifference to the health and safety of others." Yesterday, the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix confirmed the target.
"The places we're most concerned about in terms of transmission are parties and close contacts that take place over a period of time in closed circumstances and those are the circumstances that we're most focussed on with our enforcement right now."—Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
Dix says four nightclubs on the lower mainland including one in the Trump Tower, have been ordered closed until health authorities are satisfied with their COVID safety plans.
A group of Milton Street residents has stepped up efforts to shut down a drug house that's been deemed a nuisance property at 560 Milton.
"The 'field of filth' we call it across from the house where everybody hides. We spent two four hour shifts as a community, clearing the lot because unfortunately, the owner of the lot has not been any help so we just got out there and we showed a sign of solidarity and people from all over Nanaimo came and stood with us in a stand against it."—Natalie Cunliffe, South End resident.
Police raided the property in June, charging two people with trafficking. The city declared it a nuisance property last month.
New in this update:
Tougher fines and more enforcement to control party makers are coming this week. BC's Minister of Health says it's an effort to try to stop COVID-19 infections from continuing to spike among people under the age of forty. At the same time, Adrian Dix acknowledges what some have called "pandemic fatigue." During Monday's COVID-19 update, the Minister said the key to getting through this pandemic is not shaming or punishment, but compliance.
A downtown mural is drawing fire from some Nanaimo residents who say it's pornographic and glorifies drug use. The mural is on the retaining wall of the parking lot at 95 Cavan St. It depicts a cartoonish creature, lying in a mushroom field, who is smoking a pipe through its belly and is holding a staff that's spewing rainbow colours. It's one of three murals by local artists, commissioned by the city as part of the first Hub City Walls festival. The city's manager of Culture and Events says there has been a handful of negative emails about the mural. Julie Bevan says that's not surprising.
Dozens of small fires continue to burn on Vancouver Island, the result of lightning strikes on Sunday night. BC's Wildfire Service says most are under 2 hectares and crews are on the ground at the hot spots. A helicopter was deployed to Mount Benson yesterday, to drop fire retardant on a fire that is about half a hectare in size. Crews expect the rain that is forecast later this week will help put the fires out completely.
New in this update:
The federal minister of finance has resigned. Bill Morneau has been under pressure from opposition MPs ever since his dealings with the WE charity came to light.
There have been 236 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC since Friday, including four new cases in the Island Health region. Adrian Dix says an ongoing concern is with people having private indoor parties. He says officials are making plans to target that group.
"We cannot let a few wreck it for everybody else. Ministries are meeting and have met today to map out a more comprehensive approach to increase enforcement that will optimize the use of enforcement officers beyond public health. The government will take further steps to impose stricter penalties that will come into effect later this week."—Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
Meanwhile, masks will now be mandatory in BC schools, in certain situations. New operational guidelines say masks will be required for staff, middle and secondary students in high traffic areas such as buses and in common areas such as hallways, or anytime outside of their learning group whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.
There is good news for low income seniors and people on provincial disability or income assistance. BC will extend its temporary crisis supplement until the end of this year.
New in this update:
Last night's lightning storm has started 16 small fires on Vancouver Island. The BC Wildfire Service says 15 of them are burning south of Nanaimo and one is just north of Pemberton.
International students are facing new hurdles this school year because of COVID-19. The Dean of International Education at Vancouver Island University says the federal Government is not making it easy for international students to return to Canada, even if they have student visas.
Graham Pike says more than 90 international students opted to stay in Nanaimo over the summer, instead of risking being denied re-entry this fall.
Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson says she'll be using her summer break to reconnect with constituents to herald the accomplishments by the NDP government.
"We know they've been waiting for resolution on the homelessness and overdose and social disorder front for a long time, but we're bringing new tools and some of the investments are starting to bear fruit and get us ahead on the issues that are important to people here in town."—Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.
New in this update:
BC is ending another week of double digit daily COVID-19 infections with 53 new cases including one in the Island Health Region. The good news is there has not been a death related to COVID-19 in BC for more than a week, but there have been 293 new cases confirmed since last Friday, including three in Island Health.
Tent Island, just south of Penelakut Island, has been closed to the public. The Penelakut Tribe says "visitors and campers have been ignoring provincial fire bans which threatens to destroy the island.”
New in this update:
Nanaimo's annual "Reuse Rendezvous" will be taking place this weekend with an extra perk. The city's Zero Waste Coordinator believes the long running event where residents leave unwanted items at the curb for others will be enhanced by the pandemic. Kirsten Gellein predicts people will leave more and higher quality items at the curb this year.
"What I'm putting out this year is that I think Reuse Rendezvous is going to have a pandemic perk as many locals been holding off on donating household goods and visiting thrift stores. So I'm hoping and anticipating that some high-quality items are being set out at Reuse Rendezvous this year.”—Kirsten Gellein
Health officials in BC are trying new ways to encourage people to practise their so-called COVID sense. The Minister of Health says it' s been a challenge to modify behaviour among younger people who desperately want to socialize.
"Maybe we understand the risk intellectually and sometimes we don't really understand what those risks are. We have not had any people pass away from COVID 19 under 40 in British Columbia to date and so this may give the wrong impression that COVID-19 can't seriously affect people under 40. It can, and it's a really lousy thing to get even if you recover."—Minister of Health Adrian Dix
Dix says most recent cases of the virus are among people under the age of 40.
After three straight months of climbing unemployment rates, British Columbia’s economy is showing a slight improvement. Statistics Canada is reporting 118,000 jobs were added to the provincial economy in June.
New in this update:
BC's Provincial Health Officer says COVID-19 case counts are higher than she'd like to see, but Dr. Bonnie Henry says the situation is "under control" because public health workers are able to keep up with contact tracing. There have been 47 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours, but none is in the Island Health Region.
Meanwhile, Henry says 46 people in Vancouver contracted the virus and 400 others are self-isolating as a result of one group of party-goers mingling with overlapping social circles in the days following the party.
Cool temperatures and a few downpours are helping to put out the fire on Green Mountain, south of Nanaimo.
At one point, the fire threatened an area set aside for Vancouver Island marmots. The 300-hectare habitat site is home to a colony of 200 marmots. However, the executive director of the Marmot Recovery Foundation, Adam Taylor says the fire was contained to a half hectare in the management area.
New in this update:
The premier is reassuring parents who are fearful about plan to return children to classrooms full time this fall. The plan to create learning cohorts could see up to 60 elementary school students and 120 high school students having contact with each other during the school day.
The province will spend an extra $45.6 million to ensure safety measures, including making masks available, hiring more custodians, increasing cleaning of high-contact surfaces, and increasing the number of hand-hygiene stations School districts have been given the autonomy to implement the plan as they see fit.
Meanwhile, face masks will be mandatory on transit across much of the province starting August 24. It's a move that the Provincial Health Officer has been calling for over the past month. However, BC Transit says there will be no enforcement or penalties. It says it wants the new policy implemented as "an educational step."
It was 75 years ago today that the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan, killing 140,000 people. Today that tragic anniversary will be remembered in Nanaimo. Peace songs will be sung, instrumentals played and every half hour, there will be a reminder of Hiroshima Day with a minute of silence.
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146 people have been infected with COVID-19 in BC since Friday, including two in the Island Health Region. There have been no deaths. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is not overly worried by the numbers. Henry says health authorities have been able to contact most people who have been exposed to the virus.
Island Health has handed back the reigns at two private care homes, ten months after appointing an administrator to oversee them.
Three forest fires continue to keep crews busy in the Coastal Fire District. They include the 16-hectare fire at Green Mountain, southwest of Nanaimo, which is 40 per cent contained.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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The family of a former RCMP officer who took her life, has finally been compensated for years of abuse. Krista Carle was one of the first female officers to blow the whistle on sexual and psychological abuse she suffered as an RCMP officer in Alberta.
Another unintended consequence of the pandemic is affecting recycling in Nanaimo.
The city says blue carts containing oversize cardboard larger than two feet in any dimension may not be collected.
Local sports organizations will have access to a $1 and a half million dollar fund to help them survive the pandemic.
Lisa Beare says the money is to help smaller groups that rely on membership fees, events and tournaments to sustain them.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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It's been another double-digit weekend for COVID-19 cases in BC. 81 people have been confirmed with the coronavirus since Friday, including one case in Island Health. There are now nine active cases of the virus in our region.
Police are investigating a shooting in Nanaimo on Sunday afternoon that has left a man with life-threatening injuries.
A coalition of legal, indigenous and harm reduction advocates has joined a growing list of critics calling on the province to scrap legislation that would allow young people to be forcibly detained in hospital.
The province has paused implementing the bill. Charlesworth says the province should instead withdraw it completely and invest in more harm reduction, treatment and counselling programs for alcohol and drug-addicted youth.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Find us on social media
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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There is another new case of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region. It's one of 30 new cases across the province over the past 24 hours.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says she will issue a new health order, limiting the number of people who can stay at AirBnBs and the number of guests who can visit them.
Several large parties in the Okanagan over the Canada Day weekend have led to more than 70 COVID-19 infections and one thousand people who had contact with those infected are now self-isolating.
Two colleges on Vancouver Island will benefit from the government's drive to fill shortages in long term care homes and mental health and addiction services.
The Minister of Finance is asking the legislature for a billion dollars, to help transit authorities recover from the pandemic. Nanaimo's transit system has reported a $2 million dollar loss this year, due to free fares and the cost of installing equipment like physical barriers needed to protect against COVID-19.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Find us on social media
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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The Premier is resisting calls to crack down on young partiers, in the wake of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Okanagan and a mass gathering of drummers in Vancouver.
Health officials say the outbreak in the Okanagan has led to 70 people being infected with COVID-19 and one thousand others who had contact with them are now self isolating.
A Gabriola Island man hopes to inspire youth around the world to seek adventure after returning from a nine-month solo sailing trip.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Find us on social media
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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The Provincial Health Officer has added new requirements to her health orders for bars and restaurants.
New COVID numbers show no new deaths but 34 new cases, including one in the Island Health Region. That brings the number of active cases here to nine.
Ten schools in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District will get new daycare spaces. The Minister of State for Child Care says 406 before and after school care spaces will be created, but there are no dates set for construction yet.
The new after school spaces are in addition to two other daycare projects for preschoolers in Nanaimo.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Find us on social media
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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Two US boaters have been handed $1000 dollar fines for violating the Quarantine Act.
A man was saved from drowning in the Nanaimo River yesterday, thanks to help from passersby, the Cranberry Volunteer Fire Department and Nanaimo Search and Rescue.
The head of BC's Search and Rescue Association says his group has responded to 700 calls for help so far this year. Kelley recommends anyone planning outdoor activities in BC should take a look at a website called adventuresmart.ca for travel and safety tips.
It appears Nanaimo city council is trying its best to steer clear of a controversy involving a downtown restaurant that has been handed fines for hosting outdoor music. Pirate Chips says it has received three, $100 dollar fines for hosting outdoor music on Fridays between 6 and 8 p.m.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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There are no new deaths to report, but COVID 19 infection numbers continue to climb with 30 new cases today.
The Minister of Health says surgeries will continue uninterrupted, even if the province experiences a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
The BC government continues to hire more nurses, surgeons, and anaesthetists, including every one of the 1,500 nursing students who graduated in BC this year.
The city of Nanaimo has launched a wide-ranging public engagement process today, with an online survey. The "Re-imagine Nanaimo" campaign hopes to involve residents in planning the future of the city.
The online survey that opened today is at getinvolvednanaimo.ca.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Find us on social media
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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In this podcast:
The provincial health officer is sounding the alarm after 102 new cases of COVID 19 were confirmed in BC over the weekend, including six new cases in the Island Health region.
Henry says she does not want to start closing businesses like bars and resorts, but she says what she is calling "enhanced restrictions" and increased inspections will be announced later this week.
British Columbia has introduced a sweeping set of regulations, aimed at preventing the sale of vaping products to young people.
Last year, the province launched a stop vaping social media campaign and distributed a vaping prevention toolkit to 2000 schools.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition in support of a Nanaimo restaurant that has been fined for playing live music.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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There were no new deaths but 21 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in BC since yesterday, including one in Island Health.
Meanwhile, a new study by the BC Center for Disease Control has found the number of people infected by COVID-19 in Vancouver is eight times higher than the number of confirmed cases.
BC's Provincial Health Officer is calling new overdose death statistics "a tragic record." There were 175 overdose deaths in BC in June, passing May's record of 171.
The Premier says he's proud that a diverse group of politicians has inked a deal to share $19 billion dollars worth of federal funding to recover from COVID-19 and to prepare for a possible second wave.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
🎧 Get the Podcast right into your feed: Apple Podcasts / Google Play
In this podcast:
A new study of COVID-19 antibodies in British Columbians has found eight times as many people in Metro Vancouver have been infected with the virus than the number of reported cases.
Despite the positive results, BC's Provincial Health Officer says she remains concerned there is still a low level of transmission in the community.
Nanaimo's transit system has suffered a $2million dollar loss in revenue because of the pandemic.
The West Coast Baseball League has a new team, The Nanaimo Night Owls. It's the 13th team in the WCL, which is a summer league made up of college-level players.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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In this podcast:
BC's COVID-19 numbers continue the trend of an upward increase in cases. There are 21 new confirmed infections over the past 24 hours, including four in the Interior Health Region.
Nanaimo city staff is examining if and how the city's pools could reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nanaimo's pools may be closed, but its lifeguards are offering demonstrations and creative activities in area parks and beaches. For more information, contact the city's aquatics coordinator at 250-756-5243.
A former Sayward RCMP Officer has resigned after been suspended for posting racially offensive content to social media.
Nanaimo's Member of Parliament Paul Manly is hosting an online conversation tonight, about serving vulnerable populations in times of crisis.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
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In this podcast:
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned BC's projected budget surplus into a $12 and a half billion dollar deficit. Nevertheless, BC's Minister of Finance says the province is well-positioned to recover.
The province is projecting a record-breaking 6.8 per cent decline in its Gross Domestic Product next year. However, James says an already budgeted 3 year $22 billion dollar capital spending plan for roads, hospitals, housing and schools will help the economy recover.
On the topic of the pandemic, there were no deaths from COVID-19 in BC over the past 24 hours, however, there were 13 new cases confirmed. None is in the Island Health Region.
Nanaimo RCMP say yesterday's fire at the Bastion was caused by someone starting a fire in the stairwell at the lower door.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Nanoose First Nation has lost its bid to have some E&N rail line land returned to it. The Snaw-Naw-As nation argued the Island Corridor Foundation has been unable to restore and run the railway, which shut down in 2011 due to safety concerns.
The head of Canada's National Immunity Task Force says his team will present a more detailed picture of how many Canadians have been infected with the novel coronavirus within the next two weeks.
The World Health Organization has ended its study into whether hydroxychloroquine and two other drugs help treat patients in hospital who are suffering from COVID-19. Interim results from the group's research arm found the drugs have little or no effect in reducing deaths from the coronavirus.
Two Victoria police officers are under investigation after a complaint by two outreach workers.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
WorkSafe BC and local health inspectors are being kept busy with establishments that are not following COVID-19 safety plans.
A private seniors' care home that's being built in Duncan will not allow doctor-assisted deaths to take place in its facility.
Port Hardy has become the latest community in B.C. to be registered as Bear Smart.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There is a new case of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. The provincial health officer is not announcing exactly where the infected person lives.
Currently, there are two active cases on the virus in the Island Health Region. The second case is related to the health centre on the Tsartlip reserve near Victoria.
The City of Nanaimo has changed its mind about recording meetings of the Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resilience. Provincial emergency orders issued in March, allow municipalities to hold public meetings without the public being present due to COVID-19.
The World Health Organization has started looking at how different countries are faring as they lift their lockdown measures. Doctor Maria Van Kerkhove says the information will be shared.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There have been three new deaths from COVID 19 in BC since Tuesday. All were seniors in care homes on the lower mainland.
There is a new case of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region. It's one of 24 new cases of the virus confirmed over the past two days.
Meanwhile, the BC Center for Disease Control has issued COVID-19 travel alerts related to several flights that arrived at Vancouver International Airport in June.
The Premier says he's concerned by reports of US tourists entering BC under false pretences. The provincial health officer does not share the same level of alarm as the Premier.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
An uproar has started in North Cowichan over a proposed RCMP facility. The new building will cost 48 million dollars.
BC's Provincial Health Officer says she has no plans to expand the 50 person limit on large gatherings, despite what other provinces are doing.
Henry says her contact tracing teams are able to track down everyone who has come into contact with a known COVID case within 24 hours. She says that is the key to preventing huge outbreaks.
Moviegoers will finally be able to go out and watch their favourite films starting this weekend.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Seniors living in long term care and assisted living homes in BC will soon be allowed visitors.
To that end, the province will provide $160 million dollars to public and private care homes to each hire three full-time staff to support safe visits with screening, instructions to visitors and infection control.
There have been no deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. There have been 12 new cases, most of which are on the lower mainland, and one case in the interior health region.
A Nanaimo Transit Supervisor made a gruesome discovery last night. Human skeletal remains were found behind the transit loop at the south entrance to Port Place.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There are ten new cases of COVID-19 in BC, all in the Fraser Health Region. There has been one death reported since yesterday, in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region.
First Nations in BC have fared better than the non-indigenous population when it comes to battling COVID-19.
Nanaimo RCMP are under investigation over an incident related to a wellness check last month. BC's Independent Investigations Office says officers arrested a woman under the Mental Health Act in the afternoon of May the 26th.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
BC is open for business, with the Premier announcing the start of Phase 3 in its COVID-19 plan.
A program that delivers local food products to people in the Cowichan Valley will expand its service, thanks to a $100,000 dollar grant from the Ministry of Social Development. The Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace or Cow-op has been providing an online marketplace for farm products since 2014.
Island Health is celebrating Pride with rainbow sidewalks to show that love is healthy—whatever a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There has been another death from COVID-19 in BC over the past 24 hours and once again, the death was at a long term care home in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region.
Care homes are one of the few places in the province that are not opening up under Phase 3 of BC's COVID-19 plan. Today the Premier announced BC is officially open to travellers from across the country. Phase 3 means COVID-19 Safety Guidelines are now in place for accommodation ranging from hotels to wilderness lodges.
BC's Independent Investigations Office has found police in Courtenay did not cause the death of a man who killed himself during a wellness check earlier this month.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
New legislation designed to combat fatal drug overdoses among youth is getting a failing grade from B.C.'s Chief Coroner. Amendments to the Mental Health Act will allow hospitals to impose involuntary emergency stabilization on those under the age of 19 who have overdosed.
The BC Centre for Disease Control is leading the world in a study to detect small amounts of the COVID-19 virus in wastewater.
The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is demanding the police officer who killed Chantal Moore be charged with murder. Moore died at her home in Edmunston New Brunswick on June the 4th, after being shot during a wellness check.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There has been one death from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in BC and 13 new cases of infection.
The Provincial Health Officer says B.C. is well-positioned to enter the next phase of re-openings, despite new data that shows a high contact rate between people.
Changes are coming to the laws that govern strata housing with the aim of reducing skyrocketing insurance rates.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The BC Legislature resumes sitting today but with a few changes to how things will be run in the house during the pandemic.
The Chair of the Board of Governors at UBC has resigned amidst a furore over Twitter.
A First Nation near Victoria has put out a COVID-19 alert about an infected person who was at their health centre last Tuesday.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Vancouver Island has recorded its first new case of COVID-19 in just over a month. The provincial numbers confirm the case of a person who visited the Tsartlip Nation Health Centre last Tuesday.
Nanaimo city bylaw officers are moving to clear a homeless camp after neighbours threatened to do it themselves. A group called "Van Isle Clean Team" posted its plan on its Facebook page last weekend.
BC Ferries will increase sailings on its three major routes over the summer.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The BC Legislature resumes sitting today but with a few changes to how things will be run in the house during the pandemic.
The Chair of the Board of Governors at UBC has resigned amidst a furore over Twitter.
A First Nation near Victoria has put out a COVID-19 alert about an infected person who was at their health centre last Tuesday.
Please help increase local journalism with a donation to chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
A well-respected indigenous and youth advocate will investigate allegations of a racist game being played in some hospital emergency rooms. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond will look into claims that health care workers in at least one BC hospital play a game to guess the blood alcohol level of indigenous people seeking treatment in their emergency departments.
British Columbia continues to flatten the COVID-19 curve, with no deaths reported for the seventh straight day.
Two Nanaimo schools will get close to $19 million dollars to make them earthquake-proof and two others will get upgrades. Seismic upgrades at Cilaire and Pleasant Valley Elementary schools will begin in the summer of 2021 with construction completed by the following summer.
Nanaimo RCMP and city fire inspectors are investigating an arson at Motion Specialties on Bowen Road.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, BC's former children's advocate will investigate a troubling allegation that health care workers played a game to guess the blood alcohol levels of indigenous people in at least one hospital emergency room.
Two Nanaimo elementary schools will get seismic upgrades worth $18.8 million dollars. The work will begin at Cilaire Elementary and Pleasant Valley Elementary schools in the summer of 2021, and will be completed by the summer of 2022.
A Nanaimo nightclub will open its doors tomorrow night, despite a raging controversy on social media. Nightclubs are not allowed to open in BC, under current health orders. But, Koncept Nightclub says its reopening as a pub, and not a club.
The province is extending help for renters until the end of August. The temporary Rental Supplement provides between $300 and $500 dollars a month to landlords of renters who qualify.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Friends and lovers who live on both sides of the Canada-US border will no longer be able to meet at Peace Arch Park. The park, that straddles the border will be closed to the public, starting at 8 o'clock tonight.
Meanwhile, some National Parks campsites will open starting Monday. The Green Point Campground in Pacific Rim National Park will reopen with a limited number of spaces.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
For the fifth day in a row, there have been no deaths from COVID-19 in BC. However, there have been 19 new cases confirmed since Tuesday, including two new outbreaks: One at a care home in Abbotsford and the other at Mission Memorial Hospital.
The provincial government wants to hear from you about how it should spend one and a half billion dollars on economic recovery and infrastructure projects. For information go to engage.gov.bc.ca/recoveryideas.
Summer fun is about to begin, with the opening of water parks in Nanaimo and summer camp registration in the region.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There have been no deaths from COVID-19 in BC since last Friday, but there were 10 new cases on the lower mainland over the past 24 hours.
The Minister of Health says BC has learned its lesson when it comes to stockpiling equipment to fight pandemics.
Nanaimo City council has voted to bend the rules, to allow a house to be built closer to a riparian stream.
BC's provincial courts are planning a return to the new normal, starting next month.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There have been no new deaths from COVID-19 in BC in the past three days, but new cases continue to climb. There were 24 new cases in Fraser Health and 12 in Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed since Friday.
Young people in the Comox Valley and Port Hardy who are struggling with mental health or addiction will soon receive seamless services when they need them with a pilot project that is now being expanded.
Questions are being raised about the death of a member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The Ottawa Citizen newspaper is reporting the Canadian Forces knew it had a problem with the ejection seat on its Snowbirds aircraft four years ago, but did nothing about it.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
BC's Ministry of Education has lost a landmark case in the Supreme Court of Canada. It has been ordered to pay more than $7 million dollars to the Francophone School Board of BC.
Dr. Shannon Dames a nursing professor at Vancouver Island University has received a $50,000 dollar grant to develop a psychedelic therapy for health care workers and first responders who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Farmers in the Alberni Valley will be allowed to slaughter animals on their farms for sale to consumers restaurants and butcher shops.
This news update is brought to you by a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada. If you support the growth of news journalism on CHLY, please consider making a donation at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
A former BC conservation officer who lost his job for refusing to kill two bear cubs has been vindicated by the BC Court of Appeal.
Construction has started on a project at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital that will reduce wait times for colonoscopies.
A funeral is being held today, for the 26-year-old Tla-o-qui-aht woman who was killed by a News Brunswick police officer during a wellness check one week ago. Family members of Chantal Moore say she was shot five times in what they believe was a racially motivated incident.
We'd like to expand our local news service at CHLY and we can do it with your help. Please consider making a donation at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There have been no new deaths from COVID-19 in BC for the fifth straight day. However, there are 12 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours on the lower mainland, including a new outbreak at a long term care home and new cases related to two, large family gatherings.
The Premier says the Provincial Health Officer has approved a plan that would allow Vancouver to become an NHL hub city.
Amateur athletes in BC will be able to play their games this summer, thanks to a ministerial order.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council says it wants travel restricted in its territory until the province agrees to several measures to keep its communities safe from COVID-19.
This news update is made possible by a grant from Heritage Canada and the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada. Please help sustain and grow our effort to increase local journalism with a donation at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
A new survey by Angus Reid shows British Columbians are hugely supportive of how the province is handling the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey shows 87 per cent of British Columbians say they believe the provincial government has handled the pandemic well.
BC's Provincial Health Officer says researchers are crunching data, in an effort to learn how COVID-19 has affected people based on race and socioeconomic levels.
This news update is made possible by a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada. If you would like to support our goal of expanding local news on our airwaves, please consider making a contribution at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
For the fifth straight day, there have been no new deaths from COVID-19 in BC. The Provincial Health Officer has also declared several outbreaks over.
BC Ferries has announced, starting on June the 15th, it will require all passengers over the age of 2 to wear masks on ferry trips that are longer than 30 minutes but only when physical distancing is not possible.
The City of Nanaimo's animal pound and adoption centre does not meet basic national standards for animals in shelters and a consultant's report is recommending a renovation.
If you'd like to help support an increase in local news, please make a donation at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Department of National Defence’s Airworthiness Investigative Authority has released a preliminary report on the crash of a helicopter off the coast of Greece. The April the 29th crash killed six crew members, including Captain Kevin Hagan, of Nanaimo.
The Prime Minister says Canada will lift some travel restrictions to allow family members to be reunited. Justin Trudeau says starting at midnight tonight, family members of citizens or permanent residents will be allowed to come to Canada.
Nanaimo's Loaves and Fishes Foodbank will receive more than $70,000 dollars, thanks to an anonymous donor who matched a month-long drive for donations.
We would like to grow our local news service with your help. Please consider donating at CHLY.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
More than 500 people attended anti-racism in Nanaimo today. People chanted as people of colour and indigenous speakers talked about their experiences of racism, while supporters surrounded them in a symbolic safe circle.
Today's COVID-19 numbers show one person has died from the virus and there is one new confirmed case in BC since Thursday, both are in the Fraser Health Region.
The provincial government is bending its privacy rules because of COVID-19. This afternoon, the Minister of Citizens Services issued a ministerial order, allowing the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to use communications software that would normally not be allowed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
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BC's unemployment figures continue to rise this month. The provincial unemployment rate was 13.4 per cent in May. It was 11 and a half per cent in April.
BC Ferries has a new service contract with the province that will allow it to provide minimum service levels during the pandemic and to increase service levels as the province's re-opening plans are expanded.
A rally against racism gets underway at 3 o'clock this afternoon in Maffeo-Sutton Park. Organizers say it's an opportunity for those who have experienced anti-black racism to tell their stories and for supporters to hear them.
This news update is brought to you by a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, as well as Heritage Canada and listeners like you. Please help support and grow local news journalism in the mid-island by donating at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
New numbers on COVID-19 show there have been no new deaths from the virus in BC over the past 24 hours. There are nine new cases, three of which are in the Island Health Region, bringing our total to 130. But the three cases here are different from the ones reported in the past. These new cases are called epi-linked cases. These are people who caught the virus from an officially confirmed test positive case. The epi-linked cases were not confirmed at the time. So the three new cases in Island Health are people who have already recovered from the virus, but were never on the official case count until now. The Provincial Health Officer says there will be more epi-linked cases added to the case numbers in BC going forward. Dr. Bonnie Henry says that is why, despite there being no officially active cases in our health region, there are people who have the virus.
Other new data show where the various strains of COVID-19 in BC have come from. Surprisingly, there were very few cases that actually came from outbreaks in China, while the majority has come from European outbreaks. Dr. Henry says probably because the province was on high alert for cases from China at the start of the pandemic, so those travellers were closely monitored and educated to prevent the spread of the virus. She says the European-linked cases were transmitted at a large dental conference held in Vancouver, but wasn't detected until after conference delegates returned to their home communities throughout the province and continued to spread it.
A rally is being planned in Nanaimo on Friday, to stand in solidarity with anti-racism protests in the United States and to raise awareness of anti-black racism in Canada. The demonstration begins at 3 p.m. Friday at Maffeo Sutton Park. Organizers say it's an opportunity for black people to speak through stories, poetry and song about their experiences and for the wider community to hear about them. Demonstrators are being asked to keep a safe physical distance from one another, to wear a mask, wash their hands before attending and know there will be no washroom facilities on site.
This update is made possible by a grant from Heritage Canada, the local journalism initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada and listeners like you. If you would like to support and help grow local journalism on our airwaves, please make a contribution at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The latest COVID-19 numbers are in and the Island Health region continues to have no new outbreaks and just one person in hospital. However, there is one new death in the Fraser Health region. And there has been a huge spike in new cases with 21 in the Fraser Health region and one in Coastal Health. There were no details about the spike since there was no public health briefing. BC's Provincial Health Officer will present new data on what's happened in the past and what the future might hold on Thursday.
The Premier is promising announcements soon when it comes to tourism, transit and paid sick leave. Tourism is the third-largest jobs provider in BC. John Horgan says his Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture consults with stakeholders regularly and plans to announce a COVID-19 tourism strategy soon. Meanwhile, on the issue of transit, Horgan says he considers it "a checked box," now that the federal government has announced a $2.2 billion dollar pandemic relief plan for municipalities. However, municipal leaders are less impressed, pointing out the money is part of a regular gas tax payment they would receive anyway. Transit leaders say the money is already earmarked to buy buses or ongoing infrastructure projects and does nothing to help them with increased operating costs due to the pandemic. On the issue of paid sick leave, Horgan says the details are being worked out. Questions remain over which level of government will pay and how much.
Vancouver Island University is hosting a series of zoom lectures to connect students with a passion for leadership and empower diverse thinking in an ever-changing world. The 12th annual Vancouver Island Leadership Conference will be held online this year because of the pandemic. The lecture series begins on Monday and will feature Elena Sinelnikova, the CEO of Crypto Chicks, a group devoted to Blockchain technology that's used in cryptocurrency, along with Charlene Bearhead, the Educational Lead for Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Deborah Saucier. There will also be workshops on yoga, nutrition and professional development as well as a flash mob is planned. For more information, google Vancouver Island Leadership Conference.
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Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The chaos in U.S. cities over the death of George Floyd has hit home for a Ladysmith school principal. Dionte Jelks says his brother and cousin were shot to death on Sunday afternoon in Chicago, as they were driving to his mother's home. Jelks says he is torn apart, debating whether to risk his life by returning to Chicago to mourn with his family. Jelks says he is so grateful that his three sons do not have to live in fear on Vancouver Island. He says he is thankful for the kind words and support from the school district and the Ladysmith community. A Go-Fund-Me campaign to help with funeral expenses has doubled its $5,000 dollar goal.
The City of Parksville will not get its way when it comes to a proposed bylaw to restrict the distribution of clean needles. The bylaw would require any group distributing harm reduction supplies to register with the city and to track who is receiving needles. It would only be allowed to distribute retractable needles. And users would be required to return discarded needles or declare they have been safely disposed of before being given a new supply. The medical health officer for the mid-island has told the city its bylaw is likely unconstitutional and a contradiction to widely accepted government harm reduction practices. Dr. Paul Hasselback has refused to endorse it. Nanaimo News Now is reporting the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, has formally rejected Parksville's plan saying “The bylaw restricts access to health services.”
Ferry service resumes today between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. There will be four round trip sailings per day, but the vessels will only carry half their capacity to ensure social distancing. That's why BC Ferries is recommending vehicles and foot passengers make reservations. The increased demand for service will see more changes starting next week. Starting June the 9th, service between Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands will increase with the return to the winter schedule. Resumption of sailings between Long Harbour on Saltspring Island and Tsawassen will also begin on June the 9th. Travellers who made reservations between June 9th and 23rd will have their reservations cancelled and payments refunded because the sailings times have changed. This route is 100 per cent reservable and reservations are recommended for both foot passengers and vehicles.
This news update is made possible by a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada. If you would like to hear more community journalism on our airwaves, you can make it happen with a donation at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There is good news on the COVID-19 front. There are no new deaths and just four new cases of the virus confirmed in the past 24 hours. The new cases are at two small offices in the Fraser Health Region. The Provincial Health Officer is praising the businesses that took quick action to identify the cases and ensure protocols were followed. Dr. Bonnie Henry says three other outbreaks at long term care homes are now over, as well as the outbreak at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says BC can now use three million N95 type masks that have been declared safe for use. Dix says the masks came from a new supplier in China and had not been tested before. Previously, BC relied on masks made by 3M, but that supply has dried up, because of increased worldwide demand and US restrictions on their export. Dix says the new masks put the province in a good position for performing cancelled surgeries and preparing for a second wave of the virus in the fall.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Salt Spring Island. Police were called to a home on Fulford-Ganges Road at 5 p.m. on Monday. They found a 48-year-old man dead and a 41-year woman who later succumbed to her injuries. They are believed to be a husband and wife who were long time residents of the island. Police have not confirmed a murder-suicide but say they do not expect to charge anyone with the crime and the public is not at risk.
Playgrounds in Nanaimo and the regional district will reopen on Wednesday. They were closed in Mid-March due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Playground users are being asked to wash their hands before and after leaving and to bring hand sanitizer with them. The parks department is recommending people try to use the playgrounds at less busy times and to not share toys, food, water bottles or other personal items. The Regional District will erect signs, advising people that the playground equipment will not be washed or disinfected. The Maffeo-Sutton playground is being retrofitted and will reopen at a later date.
This update is made possible, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, and Heritage Canada. If you would like to support and grow local news programming, please consider making a sustaining donation for as little as $3.50 a month. You can do that at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
A report by BC's Acting Auditor General says an immigration program needs a better plan to recognize fraud and misrepresentation. The audit examined the Provincial Nominee Program which fills labour gaps with immigration applicants. Last year, the program allowed 6500 immigrants to become permanent residents, based on their job skills and the need for those skills in BC. More than 85% of immigrants who became permanent residents through the program stayed in B.C. and more than 90% of those who have come since 2012 were still employed. But the audit says although individual cases were given due diligence, there are gaps in the system itself which may see fraud going undetected. Since 2017, the ministry refused 83 applications because of misrepresentation, and it sanctioned 16 employers for fraud. The fraud included people being hired for jobs that did not exist, or people inflating their qualifications on their applications. The report recommends the program create a structured risk assessment plan that would allow it to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, rather than depending on the due diligence conducted on a case by case basis.
Book lovers who have been cut off from their regional library because of COVID-19 will soon be allowed to check out reading and video material. The so-called Takeout Service begins this week on a branch-by-branch basis. Library users will be able to place holds using the online catalogue. Staff will then collect the requested items and connect with the customer to arrange a time for pick up. All materials will be quarantined for 72 hours between loans. For more information about the Takeout Service go to virl.bc.ca/takeout. Or you can keep an eye on the Vancouver Island Region Library's Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Tourism marketing organizations hope a series of federal and provincial grants will help them weather the downturn, as a result of COVID-19. There are 3500 tourism-based businesses on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. The CEO of Vancouver Island says close to 25 per cent of island tourism businesses expect they will permanently close because travel restriction are killing their businesses. On Sunday, the federal government announced a $30 million dollars program for local groups that promote tourism. The Province says It will provide $1 million dollars to the Tourism Association of Vancouver Island, to assist in providing services to tourism operators to keep their businesses afloat. Tourism is a $20 billion dollar a year industry in BC.
This update is made possible by a grant from Heritage Canada, the local journalism initiative of the Radio Fund of Canada and listeners like you. Please contribute to keeping initiatives like this alive at chly.ca/support.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Vancouver Island Health region continues to keep a lid on new COVID-19 cases. There have been no new cases here since May the 6th. One person remains in hospital. Across the province, there were 24 new cases confirmed since Saturday and one death in a long term care home in the Fraser Health region.
The Provincial Health Officer says she supports the right to protest against racism, but Dr. Bonnie Henry says protestors need to weigh the risks and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Henry was reacting to a large anti-racism protest, held in Vancouver on Sunday, where 3500 people attended. The protest violated the public health order that limits gatherings to 50 people. Henry says she is pleased to have seen many at the protest wearing masks and in some cases, physically distancing. However, she says it is ironic that the protestors may have put those they are marching in support of, like indigenous and marginalized minorities at risk by their mass gathering. She is urging those who attended the protest to closely monitor their own health and if they show any signs of the virus, they must stay at home and avoid any contact with others.
The province has issued an emergency order it hopes will force BC landlords to give their commercial customers a break. The Minister of Finance says the province is banning landlords from evicting eligible business tenants and from suing them for June's rent. Carole James says it's in response to complaints from small businesses that say their landlords are refusing to apply for a federal rent subsidy program. Under the federal program, businesses that suffered a 70 per cent loss of income during the pandemic qualify for a plan that would see Ottawa pay for half of their June rent if their landlord also agrees to cover one-quarter of the rent. James hopes the provincial order banning evictions and lawsuits will, in her words, "encourage" BC landlords to apply for the federal subsidy program.
This update is made possible, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada and listeners like you. If you'd like to support and grow local news initiatives like this, please get on board with a sustaining donation at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
COVID-19 numbers continue to remain low in BC over the weekend. There were no new deaths reported on Saturday. There were 11 new cases of the virus, all of them in ongoing outbreaks at senior care homes on the lower mainland.
The Provincial Health Officer spent most of her update on Saturday, reassuring parents and teachers that today's return to classrooms is safe. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is confident and excited about the reopening of schools, given BC's low infection rate. Henry says she has held discussions with members of the BC Teachers' Federation who did express concerns about older teachers and those with underlying health conditions returning to work. The doctor admits she does expect to see some COVID-19 infections in schools over the next two weeks, but she says public health officers and their teams are ready to handle it.
Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District says it has hired 14 extra custodians to ensure new cleaning protocols are met. The district expects just over half of its 15,000 students will return to class this week, but not all of them on the same days. District spokesperson Dale Burgos says each school has created student schedules to limit the number of students in attendance on any given day. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will attend two days per week, while those in grade 6 to 12 will attend once per week. Dale Burgos says vulnerable students will be allowed to attend class full time if requested. School playgrounds will also reopen today.
It looks like tubing will be allowed on the Cowichan River this summer after all. The district had banned the popular summer past time and told the local tube rental company that it would not get a business license this year. However, the Tube Shack's Facebook page has posted an announcement that it will open for business on June the 27th, but with new rules in place. Now, tubers must book a reservation and tubing will be limited to 40 people per hour, in keeping with the provincial health order that limits gatherings to 50 people. The company says it will sanitize the tubes after each use and will provide wet bags for people to take their keys with them in the water since it can no longer hold on to customers keys for them.
Today is lottery day for 1500 Nanaimo residents hoping to win a spot at the drive-in being sponsored by the Nanaimo Clippers. The Junior A hockey team is hosting a series of drive-in movies, starting June the 12th. It will be limited to 50 cars per show. The first two nights will be for season ticket holders only, but a random draw will take place for the general public, starting today, for three nights of drive-ins on the following weekend. The Clippers had to modify plans to comply with a new provincial health order directing drive-ins to provide washrooms with running water. The Clippers organization says it will provide portable washrooms and running water at the undisclosed drive-in location.
This update is made possible, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada and listeners like you. If you'd like to support and grow local news initiatives like this, please get on board with a sustaining donation at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
British Columbia is ending its week of COVID-19 statistics on a positive note. There have been no deaths reported in the past 24 hours, and just four new cases of the virus on the lower mainland. These are the lowest numbers recorded since the start of the pandemic. 228 British Columbians continue to recover from COVID-19, with 34 in hospital, and one in the Island Health region.
The Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer are welcoming the federal government's decision to ban cruise ships from Canadian waters until at least the end of October. In a joint statement, Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry write: "We commend the federal government's decision. 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." The ban was set to expire on July the 4th. Previously, Dr. Henry had said if cruise ships did dock in BC, passengers would not be allowed to disembark unless they had a plan for 2 weeks of self-isolation. The decision is the latest setback for the tourism industry. |One industry study estimates cruise ships inject $120 million dollars in the economy of greater Victoria every year.
Today has been proclaimed "Day of the Honey Bee" by the Ministry of Agriculture. It's In recognition of the significant role the province's honey bees and native pollinators play in B.C.'s agricultural industry and the lives of British Columbians. To mark the occasion, the province has announced a series of grants under its Bee BC program. 15 individuals and organizations from around the province will receive grants for projects that support the health of B.C.'s bees. Among the recipients is the Thetis Island Beekeepers Co-op, It's project will recover land for mass forage planting and crop blend design. The co-op will share its results with other beekeepers.
The city of Nanaimo is reminding dog owners that your fur-babies are banned from beaches from now until October. At this time of year, beaches become more crowded and the shoreline is active with migrating and breeding wildlife that should not be disturbed. Those who are caught with their dog on a public beach could face a $150 dollar fine. There are alternatives to let rover run wild, like the region's 11 off-leash dog parks.
This update is made possible, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada and listeners like you. If you'd like to support and grow local news initiatives like this, please get on board with a sustaining donation at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Nanaimo Ladysmith School District estimates just over half of its 15,000 students will return to classrooms, starting on Monday. That's the result of a district survey of parents. District spokesperson Dale Burgos says school principals are in contact with parents, to create schedules for drop-off times and staggered classroom days. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have two days a week of in-class instruction, while students in grades 6 to 12 will attend one day per week. Burgos says more custodial staff has been hired to ensure new cleaning protocols are met. And, school playgrounds will also reopen on Monday.
Graduates of Vancouver Island University's Masters of Business Administration have been given the opportunity to help local businesses that are struggling, due to COVID-19. A grant program will allow businesses to hire a professional to help them solve a challenge or explore a new opportunity. Qualifying businesses can apply for a grant to subsidize three-quarters of the wages of a VIU MBA intern for four months. The grant program is a partnership with Mitacs, a national non-profit that promotes industrial and social innovation, VIU, and the Vancouver Island Economic Resiliency Initiative. The president of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Kim Smythe, calls it "a great opportunity for the business community to receive trained help to put their recovery plans into action,”
Cruise ships have been banned from Canadian ports until October 31st. The federal Minister of Transport says any ship with overnight accommodation for 100 or more passengers will not be allowed in Canadian waters. The original ban was set to expire on July the 1st. BC's Provincial Health Officer has said even if the ban were lifted, cruise ship passengers would not be allowed to disembark here unless they were willing to self isolate for two weeks. One study estimates cruise ships contribute $130 million dollars a year to the greater Victoria economy.
This update is made possible, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada and listeners like you. If you'd like to support and grow local news initiatives like this, please get on board with a sustaining donation at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Two more people have died from COVID-19 at the Langley Lodge. 22 people have died there in less than two weeks since the outbreak began. The Fraser Health Authority has appointed a pandemic response director to coordinate efforts to bring it under control. Extra nurses and staff from Fraser Health have been called in to assist. 111 people of the 164 people who have died from the virus lived in long term care facilities.
Meanwhile, there have been nine new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the past 24 hours. None in Island Health. There is only one active case of the virus in our health region and 240 elsewhere in the province.
The Provincial Health officer says she's very happy the outbreak at the federal medium-security prison in Mission is now over. It had one of B.C.’s worst outbreaks with 120 inmates and a dozen guards who caught the virus. Dr. Bonnie Henry praised the work done by Fraser Health, in ensuring new protocols for infection control and prevention were put into place. Henry says their protocols have now been adopted by all federal prisons
There is good news for farmer's markets in BC. The provincial health officer has revised her order, to allow sales of non-food items. Dr. Henry's amendment means food can be consumed at sit down tables at the markets. She says the changes were made to align with the reopening of restaurants.
A special report by the BC Forest Practises Board says government needs to better protect sensitive salmon habitat from sediment from road construction. The Board looked at five watersheds in the province, including the Memekay watershed near Campbell River. That area scored well when it comes to current practises, but it says the watershed is still affected by clearcut logging that ended in the mid-1990. It says salmon streams are still at risk because of a lack of buffer zones and landslides which are the result of historic logging practises.
This update is brought to you by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada as well as listeners like you. If you'd like to support local news, please consider making a sustaining donation, choose your monthly amount at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
A shortage of temporary foreign workers has prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to launch a website, for jobs related to food production. The BC Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector has 600 jobs posted, ranging from forklift operators to berry pickers. The Minister of Agriculture says the food sector in BC needs up to 8000 labourers this season. Lana Popham says most of those jobs would have been filled by temporary foreign workers, but this year, only 1500 such workers are in the province.
Many Parks Canada sites are set to reopen for day use, starting on June the 4th. Pacific Rim National Park will open some beaches, parking lots and trails near Long Beach, but the Parks Canada website does not specify which ones. Currently, all access is forbidden, all washrooms and parking lots are closed. Overnight camping in some limited areas of Pacific Rim park may be open by the third week in June, but no final decisions have been made. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is also set to reopen for day visits one week from today, but the ferry passenger service from Sidney Spit is closed indefinitely, as are several docks and boat launches. The Parks Canada website says trails and day-use areas on the Gulf Islands sites are not being maintained and people are warned they use them at their own risk. The West Coast Trail and camping in the Broken Group Islands will likely remain closed for the entire season. Parks Canada has respected the requests by area first nations, to keep those sites closed, but will revisit the issue in July.
Nanaimo residents are reminded to round up their invasive plants in preparation for a free drop zone on Saturday. The drop off runs from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the Bowen Park Upper Picnic Shelter.
Another deadline coming up this weekend is a survey being conducted by the BC Center for Disease Control. It wants to hear about your experiences with COVID-19. It also asks people to volunteer to have their blood tested, in an attempt to study anti-bodies in those who have had the virus, along with gathering statistics on those who may have had unconfirmed cases of the virus. All the details are on the BCCDC website, including instructions on how to take the survey by telephone. BC's Provincial Health Officer says the survey will help health planners with managing next-steps in the pandemic. The survey closes on Sunday.
This update is brought to you by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada as well as listeners like you. If you'd like to support local news, please consider making a sustaining donation, choose your monthly amount at chly.ca/donate
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
There are 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one more death in BC over the past 24 hours. There are no new cases or deaths in the Island Health Region. 162 people have died from the virus in the province, with most over the age of 60 and a majority in long term care homes. The Premier is reassuring British Columbians about conditions in care homes in the wake of disturbing reports from Ontario and Quebec. John Horgan says "those horror stories are not happening in BC." He says his government has been taking steps to improve conditions in senior care homes for the past two and half years, based on recommendations by BC's senior's advocate. Horgan says the number of hours staff spends with each resident has increased to the required standard, government has boosted worker wages and is providing adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. It has also entrenched a policy requiring workers be employed at only one senior’s facility, as a way to control the spread of COVID-19.
The union representing grocery store workers says it is "shocked and disappointed" by Save-On Foods' decision to end its wage boost for employees as of Saturday. The president of local 1518 of The United Food and Commercial Workers Union calls the move "troubling, unfair and irresponsible." Kim Novak says the union is urging its members and the public to join a letter-writing campaign to the president of Save-On-Foods. She points out the company is rescinding its "Pandemic Premium" at a time when the risks of going to work remain high and grocery stores are posting record profits. Save-On Foods is the only grocery chain to end the wage hike.
A new report from the BC Coroner's Service says there are three fatal drug overdoses every day in British Columbia, making it the highest for any jurisdiction in Canada. 117 people died from drug overdoses in April, including 20 in the Island Health Region. 112 people died in March, with 18 of them in Island Health. That's a 38 per cent spike compared to the same time last year. More than three-quarters of the deaths happened indoors, with 80 per cent of the victims being men between the ages of 19 and 49. No deaths have occurred at any safe consumption sites. In a report last year, BC's provincial health officer called on the government to "move urgently" to decriminalize simple possession of illegal drugs. Dr. Bonnie Henry recommended changing the BC Police Act to allow alternatives like drug addiction treatment instead of criminal arrests. So far, her report has fallen on deaf ears.
This update is brought to you by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada as well as listeners like you. If you'd like to support local news, please consider making a sustaining donation, choose your monthly amount at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
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Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has been dealt a blow by a BC Supreme Court judge today. Madame Justice Heather Holmes has ruled the crime Meng is accused of would also be a crime in Canada. Holmes' ruling says the essence of the crime is fraud, and not that the alleged fraud is related to a company that is on a US sanctions list. Being on the sanctions list is not a crime in Canada, but fraud is. The ruling means proceedings to extradite Meng to the US to face charges will continue.
More grim statistics show another increase in overdose deaths in BC. 117 people died from drug overdoses in April, including 20 in the Island Health Region. 112 people died in March, 18 of them in Island Health. The numbers mark the first time since 2018 that B.C. has recorded more than 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths in back-to-back months. Three British Columbians die of drug overdoses every day, making it the highest for any jurisdiction in Canada. And it’s happening in every region of the province. Almost 80 per cent of the deaths occurred inside, with 80 per cent of the victims being men between the ages of 19 and 49. No deaths have occurred at any safe consumption sites.
The Provincial Health Officer has put the kybosh on overnight summer camps for kids. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there is no way to prevent transmission of the virus in the overnight camps. She points to concerns over a lack of medical care for large groups in small and remote communities, as well as the risk of bringing COVID-19 into more vulnerable regions. Henry says it's an opinion shared by her counterparts across the country, and she expects there will be bans on overnight summer camps in all provinces. However, health officials are encouraging local day camps, where infection control and prevention are possible.
Meanwhile, a northern BC first nation has adopted the provincial health officer, in a ceremony held via Zoom last Friday. Dr. Henry says she is "very honoured and flattered" by the naming ceremony by the Gitksan First Nation. Her Gitksan name, “Gyatsit sa ap dii’m” (Gyat-san ap Dee-Um) means “one who is calm among us.”
This update is brought to you by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada as well as listeners like you. If you'd like to support local news, please consider making a sustaining donation for as little as $3.50 a month at chly.ca/donate
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is "extremely pleased to announce no deaths have occurred as a result of COVID-19 in BC in the past 24 hours." That's the first time that's happened in five and a half weeks. There were 11 new cases of the virus confirmed in BC since Monday, but there have been no new cases on Vancouver Island in close to three weeks. A new case reported last week was of a person who lives in the region, but caught the virus and recovered from it in Alberta. Currently, there is only one active case in Island Health and that person has been in hospital for several weeks. Nevertheless, the provincial health officer says those statistics do not tell the whole story. Dr. Henry believes there are still unconfirmed cases out there. She says people can be asymptomatic, showing no signs and others with mild symptoms don't realize they have it. She says in some cases, a person has tested positive, then a family member shows the same symptoms but does not want to be tested, so that case is not recorded in the statistics. Henry says our brief pandemic history shows cases pop up unexpectedly, like in the processing plants on the lower mainland. The doctor says that's why although BC has a lot to be proud of in bending the curve, the only way that will continue is if people practise the basics like safe physical distancing, small gatherings outside, frequent hand washing and staying away from others if you are feeling even mildly ill.
The uncertainty surrounding daycare in the age of COVID-19 will be a topic for discussion tomorrow afternoon at a virtual town hall meeting. The Minister of State for Child Care and the medical lead for the Provincial Health Office will be on a panel to take your questions. You can catch the broadcast at 3 PM tomorrow on the BC Government's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
It has not been a good year for the Nanaimo-based cannabis company Tilray. Today, it announced it is closing its licensed cannabis greenhouse in Leamington Ontario. This comes after reporting losses of $184 million US in the last quarter and $219 million dollars US in the quarter before that. The company laid off 144 employees or ten per cent of its workforce in February.
This update is brought to you by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada as well as listeners like you. If you'd like to support local news, please consider making a sustaining donation for as little as $3.50 a month at chly.ca/donate.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Nanaimo city council has passed several motions it hopes will jump-start the local economy. The city has agreed to allow restaurants, bakeries and cafes along Commercial Street to expand table service to the roadway. Businesses will be able to lease space on city-owned parking spots from now until the end of October. The move will still allow for vehicle traffic, and having the expanded patios in parking spaces means sidewalks will remain clear for pedestrians. Council members say similar businesses in areas outside the downtown, like Woodgrove and the Country Club are already permitted to expand their businesses to parking spots on their private property. In a similar move, council has unanimously agreed to a recommendation by the province to pre-approve the expansion of liquor service to outdoor spaces by pubs, bars, wineries and breweries. The pre-approval will not increase the number of licensed seats, it simply allows those seats to be shifted to outdoor patio space. The provincial government would be responsible for inspecting the sites.
Council has also decided to allocate close to $200,000 to help deal with what it calls "social disorder issues." It is expanding a pilot project, started last November that includes bylaw officers, sanitation workers and RCMP members, working as a team, to deal with illegal camping and disturbances, as well as removing garbage, abandoned shopping carts, cleaning up graffiti and washrooms in the downtown core and city parks. The money will come from the Special Initiatives Reserve and will fund the "Social Disorder Response Team" until the end of this year. Council has asked staff to report on a request by businesses in the old city quarter to share the cost of security patrols and a call centre for complaints. Some area residents and businesses say they've become fearful of a growing homeless population that is taking over the area. It is asking the city to share the estimated $30,000 dollar cost of the program.
BC Ferries will resume service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay on June 3. The route will start with four round trips per day, and the ferry corporation is advising customers to reserve spots because the sailings will be limited to half of normal capacity. However, customers who had already reserved spots between June 3rd and July 1st will see their reservations cancelled and a refund offered. The ferry corporation says the cancellations are due to a change in the sailings schedule. It is encouraging all travellers, including foot passengers to arrive an hour before the sailing because the process of screening customers for COVID-19 has slowed down embarkation.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Four more people have died from COVID-19 in BC since Saturday, all of them at the Langley Lodge long term care home. There were 12 new cases of the virus reported, including one in the Island Health region. There are currently 267 active COVID-19 cases, with two in Island Health. There have been no new cases reported at any of the community outbreaks in poultry plants, federal prisons or a fruit packing plant in Abbotsford. The Provincial Health Officer says consumers should not be worried about eating any of the products from these facilities. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no cases of COVID-19 linked to food or food packaging.
Meanwhile, Dr. Henry is defending her recent order that limits 50 vehicles at all drive-ins and other entertainment venues. The provincial health officer received a deluge of letters from unhappy organizers over the weekend, after her order forced the cancellation of a large in-car concert in Prince George. Henry says she made the decision because of the high risk of transmission and to ensure there would be timely contact tracing if someone at an event tests positive for the virus. She admonished her critics, saying they need to "take a deep breath. These events are not things that are to be got around. It's about having a reasonable approach that can be sustained." Henry says she will revisit the issue in consultation with the sector in a month from now, after seeing the results of opening restaurants and retail businesses.
Staff at Vancouver Island University have stepped up to create much-needed supplies for health care providers. VIU's chemistry department is making hand-sanitizer for long term care homes in the Nanaimo region. The Engineering Department has made 250 face masks using 3-D printers. They are being used by the Nanaimo Division of Family Practise, the Arrowsmith Lodge and are being evaluated at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The Faculties of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and Science and Technology have donated 800 transparency shields that go with the face masks and a technician in the IT department at the Cowichan campus is 3-D printing headbands for face shields for use in health care settings in the Cowichan Valley.
Thousands of British Columbians crashed a government website this morning, just minutes after it opened to take parks reservations. The Minister responsible apologized to the unhappy campers. George Heyman says the reservation portal crashed when 50,000 requests were made at once, but the site is working well now. He says 35,000 successful reservations were confirmed by noon today, which is a record for BC and double the record set by Parks Canada. Those who were unable to make a booking can try again tomorrow when the system will begin taking reservations from July the 25th onward. The pent up demand comes as the province announced overnight camping in provincial parks will begin on June the 1st and is for BC residents only.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Provincial Health Officer says BC doesn't need to take up the federal government's offer to help provinces with contact-tracing. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry says she'd like to see federal resources go to enhancing monitoring of people entering the country. Henry says she would welcome more help from the federal government to check up on travellers who are supposed to be under quarantine and to expand BC's policy of demanding travellers provide self-isolation plans, to all entry points across the country.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Dr Henry presented the latest COVID-19 numbers, reporting 2 deaths in long term care homes in the Fraser Health Region. There were no new cases of the virus in Island Health, but province-wide, there were 10 new cases, including five at a frozen fruit processing plant in Abbotsford. The Nature's Touch plant has voluntarily shut down operations.
Nanaimo city council is being asked to allocate close to $200,000 to deal with what is being called "social disorder issues." A staff report says open drug dealing has made Wesley Street "an urban dead zone." It says an increase in campsites, stolen shopping carts, discarded needles, vandalism, garbage and the misuse of public washrooms has led to a tripling of clean up costs in less than three years. The report says the COVID-19 pandemic has left boarded-up businesses and empty parking lots vulnerable to homeless and transient individuals, further stretching the demand on police and bylaw services. Staff is asking council for $187,000 to fund a "Social Disorder Response Team," made up of sanitation crews, parking and bylaw officers and the RCMP. It will be voted on at the special council meeting today.
Meanwhile, city staff isn't the only group asking for money to clean up downtown. The Old City Quarter Association wants city hall to share the cost of providing private security and running a call centre for complaints. In a letter to council, the group writes: " Since the middle of March, there have been very few residents and no business activity on downtown streets. At the same time, the homeless population has continued to grow in this neighbourhood resulting in a rapidly deteriorating environment. Residents and tenants no longer feel safe, nor do they enjoy the changing character of the neighbourhood. Both new and longer-term community members are choosing to leave. This represents the undoing of many years of determined community effort to revitalize the Old City Quarter and all of downtown Nanaimo." The group estimates it will cost up to $30,000 to fund the plan for six months, and it's asking the city to split that bill.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The COVID-19 death rate continues to climb with three more in BC in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 155. Again, the deaths were in the hardest-hit region of the province, Fraser Health. There are 18 new cases of the virus, bringing BC's total to just over 2500. There is one new case recorded in Island Health, but the infection didn't actually happen here. It was a case of an employee of the Kearl Lake Oilsands project in Alberta. That person recovered in Alberta but lives in the Island Health region.
Meanwhile, more than 600 people whose surgeries were cancelled by Island Health because of COVID-19 have been re-booked. Close to 4,000 surgeries in the region were postponed in March, to ensure there would be enough hospital beds during the pandemic. Over the past week, the Island Health Authority has contacted almost half of the patients whose surgeries were cancelled and will continue to reschedule. It plans to ramp up bookings by extending operating room hours by mid-June.
The Cowichan Valley branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association has been put on probation by its parent division after an investigation found problems in the way it deals with clients. An independent investigation looked into complaints filed last November and December, about the treatment of a tenant in one of its housing programs. The investigation found “inappropriate” conduct by two staff members towards the tenant and an advocate. The BC Division of the Mental Health Association has ordered the Cowichan Valley branch to “develop clear written policies and procedures, train board and staff in conflict resolution, and engage in organization-wide training focused on a meaningful commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, including training on cultural safety, humility, and trauma-informed care.” And the Cowichan Valley branch must do so within a year, or it will lose its affiliation with the Canadian Mental Health Association. The CMHA says the recommendations included in the report will be required of every branch in Canada.
The province is making it easy for restaurants, pubs, breweries and wineries to expand table service to patios, sidewalks and even parking lots. BC's Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has set up a free, on-line permission process to temporarily allow expanded service areas until Oct. 31st. It does not allow an increase in the number of licensed seats but will allow those seats to be spread out, with permission of the local municipality. Site inspections are not required before the permit is issued, but random inspections are planned.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Restaurants, pubs, breweries and wineries are being given the green light to expand service to patios. BC's Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has set up a fast-track, on-line permission process to temporarily allow expanded service areas until Oct. 31st. It does not allow an increase in the number of licensed seats in an establishment. It will only allow those seats to be spread out, to include patios or even sidewalks, with permission of the local municipality. The president of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association calls it "excellent news." Ian Tostenson says "it will be welcomed by all of our members and by businesses throughout B.C as an important step towards recovery." Normally such approvals would take months and hundreds of dollars to complete. Site inspections will not be required before the permit is issued, but random inspections are planned.
Both the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer are downplaying concerns from restaurant patrons about a new rule. Now, diners must leave their names where they dine, to help with contact tracing, if there is a COVID-19 outbreak at the establishment. Some complain that is an infringement of privacy, but Adrian Dix calls it "a small inconvenience," saying "It's not a question of rights but a question of our obligations as human beings to one another during an extraordinarily difficult time." The contact information will be held for 30 days. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the information will not be accessed unless there is an outbreak. She says health authorities already have access to information from credit cards or loyalty cards when needed for contact tracing.
The Nanaimo Clippers is organizing a series of drive-in movies, to boost community spirits during the pandemic. The movies begin on June the 12 and 13th for season ticket holders only. From the 19th until the 21st, they will be for the general public. However, there will be a 50 car limit, and there will be no washroom facilities at the undisclosed drive-in location. Registration is required and a random draw will follow. The Junior Hockey team reports more than 700 families have registered in less than a day. On the bill "Toy Story 4" "Onward" and "Step Brothers." To enter the draw for tickets, check out the Clippers website.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
Three more people have died from COVID-19 in BC over the past 24 hours, bringing the death count to 152. All three were in long term care homes on the lower mainland. There have been no new cases of the virus in the Island Health Region, but province-wide, 12 more people have been infected in the past day, with one at the Matsqui federal prison in Abbotsford. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is thankful the case was detected early and the person had few risky contacts. Health officials expect the latest outbreak will not be like the other federal prison outbreak at Mission, where more than 100 inmates and a dozen staff contracted the virus. Previously, Henry has said the Mission outbreak was not caught early and federal officials did not have all of the COVID-19 protocols in place at that time. Currently, there is only one active case of COVID-19 there.
There will soon be hotel rooms available for vulnerable people in Nanaimo who need help to self-isolate during the pandemic. BC Housing says it has secured 73 spaces in four area hotels. 13 spaces are reserved for women fleeing violence. The remainder will be used by people who need medical support after being released from hospital, those who need to quarantine, as well as others with unstable housing and underlying medical conditions. However, it could take until the end of June or early July before those rooms are available.
That will also be the case at the Emergency Response Centre. The city announced on April the 30th, that the temporary centre would be located in the Community Services Building. But homeless men will not be housed there until July. The executive director of the Island Crisis Care Society says homeless women who are living at Samaritan House will be moved to the centre first, starting next month. Violet Hayes says there will be 21 beds reserved for women and 14 for men.
Reservations at BC parks will be limited to BC residents only this summer. The change in policy was not announced by the minister but was posted on the BC Parks Facebook page. The post says non-BC residents who made reservations before the pandemic should contact its call centre before June 15th, to receive a full refund. The online reservation system, for BC residents only, will open on Monday. Reservations made by non-residents after May 25 may be subject to immediate cancellation with no refunds. The post says the decision was made in support of staying local and avoiding unnecessary travel during the pandemic. Similar residents-only reservation policies are already in effect in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Written and reported by: Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca Find us on social media at Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.
The Minister of Labour is promising a robust level of inspections, as businesses begin to reopen. Harry Bains says that's why his ministry has increased the number of inspectors and hotline advisors since mid-March. Bains says close to 9,000 inspectors have been conducted since the start of the pandemic. Starting now, inspections will be initiated by both complaints and by random visits to businesses in all sectors. Bains is confident that businesses and consumers are making themselves well aware of the WorkSafe BC guidelines. He says the WorkSafe guideline page has seen more than half a million visits since the guidelines were posted one week ago. The Minister and WorkSafe's head of prevention services will host a town hall meeting tonight to answer your questions. It starts at 7:15 p.m. on the provincial government's Facebook page.
And on the subject of town halls, thousands of British Columbians tuned in and asked questions about reopening classrooms during one such meeting last night. There were just under 2000 questions and comments during the live broadcast. Many questions focused on how schools plan to keep COVID-19 from infecting students and teachers. The Minister of Education pointed to a comprehensive document that includes protocols for cleaning, class size and other environmental measures. It's on the government's COVID-19 website, by searching "Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 setting. Rob Flemming says each district must submit its plan to the Ministry for approval before the end of May. The medical lead for the Provincial Health Officer says infection rates are low enough that experts believe schools will be very safe. Dr. Trevor Corneil says even if someone does become infected, health officers assigned to school districts and contact tracing teams are well set up to identify and contain the spread of the virus. The president of the BC School Trustees Association assured teachers they would not be burdened with more work or high risks. Stephanie Higginson says each district is mandated to work collaboratively to address work and health issues with teachers and staff.
Graduating students wanted to know about celebrations and whether the disrupted year will affect applications to colleges and universities. Flemming says he's working with provincial post-secondary institutions to build flexibility into that process. The Minister hinted at a virtual grad celebration featuring some famous British Columbians. You can watch the 90-minute video of the meeting on the provincial government's Facebook page or Youtube channel.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
New COVID-19 numbers today show it's one step forward, two steps back. Yesterday, there were only two new cases of the virus in BC, but today, there are 21 new cases including a new outbreak at an assisted care home in Mission. However, there have been no new coronavirus cases in the Island Health region for the past week. And, all but one person has recovered from the virus in our region. Three more people from the lower mainland have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, with the total number of deaths now at 149.
The Premier says employers should not use the partial reopening of BC classrooms next month, to demand their employees return to work. John Horgan says schools are not daycares and he admits the part-time voluntary plan to resume in-class instruction is really a dry run for the Ministry of Education in anticipation of the new school year in September. The Minister of Education and the president of the BC School Trustees Association will host a virtual town hall meeting tonight at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page.
As businesses continue to slowly reopen, the Premier says he will continue to push the federal government to create a national sick day assistance program. Horgan wants a plan to ensure workers, who do not receive sick pay benefits from employers, will stay home when they are ill. He says the province is prepared to go ahead with a plan of its own if he cannot convince the Prime Minister and the other Premiers to establish a federal program.
Campgrounds at two Nanaimo Regional District Parks will reopen on June the 1st. The regional district says there will be limits on the number of campers in order to ensure safe physical distancing. There will be enhanced washroom cleanings, but campers are being asked to bring their own hand sanitizer. Campgrounds at Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island and Horne Lake Regional Park in Qualicum Bay will open and you can make a reservation online, starting Monday. To reserve a visit: rdn.bc.ca/rdn-camping.
Meanwhile, the Cedar Skate Park will reopen tomorrow. It follows the reopening of virtually all outdoor sports facilities in the region last week. However, playgrounds and indoor facilities, like recreation centres, arenas and pools, remain closed. The Regional District says it is working on plans to reopen those facilities in the future.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
More than a million dollars in federal funding is about to be distributed to charitable and non-profit organizations in central and northern Vancouver Island. Applications are now open for the Canada Emergency Community Support Fund. It will assist organizations that provide immediate essential service to those affected by COVID-19. A recent survey found two-thirds of non-profits have had to reduce in-person services because of COVID-19, at the same time, they're seeing a doubling of demand for those services. The groups say much of their fundraising has been curtailed because of a ban on gatherings of large groups, The federal funds are meant to help those groups remain viable during the pandemic. The United Way will distribute close to $905,000 dollars, with $360,000 earmarked for the greater Nanaimo region. The Nanaimo Foundation will distribute a further $167,000 dollars. The Nanaimo Foundation plans to start writing cheques as early as next week as applications come in, but the United Way has decided to set a June 15th deadline, and then decide which organizations will receive funding.
The Minister of Social Services and Poverty Development has declared victory in moving all of the people who have been living in encampments in Vancouver and Victoria. Shane Simpson says people living in Oppenheimer Park were moved to hotels and other housing two weeks ago. In Victoria, the movie took a little longer. Simpson says hotels rooms have now been secured for 340 people in Victoria, the last of whom will be relocated today. The Ministry says wrap-around support services will be available 24/7 at the sites, which includes the recently purchased Comfort Inn on Blanshard Street. In Nanaimo, however, no hotel rooms have been secured. Instead, the province has worked out a deal with the city of Nanaimo, to provide 35 emergency shelter spaces, no separate rooms, at the city's The Community Service Building. However, it will not open until June the 1st. Simpson says discussions are ongoing to try to find separate accommodation for the city's homeless.
Parents and students who have questions about the provincial plan to open classes to part-time instruction can ask them at a virtual town hall meeting tonight. The Minister of Education and the President of the BC School Trustees Association will take questions starting at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page. Parents in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district were sent a questionnaire last week, asking if they plan to send their children back to school when in-class instruction begins on June the 1st. Children in Kindergarten to grade five will receive 2-3 days of in-class instruction per week while kids in Grades 6 to 12 will go to class once per week. However, the plan is voluntary and all students will continue to be able to access online classes.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Once again, seniors in lower mainland long term care homes continue to be the victims of COVID-19. Three such deaths were reported over the past 24 hours. However, the number of new cases in BC continues to drop, with just 2 reported since Monday. One from a long term care facility and none in the Island Health Region. There are no new outbreaks. Province-wide, 280 people continue to recover at home, while 45 people remain in hospital, including one in Island Health.
Tonight, Island Health is hosting its second virtual town hall meeting. The region's medical health officer, its CEO and the MLA for Courtenay-Comox will take your questions. The meeting begins at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page.
The rules around who can visit and assist people in hospital are changing because of the death of a disabled woman at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock last month. The Minister of Health says the revision to the order limiting visits is intended to give clearer guidance to hospital administrators and medical teams. Adrian Dix says now caregivers and family members who normally assist the patient with decision-making, communications, feeding or mobility will be allowed to be with them in hospital. 40-year-old Ariis Knight who had cerebral palsy and could not communicate died alone in hospital last month, after her family and caregivers were denied access.
BC's Provincial Health Officer is recommending that people wear non-surgical face masks in certain situations. Dr. Bonnie Henry is not willing to order that masks be worn because she says there is no scientific evidence that masks, in and of themselves, protect people from catching COVID-19. They are helpful in preventing the mask wearer from infecting others, but mask wearers can still catch the virus by touching something and wiping their eyes or readjusting their mask. Nevertheless, Henry says people should be prepared to wear masks when they cannot maintain physical distancing. For example, when riding transit, getting a hair cut or shopping in a small store. Henry advises keeping those encounters as short as possible. She notes it's very difficult to force a young child to wear a mask, and some people with lung disease may not be able to breathe with one on. She says that's why those with underlying health conditions need to be especially vigilant in taking other precautions, like remaining self-isolated, ensuring physical distancing and maintaining a small bubble of contacts. Henry adds there is little risk of catching COVID-19 from a passing jogger or cyclist, even without a mask.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A memorial to the Snowbird who died in last Sunday's plane crash continues to grow at the airport in Kamloops. Captain Jenn Casey did not survive, after ejecting from the Snowbirds jet, that crashed into a house shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Captain Richard MacDougall remains in hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Hundreds of Kamloops residents have been adding flowers, hearts, cards and even medals along a fenceline off Tranquille Road near the airport. Local officials are talking about possibly renaming the road in honour of Casey. The other Snowbird jets remain grounded at Kamloops, where an investigation by the Royal Canadian Airforce continues. Lt. Colonel Mike French says investigators will have more to say about the cause of the crash in about a month from now. However, he predicts a full investigation will not be completed for a year.
North Cowichan RCMP are sharing few details about two incidents involving explosives in the past 10 days. Yesterday, officers were called to the Falcon Nest Motel in Duncan. While investigating they found an improvised explosive device. The hotel was evacuated and the RCMP's specialized explosives Disposal Unit from the lower mainland was called. Police will not say what type of bomb was found, where it was found and whether it was detonated by the disposal unit. No one has been arrested in that case and police have not said whether they have a suspect in mind. The incident yesterday, follows on the heels of another incident at the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment, on May the 10th. The detachment and surrounding area were evacuated after a person showed up with explosives, asking the police to safely dispose of them. The explosives disposal unit from the lower mainland disposed of the material. Corporal Kiel Pharis says the person with the explosives meant no harm. He says if you need assistance in making sure that items like blasting caps or old fireworks are disposed of safely, please call the police first.
The Provincial Health Officer says she shares the concerns of fellow British Columbians, as the province enters the next phase of its pandemic plan. Dr. Bonnie Henry is advising both businesses and individuals to take it slowly when it comes to reopening or expanding your social circle. Henry says she invited some friends to her home last weekend. They stayed outside and kept two metres apart. Nevertheless, she says the experience was "a bit awkward, strange and stressful." Henry is advising seniors, those with underlying medical conditions, undergoing cancer treatment, preparing for surgery or anyone not feeling well to resist expanding their bubble or engaging in the wider world.
A memorial to the Snowbird who died in last Sunday's plane crash continues to grow at the airport in Kamloops. Captain Jenn Casey did not survive, after ejecting from the Snowbirds jet, that crashed into a house shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Captain Richard MacDougall remains in hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
British Columbia continues to bend the curve of COVID-19 with no new outbreaks, fewer new cases and hospitalizations and more recoveries. However, 2 people died from the virus over the weekend, bringing the total number of death to 143. Both deaths were in long term care homes on the lower mainland. There were 16 new cases reported in the province over the weekend, but none in the Island Health region. Most people have recovered, but 335 people in BC continue to suffer from COVID-19, with one in hospital in our health region.
The Provincial Health officer says if the numbers continue to show improvement, she intends to relax visiting restrictions at long term and assisted living facilities. Dr. Bonnie Henry says some sites may allow one family visitor per resident as early as June. She says the challenge is to find ways to ensure staff and other residents are kept safe. Henry says there may be different rules depending on how many people share rooms and the size of the facility.
Meanwhile, BC's Health officer is calling on seniors and people from different ethnic groups to take part in the COVID-19 survey by the BC Centre for Disease Control. Dr. Bonnie Henry says their participation will help to measure social determinants of health. More than 260,000 people have taken the survey since its launch last week. You can find the questionnaire on the BCCDC website.
New data from the BC Centre for Disease Control show there were more overdose deaths and fewer visits to overdose prevention sites in March, compared to February. 113 people died from overdoses in BC in March, a 61 per cent monthly increase. At the same time, there were just over 7,000 fewer visits to overdose prevention and safe consumption sites, a 19 per cent drop in March compared to February. In the Island Health region, 18 people died from overdoses in March, twice as many as in February. Some overdose prevention sites temporarily closed or reduced their hours at the start of the pandemic. Dr. Bonnie Henry says strategies to address the overdose crisis during COVID-19 include mobile overdose prevention services and apps for remote monitoring of people who are using alone. She says it has been a challenge in some jurisdictions to implement guidelines for "making sure that people who use drugs are able to access safe, regulated, pharmaceutical alternatives to what we know is an incredibly toxic street supply.”
The Minister of Health says statistics from BC Ferries show most people did stay closer to home on the long weekend. Adrian Dix says ferry traffic was just one-fifth of the typical number on long weekends in previous years. He says traffic to the Gulf Islands was 27 per cent of volumes compared to the long weekend in 2018. Meanwhile, conservation officers and RCMP members set up at least two checkpoints on Vancouver Island last weekend, looking for travellers who may have been planning overnight camping. There is no word yet on how many people were stopped or whether any infraction tickets were issued.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The death of a Canadian Snowbirds public affairs officer in a crash over Kamloops has cast a pall over a tour that was supposed to lift Canadian's spirits. Captain Jenn Casey, died after the Tudor Aircraft she was in crashed and burst into flames in the front yard of a house. She recently completed a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University. The jet's pilot was able to eject from the plane and land on a roof of a house near the crash site. Captain Richard MacDougall sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Witnesses say his jet was following another Snowbird when it veered upward, circled back toward the tarmac and spun into a nosedive. Some witnesses say they heard an explosion and saw two puffs of black smoke before it hit the ground. The aerobatic flying group was on the last leg of a cross country tour called "Operation Inspiration." It was meant to thank first responders and all Canadians for fighting COVID-19. The Snowbirds tour was supposed to fly over Nanaimo and Comox yesterday, after the Kamloops flight.
Provincial investigators are examining 24 potential cases of price gouging in BC. Last month, the Minister of Public Safety announced new powers for police, bylaw officers and other provincial inspectors to issue $2,000 dollar fines for violations of travel restrictions, health orders, along with price gouging and the reselling of medical supplies. Consumer Protection BC says it received more than 600 complaints about price gouging in the three weeks since. The overwhelming majority, more than 80 per cent, were unfounded. 19 complaints were resolved after voluntary compliance but fines are being considered in 24 other cases. So far, no fines have been levied.
The provincial health officer says she is pleased with what health inspectors are finding in random checks at food processing plants, despite recent outbreaks. Dr.Bonnie Henry says provincial Environmental Health Officers and federal food inspectors started what she calls "a blitz of inspections" after COVID-19 outbreaks at two lower mainland poultry processing plants last month. Henry says inspectors are reporting compliance, even in the case of a new outbreak last Friday, at a produce processing plant in Coquitlam. Three workers at The Oppenheimer Group plant have tested positive for COVID 19 so far. Henry notes that the plant has not been ordered closed because inspectors are satisfied all COVID-19 safety measures are in place and the health authority's contact tracing system has helped limit what could have been a large outbreak.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
NANAIMO—It was not a good day when it comes to COVID-19 numbers in BC. Five people have died from the virus in the past 24 hours, all on the lower mainland. That brings the total to 140 deaths in BC since the pandemic began, including five in the Island Health region. There is one new case of COVID-19 confirmed in Island Health since yesterday. Province-wide, there are 15 new cases, including one at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and two cases at The Oppenheimer Group, a fruit and vegetable processing plant in Coquitlam. There are 359 people in BC suffering from the virus right now, but just one in hospital in Island Health.
Parents of students in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District will receive a survey today, asking whether they intend to have their children return to classrooms on June the first. Under the Ministry of Education plan announced today, parents have the option to keep their kids at home. Those who want to return will only be able to do so part-time. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have in-class instruction two or three times per week, while students in grades six to 12 will attend once per week. 200 students of essential service workers in the district already receive in-class instruction full time and will continue to do so. Rob Flemming says the plan will ensure a safe return for students and staff by reducing class sizes, along with twice-daily cleaning of high touch surfaces and daily deep cleaning throughout the facilities. There will be staggered drop-offs, lunch and recesses and increased time spent outside. School buses will limit one student per seat, with barriers around drivers. Flemming says all students will continue to receive on-line learning. Parents can expect to hear more details from school administrators by next Friday.
A dispute over an off-leash dog ended up in an alleged assault on a trail early yesterday morning. Police say a 74-year-old man suffered a split lip after being punched in the face by another dog walker who took offence after being told his dog should be on a leash. The incident happened at 7 a.m. on Thursday on a trail near Oakes Drive and Timbercrest Way. The 72-year-old suspect is described as white, of medium build and having a white moustache. He was walking a small shaggy-haired black dog. If you have any information, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
The Canadian Snowbirds will wrap up their cross country fly past in the skies above Nanaimo this Sunday. The Operation Inspiration tour is an aeronautical thank you to front line workers and all Canadians who are doing their part to fight COVID-19. The flypast is scheduled for Sunday morning but will depend on the weather. Exact times will be posted on the Canadian Snowbirds Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will be able to return to their classrooms starting June the 1st, but that return will be voluntary and part-time. The Minister of Education says the part-time plan is necessary, to ensure safe physical distancing in classrooms. Students in Kindergarten to grade five will receive two or three days of classroom instruction per week, and students from grades six to 12 will be in class one day per week. Rob Flemming says the rest of their learning will continue on line. Families that decide not to send their children to class may continue learning from home. And, children of essential service workers and students needing additional supports will have the option to attend school full time. Currently, close to 5000 children of essential service workers are already attending classes full time. However, the Minister had no information to offer families of non-essential workers who may have to return to full-time work themselves. The Minister of State for Childcare says childcare centres will not be forced to open to fill that gap.
Starting Tuesday, all gyms, fitness centres, yoga studios and other personal training facilities will be allowed to re-open. Island Health will lift the region's health order that closed the facilities at the beginning of April. They will only be allowed to reopen if they develop a plan that can meet provincial requirements of the Provincial Health Office and WorkSafe BC to protect staff and clients against the spread of the virus.
If you must travel on BC Ferries Southern Gulf Islands to Vancouver route this long weekend you will have to make a reservation, whether in a vehicle or as a foot passenger. The ferry corporation says many communities, including those on the Southern Gulf Islands, have asked travellers to stay away because of limited local supplies, healthcare equipment and resources. In order to maintain safe physical distancing, BC Ferries has cut in half, the number of passengers per sailing. And, it’s allowing travellers to remain in their vehicles during the voyage. BC Ferries says the sailings on the Southern Gulf Island to Vancouver routes are 100 per cent reservable. Only customers with bookings and correctly identified passenger numbers in vehicles will be assured they will get on the sailing. Anyone showing symptoms of illness will be prevented boarding. There will be no food or retail services on the ferries, including no vending machines.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Three more people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing BC's fatality count to 135. All were in the Fraser Health Region. However, there is some good news for that hard hit health region. The Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam has now reopened. It was closed three weeks ago. 60 cases of the virus were linked to that plant. Outbreaks at three long term care facilities in the Fraser Region are now declared over, as well as the outbreak at the Worthington Pavilion Rehabilitation Unit in Abbotsford. However, outbreaks continue at 15 other long term and assisted care facilities along with three acute care units, all on the lower mainland.
Across the province, there are 15 new cases of the virus confirmed in the past 24 hours, including one in Island Health. There are 372 active cases of COVID-19 in BC, with just five in our health region. One person remains in hospital here. Those statistics are why Island Health has continued to open up more acute and critical care beds in its hospitals.
The Minister of Health says Island Health has a higher than 67 per cent occupancy rate at its hospitals, and it is seeing more visits to its emergency rooms. Adrian Dix believes it is because people in the Island Health region have less fear about going to hospital because our infection rates are among the lowest in the province. He says close to 1200 people who had their surgeries cancelled in the Island Health region have been contacted to set new dates for those surgeries. 4,000 surgeries were cancelled in this region after the pandemic was declared.
While many businesses in BC are preparing to re-open starting next week, that will not be the case for dentists. The BC Dental Association has not set a date for its members to reopen their offices. It says access to personal protection equipment is a concern. The Association says it is continuing to work on guidelines with WorkSafe BC and the Provincial Health Officer. Currently, only emergency dental work is being done by a handful of dentists in BC.
The Provincial Health Officer says she is keeping a close eye on reports of a serious childhood illness that may be triggered by COVID-19. Reports out of Italy, New York City and Montreal say they have seen Kawasaki syndrome in some children who have tested positive for COVID-19. Kawasaki disease is a genetic predisposition, triggered by various viral infections. It causes inflammation and irreversible heart damage if not diagnosed within four days. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no cases of Kawasaki syndrome in BC. "It is very rare," she says, "and pediatricians and clinicians know what to look for."
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There will be no rebates for BC drivers anytime soon. The Insurance Corporation of BC says the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown its budget projections and bottom-line number in disarray. The Minister responsible for ICBC says although the insurance corporation has saved millions of dollars in accident claims because there are fewer drivers on the road during the pandemic, the Insurance Corporation has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in just the past seven weeks, with the plummeting of the stock market. David Eby says ICBC won't know until the summer, what its real year-end numbers are for 2020. ICBC had hoped to offer drivers a dividend or lower insurance premiums, this year, but the pandemic has put those plans on hold. He says drivers may see savings at the end of the 2021 fiscal year, but that will depend on whether investments do better and claims remain low.
The Nanaimo Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resilience will hold its first meeting today. The 6 member group will provide strategic direction to council on how to best recover economically and culturally from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its recommendations will help guide the city's five year fiscal and strategic plans. Mayor Leonard Krog says the group will collaborate with public and private groups, along with community organizations. Its members include the President of Vancouver Island University, the chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority, the executive director of the local United Way, the CEO of the Snuneymuxw First Nation's Petroglyph Development Group and a senior director of Vancouver Island, MNP, an accounting and investment counselling firm. It's final report to council is expected this fall.
The Premier is hoping his meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman earlier this week, will lead to BC becoming an NHL hub this year. John Horgan says BC can easily accommodate the number of arenas and hotel rooms needed for a "Hub City" The league is studying whether it can complete the 189 games left in the season by having teams travelling to four "hub cities" to play games without fans in a compressed timeline. Much depends on the rate of COVID-19 infections in cities and how long players would have to self-isolate. BC's Provincial Health Officer says she will not bend the rules, when it comes to a 14-day self-isolation for international travellers, even though she loves hockey. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she would have to see a very detailed plan from the NHL before making any decisions, and no plan has been presented yet. Other Canadian cities in the competition include Edmonton and Toronto.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There has been another death from COVID-19 in BC over the past 24 hours, and once again, the death occurred at a long term care home in the Fraser Health region, bringing the province-wide death count to 132. There were 16 new cases of the virus, but for the sixth day in a row, there were no new cases in the Island Health region. BC's Provincial Health Officer says 78 per cent of those who contracted COVID-19 have now recovered. Dr. Bonnie Henry says currently, there are 385 active cases in the province and no new cases at any of the community outbreaks at the Mission prison or the lower mainland poultry plants.
Dr. Henry is reminding British Columbians not to expand their household bubbles until after the May long weekend, and she is offering some tips on how to do it safely. She says it’s all about location, duration and relations. Henry says meeting outdoors is best, the shorter the visit and the smaller the group the better, safe physical distancing must be maintained and she is recommending to make a pact with whomever you expand your circle with to not include others and stick with that one expanded bubble, do not add more bubbles. And Henry is recommending against expanding your bubble if anyone in your household is a senior, has an underlying health condition or is awaiting surgery.
The city of Nanaimo and the Regional District are expanding where you may spend your outdoor time, starting Thursday. Playgrounds will remain closed, but tennis courts and other sports courts throughout the region will be open. The bike park at Steve Smith park and the pump track at Beban Park will reopen, so will all gated off-leash dog parks. The Huxley Skate Park will reopen. However, the Cedar Skate Park will not be open until May the 21st. There are new rules that go with the re-openings...for example, tennis is for single play only, equipment must be cleaned and not shared, hand washing is required before and after play, safe physical distancing must be maintained and in the city, tennis courts and pickleball courts are singles only unless you are playing with your own household. The city says it is working on plans to reopen recreation centers, arenas and pools, as well as City-owned cultural venues. Those openings will depend on new guidelines being developed with the Ministry of Health, WorkSafe BC and other professional organizations.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Nanaimo says he likes the idea of closing Commercial Street to traffic, to help restaurants expand their outdoor spaces. Leonard Krog did not commit to the idea, but he joined a list of cities, including Victoria that are exploring it. The Attorney-General's Ministry decides liquor licenses and it says work is underway to support the restaurant sector, including ways to fast track the process for expanded patio service.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There has been another death on the water, this time off Hornby Island. Hornby Island Fire Rescue says it was called out yesterday evening to tend to a patient with hypothermia as the result of an overturned boat. While en route more information came in that there was a second patient, possibly deceased. Rescue crews were dispatched and found the man at Norris Rock, but he was unresponsive and rescuers were unable to revive him. The BC Coroner's service confirms it is investigating the death of a man in his 70s. Hornby's Fire Chief, Doug Chinnery says the deceased man was not wearing a life jacket when his boat overturned, and he was unable to stay afloat. His friend was able to drag him to Norris Rock, then righted the capsized boat and rowed to Hornby to get help. This death follows one on Sunday night at North Saanich Marina. A man in his 50s died and two others were taken to hospital after a fire onboard the man's boat spread to the fuel dock.
As more people are expected to head on to the water or into the backcountry this weekend, search and rescue groups are sounding the alarm. The organization "BC Adventure Smart says BC recorded a 35 per cent spike in search and rescue incidents during the first week of May, compared to the same week last year. The ongoing pandemic has added to concerns among search and rescue groups who face even more risks from COVID-19. "BC Adventure Smart" is hosting a seminar on Google Hangouts tonight on how to stay safe and survive when venturing into nature. It starts at 7 p.m. For more information check the BC Adventure Smart Facebook page.
British Columbia will begin the process of cleaning up 2200 orphaned or dormant oil and gas sites at the end of this month, thanks to a grant from the federal government. The Premier says BC has received $120 million dollars from Ottawa for the projects, that will employ 1200 workers. John Horgan says indigenous communities, local governments and landowners will be able to nominate dormant, orphan and legacy sites for priority consideration for decommissioning, reclamation or restoration.
We will bring you the latest COVID-19 numbers in our next news update at 6 o'clock.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There has been another death on the water, this time off Hornby Island. Hornby Island Fire Rescue says it was called out yesterday evening to tend to a patient with hypothermia as the result of an overturned boat. While en route more information came in that there was a second patient, possibly deceased. Rescue crews were dispatched and found the man at Norris Rock, but he was unresponsive and rescuers were unable to revive him. The BC Coroner's service confirms it is investigating the death of a man in his 70s. Hornby's Fire Chief, Doug Chinnery says the deceased man was not wearing a life jacket when his boat overturned, and he was unable to stay afloat. His friend was able to drag him to Norris Rock, then righted the capsized boat and rowed to Hornby to get help. This death follows one on Sunday night at North Saanich Marina. A man in his 50s died and two others were taken to hospital after a fire onboard the man's boat spread to the fuel dock.
As more people are expected to head on to the water or into the backcountry this weekend, search and rescue groups are sounding the alarm. The organization "BC Adventure Smart says BC recorded a 35 per cent spike in search and rescue incidents during the first week of May, compared to the same week last year. The ongoing pandemic has added to concerns among search and rescue groups who face even more risks from COVID-19. "BC Adventure Smart" is hosting a seminar on Google Hangouts tonight on how to stay safe and survive when venturing into nature. It starts at 7 p.m. For more information check the BC Adventure Smart Facebook page.
BC's Minister of Health is urging people to think twice about posting unverified information about COVID-19 from dubious sources. Adrian Dix says so-called "conspiracy groups" like the one that protested in front of a Vancouver hospital on Sunday do not deserve attention. BC's Provincial Health Officer says her goal in holding daily briefings is to combat misinformation that is widely circulated on social media sites. Dr. Bonnie Henry says reliable information can be found on the Government of BC's Facebook page and websites of the BC Centres for Disease Control and the Provincial Health Office.
Meanwhile, health planners are looking for your input through a survey that is open until the end of this month. The 15-minute long survey asks questions, related to your experience under the pandemic. Dr. Henry says the information will guide pandemic planners in their next steps. The online questionnaire is at BCCDC.ca/covid19survey, or you can take the survey by telephone. The toll-free number is 1-833-707-1900.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
NANAIMO—COVID-19 figures released today show a steady decline in the number of new cases and hospitalizations in BC. There are just seven new cases of the virus reported over the past 24 hours, and none in the Island Health region. Fewer than 400 people are now suffering from COVID-19 in BC, with just 8 active cases in Island Health. However, the death rate continues to climb, with one new death at a long term care facility in the Fraser Health region. 63 people are in hospital with the virus, with one in Island Health.
The BC Centres for Disease Control has launched an online survey to measure how COVID-19 has affected British Columbians and to inform those leading the pandemic response in their decision-making. BC's Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says it's an opportunity for British Columbians to have a say in improving our health care system. The survey, called "Your Story-Our Future" takes 15 minutes to complete and you can do so online at BCCDC.ca\covid19survey. The online survey is offered in three languages. The survey can also be completed by telephone for those unable to access the internet and where the survey is offered in 150 other languages. The phone number is 1-833-707-1900. The survey is open until May the 31st, and the results will be made available this summer.
The Provincial Health Officer has some advice to people wondering whether they can start dating during the pandemic. Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledges it is an extra-difficult time for single people who do not have ready-made people in their bubble" but she is urging singles to proceed slowly and with serious thought before embarking on new relationships right now. Bottom line she says "this is not the time for rapid, serial-dating. But if you pick one person, be responsible, no kissing if you or the other person is feeling unwell. Keep your germs to yourself for now."
The Mayor of Nanaimo is standing behind his council's decision to borrow $44 million dollars to pay for $89 million dollars worth of capital projects in this year's budget. Leonard Krog says "it is precisely during this time of crisis that makes it exactly the right time to invest in infrastructure projects." The projects include the replacement of Firehall #1, and major upgrades to Metral Drive, Bowen Road and the Harewood area. Krog says the infrastructure projects will mean continued employment for city workers and new jobs for companies that win city contracts. However, he could not say how many jobs would be created. City taxpayers will see an average $114 dollars increase to their tax bill this year.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Canada's poorest seniors will be getting a boost to their pensions, with a one-time payment of up to $500. The payment is to help offset extra costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those receiving federal Old Age Security will receive an extra $300, and those receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement will get a further $200. Close to 10 million Canadian seniors will receive one or both of the payments. The extra amounts will be automatically added to benefit cheques, so seniors who qualify do not have to apply. The plan will cost $2 and a half-billion dollars.
The provincial government will spend $300,000 dollars to help farmers and other food and beverage producers in BC to market their products online. The pandemic has forced many small businesses to create or enhance online sales. The Buy BC program will provide up to $5,000 per applicant, to access and develop websites for online sales and cover the costs of marketing and shipping products to consumers throughout the province. Applicants must have at least two years of business revenues, be licensed to do business in B.C. and be growing or processing one or more products here. Applications will open on Friday and will continue on a first come first served basis until all of the money is allocated. For more information, google "Buy BC Partnership Program" and follow the link.
The City of Nanaimo is putting old tires to good use with a grant from Tire Stewardship BC. It will use a $28,000 dollar grant for rubber safety resurfacing at the Maffeo-Sutton Park playground. Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown will use coloured recycled tire rubber to tell a story that will create imaginary play spaces for children. Phase one of the playground's redevelopment should be completed by late spring or early summer.
The road to reconciliation for a Cowichan first nation will include the purchase of Crofton Corners and Chemainus River Storage. The Halalt first nation has acquired the land and businesses and residential complex, worth $2.16 million dollars, under what's called an "Incremental Treaty Agreement." It's the latest in a series of similar agreements with first nations in the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group to be completed in the past six months. In January, the Penelakut first nation acquired the former 49th Parallel General Store in Chemainus. Last October, the Cowichan Tribes acquired the 153-hectare Genoa Bay Farm property.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Island Health region continues to show declines in the number of new cases and the number of people in hospital because of COVID-19. BC saw 23 new cases over the weekend, but none in Island Health. There was one death, but it was not reported where that occurred. 130 people including five in the island health region have died from the virus. There is only one person in hospital in this region, compared to 66 people province-wide. And currently, there are only eight active cases of the virus in the Island Health region.
Airlines and airports are feeling the financial pinch from this pandemic. Vancouver International Airport has announced it is laying off one-quarter of its 550 employees who work in airport operations, engineering, finance, HR and administration. The Airport Authority expects passenger numbers will continue to decline from 26 million passengers per year to between 8 and 15 million passengers annually for the next few years. Airlines are also reacting to a dramatic drop in passengers by dropping some of their flights. Westjet and Air Canada have suspended their Nanaimo to Vancouver flights and Air Canada has also suspended its flights from Nanaimo to Calgary until July. Air Canada says it will not resume its seasonal flights from Nanaimo to Montreal and Toronto until 2021. Both airlines say anyone who has booked flights before those dates will be refunded.
Meanwhile, BC's Provincial Health Officer says while borders will remain closed to international travellers for the foreseeable future, talks are underway to allow reunification of families, who have been living apart since mid-March. Currently, spouses who are not Canadian citizens have been prevented from living in this country during the pandemic. Dr.Bonnie Henry says officials recognize this is a hardship that can be eliminated soon.
BC's Independent Investigations Office is looking into another incident involving the Nanaimo RCMP. The most recent incident involves a woman who was arrested under the Mental Health Act on March the 18th. Police were called to the Gateway Mental Health Housing facility to attend to the woman who was described as "agitated and uttering suicidal threats." The woman claims she suffered a leg injury as a result of her arrest. The IIO says it will investigate whether police action or inaction led to what it calls "serious harm to the female." Last month, the IIO recommended charges involving the use of force against a Nanaimo police officer for "serious injuries" of a woman who was arrested on December the 2nd. Crown counsel has not yet decided whether to lay charges in that case.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Island Health region continues to show declines in the number of new cases and the number of people in hospital because of COVID-19. BC saw 23 new cases over the weekend, but none in Island Health. There was one death, but it was not reported where that occurred. 130 people including five in the island health region have died from the virus. There is only one person in hospital in this region, compared to 66 people province-wide.
Despite lots of complaints on social media about people crowding beaches, parks and not keeping a safe physical distance last weekend, the Provincial Health Officer says she has no plans for punitive action. The Vancouver Park Board says its park rangers issued more than 11,000 warnings last weekend, to groups that were not physically distancing. It has decided to keep its park and beach parking lots closed as a result. In Nanaimo, the parks department received a few complaints, but no more than usual and its bylaw officers received none. Island Health says its teams "did not get any notable reports or complaints from the public over the weekend." In her daily update, Dr. Bonnie Henry says she also saw lots of people going outdoors and gathering last weekend, but in small groups, that were sitting far enough apart from each other. Henry says not taking a punitive approach is working to help contain the spread of the virus, and she has no plans to change it.
And one last reminder, tonight you can tune in and ask questions at a virtual town hall meeting with Dr. Henry and Adrian Dix, the Minister of Health. It starts at 7:15 p.m. on the BC government's Facebook page.
BC's Independent Investigations Office is looking into another incident involving the Nanaimo RCMP. The most recent incident involves a woman who was arrested under the Mental Health Act on March the 18th. Police were called to the Gateway Mental Health Housing facility to attend to the woman who was described as "agitated and uttering suicidal threats." The woman claims she suffered a leg injury as a result of her arrest. The IIO says it will investigate whether police action or inaction led to what it calls "serious harm to the female." Last month, the IIO recommended charges involving the use of force against a Nanaimo police officer for "serious injuries" of a woman who was arrested on December the 2nd. Crown counsel has not yet decided whether to lay charges in that case.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
One person is dead and two others are in hospital as a result of an explosion at a marina near Victoria on Sunday afternoon. RCMP say a fire on board a boat spread to the fuel dock at the North Saanich Marina, causing the explosion. Corporal Chris Manseau says two other boats were damaged. He says an RCMP dive team is at the site to examine and recover the sunken boat, where the fire started. Another team of explosion specialists and the North Saanich Fire Department are trying to determine the cause.
It's only Monday, but BC Ferries is already reminding potential customers to stay at home this coming long weekend. The ferry corporation says many communities, including those on the Southern Gulf Islands, have issued advisories to travellers notifying them of limited supplies, healthcare equipment and resources. In order to maintain safe physical distancing, BC Ferries has cut in half, the number of passengers per sailing. And, it’s allowing travellers to remain in their vehicles during the voyage. An important change involves people travelling on the Southern Gulf Islands to Vancouver route. BC Ferries is asking all vehicles and all passengers to make reservations. Those sailings are 100 per cent reservable. Only customers with bookings and correctly identified passenger numbers will be assured they will get on the sailing. Masks are not mandatory, but they are being encouraged. Passengers will be asked to confirm whether they have read signage from Transport Canada that asks four questions about their travel history and health. Those showing symptoms of the virus will be prevented from sailing. There will be no food or retail services on board, including no vending machines.
We will bring you the latest COVID 19 numbers on our next news update at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, British Columbians will have the opportunity to ask the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer questions at a virtual town hall meeting tonight. The broadcast begins at 7:15 p.m. on the government's Facebook Page. Some questions will be taken during the live broadcast, but you can also submit questions in advance at www.gov.bc.ca/covid19townhalls.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Some Nanaimo-area Farmers' Markets that closed at the start of the pandemic, are reopening again, but with a whole new set of rules. The Cedars Farmers Market opened on Sunday. It has moved its location to Woodbank Elementary School to ensure safe physical distancing. And, there are 25 vendors this year, down from 85 last year. The Island Roots Market will reopen for the season on Wednesday at Beban Park. Like Cedars, there will be 25 vendors, and only they will be allowed to handle their products, to curb the spread of the virus. You can also order online from Island Roots. Meanwhile, Nanaimo's Downtown Market will not reopen this year.
New COVID-19 cases in the Island health region continue to decline. None was reported on Saturday, and there have been only two new cases of the virus in the region in the past week. Province-wide, there were 15 new cases reported on Saturday and two deaths on the lower mainland. There was a death from the virus in Island Health on Wednesday, bringing the total in the region to 5. In BC, the death count is 129. The majority of deaths and continuing outbreaks have been in senior care homes. Currently, there are outbreaks in 15 senior care homes. Outbreaks in 19 others have been declared over.
BC's Provincial Health Officer says for now, the ban on visitors to care homes will remain because it is not safe to relax the rules right now. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry is promising to find ways of allowing visits in the future. She says Health Authorities are working with the sector because the visitor policies will be shaped by the size of the home and its population. Henry acknowledged how "difficult, lonely and trying" it is for seniors who "have to stay in their own cocoon." She says allowing visits will depend on whether British Columbians continue to do their part to prevent the spread of the virus.
Do you have a question about COVID-19, BC's Restart Plan or the plan to resume surgeries? You will have your chance tonight to ask Dr. Henry or Adrian Dix, the health minister. They will be hosting a COVID-19 virtual town hall meeting on the government's Facebook page. They will take some questions during the live broadcast, but you can also submit questions in advance at www.gov.bc.ca/covid19townhalls
British Columbians who are on the federal disability program will not get the $300 dollar a month boost that people on BC's Disability Program receive in April, May and June. Speaking to reporters on Friday, BC's Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction indicated the province is unwilling to extend the provincial disability program boost to federal recipients. Shane Simpson says he has asked his federal counterparts to increase payments under their own plan.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There has been one more death from COVID-19 in BC since yesterday. The person lived in the Fraser Health region. There are 29 new cases of the virus, including one in Island Health. In a written statement, BC's Provincial Health Officer referred to Mother's Day as a time to love and honour. Dr. Bonnie Henry wrote: "For now, avoid any close physical contact unless your mother is in your immediate household. And if your mother is older, awaiting surgery or has an underlying illness, celebrate at a safe distance. Give your mother the gift of staying safe and healthy."
Alert Bay will lift its local emergency order at midnight. The order was put in place in early April, in an effort to stem a COVID-19 outbreak. The order included a 9:30 PM till 6 AM curfew and banned all but essential travel to and from Cormorant Island. 30 people tested positive for the virus in a community with a population of 1500. A 59-year-old woman from the 'Namgis nation died from COVID-19. The Mayor of Alert Bay believes his community has "turned the corner." Dennis Buchanan says his community got serious about obeying health orders after the death of the elder. The Mayor says all but three people infected have now recovered. One person remains in hospital.
British Columbia's unemployment rate has more than doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are more than 400,000 British Columbians out of work, and that does not include those who have stopped looking for employment. BC's unemployment rate for April is 11 and a half per cent. Pre-pandemic, that number was five per cent. BC's Minister of Finance says most of the job losses are in the food and wholesale/retail sectors. Carole James says she is hoping employment numbers will improve with the gradual reopening of those businesses. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 13 per cent. Three million Canadians are out of work. Today, the Prime Minister reacted to the jobless rate by announcing the federal wage subsidy program will be extended past its June the 6th end date. No further details were revealed. The program covers 75 per cent of employees' pay, up to $847 a week. The goal is to keep workers on the payroll during the pandemic.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
British Columbia's unemployment rate has more than doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. New numbers from Statistics Canada show BC's unemployment rate for April is 11 and a half per cent. Pre-pandemic, that number was five per cent. BC's Minister of Finance says most of the job losses are in the food and wholesale/retail sectors. Carole James says she is hoping employment numbers will improve with the gradual reopening of those businesses. More than 400,000 British Columbians have applied for the BC Benefit for Workers. James says the government is turning its attention to how it can best spend the one and a half billion dollars it has earmarked for economic recovery. She says she welcomes ideas from all British Columbians but admits there is still a hard road ahead, and it could take years for the province to fully recover.
BC's Provincial Health Officer says there is help for small businesses that are unsure how to navigate safe openings during the pandemic. On Wednesday, the Premier announced that restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, barbers, and a series of personal health providers like dentists, chiropractors and counsellors will be allowed to reopen their doors after the May long weekend, if they follow provincial pandemic guidelines to do so safely. Dr. Bonnie Henry says specific plans for each sector, including templates and checklists are coming soon. She says individual business plans for reopening do not have to be approved by the province, but they do have to be publicly posted, whether on websites or taped to the entrance to the business. The idea is to instill public confidence that businesses are taking all the necessary steps to ensure their customers and staff are best protected from COVID-19.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library is being recognized with an international award for a series of programs on indigenous affairs. VIRL’s Indigenous Voices Initiative will receive a Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects from the American Library Association. The "Indigenous Voices Initiative" was created in 2018. It has presented forums on reconciliation, residential schools and creation stories, along with organizing medicine walks, drum making sessions and smudging ceremonies. More than 1300 people have attended almost 60 elder-led programs and the library says more are planned for the future. An article about Indigenous Voices will be published in the July issue of American Libraries Magazine.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Two people have died from COVID-19 in BC and 33 more people have been infected with the virus in the past 24 hours. Both deaths were in care homes on the lower mainland. So far COVID-19 has killed 126 people in this province. Island Health has reported three new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 126 here and 2288 cases province-wide. There is no change in the number of cases at three lower mainland poultry plants or at the federal medium-security prison in Mission.
Thousands of cancelled surgeries will resume in BC hospitals, starting in a little over a week from now, but it will cost close to a quarter of a billion dollars to do it, and up to two years to catch up. The Minister of Health says more than 14,000 scheduled surgeries were cancelled in March, and 16,000 more from waitlists were put on hold to ensure hospital beds were available to treat COVID-19 patients. Now that the COVID case count has flattened, the system is taking advantage of that lull, along with the usual lull in surgical bookings in the summer. Adrian Dix says the catch-up plan means extending operating room hours, performing operations on the weekends and increasing the number of surgeries over the summer. Priority will be given to the most life-threatening cases like cancer surgeries, followed by other surgeries whose wait times exceed twice the recommended wait times. Private clinics will also be used to clear most of the backlog in day surgeries, like cataract surgery. Surgeries at private clinics will be covered by the provincial medical services plan. Health officials estimate that by mid-June, the number of surgeries performed will be the same as it was before the pandemic. Nevertheless, it will take between 18 months to two years to clear the 30,000 case backlog. The waitlist for surgery, currently at 92,000, will continue to grow. And a spike in COVID-19 outbreaks will reduce the number of surgeries that can be done.
Overdoses from illegal drugs in the Island Health region saw a huge spike in March when 18 people died from overdoses. That's an 80 per cent increase from February. Province-wide, there were 113 illegal drug overdoses, a 61 per cent jump since February. Every health authority saw an increase in such deaths. Harm reduction specialists believe the spikes are due to the shortage of street drugs since the pandemic began. They say users are more desperate to get their hands on any supply, and more and more of those supplies are being cut with Fentanyl. There were no overdose deaths at safe consumption sites.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Thousands of cancelled surgeries will resume in BC hospitals, starting in a little over a week from now, but it will cost close to a quarter of a billion dollars to do it, and close to two years to catch up. The Minister of Health says over 14,000 scheduled surgeries were cancelled in mid-March, and 16,000 more from waitlists were put on hold to ensure hospital beds were available to treat COVID-19 patients. Now that the COVID case count has flattened, the system is taking advantage of that lull, along with the usual lull in surgical bookings in the summer. Adrian Dix says the catch-up plan includes extending operating room hours and performing operations on the weekends. To do that, 400 additional surgical nurses will be hired. The minister did not say how many extra surgeons and anesthesiologists are needed. Dix says surgical priority will be given to the most life-threatening cases like cancer surgeries, as well as other surgeries whose wait times exceed twice the recommended wait times. Private clinics will also be used to clear most of the backlog in day surgeries, like cataract surgery. The system hopes to be operating at full capacity by mid-June, but it will take between 18 months to two years to clear the 30,000 case backlog. And that number does not include waitlists, which will continue to grow. The other factor that could change these plans will be whether there are spikes in COVID-19 outbreaks.
The surgical catch up is part of the province's Re-Start plan that includes the invitation to expand social circles, like hosting gatherings like dinner parties for small groups, starting on the May long weekend. Provincial parks will reopen for day use, as will some school classrooms for students who are struggling or need supervision while their parents are at work. Businesses that were closed will be allowed to reopen if they have COVID-19 safety plans that are approved by their industry associations and WorkSafe BC. They include dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, speech therapists, in-person counselors, along with pubs, restaurants, hair salons, museums, art galleries and libraries. Best practice guidelines for each of these industries will be unveiled in the coming days. BC's Provincial Health Officer says she's counting on British Columbians to think about how to conduct themselves under the new normal. You can see her recommendations for personal care and social interactions on our website.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Extended families will be able to hug and lovers and friends will soon be reunited under the province's "Re-start Plan" for the COVID-19 pandemic. The new normal, announced by the Premier will allow people to expand their social circles, and for many businesses to open, but with caution. Starting on the May long weekend, people will be allowed to host small social gatherings with a recommended half dozen guests. The Provincial Health Officer has released a list of to-dos, including screening guests for symptoms and structuring the get together by telling guests to wear masks, or stay six feet apart, or to gather outside, and to plan for how to properly clean before and after their arrival. Dr. Bonnie Henry says families will likely want to hug and she has no problem with that. But she says people need to think about the repercussions of their actions in expanding their circles and their responsibility to not show up if they show any signs of flu or cold, no matter how mild. If you are in a vulnerable group, she advises to think about whether and how you may or may not expand your social circle or attend events.
Schools will also be allowed to open more classrooms. The Premier says no one will be forced to return to school. The idea is to offer space to students who are struggling or who need supervision because their parents are returning to work. Also starting in mid-May, some health care services will resume, including the thousands of surgeries that were cancelled, to make beds available for surges in COVID-19 patients. Chiropractors, dentists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and in-person counsellors will be allowed to reopen their doors, so will many other businesses, but they will have to have COVID-19 plans in place. Currently, industry associations are working with provincial health officials on those plans. They will cover hairdressers, barbershops, restaurants and pubs as well as museums, art galleries and libraries. Each business must publicly display its plan and must be approved by their industry associations and WorkSafe BC. Provincial parks will be open for day use, starting May the 14th, and many parks will reopen for overnight camping on June the 1st, but the Premier is asking British Columbians to not travel great distances to get to them.
If case counts continue to stay low, the next phase of loosened restrictions will begin in July. They will include the reopening of hotels, spas, resorts and movie theatres, along with the resumption of film production and some sports. Dr. Henry says it’s highly unlikely that nightclubs and casinos will reopen, and conventions and large concerts will definitely not be allowed.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Premier is about to speak about how the province will move into the next phase of its COVID-19 pandemic. John Horgan is expected to announce new guidelines to allow people to expand their social circles, while still practising safe physical distancing. BC's Provincial Health Officer has hinted there could be allowances for sports teams and the reopening of barbershops and hairstylists. We'll bring you the details on our next news update at 6 o'clock tonight.
There was a sombre ceremony today on the airfield at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. The remains of six members of the military who died in a helicopter crash off the coast of Greece last week were repatriated. One of those killed was 30 year old Kevin Hagan, who was born in Nanaimo and spent time in Ladysmith and Victoria. Today, the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chief of Defense staff, along with dozens of military colleagues and family members donned black surgical masks to witness the ceremony. There is no word yet on the cause of the crash, that happened as the helicopter was returning to its sister ship HMCS Fredericton, during NATO training exercises.
Do you have something you'd like to say about how your private information is used? The province is reviewing its Personal Information Protection Act and it's calling for submissions. The Act governs how private-sector organizations collect, protect, use and disclose personal information. And, it gives individuals the right to access their own personal information. The chair of the all party committee doing the review Rachna Singh says "Our increased reliance on technology has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic which makes it an especially appropriate time to review this legislation." You can participate by registering to speak at a public hearing in June, or you can submit a written, audio or video submission. To take part in the hearing, you must register before May the 29th. Other submissions will be accepted until August 14th. The special committee will make recommendations to the legislative assembly in a report expected next February. For more information, go to the bc legislative assembly website www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/pipa
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Four more people from care homes in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. But, BC's latest daily new case count is the lowest its been for almost two months. There are eight new cases of the virus reported, none in the Island Health Region. There are also fewer people in hospital with three in Island health and 75 others in the rest of the province. BC's Provincial Health officer says the numbers show "we've put the brakes on for sure, but we have not yet stopped this train." Dr. Bonnie Henry has released a set of guiding principals in anticipation of the relaxation of some restrictions and the re-opening of some businesses that will be announced by the Premier on Wednesday. You can read Dr. Henry's guiding principals here.
The Mayor of Nanaimo has enlisted the help of the city's business and social service leaders to create a plan to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resiliency will recommend immediate economic recovery strategies in the short term and identify ways to build local resilience in the longer term. Its plan and recommendations to council are expected this fall. Mayor Leonard Krog says his Task Force will work with individuals, businesses and community groups to support community-driven ideas and solutions for economic recovery. The group includes the President of Vancouver Island University, the Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority, the Executive Director of the local United Way, the CEO of the Petroglyph Development Group from the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Regional Managing Partner of Vancouver Island MNP, an accounting and business consulting firm.
Meanwhile, Nanaimo city council has voted against reducing this year's property tax to ease the burden on ratepayers during the pandemic. The tax rate this year will increase by four and a half percent. Council debated whether to limit tax rate increases to 3.8 per cent or 1 per cent. But in a 7-2 vote, council rejected those proposals because they would mean dipping into the city's reserve funds. Instead, council wants the reserve fund money available for economic stimulus projects next year, when federal and provincial assistance programs may no longer exist.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Mayor of Nanaimo has enlisted the help of the city's business and social service leaders to create a plan to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resiliency will recommend immediate economic recovery strategies in the short term and identify ways to build local resilience in the longer term. Its plan and recommendations to council are expected in the fall. Mayor Leonard Krog says his Task Force will work with individuals, businesses and community groups to support community-driven ideas and solutions to economic recovery. The group includes the President of Vancouver Island University, the Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority, the Executive Director of the local United Way, the CEO of the Petroglyph Development Group from the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Regional Managing Partner of Vancouver Island, MNP, an accounting and business consulting firm.
The president of the BC Fruitgrowers Association says he's underwhelmed by a federal announcement aimed at assisting Canada's food producers. Today, the federal government announced a $238 million program to help farmers and cattle and hog producers weather the COVID-19 crisis. That's far short of the two-and-half-billion dollar ask from those groups. Fruit Growers president Pinder Dhaliwal says “The announcement today addresses the immediate needs for the beef and livestock producers and processors, but has not addressed the immediate needs of the fruit, vegetable and grain sectors,”
Two Nanaimo teenagers are facing charges of arson and theft, in relation to an incident where a flare was let off at the Circle K convenience store and gas bar on Sunday night. Police allege the 16-year-olds shoplifted some items, then lit a flare inside the store before leaving. The store clerk was not injured, but the ensuing fire means the store remains closed indefinitely. Police were able to identify the teens with video surveillance from the site. One was arrested in a south Nanaimo home on Sunday, the second was arrested in Ladysmith on Monday. Both are in custody and are expected to appear in youth court this afternoon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
New statistics from the Ministry of Health show more younger women than men have been infected with COVID-19, but more men are dying from it. The data shows close to a two-thirds of those infected in the 20 to 59-year-old group are women. That's because many of those infected in that age group are health care workers, jobs which employ more women. After the age of 60, the data shows more men than women catch the virus, and the men get sicker, with up to 60 per cent of men ending up in hospital while up to 40 per cent of women in that age group are hospitalized. The death rate for men is also higher. In the 60 to 70-year-old group who caught the virus, 14 per cent of men and 4 per cent of women died from it. In the 70 to 80-year-old age group, the death rate was 37 per cent for men, and 14 per cent for women. BC's Provincial Health Officer says similar statistics are being reported world-wide. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there is a theory that men are more likely to suffer what's called a Cytokine (SIGH-toe-kine) storm. It's an over reaction by the immune system, where the body starts to attack its own cells and tissues rather than just the virus. The data also a high death rate for people with underlying health conditions. They make up more than a third of all those infected in BC, but 84 per cent of those infected died from the disease.
Other statistics from the Ministry of Health show higher than average death rates in BC, and not all of them are from COVID-19. From January to late April there were 170 more deaths than expected in BC. 111 of them are attributed to COVID-19, but 60 others are unexplained. Dr. Henry suspects some might be from weather-related events, or motor vehicle accidents or from people staying away from emergency rooms. However, she downplayed suggestions that some might be the result of cancelled surgeries. Henry says she's confident the most urgent surgeries have taken place, despite the COVID-19 restrictions. Henry says she hopes those questions will be answered when health researchers receive cause of death reports.
On a brighter note, today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Vancouver Island University is sharing stories about alumni who are making a difference in their communities, using the hashtags #TogetherVIU and #GivingTuesdayNow. They will include stories around the University's Emergency Bursary Fund, that supports students affected by the pandemic. It has distributed more than $437,000 to students and the VIU Foundation continues to raise money so more students can be helped.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Premier will announce on Wednesday, which COVID-19 restrictions will be relaxed and which businesses may reopen. Today, the Provincial Health Officer hinted households will be able to expand their circles. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry is warning those who live with vulnerable people including seniors or those with underlying health conditions need to seriously think about whether they should expand their circle.
Today's COVID-19 numbers show one new case in the Island Health region, bringing our count to 124. Province-wide, there have been 53 new cases confirmed since Saturday, bringing BC's total to 2224. There were three more deaths in long term care homes, bringing the total number of deaths in BC to 117.
Some British Columbians may be over-doing it when it comes to cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. BC's Drug and Poison Information Centre has seen a 60 per cent spike in calls related to exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants over the past two months. Most of the calls involve people using cleaners in excessive amounts, by not properly diluting some chemicals or by mixing chemicals that should not be mixed. The Information Centre says calls about bleach are particularly concerning because mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia or rubbing alcohol can create toxic gases. In a typical week, the Drug and Poison Information Centre receives 9 calls related to adults’ exposure to bleach. From March 8 to April 11, the average was 24 calls per week.
Statistics Canada says 80 per cent of Canadians who participated in a survey last month are very or extremely anxious about overloading the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, the vast majority also reported they are worried about the health of vulnerable people. But other worries depend on your age group. 6 in 10 people aged 65 and older are very or extremely concerned about their own health, compared with 23% of those aged 15 to 24 and 28% among those aged 25 to 34.
Maintaining social ties was also a concern for seniors, particularly those aged 75 and older. Younger participants were more concerned about social stressors, including family stress from confinement or the possibility of civil unrest. Close to 200,000 Canadians took part in the online questionnaire. Stats Can is inviting Canadians to take part in its second survey which can be found on its website.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Provincial Health Officer is reminding workers returning from an Alberta oilsands project to obey her order to self-isolate for 14 days, and for their families to be very vigilant in practising safe physical distancing. Dr. Bonnie Henry says 15 workers from the Kearl Lake oilsands project, who live in BC, are infected with COVID-19. And she says now some family members of those workers have also tested positive for the virus. Henry says since the Alberta worksite remains open, workers will continue to travel back and forth. She is asking those workers and their families to monitor themselves very closely and if any show signs of the virus no matter how mild, to stay apart and report symptoms to their doctor or 8-1-1. Henry underlined her message with a diplomatic finger wag, saying "It is far too easy to tip the scales against us and to undo the hard work and sacrifice that everybody here in BC has made. We cannot afford to have any missteps as we look to ease our restrictions in the coming days and weeks."
This afternoon, Dr. Henry and the Minister of Health will give present more data about who is being infected with the virus along with some models about what the future may hold.
Students and teachers from across the country are busting their musical chops today, with a series of performances called "Music Monday." Normally, this event is a series of live concert performances at venues across Canada. This year it is moving online to help people maintain physical distancing. Students from over 100 B.C. schools, including Nanaimo's Ecole Pauline Haarer Elementary, will take part. The event is being live-streamed YouTube and on Facebook, with BC performances starting at 3:30 this afternoon. To find out more see coalitioncanada.ca.
The Circle K convenience store on Departure Road is closed indefinitely after a flare was set off in the store on Saturday night. Nanaimo RCMP allege two 16-year-old boys walked into the store at around 9 PM and selected a few items. Before leaving, one of the teens fired a “single tube flare” in the direction of a Circle K employee. The flare ignited merchandise and forced the employee out of the store. RCMP Constable Gary O'Brien says the boys were identified through security footage and are "known to police." They have not been found. O'Brien says the clerk was traumatized and police continue to search for the suspects.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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The Provincial Health Officer did not present an in-person report on the latest COVID-19 numbers today, however, a news release says one person from the Fraser Health Region has died in the past 24 hours. So far, 112 people have died from the virus in BC, including 4 in the Island Health region. There are 33 new cases confirmed in the last day, one in the Island Health Region. The case counts continue to rise at several lower mainland poultry processing plants and at the federal medium-security prison in Mission. And there are now 15 cases of the virus linked to workers from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta. The total case count in BC is 2145, 121 of those are in our health region.
Family and friends of a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot from Nanaimo are in mourning today. 30-year-old Captain Kevin Hagan was onboard a Canadian Air Force Cyclone helicopter that crashed during a training exercise off the coast of Greece on Wednesday. In a written statement, Hagan's father Steffan says the family is devastated and still processing the grief. Hagan described his son as "caring and sensitive...an amazing young man who gave unselfishly of himself for others." Captain Hagan was born in Nanaimo but spent time in Ladysmith, Victoria and Quadra Island. He was an alumni of 848 Royal Roads Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Victoria. The body of one of Hagan's crewmates has been recovered from the Ionian Sea. The search will continue for Hagan and four others for the next 48 hours. The crew of HMCS Fredericton, the helicopter's base ship, is planning to hold a vigil tomorrow.
Flags are flying at half-mast at Nanaimo city hall, to remember the lives lost in the second worst mining disaster in Canadian history. 150 miners died on May the 3rd, 1887, after two explosions rocked the No. 1 Esplanade Mine. A jury blamed the explosions on the firing of an unprepared and badly planted charge that ignited gases, built up from coal dust. A memorial plaque commemorating the miners is installed at the old mine site, which is at 1151 Milton Street.
Today is the first day British Columbians can apply for a one-time tax-free payment of $1000. To qualify, you must be eligible for the federal government's Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, or CERB. The Minister of Finance says more than 16,000 British Columbians applied for the benefit in the first 45 minutes of the portal being open this morning.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Thousands of British Columbians have started applying for a provincial subsidy which became available today. The Minister of Finance says more than 16,000 people applied for the BC Emergency Benefit in the first 45 minutes of opening the online portal. Workers who qualify for the federal government's Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or CERB, are also eligible for a one time, tax-free provincial payment of $1000. However, Carole James acknowledges there are gaps in the array of benefits that governments are providing since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Low-income seniors who receive the SAFER rent supplement, do not qualify for the $300 to $500 dollar provincial rent subsidy. British Columbians who receive federal disability payments do not qualify for the extra $300 dollar a month payment for those on the provincial disability system. And, there are questions about whether workers who have to self isolate for two weeks qualify for benefits for workers who are laid off. James says she recognizes some British Columbians may be falling through the cracks, but she is offering no immediate solutions.
The city of Nanaimo will provide 35 emergency shelter beds for the homeless in its Community Services Building on Prideaux St. But the new Emergency Response Center will not be available until June the 1st. That's because some tenants currently using the building will be forced to leave to make shelter space available. The 7-10 Club, that provides free meals and Options for Sexual Health will remain on site. The Island Crisis Care Society will provide 24/7 management of the space. However, it is unclear whether those infected with COVID-19 will be housed there. So far, BC Housing has been unable to secure any hotel rooms in Nanaimo for homeless people who may become infected with the virus and need to quarantine. A deal for 40 such hotel rooms fell through earlier this week, after push-back from the surrounding community. However, there are 13 rooms for women leaving violence during the pandemic.
The Canadian military says its rescue mission for a crew whose helicopter crashed off the coast of Greece has changed to a recovery mission. A Canadian Armed Forces pilot from Nanaimo is among the missing. Captain Kevin Hagan was one of six crew members on-board the Cyclone helicopter that crashed on Wednesday evening. It was taking part in NATO training exercises in the Ionian Sea. The body of another crew member, Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough of Toronto, has been recovered. A news release from National Defense says additional human remains have been found, but not yet identified.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
COVID-19 has killed two more people in British Columbia over the past 24 hours, totalling 111. One person was in long-term care in the Fraser Valley, and the other, in hospital in Vancouver. There are no new cases of the virus in the Island Health region, meaning our count stands at 120. However, there are 25 new cases province-wide, with close to half at the federal medium-security prison in Mission. The total number of cases in BC is 2012, but more than half of those infected have now recovered.
The city of Nanaimo has agreed to provide 35 emergency shelter beds for the homeless in its Community Services Building on Prideaux St. But the new Emergency Response Centre will not be available until June the 1st. The agreement with BC Housing means some tenants currently using the building will be forced to leave to make shelter space available. The 7-10 Club, that provides free meals and Options for Sexual Health will remain on site. A yet-to-be-named non-profit group will provide 24/7 management of the space. It is unclear whether those infected with COVID-19 will be housed there. Currently, Nanaimo has 13 shelter spaces for women fleeing violent situations during the pandemic.
A Canadian Armed Forces pilot from Nanaimo is among the missing in a helicopter accident off the coast of Greece. Captain Kevin Hagan was one of six crew members onboard a Cyclone helicopter, which was part of a NATO group that was conducting training exercises in the Ionian Sea on Wednesday evening. The helicopter was returning to HMCS Fredericton when it lost contact and crashed. The body of another crew member, Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough of Toronto, has been recovered. The helicopter's flight and voice recorders have also been recovered. Ships from Italy, Greece and Turkey along with US aircraft are assisting with what the military is calling "the rescue mission."
There will be no tubing on the Cowichan River near Lake Cowichan this summer. The town of Lake Cowichan has told The Tube Shack, it will not be allowed to operate its tube rental company...not because it can't maintain safe distancing, but because it will attract too many people to Saywell Park. The town also plans to tape off entry points to the river and enact patrols to prevent anyone from tubing. Two area music festivals have also cancelled this year's gatherings. The Sunfest Country Music Festival and the Laketown Shakedown say they could not meet COVID-19 safety requirements. Meanwhile, the Premier says he will present BC's plans to relax some COVID-19 restrictions next week.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A popular past time, tubing on the Cowichan River, will not be allowed this summer. The town council has banned The Tube Shack from operating in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Two popular music festivals have announced they will not take place either. The Sunfest Country Music Festival and the Laketown Shakedown say they could not meet COVID-19 safety requirements.
The Nanaimo Arts Council is putting out an urgent call for people to get involved. The NAC has suffered several blows over the past year, including not getting a BC Gaming grant, which had provided a quarter of its budget. The group closed its office and gallery last year. Its executive director resigned and part-time staff was laid off. Infighting among board members meant only three remain. NAC president says the organization needs leadership, stability and ideas. Margie Johnson says there are opportunities for grants for online classes and workshops, but a committed board of directors is needed. She says if people do not step forward, "the Nanaimo Arts Council will cease to exist at a time when it is needed the most." If you'd like to volunteer, send an email to nacfrontdesk@gmail.com.
Nanaimo Regional District taxpayers will get a break, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those receiving water, sewage and garbage utility bills this month will not have to pay them until September the 8th. The city of Nanaimo will decide whether to do the same at upcoming council meetings on May the 4th and May the 11th. Nanaimo residents on the Property Tax Pre-Payment plan who want to cancel their May and June payments must make that request in writing to the city before May the 8th. You can send you email request to collections.info@nanaimo.ca.
The province is hoping to help logging companies stay afloat during the pandemic, by offering a deferral of stumpage fees. License holders will be allowed to defer the fee they pay the province to harvest, buy or sell trees on Crown land for three months. The Minister of Forests says the companies were already struggling with lower prices. Doug Donaldson says the COVID-19 pandemic added to the problem as housing starts plummeted in the United States. Donaldson expects the deferral will give companies $80 million worth of cash flow so they can pay employees and contractors. He says the plan is not a subsidy because companies will be charged interest on their deferrals.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Four more people in BC have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total deaths to 109. All three were seniors in long term care homes on the lower mainland. Province-wide there were 34 new infections reported, most in the two largest poultry plants on the lower mainland. In the Island Health region, one new case was reported, bringing our total to 120. However, most of them no longer have the virus. There are five people who remain in hospital and 24 others recovering at home in our health region.
The Minister of Health says as the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 falls, the sooner hospitals can reschedule surgeries that were cancelled to free up hospital beds for those infected with the virus. Adrian Dix says emergency surgeries have continued during the pandemic and so have some scheduled surgeries that were urgent. Dix says close to 8800 urgent surgeries were performed since the middle of March. But he predicts the backlog could reach 30,000 by the end of May. The Provincial Health Officer says plans to ramp up cancelled surgeries will be announced in the coming weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry calls that planning "a balancing act." She says many of the most urgent surgeries require beds in critical care units, the same beds that may be needed if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases. A report from the University of Toronto has found 35 people who needed urgent surgeries died because of the policy to reserve critical care beds for a pandemic surge.
Government officials continue to wring their hands over the dilemma many non-unionized workers face of having to self isolate if they are sick, but not being paid for sick days. That appears to be why there are such large outbreaks at two of the largest poultry processing plants on the lower mainland. 92 people at those plants have tested positive for the virus. Today, the Premier let slip that some of those who went to work when sick included federal food inspectors. John Horgan says he's looking at legislation that would force sick workers to stay at home, but not lose pay because of it. But, he says he's reluctant to put additional financial burdens on companies that are already stretched because of the pandemic. Dr. Henry says she held a conference call with plant owners, operators, and federal food inspectors about the importance of monitoring their workforces and the need to work together to change policies to ensure sick workers stay home.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Premier has announced BC has extended its state of emergency for two more weeks. John Horgan says he is expecting to announce the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions at the end of next week. Horgan says he has resisted making announcements about re-opening sectors of the economy as other provinces have done. He believes that gives the false impression of "game on" when that is not the case. Horgan says today's cabinet meeting included a presentation by the provincial health officer, about the "state of play" in BC's acute care hospitals and where to go from here. The premier put to rest speculation about opening BC classrooms anytime soon. Horgan confirmed BC schools will not fully open until the fall.
Two more poultry processing plants on the lower mainland are reporting cases of COVID-19. Specialty Poultry in Yarrow, in the Fraser Valley, announced on its Facebook page, that one of its employees has tested positive for the virus. It says it's on-site Farm Store remains open, but it has closed its processing plant, in order to plan "next steps" with its local health authority. Sofina Foods of Port Coquitlam has confirmed it too has one worker who has COVID-19. However, its plant remains open. In a news release, the plant manager says the infected Sofina employee is a relative of a person who works at a different poultry plant, who also tested positive for the virus. Eighty workers at two other poultry plants, Superior in Coquitlam and United in Vancouver have tested positive. Those plants have been closed for a week.
The mystery surrounding whether catching COVID-19 will lead to immunity is playing out in a case involving a Vancouver woman. CBC Radio is reporting 36-year-old Shilan Garousi contracted the virus in early March. She recovered, then became sick again in early April. Garousi says she is being monitored by her local health authority however it is unclear whether she was tested a second time. The mystery revolves around whether the woman had a relapse of her first infection, or if she caught the virus a second time. BC's Provincial Health Officer has said that is one reason she is looking forward to a reliable serology test that identifies antibodies. Researchers hope to discover how much and what type of antibodies deliver immunity when it comes to COVID-19.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Two more poultry processing plants on the lower mainland are reporting cases of COVID-19. Specialty Poultry in Yarrow, in the Fraser Valley, announced on its Facebook page, that one of its employees has tested positive for the virus. It says it's on-site Farm Store remains open, but it has closed its processing plant, in order to plan "next steps" with its local health authority. Sofina Foods of Port Coquitlam has confirmed it too has one worker who has COVID-19. However, its plant remains open. In a news release, the plant manager says the infected Sofina employee is a relative of a person who works at a different poultry plant, who also tested positive for the virus. Eighty workers at two other poultry plants, Superior in Coquitlam and United in Vancouver have tested positive. Those plants have been closed for a week.
The mystery surrounding whether catching COVID-19 will lead to immunity is playing out in a case involving a Vancouver woman. CBC Radio is reporting 36-year-old Shilan Garousi contracted the virus in early March. She recovered, then became sick again in early April. Garousi says she is being monitored by her local health authority however it is unclear whether she was tested a second time. The mystery revolves around whether the woman had a relapse of her first infection, or if she caught the virus a second time. BC's Provincial Health Officer has said that is one reason she is looking forward to a reliable serology test that identifies antibodies. Researchers hope to discover how much and what type of antibodies deliver immunity when it comes to COVID-19.
A new report from the University of Toronto says 35 people have died in Ontario because their surgeries and treatments were delayed, to free up hospital beds for the COVID-19 pandemic. British Columbia has also suspended all but emergency surgeries for the same reason. BC's Minister of Health says he knows there have been "unintended consequences" from its COVID-19 policies. However, Adrian Dix says planning is underway to resume surgeries and treatments. He expects that will happen next month.
The Premier will hold a news conference in an hour from now. John Horgan is expected to address concerns that BC has not released its plan for relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. Other provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have announced how they plan to do so. Yesterday, BC's Provincial Health Officer defended this province's decision to wait before any announcements. Dr. Bonnie Henry says Ontario is now reopening businesses that BC never closed. We'll bring you details of the Premier's news conference on our next news update at 3 pm.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Two more people have died from COVID-19 in BC, one from the interior and one from the Fraser Valley, bringing the death count to 105. The province saw another spike in new cases, with 55 reported over the past 24 hours. Four of those are in the Island Health region. The majority of new cases, more than half, are the result of the outbreaks at two lower mainland poultry plants. However, the Provincial Health Officer says those large outbreaks will not influence her plan to ease some restrictions. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she still expects to do so by the end of May. Henry says large outbreaks are more easily tracked than small, random cases in communities. It's that random group that has to stay low in order to relax restrictions.
The Minister of Education says there is no plan yet to reopen BC schools before the end of this school year. However, Rob Flemming says officials are planning to open more classrooms, as more workers return to their jobs. Currently, there are close to 8,000, mostly elementary school students who are in classrooms in BC. They are the young children of health care workers, who cannot be left alone all day. Flemming expects those numbers will grow in the coming weeks. Flemming downplayed a full return to classrooms before the summer. He says that won't happen until a balance can be struck between what's effective and meaningful learning and what is healthy and safe to do.
A just-released series of reports estimate it will cost close to a billion dollars to reopen the Vancouver Island Railway Corridor to maximum capacity from Victoria to Courtenay. The E and N passenger train service shut down in 2011 because many of the tracks and bridges did not meet transportation standards. Currently, only a small freight service exists around Nanaimo. The new engineering studies found the existing roadbed and track structure of the corridor is in a poor to fair condition. Bridges along with the corridor range between poor to good, while at-grade crossings are in fair condition. The reports outline a three-phased approach to upgrades The first phase, allowing for 2 freight trains and one round trip passenger train per day would cost $326 million. Phase two, a doubling of those services would cost $522 million and a third phase would cost $728 million. It would include much higher freight volumes along with four round trips between Victoria and Courtenay and a full commuter service between Victoria and Langford. The Ministry of Transportation says it will consider the findings as part of its South Island Transportation Strategy. It expects to release that strategy report in June.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Provincial Health Officer is not backing down from calls to increase the rate of COVID-19 testing, to get a better picture of how widespread the virus is in BC. Dr. Bonnie Henry says BC is capable of testing 3,000 people a day, but she does not believe it's necessary to reach that daily target. Henry says at the start of the pandemic, the only people being tested widely were health care workers, long term care residents and staff or those likely to end up in hospital. Others with symptoms were told to assume they had the virus and to isolate for two weeks. The goal was to try to limit outbreaks and help ensure the health care system would not be overwhelmed. Now that the curve has flattened, everyone who has symptoms is being tested. Henry says tests on people without symptoms yield unreliable results and is a waste of resources. She says she is waiting for a reliable serology test that will measure anti-bodies. Experts hope that type of testing will show what percentage of the general population was actually infected with the virus.
BC's Minister of Health isn't ruling out possible legislation to ensure employees won't lose their jobs or suffer any penalties if they call in sick. The COVID-19 outbreaks at the poultry processing plants on the lower mainland spread quickly because some employees with symptoms continued to go to work. The non-union workers there do not have sick pay. Instead, they are allowed to make up sick days by working extra hours. Adrian Dix says it is vitally important that people do not show up for work when sick, and employers must respect that. When asked whether the province would impose penalties against employers who do not comply, Dix said he was not announcing anything about those issues today, but left the door open for "future announcements."
BC's Seniors Advocate is calling for more volunteers to help elders manage during the pandemic. Isobel Mackenzie says more than 5500 people have already signed up with the Safe Seniors-Strong Communities Program. She says grocery shopping and virtual visiting are the two most requested services. They made up more than 20,000 of the requests for help in the first four weeks of the program. If you would like to volunteer, call the senior's line 2-1-1.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There have been three more deaths and 50 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC since Saturday. BC's death count is 103. The total number of infected is just under 2000. There were no new cases or deaths reported in the Island Health region.
Many of the new cases are linked to the outbreak at the federal medium-security prison in Mission. 118 inmates, almost a third of the prison population, along with 12 workers have tested positive for the virus over the past three weeks. Corrections Canada says it has taken the advice of provincial Health Authorities to manage the outbreak. Now, all inmates at the Mission institution will be tested. And, Corrections Canada has installed more hand-washing stations, provided more personal protective equipment and more disinfection of high-contact surfaces. The federal prison has come under fire from the union representing guards, and an inmates group, that has launched a class-action lawsuit, claiming Corrections Canada did little to prevent or control the spread of the virus. BC's Provincial Health Officer says a lapse in reporting to the local health authority meant the virus spread rapidly. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there were further challenges over differing opinions about infection control. The institution has since increased its nursing staff to provide 24/7 care and doctors are available seven days a week. The Mission outbreak sits in stark contrast to the outbreak of one inmate at the provincially run Okanagan Detention Center. That outbreak was declared "over" more than a week ago. BC's Minister of Health praised officials at the Okanagan facility. Adrian Dix says he hopes to share the healthcare model for BC prisons with other jurisdictions.
The Provincial Health Officer says she has not set a date for when BC school classrooms might re-open. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is not considering opening schools over the summer. However, she says some elementary school children, whose parents work, may see some open classrooms in the coming weeks. Henry says any classroom re-openings would be small scale, while the province creates a much larger plan for the fall. The Minister of Education is planning to speak tomorrow, about what schools are doing in the meantime.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A plan to provide safe shelter to 40 homeless people in Nanaimo has fallen through, due to pushback from the community where they were going to be relocated. Last week, BC Housing announced it secured up to 50 spaces to help homeless people self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic. But by week's end, that number dropped to 13. Nanaimo City Councillor Erin Hemmens says when news of the hotel's location leaked out, there was “significant opposition” from the surrounding community. BC Housing says it hopes to announce a new deal within the next two weeks. For more details, see our article here.
Family caregivers in BC are becoming more and more stressed, due to the suspension of programs, designed to give them a break. That's why the province has added a half-million dollars to Family Caregivers of BC. The non-profit group will use the funds to boost its 2-1-1 hotline and to create virtual peer support programs. More than a million British Columbians provide unpaid care to seniors, usually family members. However, COVID-19 has forced the closure of adult day programs and respite care that they rely on. BC's Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie says she hopes the increased virtual supports will give caregivers "some comfort in sharing the burden and the stress with others."
BC's Provincial Health Officer is encouraging women experiencing violence, to reach out for help. Dr. Bonnie Henry says increased stress from isolation can increase family violence. RCMP in Nanaimo has reported a 30 percent increase in calls involving domestic violence, and it expects that number to rise as the pandemic continues. Henry is telling victims of family violence "your immediate safety is more important than physical distancing and self-isolation." Women can get help by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency, or VICTIMLINK BC at 1-800-563-0808.
Campbell River RCMP broke up a brawl among two dozen partiers at a local 7-11 early Sunday morning. Constable Maury Tyre says a group of adults and a group of youths had been partying at different locations. They ended up at the 7-11 parking lot at the same time and a fight started. Tyre says “What was really clear, was that if people had been following social distancing protocols, the event simply wouldn’t have happened.” He says many of those involved were underage and had been drinking. Tyre says both groups had designated drivers, but there were members of four different households in one car. Police continue to investigate, but so far, no charges have been laid.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A woman from Alert Bay has become the first indigenous person in BC to die from COVID-19. The Provincial Health Officer's voice quavered with emotion as she made the announcement on Saturday. Dr. Bonnie Henry said "Our elders in our first nations communities are culture and history keepers and when they die, we all lose. I recognize the tragic impact this has had on her family and her entire community."
Meanwhile, in Alert Bay, the local emergency declaration has been extended for another week. The declaration was put in place to curtail all non-essential travel and impose an evening curfew.
Family caregivers in BC are becoming more and more stressed, due to the suspension of programs, designed to give them a break. That's why the province has added a half-million dollars to Family Caregivers of BC. The non-profit group will use the funds to boost its 2-1-1 hotline and to create virtual peer support programs. More than a million British Columbians provide unpaid care to seniors, usually family members. However, COVID-19 has forced the closure of adult day programs and respite care that they rely on. BC's Seniors Advocate says she's very sorry about that. However, Isobel Mackenzie says she hopes the increased virtual supports will give caregivers "some comfort in sharing the burden and the stress with others."
Meanwhile, both Isobel Mackenzie and the Provincial Health Officer are looking at how care homes can open up to visitors in the coming weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry has said she is working on how to relax restrictions without putting seniors at risk for COVID-19. Mackenzie, BC's Seniors Advocate says a way must be found because would be "tragic" to keep seniors from loved ones for a year or more.
BC saw its largest spike in new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with 95. It was the second large spike in less than a week. Last Wednesday, the case count increased by 75. Dr. Henry says the latest spike is due to outbreaks at 2 poultry processing plants and a federal prison. 40 new cases at the Mission Medium Security Institution brings the total there to 106 inmates and 12 staff...that's close to a third of the inmate population. The outbreak at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam grew by 16, with a total of 18 cases. It's sister plant in Vancouver, United Poultry, reported seven new cases, totalling 35. Both plants have been closed by Health Authorities. Island Health reported one new COVID-19 case, bringing our case count to 115.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Four more people on the lower mainland have died from COVID-19. Today's death count stands at 98. There are three more confirmed cases of the virus in the Island Health region today, bringing our total to 114. Province-wide, there are 29 new cases, totalling 1853. Public Health officials have closed a second poultry processing plant. Two workers at the Superior Poultry plant in Coquitlam tested positive for the virus yesterday. It was closed today. Its sister plant, United Poultry, was ordered closed last Tuesday after 28 workers there were confirmed infected with COVID-19.
The City of Nanaimo is asking some parks and trail users to stay even further than two meters apart. It's asking joggers to stay 5 meters or 16 feet away from others. Cyclists are asked to stay 10 meters or 33 feet away from other park and trail users. The City admits these are not public health orders, but "these new standards are designed to help everyone practice proper parks usage and etiquette during this time."
Remote and indigenous communities that lack high-speed internet can look forward to improved service in the near future. BC's Minister for Citizen Services says the COVID-19 pandemic means students and those with health problems need access to reliable internet service more than ever. Anne Kang says that's why she's fast-tracking the "Connecting BC" program to offer internet companies up to $50,000 grants to upgrade service before the end of June.
The executive director of the Western Forest Contractors Association says tree planting companies are doing their best to calm community fears over the possibility of workers spreading COVID-19 in their towns. John Betts says tree planting in most of the province was delayed until May the first, to ensure all operators are prepared to implement new rules put in place, due to the virus. Now, all companies must have infection control plans approved by the Ministry of Forests, and each must have an infection control officer who will be responsible for duties like having one person picking up take out meals for crews. Workers who stay in hotels will be placed in groups of four or five who will remain together on the job site. They will be responsible for cleaning their shared truck and monitoring each other's handwashing. Security officers have been hired to monitor behaviour at hotels and work camps. Betts admits there is work to do to ensure the communities they work near are on-side. However, Betts points out that none of the 300 planters working in northern BC since February has contracted COVID-19.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Hunters and anglers in BC will be allowed to pursue their passion, thanks to the Provincial Health Officer. Hunting and fishing has been declared an essential service. However, participants can only hunt and fish locally, where permitted by local authorities. Federal and provincial parks remain closed. They can only travel and hunt or fish with members of their family, or others they live with, all the time, remaining two meters apart. In its news release, the BC Wildlife Federation says it lobbied hard for the designation and promises to continue to press the province to open its parks so that British Columbians have access to outdoor areas to give them a physical and mental reprieve from the effects of COVID-19.
The federal government is offering rent relief to small business owners, whose businesses have closed or whose revenues have dropped by 70 per cent due to COVID-19. But the plan hinges on the cooperation of commercial property owners. The property owner will be given non-repayable loans for 50 per cent of the rent if the property owner agrees to cover a further 25 per cent. The small business owner would pay the remaining 25 per cent. Property owners must also agree not to evict the small business. The rent relief scheme applies to rent for April, May and June. The federal plan will be jointly funded with the province. Non-profits and charities also qualify.
COVID-19 numbers released yesterday show four more deaths, bringing BC's total to 94. That represents five per cent of all positive test results. There were 29 new cases of the virus province-wide, totalling 1824. There was one new case added in the Island Health region, totalling 111. However, more than 60 percent of those who caught the virus have recovered. In the Island Health region, that means 80 people have recovered. 23 people are recovering at home, and five in hospital, including one in critical care. Three people in the Island Health region have died from the virus. We'll have today's numbers on our 6 pm news update.
Buyers crashed the Fluevog shoe website yesterday, within minutes of the Dr. Bonnie Henry model going on sale. There were 200 pairs of the Dr. Henry offered, at $339 dollars each. All of the proceeds will go to FoodBanks BC. Buyers will have to wait until the end of the summer before receiving a pair of the two-tone pink Mary Jane style pumps that are inscribed with Henry's words, "Be Kind, Be calm, Be Safe."
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There is a second, but smaller outbreak of COVID-19 at another poultry processing plant in BC. Two cases of the virus have been confirmed at the Superior Poultry Plant in Coquitlam but more are expected. Superior Poultry is the sister plant of United Poultry, which was closed by public health on Monday, after 28 workers there tested positive for the virus. One more case has since been confirmed at that plant in Vancouver. BC's Provincial Health Officer says local health authorities are inspecting more plants and she's planning to meet with representatives from that sector in the coming days.
Concerns over outbreaks at industrial sites like the poultry plants have prompted Dr. Bonnie Henry to recommend factories and farms that house their workers, appoint an infection control coordinator, so that quick action can be taken if an outbreak occurs. Henry says BC is seeing large outbreaks that are discovered too late. In addition, she is calling on businesses like hair salons and tattoo parlours that are now closed to think about what steps they need to take to ensure they have the right equipment and COVID-safe standards in place if restrictions are relaxed over the summer months. And, Henry is asking all British Columbians to think about who in their circle is more vulnerable to the disease. For example, she says someone returning to work may have grandparents looking after their children. Henry says if that's the case, the parent should not allow playdates because that risks bringing the virus into the grandparent's home.
COVID-19 has claimed the lives of four more people in long term care homes on the lower mainland. There is one new case of the virus in the Island Health Region, and 29 new cases, province-wide. Two of the new cases are in acute care hospitals. One at Lion's Gate in Vancouver and the other at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge. No patients have been affected so far. Henry says the staff member at Ridge Meadows was infected by her partner at home, who was a worker at the Kearl Lake oil sands project near Fort MacMurray.
And finally, the Dr. Henry Fluevog Shoe is on sale now. The two-tone pink Mary Jane style pumps are inscribed with Dr. Henry's oft-repeated phrase "Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe." The designer shoes cost $339 but all proceeds from the on-line only sale will be donated to Food Banks BC.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Unemployed workers and landlords in BC will start receiving provincial COVID assistance payments soon. BC Housing says it's received 45,000 applications for its rent subsidy but has sent out only 3,000 payments since the program was announced a month ago. The Premier acknowledges concerns over the backlog, especially since May's rent is due soon. John Horgan says the province is working as fast as it can to deliver services it's never had to deliver before. Meanwhile, British Columbians who qualify for the provincial emergency benefit for workers will be able to apply online starting May the 1st and by telephone, starting May the 4th. The one-time payment of $1000 is available to most people who qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The government is promising those payments will be sent within days of receiving the application. For more information, go to gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit.
The BC Coroner's Service is investigating the deaths of two men, at a homeless camp in Victoria. One man was in his 20s and the other, in his 60s. The men were found dead in two separate tents yesterday. The camp where they lived was set up to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among Victoria's street population. Another man in his 30s died at an unsanctioned encampment on Pandora Avenue last week. The coroner's service has not released the causes of death in any of the cases. The camps have attracted controversy Area residents complain of increasing crime in their neighbourhoods. The city has asked the province to place the campers in hotels. The province has said it is working on placements and will have something more to say by the end of this week.
Meanwhile, in Parksville, the lack of shelter space has forced homeless advocates to set up a temporary shelter in a graveyard. Six people have set up camp at the graveyard between St. Edmund and St. Anne's Anglican Churches. Temporary hand washing and porta-potties have been set up. Reverend Christine Muise says four people are being temporarily housed in hotels, but that falls far short of the need.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Provincial Health officer is extremely concerned by two large outbreaks of COVID-19: one at a poultry plant and the other, at a federal prison. Dr. Bonnie Henry says employers need to be more responsible in ensuring safe distancing, enhanced cleaning at the workplace and they must have infection control plans if an outbreak occurs. It seems that was not the case at the United Poultry Company's processing plant in Vancouver, where 28 workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Henry says health officials began their investigation of the plant after one of its employees who contracted the virus reported that other sick employees were continuing to go to work. The plant was ordered closed on Monday, and Henry says it will not reopen until closed down until appropriate precautions including changes to the workflow are in place. Henry also referred to the outbreak at the federal medium-security prison in Mission, where 77 people, including ten guards, are infected. Five of those inmates are in hospital and one died last week. She says there are ongoing concerns related to that outbreak, including reports that the prison is still not alerting local authorities when inmates are released.
Big new case numbers are also raising the alarm for Dr. Henry. BC saw another spike with 71 new cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the provincial total to just under 1800. There was only one new case in the Island Health region, but there was a spike of seven cases on Tuesday and 5 over the weekend. Our cases count now stands at 110. Henry is warning if this continues, some restrictions may not be lifted next month. There were three more deaths reported in BC over the past 24 hours, all in long term care homes.
Financial help is on the way to post-secondary students. A new Canada Student Emergency Benefit means unemployed students or those earning $1000 or less per month will qualify for $1250 dollars a month from May until August. And, students can claim an extra $500 dollars monthly, if they are disabled or caring for a dependent. Students with volunteer jobs could be paid between $1000 and $5000 dollars over the summer work period. Student grants will be doubled which means up to $6,000 for full time and $3600 for part-time students. Student Loans will be increased from the maximum $210 dollars a week to $350. However, the benefits will not be available until new legislation is passed.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Post-secondary students, who are struggling financially, can look forward to help from the federal government. Students will be eligible for $1250 dollars a month from May until August. And, they can claim an extra $500 dollars monthly, if they are disabled or caring for a dependent. Students who make $1000 a month or less, also qualify for the Canada Student Emergency Benefit. Students who volunteer will be paid between $1000 and $5000 a month. The Prime Minister says students may qualify for more than one benefit. The aid package announced today also includes the doubling of student grants, which means up to $6,000 for full time and $3600 for part-time students. The maximum weekly benefit through the Canada Student Loans program also rises from $210 dollars to $350. Ottawa will sweeten the pot by $290 million for graduate research scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships that are about to expire. The Canada Summer Jobs program is expected to create 116,000 jobs that the government says will focus on essential services including agriculture, food services, community service organizations and the health sectors. The Canadian Alliance of Students Association has said more than 2 million students were in dire financial straits even before the pandemic began. It is welcoming today's announcement.
Mayors from across Vancouver Island are calling on the province to restrict ferry travel over the May long weekend, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring spear-headed the effort, writing "there is compelling anecdotal evidence that mainland residents visited the islands and other coastal communities for recreation over the Easter weekend." However, the Premier says he is reluctant to place that type of restriction on people. John Horgan says "the May long-weekend is a thousand years away, and I hope, by the time we get there, we will be in a better place in terms of restrictions related to the pandemic."
New research, led by radiologists in Vancouver, may lead to another way of detecting and treating people suffering from COVID-19. The researchers believe x-rays and CT scans of people with the virus will lead to models that will help physicians determine whether patients are best treated at home or whether they need hospitalization or ventilation. They may also help detect COVID-19 in people who show no symptoms of the virus but are suffering other symptoms of seemingly unrelated illnesses. The theory will be tested at Vancouver General Hospital.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Hundreds of people had questions for Island Health officials at a virtual town hall meeting last night. 300 queries were asked ahead of time, and a dozen more during the livestream broadcast. The questions ranged from when cancelled surgeries will resume to whether COVID-19 sticks to hair or money. The CEO of Island Health, Kathy MacNeil said she expects non emergency surgeries will be rescheduled starting in mid-May. The Island's Chief Medical Officer fielded questions about testing, when social isolation rules could be relaxed and why some remote and island areas aren't being locked down. Dr. Richard Stanwick said officials from several health authorities discussed lock downs with the Provincial Health Officer. But, he said Dr. Bonnie Henry is committed to not going that route since most people are complying and have legitimate reasons to travel. you can watch a repeat of the broadcast on the BC Government Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, the Island Health region recorded its largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the middle of March. Seven new cases were confirmed over the past 24 hours, bringing our case count to 109. Five people remain in hospital with one in critical care. 32 others are recovering at home.
Homeless people in the Parksville area have been invited to sleep in the graveyard between St. Edmond's and St. Anne's Anglican churches, according to the Nanaimo News Bulletin. 18 people were expected to do so, starting last night. The area's only shelter was forced to close in mid-March because it had no running water and could not provide safe physical distancing. Reverend Christine Muise of St. Anne's says so far, the Regional District of Nanaimo and the BC Ministry of Housing have been unable to replace the shelter, so the graveyard will be used as a temporary replacement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing is reporting it has secured two locations with 50 spaces for vulnerable people to self-isolate and recover, including 10 spaces for women leaving violent situations. It is promising to secure more sites in the future. However, some involved in the process, including the Mayor of Victoria, have complained that even with these arrangements, hotel owners continue to refuse to provide shelter to substance misusers or those with mental health issues. On Sunday, BC's Minister of Public Safety announced $2000 dollar fines for accommodation owners that refuse to provide spaces.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A COVID-19 outbreak has closed a poultry processing plant in Vancouver. BC's Provincial Health Officer says 28 employees at the United Poultry Company have tested positive for the virus. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry says consumers need not be concerned about poultry they have bought because there is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through meat or by its packaging. Henry says Health Canada and local health authorities have stepped up inspections of meat processing plants on the lower mainland.
One more person in long term care in Vancouver has died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, totalling 87 deaths since the start of the pandemic. There are seven more cases of the virus confirmed in the Island Health region, bringing our total to 109. Province-wide 25 new cases were reported, bringing BC's total to 1724.
A reminder you can tune in to a town hall with Island Health officials tonight at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Individuals and organizations that deliver services to close to 10,000 people with disabilities will be able to get help with additional costs due to COVID-19. The pandemic has affected group homes and independent living providers that are struggling with overtime costs, staffing shortages and access to additional supplies like personal protective equipment. Many home-sharing providers are taking on extra caregiving duties because community day programs have shut down. A new emergency fund will provide up to $35 and a half million dollars to caregiving groups and individuals, over the next three months. Community Living BC will open the process to requests on Monday, and funds will be available retroactive to April the first.
Nanaimo City Council has not decided yet, whether to amend its plan for a 5.2 per cent property tax increase. Yesterday, council met to review several scenarios to reduce this year's tax hike. The current increase would allow all of the city's capital projects to proceed but offers no relief to taxpayers, who may be struggling due to COVID-19. A 3.8 per cent tax increase would mean service cuts. If the increase was set at 1 per cent, it would drain Nanaimo's special reserve fund, and lead to a tax increase of 6.8 per cent next year. Council has sent staff back to the drawing board to crunch the numbers. It will meet again next Monday. The city has already decided to defer property tax payment penalties from July until September.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Nanaimo City Council has not decided yet, whether to amend its plan for a 5.2 per cent property tax increase. Yesterday, council met to review several scenarios that would reduce this year's increase. The current increase would allow all of the city's capital projects to proceed, but offers no relief to taxpayers, who may be struggling due to COVID-19. If it reduced taxes to 3.8 per cent, it would mean service cuts. If the tax increase was set at 1 per cent, it would drain the special reserve fund, and mean a tax increase of 6.8 per cent next year. Council has sent staff back to the drawing board to crunch the numbers. It will meet again next Monday. Council has until May the 15th to pass a final budget. It has already decided to defer property tax payment penalties from July until September.
Individuals and organizations that deliver services to close to 10,000 people with disabilities will be able to get help with additional costs due to COVID-19. The pandemic has affected group homes and independent living providers that are struggling with overtime costs, staffing shortages and access to additional supplies like personal protective equipment. Many home-sharing providers are taking on extra caregiving duties because community day programs have shut down. That's why the province has launched a new program, through Community Living BC, which will provide up to $35 and a half million dollars over the next three months. CLBC will open the process to request funding on Monday, but funds are available retroactive to April the first.
The president of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association says his members are in overdrive, to try to find ways to re-introduce table service during the pandemic. Ian Tostenson told CBC radio that restauranteurs are excited by the Provincial Health Officer's challenge to find innovative ways of re-opening safely. Tostenson says ideas include providing personal protective equipment to servers, taking customers' temperatures before letting them in and spacing tables to safe distances. He says the ideas will be discussed with Dr. Bonnie Henry in the coming days.
A reminder, tonight at 7:15, you can tune in to a virtual town hall meeting with officials from the Island Health Authority. Its CEO and Chief Medical Officer, along with two area MLAs will answer your questions. You can join the town hall on the Provincial Government's website or its YouTube channel.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A COVID-19 outbreak at a work camp in Alberta has prompted BC's Health Officer to issue a new order. Dr. Bonnie Henry says seven workers from the Kearl Lake Project near Fort MacMurray have tested positive for the virus and she expects more to come. that's why she's issued an order that anyone returning from working there over the past two weeks must self isolate for the next two weeks. If they experience symptoms, they must report them to 8-1-1, the provincial health line. Anyone who returned from the Kearl Lake work camp within the past month who has felt sick, must also report to 8-1-1.
In BC, 52 new cases of the virus have been confirmed since Saturday, including five in the Island Health Region. That means there are just under 1700 cases province-wide, including 102 in Island Health. There have been five more deaths since Saturday, bringing the total to 86. All of the latest deaths were on the lower mainland.
Meanwhile, Dr. Henry has confirmed there are eight cases of COVID-19 in Alert Bay. As a result, the village declared its own local state of emergency on Sunday. The declaration includes a 9:30 pm to 6 am curfew and restricts travel to and from Cormorant Island. Last week, Alert Bay's mayor revealed he was infected with COVID-19. Dennis Buchanan suspects he caught it from a traveller.
A reminder that tonight, you can tune in and ask questions of local health officials at a virtual town hall meeting. The officials who will be attending are the CEO of Island Health, its Chief Medical Officer and two area MLAs. The live stream begins at 7:15 on the provincial government's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Nanaimo RCMP has arrested a man who allegedly spat on a worker at the Dollarama Store in the Port Place Mall on Sunday. The worker told police the man became enraged when told he could not enter the store at that time because it was reserved for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspect was found at a bus stop a short time later. Police say he became agitated and combative as the officer approached. However, the man calmed down after a passerby offered to help the officer. RCMP want to speak with the unknown passerby, to thank him and to get a witness statement.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A COVID-19 outbreak at a work camp in Alberta has prompted BC's Health Officer to issue an order that anyone who has returned from working there over the past two weeks must self isolate for the next two weeks. If they experience symptoms, they must report them to 8-1-1, the provincial health line. Anyone returning to BC from the camp within the past month who has felt sick must also report to 8-1-1. Dr. Bonnie Henry says so far, seven workers from the Crow Lake Project near Fort MacMurray have tested positive for the virus and she expects more will be confirmed.
In BC, 52 new cases of the virus have been confirmed since Saturday, including five in the Island Health Region. That means there are just under 1700 cases province-wide, including 102 in Island Health. There have been five more deaths since Saturday, bringing the total to 86. The report did not name where the most recent deaths occurred.
Meanwhile, Dr. Henry has confirmed that there are eight cases of COVID-19 in Alert Bay. As a result, the village has declared its own local state of emergency. The declaration includes a 9:30 pm to 6 am curfew and restricts travel to and from Cormorant Island. Last week, Alert Bay's mayor revealed he was infected with COVID-19. Dennis Buchanan suspects he caught it from a traveller. Now, travellers to Alert Bay have to prove their travel is necessary. The emergency declaration gives local officials the power to take any steps necessary to ensure compliance.
Indigenous and remote and rural communities in BC will get extra resources to help them deliver timely care to those affected by COVID-19. One of the challenges in treating remote residents is getting them quickly to health facilities outside of their communities. To improve travel time, the province will provide 55 new ambulances and five fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters dedicated to BC's remote communities. It will also provide self-isolation sites near hospitals, along with culturally sensitive delivery of care.
Charges are being recommended against a Nanaimo RCMP officer, involved in an incident a year and a half ago. BC's Independent Investigations Office examined actions taken during the arrest and detention of a woman on December 2nd, 2018. The woman suffered serious injuries. The IIO investigation concludes the unidentified officer may have committed offences in the application of force. The IIO has forwarded its report to the BC Prosecution Service. The Prosecution Service will decide whether to lay charges based on the likelihood of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Indigenous and remote and rural communities in BC will get extra resources to help them deliver timely care to those affected by COVID-19. One of the challenges in treating remote residents is quickly getting them to health facilities outside of their communities. To improve travel time, the province will provide 55 new ambulances and five additional air resources for remote communities in BC. It will also provide self-isolation sites near hospitals, along with culturally sensitive delivery of care and increased resources to help indigenous women, facing domestic violence.
The Village of Alert Bay has declared a state of emergency, in reaction to a COVID-19 outbreak. The order includes a 9:30 pm to 6 am curfew and restricts travel to and from Cormorant Island. Last week, Alert Bay's mayor revealed he has COVID-19. Dennis Buchanan suspects he caught it from a traveller. Now, travellers have to prove their travel is necessary. The emergency declaration gives local officials the power to take any steps necessary to ensure compliance.
We will bring you the latest COVID-19 numbers on our 6 pm news update.
Charges are being recommended against a Nanaimo RCMP officer, involved in an incident a year and a half ago. BC's Independent Investigations Office examined actions taken during an arrest and detention on December 2nd, 2018. The woman who was arrested suffered serious injuries. The IIO has found the unidentified officer may have committed offences in the application of force. The IIO has forwarded its report to the BC Prosecution Service, which will decide whether to lay charges. It will decide whether there is a likelihood of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
Nanaimo council is meeting at this hour, to re-examine this year's 5.2 per cent property tax increase. A new report says the tax increase could be reduced to 4.5 per cent by lowering costs related to local and regional recreation services and delaying the hiring of RCMP officers. Other scenarios for tax increases of 3.8 per cent or even as low as one per cent propose dipping into the city's reserves. The province has given municipalities the ability to use capital reserves to pay for operating expenses. But, the documents point out if the reserves are used, future tax increases will be higher than estimated.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Minister of Public Safety has announced new penalties to try to curb price gouging of medical and other supplies needed for the COVID-19 pandemic. Police, as well as bylaw and provincial enforcement officers now have the power to levy $2,000 dollar fines for price-gouging or for reselling essential goods. Mike Farnworth says Consumer Protection BC has received 800 complaints on the subject. They include business owners paying 10 times the normal price for N95 masks to protect their workers to concerns over keeping shelves stocked because of hoarding. The newly empowered officers can also levy fines to anyone not obeying quarantine orders. Farnworth says most travellers have self-isolation plans. However, 110 people without plans have been ordered to quarantine in government-designated hotel rooms.
The Minister says the officers will not be fining anyone for not practising safe physical distancing. He says any such order would have to come from the Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Bonnie Henry has said she does not support that kind of crackdown because most people are doing the right thing. However, Dr. Henry says large events like the Pacific National Exhibition or Gay Pride Parades will be forbidden this year. But she has not ruled out the prospect of some small gatherings being permitted during the summer months. The news has forced the cancellation of the Vancouver Island Music Fest. Its executive-director Doug Cox says details about ticket refunds will be announced soon.
During her regular briefing on Saturday, Henry announced three more deaths from COVID-19, totalling 81 in BC. There were 29 new cases of the virus reported from Friday to Saturday, three of them are in the Island Health region. BC's total COVID cases stand at 1647. New numbers will be released later this afternoon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
COVID-19 has claimed the life of another person in the Island Health Region, bringing the total number of deaths here to 3. Island Health says the latest death was a person in their 80s who had been in hospital. As of yesterday, there were three new cases of the virus in the Island Health region, bringing the total number of cases here to 92. However, most people, 53 have recovered. That leaves 32 people recovering at home, 9 in hospital, with two of those in critical care. Today's numbers will be presented later this afternoon and will be included in your 6 pm news update.
Meanwhile, new data from the Ministry of Health confirm BC has flattened the curve. And projections suggest we could see some loosening of restrictions, starting sometime in May. The Provincial Health Officer says international travel and face to face business meetings will not happen for at least another year. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry says it is likely that some cancelled surgeries will be scheduled over the summer, and there may be a small number of classrooms reopened. She believes people will continue to work from home, although some businesses may be re-opened. As well, some non-essential travel restrictions may be relaxed during the summer months, so that people will be able to spend time at their cabins but physical distancing measures like the ones in grocery stores will not be lifted for some time to come.
People who live in the Island Health region will have a chance to ask questions of the region's health officer and local politicians next week. The Health Authority is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, starting at 7:15 pm. The panellists include Health Authority CEO Kathy Mitchell, the region's Medical Health Officer, Dr. Richard Stanwick, the MLA for the Cowichan Valley, Sonia Furstenau and the MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, Mitzi Dean. You can join the live stream on the BC Government's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Speaking of live streams, there is one tonight, that will showcase Vancouver Island musicians. It's called "Rock For Relief" a fundraiser for the Nanaimo and Victoria Foundations. Viewers can choose which Foundation to support. The lineup includes David Foster, Randy and Tal Bachman, Jesse Roper, Kathryn Calder of The New Pornographers, Carmanah, The Tenors along with Nanaimo's own Aaron Pritchert and Lauren Spencer Smith who recently won a spot on American Idol. The musicians will perform from their livingrooms. The show begins at 8 o'clock tonight on CHEK television or you can live stream it on CHEK's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
COVID-19 has claimed the life of another person in the Island Health Region, bringing the total number of deaths here to 3. Island Health says the latest death was a person in their 80s who had been in hospital. As of yesterday, there were three new cases of the virus in the Island Health region, bringing the total number of cases here to 92. However, most people, 53 have recovered. That leaves 32 people recovering at home, 9 in hospital, with two of those in critical care. Today's numbers will be presented later this afternoon and will be included in your 6 pm news update.
Meanwhile, new data from the Ministry of Health confirm BC has flattened the curve. And projections suggest we could see some loosening of restrictions, starting sometime in May. The Provincial Health Officer says international travel and face to face business meetings will not happen for at least another year. However, Dr. Bonnie Henry says it is likely that some cancelled surgeries will be scheduled over the summer, and there may be a small number of classrooms reopened. She believes people will continue to work from home, although some businesses may be re-opened. As well, some non-essential travel restrictions may be relaxed during the summer months, so that people will be able to spend time at their cabins but physical distancing measures like the ones in grocery stores will not be lifted for some time to come.
People who live in the Island Health region will have a chance to ask questions of the region's health officer and local politicians next week. The Health Authority is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, starting at 7:15 pm. The panellists include Health Authority CEO Kathy Mitchell, the region's Medical Health Officer, Dr. Richard Stanwick, the MLA for the Cowichan Valley, Sonia Furstenau and the MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, Mitzi Dean. You can join the live stream on the BC Government's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Speaking of live streams, there is one tonight, that will showcase Vancouver Island musicians. It's called "Rock For Relief" a fundraiser for the Nanaimo and Victoria Foundations. Viewers can choose which Foundation to support. The lineup includes David Foster, Randy and Tal Bachman, Jesse Roper, Kathryn Calder of The New Pornographers, Carmanah, The Tenors along with Nanaimo's own Aaron Pritchert and Lauren Spencer Smith who recently won a spot on American Idol. The musicians will perform from their livingrooms. The show begins at 8 o'clock tonight on CHEK television or you can live stream it on CHEK's Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
An inmate from the Mission Medium Security Institution has died from COVID-19. The unnamed inmate was transferred with six others, to a secure ward at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital on Wednesday. The federal prison in Mission is struggling to control a COVID-19 outbreak there. So far, 57 inmates and four guards have tested positive for the virus.
Two other people, not including the inmate, have died in BC in the past 24 hours. Another 14 cases have been reported, including 2 in the Island Health region. And, there are two new outbreaks: one at Kootenay Street Village, a long term care facility in the interior and for the first time, in an acute care unit at the Ridge Meadows hospital in the Fraser Valley. Today, the Provincial Health Officer will present the latest data, tracking the curve, and predicting where it might go in the future.
Post-secondary students who are feeling anxiety over COVID-19 can call a new mental health hotline, designed specifically for them. The "Here2Talk" initiative will connect students to online professional counsellors or to other mental health resources in their communities. The 24/7 help-line also comes with an app for easy access.
The Mayor of Nanaimo says a new provincial aid plan for municipalities will pit communities against one another. Leonard Krog says he's disappointed the province did not announce the deferral of all property taxes in every municipality. Instead, local governments do not have to pay school taxes they collect on behalf of the province until the end of the year. Krog predicts the result will be a hodge-podge of tax collection schemes among municipalities and that will lead to hard feelings between communities. The province is also allowing local governments to borrow from their capital reserves to pay operating expenses and municipalities will be allowed to carry their debt into the next fiscal year.
Council will discuss whether to implement the new provincial policies at a special meeting on Monday.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The federal and provincial governments have announced more programs to help businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. An expanded Emergency Business Account means more small businesses will be eligible for $40,000 in guaranteed, interest-free loans. Now, companies with payrolls between $20,000 and $1 and a half million dollars will qualify. The Prime Minister says his government will also provide a business rental assistance program for April, May and June, but no details were announced. Justin Trudeau says he needs to work out the details with the provinces first. Meanwhile, the provincial government says it will help businesses by further reducing their school tax. BC's Minister of Finance says the change will result in an average 25% reduction in the total property tax bill for most businesses. And, Carole James says late business tax payment penalties have been deferred from July until October.
Municipalities that are struggling with reduced revenues will also get some relief. The province will allow local governments to borrow from their capital reserves, to pay for operating costs. Municipalities will also be allowed to carry debt into the next fiscal year. And, they will not have to pay their provincial tax bill until the end of December. The Minister responsible, Celina Robinson hopes the measures will allow municipalities to retain their employees. Last week, the City of Nanaimo announced 130 staff layoffs.
The Mayor of Victoria is calling on the province to order hotel owners to allow vulnerable people to be housed in hotel rooms. Lisa Helps says although BC Housing has secured 200 hotel rooms for that purpose, in reality, hotel owners say they do not want people with mental health and addiction problems staying in them. BC Housing has been unable to secure even one space for that purpose in Nanaimo. Housing Minister Celina Robinson dodged the issue at her news conference this morning. She simply repeated the line that 1200 rooms have been secured around the province and BC Housing is continuing to work on securing more.
Finally, BC's Provincial Health Officer is about to become famous for her fashion style. Dr. Bonnie Henry is a fan of Fluevog shoes. She has several pairs, which she regularly dons at her news conferences. Now, the Vancouver-based shoe company has unveiled a new design, called the "Dr. Henry." The Mary Jane-style pumps will come in cherry pink and will be inscribed with Dr. Bonnie Henry's words "be kind, be calm and be safe." All of the pre-sale profits from the shoe will be donated to Food Banks B.C. Henry calls the collaboration "the most exciting thing in my whole life that's ever happened to me," No word yet on when the pre-sale will begin.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The federal and provincial governments have announced more programs to help businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. An expanded Emergency Business Account means more small businesses will be eligible for $40,000 in guaranteed, interest-free loans. Now, companies with payrolls between $20,000 and $1 and a half million dollars will qualify. The Prime Minister says his government will also provide a business rental assistance program for April, May and June, but no details were announced. Justin Trudeau says he needs to work out the details with the provinces first. Meanwhile, the provincial government says it will help businesses by further reducing their school tax. BC's Minister of Finance says the change will result in an average 25% reduction in the total property tax bill for most businesses. And, Carole James says late business tax payment penalties have been deferred from July until October.
Municipalities that are struggling with reduced revenues will also get some relief. The province will allow local governments to borrow from their capital reserves, to pay for operating costs. Municipalities will also be allowed to carry debt into the next fiscal year. And, they will not have to pay their provincial tax bill until the end of December. The Minister responsible, Celina Robinson hopes the measures will allow municipalities to retain their employees. Last week, the City of Nanaimo announced 130 staff layoffs.
The Mayor of Victoria is calling on the province to order hotel owners to allow vulnerable people to be housed in hotel rooms. Lisa Helps says although BC Housing has secured 200 hotel rooms for that purpose, in reality, hotel owners say they do not want people with mental health and addiction problems staying in them. BC Housing has been unable to secure even one space for that purpose in Nanaimo. Housing Minister Celina Robinson dodged the issue at her news conference this morning. She simply repeated the line that 1200 rooms have been secured around the province and BC Housing is continuing to work on securing more.
Finally, BC's Provincial Health Officer is about to become famous for her fashion style. Dr. Bonnie Henry is a fan of Fluevog shoes. She has several pairs, which she regularly dons at her news conferences. Now, the Vancouver-based shoe company has unveiled a new design, called the "Dr. Henry." The Mary Jane-style pumps will come in cherry pink and will be inscribed with Dr. Bonnie Henry's words "be kind, be calm and be safe." All of the pre-sale profits from the shoe will be donated to Food Banks B.C. Henry calls the collaboration "the most exciting thing in my whole life that's ever happened to me," No word yet on when the pre-sale will begin.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
New numbers on COVID-19 show 44 new cases in BC over the past 24 hours, including three in the Island Health region, bringing the total here to 92, and province-wide to 1561.
The daily death count from the virus continues to rise, with three more fatalities reported since Tuesday, including the first death in the Interior Health region. The provincial health officer says that the case was a man in his 60s, with an underlying health condition. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the man had been recovering at home but died shortly after being admitted to hospital. Meanwhile, the Island Health Authority has launched an intensive at-home monitoring program to ensure people suffering from COVID-19 don't take a sudden turn for the worse. Those being monitored include people who live alone, who are immunocompromised, over the age of 60 and anyone with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or hypertension. Patients will be given equipment to monitor their temperatures and oxygen saturation levels. Registered nurses will connect with them several times a day, via telephone. Dr. Henry says health researchers are discovering that some people recovering from COVID-19 can go downhill quickly at the 5 to 7-day mark.
Local citizens will have a chance to ask questions of their regional health authority officials and political representatives, in a series of virtual town hall meetings. BC's Minister of Health says the first will take place this Friday in the Vancouver Health Region. Adrian Dix says he'll be announcing meetings for other health regions in the coming days.
The Premier says he's pleased with what has been happening at border crossings since new measures were put into place last Friday. All travellers returning to Canada must self-isolate for 14 days, but travellers returning to BC must also provide self-isolation plans. John Horgan says 4700 travellers have returned to BC since last Friday, and only 84 of them have been forced into federally supervised quarantine because they had inadequate plans for isolation. On Monday, the federal government expanded the isolation plan requirement to include all Canadian airports and border crossings.
The time has changed for the free live stream concert on Thursday that will feature musicians from around BC The concert will start a little earlier, at 4 pm. The lineup includes Kym Gouchie, Alex Cuba Desirée Dawson and Dan Mangan. It's the first in a series being put together by the province, to provide grants to musicians and free music to housebound citizens. You can catch the live stream on the provincial government's Facebook page or at the ShowCase BC website.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The federal government is expanding its Canada Emergency Response Benefit to include thousands of Canadians who did not qualify under the original plan. The $2000 a month benefit will now be available to people who make less than $1000 per month. Also eligible is anyone whose Employment Insurance ran out after January the first, and seasonal workers who cannot find seasonal work are also eligible. After making the announcement this morning, the Prime Minister assured post-secondary students and businesses there will be something for them later this week.
WorkSafe BC says it has received more than 3,000 complaints and questions about employers who are not following public health orders in the workplace. It says the most common concerns are about physical distancing, personal protective equipment, the right to refuse work, essential vs non-essential workers and general hygiene in the workplace.· WorkSafeBC has launched an inspection program to ensure employers are taking steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure at the workplace. It says the initial focus of the initiative is to educate but employers could face orders for non-compliance, and administrative penalties for flagrant violations.
Truckers who transport much-needed goods across the province will find more rest stops and road food available to them in the coming days. The Government of B.C. is funding the installation of 20 portable toilets at several commercial vehicle pull-outs, inspection stations and chain-up locations throughout the province. It is also keeping all rest areas open during the outbreak. The BC Trucking Association has spearheaded the Meals for Truck Drivers project which has set up food trucks at commercial card-locks throughout BC. Last month trucking industry representatives said shuttered truck stops and off-limits gas stations were becoming significant problems.
Starting tomorrow, all open burn fires are banned in BC. So are fireworks, sky lanterns and the use of burn barrels. The Ministry of Environment says a dry spring and concerns over COVID-19 are the reasons for the ban. Health officials say smoke can make those fighting the virus even more ill. And, wildfires use up resources that must be reserved for any pandemic-related emergencies. Campfires have also been banned throughout the Nanaimo Regional District.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
COVID-19 continues to kill seniors in British Columbia, with three more deaths being reported at long term care homes on the lower mainland. BC's fatality rate now stands at 72. At the beginning of the month, the Vancouver Island health region reported two of its first and only deaths during this pandemic. Ten people remain in our region's hospitals. Across the province, 27 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the past 24 hours, with two in the island health region. Island Health has a total of 89 cases, provincially, there are 1517.
The outbreak at the Mission Medium Security prison has prompted the province to shore up resources at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. The Provincial Health Officer says 41 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed at the federal prison and seven people are in hospital. Dr.Bonnie Henry says Abbotsford Regional has set up a separate secure unit in the hospital for them. And, plans are being made to deploy a mobile medical unit to Abbotsford to help it deal with an expected increase in cases from the prison.
BC Ferries has done an about-face and is reinstating about a third of the 1400 workers it laid off one week ago. In a memo to employees, the president of BC Ferries says layoff notices to full-time employees have been rescinded. Mark Collins says the decision was made in the hope that the ferry corporation qualifies for the 75 per cent wage subsidy being offered by the federal government. Collins says BC Ferries will top up full-time employee wages to 100 per cent if they are called in to work. However, none of its 900 casual workers will be reinstated at this time.
The Mayor of Alert Bay has posted a video, confirming he has contracted COVID-19. In the video, Dennis Buchanan is seen standing on his front porch, imploring people to stay at home. Buchanan says he caught the virus a week ago, despite practising physical distancing, regular handwashing and never leaving Cormorant Island.
As promised, the province will showcase some BC musicians with a live stream concert on Thursday at 5 pm. The line up includes Kym Gouchie, from Prince George, Alex Cuba from Smithers, Desiree Dawson from White Rock and Dan Mangan from Vancouver. You can watch it on the BC Provincial Government Facebook page or on the Showcase BC website.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Mayor of Alert Bay has posted a video, confirming he has contracted COVID-19. Dennis Buchanan says he caught the virus a week ago, despite practising physical distancing, regular handwashing and never leaving Cormorant Island. In the video, the Mayor is seen standing on his front porch, imploring people to stay at home. Buchanan says he's lost 9 pounds, due to dehydration caused by the virus. He says he might not be here if his daughter had not urged him to go to the hospital. Buchanan says "I have COVID-19 because someone has seen fit to bring it to the island. Wake up, people. Don't go visiting. Don't go partying."
The federal government is expanding its surveillance of international travellers, to include a requirement that only travellers returning to BC were forced to meet. All travellers returning to Canada must self-quarantine for two weeks, whether or not they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Last weekend, BC imposed an additional requirement that returning travellers at Vancouver International Airport and land border crossings had to prove they have a self-isolation plan in place. Starting at midnight tonight, travellers at all Canadian entry points must have plans in place, or they will be quarantined at government-sanctioned locations, including hotels. Yesterday, BC's Minister of Health said he hoped the BC plan would be expanded because many travellers enter the country at airports in Toronto or Montreal before returning to this province.
Nanaimo RCMP says a new online scam involving COVID-19 benefits is making the rounds. Constable Gary O'Brien told Nanaimo News Now that a dozen people have reported getting texts, with a link to claim COVID-19 emergency funds, announced by the federal government. The fake website asks for people's names and their Social Insurance Number. O'Brien says some people did enter their information. No federal or provincial programs contact people through text messages. Individuals must contact governments directly, to receive any benefits.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The latest COVID-19 numbers show no slowdown in the number of deaths. Eleven people died over the weekend, bringing BC's total to 69. All were over the age of 70 and most were from long term care facilities on the lower mainland. There were 3 new cases of the virus reported in the Island Health region, totaling 87. Province-wide there are just under 1500 cases, including 45 new ones reported over the weekend. One of those cases is a temporary foreign worker at the Bylands Nursery in West Kelowna. The nursery was already under quarantine because of an outbreak that began in late March when 19 migrant workers tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, the federal government ordered all temporary foreign workers to be quarantined for 14 days after arriving in Canada. Yesterday, it announced it will pay employers up to $1500 per worker to ensure they are paid during their quarantine, and to help with the cost of providing physical distancing space in living quarters.
BC's Minister of Health and the Provincial Health officer are downplaying concerns about ferry travel, saying they believe most long-weekend travellers had good reason to take the ferry. Dr. Bonnie Henry says many were post-secondary students returning home at the end of their school year, while others were commuters whose numbers usually increase on the weekend. Minister Adrian Dix pointed to numbers provided by BC ferries that show Easter weekend travel on the major routes was only 8 per cent of the total from last year. Travel on the Southern Gulf Island routes was 80 per cent lower than the same period last year. Henry says she is very pleased with how new border regulations are being implemented. She says 1700 people returned to BC from international travel last weekend. All but 13 of them had the required self-isolation plans in place. Those without plans were provided accommodation.
A federal government announcement about new portable COVID-19 test kits will have little effect in BC. Yesterday Ottawa announced a Canadian firm will produce 14,000 portable test kits per month. The kits will help remote communities that have to wait days or even a week to get test results back from labs that are far away. The new kits can produce test results on the spot. However, BC's Provincial Health officer says it's unlikely BC will get to use any of them before the summer. Dr. Bonnie Henry says a piece of equipment needed to read the portable tests is will not available to BC until then. However, Henry says BC has its own version of the portable test kit that it is deploying to several small and remote communities this week.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Its been a deadly weekend in BC as COVID-19 continues to take its toll. Eleven more people died from the disease since Saturday. All were on the lower mainland and most were in long term care homes. There have been 3 new cases of the virus reported in the Island Health region since Saturday, bringing our total to 89. Province-wide, there were 45 new cases, totalling 1490 in BC.
Meanwhile, the outbreak at the Mission Medium Security prison has reported 35 COVID-19 cases, with 8 having to be hospitalized. BC's provincial health officer says she's keeping a close eye on that outbreak because of concerns over the high percentage of those needing critical care.
Dr.Bonnie Henry says she's very pleased with the initiative requiring travellers returning to BC to have self-isolation plans in place. Henry says 1700 people returned to BC over the weekend, but only 13 of them needed help from authorities to find them a place to self-isolate. She says a further 207 were contacted in follow up to ensure they had put their plans into effect. The Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says he hopes other provinces will follow BCs lead and require travellers to have self-isolation plans that are verified.
Both Adrian Dix and Dr. Henry tried to allay concerns over weekend travel numbers, saying they believe most people who travelled on weekend ferries had good reason to do so. Henry says students returning home from school and others who commute from work likely contributed to some busy sailings. Dix pointed to numbers provided by BC ferries that show Easter weekend travel on the major routes was only 8 per cent of the total from last year. Travel on the Southern Gulf Island routes was 80 per cent below the same period last year.
The Health officials say they will present new models and graphs on Friday that will help explain who has contracted the virus and who is likely to in the future.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Nanaimo's Member of Parliament has written the Prime Minister and the Premier, asking for an order to restrict non-essential travel on all BC Ferries routes. Paul Manly says he's "deeply troubled by the reports of large numbers of travellers making their way to Vancouver Island this weekend on BC Ferries." Manly says islanders deserve to be protected, noting the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital serves the oldest demographic per capital in Canada. He says smaller communities, including the Gulf Islands, do not have the health care resources to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak. A separate online petition has garnered more than 26,000 signatures, as of Sunday afternoon.
On Saturday, the Provincial Health Officer said she believes most British Columbians are self-isolating and that reports of BC ferries traveller numbers are "overblown." Dr. Bonnie Henry says ferry schedules have been cut in half and each ferry is only transporting half of its normal passenger loads. Henry says she has no plans to impose travel restrictions.
The COVID-19 outbreak at the Mission medium-security prison continues to grow. As of Saturday, there were 34 confirmed cases of the virus, including three guards. Five people from the institution have been taken to hospital. BC's Health officer concedes the virus gained a foothold because it was not recognized for many days before infection controls were put into place. Dr. Bonnie Henry will update the COVID-19 numbers this afternoon. As of Saturday, there were no new cases of the virus in the Island Health District, but province-wide there were 35 new infections and three more deaths. Henry says officials are starting to notice most new infections are among people under the age of 50 and many of them are health care workers.
The province will provide grants to musicians and concerts to the people, starting this week. A new program called Showcase BC will provide $500 to emerging artists and $2,000 to established artists for live streaming, songwriting and professional development. The performances begin via live stream later this week. For details, check out the Showcase BC website or on Twitter: #ShowcaseBC.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Five more people in BC have died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. All of the deaths were on the lower mainland, bringing the provincial total to 55. There were 40 new infections reported, including two in the Vancouver Island Health region. The total number of cases here is now 84, province-wide, there are 1410.
The COVID-19 outbreak at the medium-security Mission prison continues to grow. There are 20 inmates and three guards who are sick with the virus. That is double the number from yesterday and the largest outbreak at any prison in Canada. The Mission Penitentiary has been in lockdown since Wednesday.
There are some encouraging numbers related to the pandemic. 879 people have recovered from the virus. 128 people remain in hospital, 11 of whom are in the Island Health region. 403 people are recovering at home.
Despite calls to stay at home this weekend, BC Ferries is reporting heavy traffic on most of its routes. The Islands Trust has asked people who are not island residents to stay away. Many communities do not have doctors or health centres available and locals are concerned about being overwhelmed. Travellers returning from outside of Canada are now required to file self-isolation plans that must be approved by Border Service Agency officials. A federal quarantine order means travellers must self isolate for 14 days, whether or not they are showing symptoms of the virus. Those who do not have a plan, including arrangements for others, get their groceries or pick up their pets, will be taken to quarantine centres until they do.
If all this self-isolation is getting you down, you can get help online. Bounce Back BC offers an online course to take care of your mental health. You can also arrange for one to one counselling on its website. Another site recommended by BC's Provincial Health Officer is AnxietyCanada.com If your faith is keeping you going, most churches and many temples are offering services online. Faith leaders in BC are encouraging their members to worship at home.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The province has put some meat on the bones of an order aimed at ensuring long term care home workers work at only one facility, to contain the spread of COVID-19. The order was implemented at most of the government-owned or funded facilities weeks ago, but reports emerged of workers at private and assisted living homes continued to work at more than one facility. The Minister of Health says a new agreement has been reached, to ensure the 4200 workers affected will not take pay cuts for working at just one facility. Adrian Dix says the new agreement will cost the province $10 million a month.
The Provincial Health officer will not hold a live briefing today. However, the latest COVID numbers will be posted online later this afternoon.
The province has made some last-minute changes to its Emergency Rent Subsidy program. When the subsidy was announced, it was to be a $500 per household benefit. Now, single renters will receive $300, but there is a further $300 subsidy if two people share a rental. The $500 subsidy will only apply if the renter has a dependent. You can apply for the benefit at the Ministry of Housing website.
BC Parks have been closed in an attempt to encourage people to stay home. However, parks and trails in the district of Nanaimo remain open. The city plans to deploy a team of Parks Ambassadors to remind people about social distancing in its busiest parks, including waterfront areas. All of Nanaimo's recreational facilities are closed. So too are all sports courts, skateboard parks and its four gated dog parks. In Ladysmith, community parks remain open to residents, but several parking lots have been closed. They include the Holland Creek Trail parking lots at the Dogwood Dip, Mackie Road and 6th Avenue near the RCMP detachment.
BC Ferries has made a number of changes to its Southern Gulf Island routes that come into effect today. For more information, go to BC Ferries and look for SGI Temporary Routes.
Churches across Vancouver Island will be celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday in a virtual way. Faith leaders across the province are encouraging their flocks to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To that end, live streaming services are being offered by all of the cathedrals on Vancouver Island, and many smaller churches are also posting their services online.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There have been two more deaths from COVID-19 in BC, bringing the total to 50. Both deaths were seniors in hospitals on the lower mainland. There are now 1370 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in BC with 34 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. There has been one new case in the Vancouver Island health region, bringing our total to 82.
However, the Provincial Health Officer's update did not mention 14 cases of the virus at the Mission Correctional Center. That's because Dr. Bonnie Henry does not have jurisdiction over federal institutions. The medium-security federal prison is in lockdown as a result of the outbreak. The Corrections Canada website is reporting one COVID case at its Pacific Regional Treatment Centre in Abbotsford, but no further tests are pending there. Prison advocates say federal institutions could have contained the outbreak with more rigorous testing and earlier isolation. Unconfirmed reports say inmates at Matsqui prison are also showing symptoms, but they are not being tested and their temperatures are not being monitored.
The City of Nanaimo is taking steps to ease the burden on taxpayers during the pandemic. Utility payments issued after March the 17th have been deferred from 30 days to 90 days. There is a five per cent discount if the bill is paid within 90 days. The city says it's considering a deferral on property taxes, which would be due in July, and it may reduce any penalties for late payments.
BC residents can start signing up for some assistance programs that were announced last month. However, you will need confirmation you are eligible for federal COVID-19 assistance first. Once confirmed, you can apply for three month's worth of free BC Hydro on its website. You can also apply for a $500 dollar a month reduction in rent on the BC Housing website. However, the BC Emergency Benefit of $1000 is not open for applications yet, but you can sign up to be notified when it does. Go to BC COVID 19 supports and follow the links.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Disturbing unemployment numbers were released today. They show 132,000 British Columbians lost their jobs last month, as a result of COVID-19. BC's Minister of Finance says the province's 7.2 percent unemployment rate does not include thousands of British Columbians who were looking for work in March, but could not find it. And, Carole James expects those numbers will increase when the next unemployment figures are released. James says she hopes businesses will be able to "hang on" with help from a series of tax cuts and deferrals that the province announced last month. James says the government has set aside one and a half billion dollars as part of its economic recovery plan. But, she says "flattening the curve is our best economic plan at this point."
Nation-wide, the unemployment rate is 7.8 percent, meaning just over one million Canadians lost their jobs in March. Statistics Canada reports a further 800,000 Canadians had their hours cut in half and another 1.3 million Canadians looked for work but could not find it. Another grim statistic is Canada's youth unemployment rate, which is 16.8 per cent...more than double the national rate. Yesterday, the federal government announced it would cover the entire cost of hiring students under its Summer Jobs Program. Today, James praised the move but offered no answer when asked whether BC would create a similar program.
BC's Premier says lives have been turned upside down, people are feeling stress anxiety, disconnection and perhaps depression because of the COVID-19 crisis. John Horgan says that's why the government will spend $5 million dollars to expand mental health services. Most of the money will go to enhancing virtual counselling services. They include the BounceBack program that provides online coaching, along with programs delivered to youth through Foundry BC. There will be new programs for front line health and community care workers with peer support and psychological counselling. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says most programs will be free or at a very low cost. Judy D'Arcy says people will be able to access some of them without having to get a referral from their doctors.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The latest numbers on the COVID-19 pandemic in BC show five more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the fatality total to 48. The Provincial Health officer says three deaths occurred in long term care homes on the lower mainland. Two others were seniors in hospitals in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions. 45 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in BC since Tuesday. Two of them are in the Island Health region, bringing the total to 81 here and 1336 province-wide.
BC Ferries has changed its schedules on routes that serve the Southern Gulf Islands. Starting this Friday, service to Long Harbour on Saltspring Island will be temporarily suspended. Saltspring will continue to be served by two other routes: Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour and Crofton to Vesuvius. The Tsawassen to Southern Gulf Islands routes will be merged into one. As of Friday, the "Salish Raven" will travel between Swartz Bay and Tsawassen with stops at Pender, Mayne and Galiano Islands. Service between Swartz Bay and Saturna, Mayne, Galiano and Pender Islands will be provided by the Queen of Cumberland. Customers with reservations on the old routes will be automatically refunded. To see the new schedules, go to the BC Ferries website, under SGI Temporary Schedule. These changes will remain in effect until June the 2nd.
The number of homeless people in Nanaimo has increased by close to 25 percent over the past two years. This year's homeless count reports 425 people living unsheltered in Nanaimo. There were 335 homeless counted in Nanaimo in 2018. The Nanaimo Homeless Coalition says the new numbers underline the urgent need for governments to increase investments and resources in the community, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. BC's Ministry of Housing is in discussions with the Nanaimo, Duncan and Parksville about city-owned properties that could be used to bring people indoors. The Ministry is also in discussions with private hotel owners in these areas to provide other self-isolation spots. The City of Nanaimo has voted to write a letter to the province, offering to take part in a pilot project to provide a safe drug supply to opiate users. Mayor Leonard Krog says he's concerned about the dwindling illegal drug supply in the wake of travel restrictions due to the pandemic. Krog fears desperation will increase street violence and those experiencing drug withdrawal will overwhelm hospitals.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Travellers returning to British Columbia will face more intensive screening. The Premier says people arriving at airports and border crossings will have to show they have a plan to self-isolate, instead of just promising to do so. John Horgan says translators will be stationed at airports to ensure travellers understand that self-isolation means returning directly home, with no stops at grocery stores, picking up pets or visits with friends or family. Horgan says people will be taken into quarantine if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if they do not have a place to self-isolate. The Premier concedes enforcement measures are still being sorted out. He says police have the power to levy fines or charges under the federal Quarantine Act, and the province is examining whether local bylaw officers should be given the same power.
In more travel news, BC Ferries has changed its schedules on routes that serve the Southern Gulf Islands. Starting this Friday, service to Long Harbour on Saltspring Island will be temporarily suspended. Saltspring will continue to be served by two other routes: Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour and Crofton to Vesuvius. The Tsawassen to Southern Gulf Island routes will be merged into one. As of Friday, the "Salish Raven" will travel between Swartz Bay and Tsawassen with stops at Pender, Mayne and Galiano Islands. Service between Swartz Bay and Saturna, Mayne, Galiano and Pender Islands will be delivered by the Queen of Cumberland. Customers with reservations on the old routes will be automatically refunded. To see the new schedules, go to the BC Ferries website, under SGI Temporary Schedule. These changes will remain in effect until June the 2nd.
Provincial parks in BC are closed until further notice. The decision is an attempt to ensure people stay at home this holiday weekend. The province says it was prompted by concerns raised by the RCMP, first nations, local governments and search and rescue groups about the ability to enforce physical distancing orders in wilderness settings. BC Parks has also extended its ban on camping until the end of May. Refunds for bookings will be sent automatically. Canada's national parks were closed to traffic two weeks ago because of a big spike in use.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Prime Minister has announced changes to an emergency program, aimed at keeping employees on the payroll. The changes relax the eligibility requirements for the Canada Wage Subsidy Benefit. Employers no longer have to prove a 30 percent loss in gross revenues last month, compared to revenues in March of 2019. Now, employers need only prove a 15 percent loss last month, compared to revenues in January of this year. Justin Trudeau says the changes will help new, growing or seasonal businesses that were not eligible under the former rules. The benefit pays 75 percent of employee wages. Trudeau says other changes to the program will help charities and non-profits, that now have the option to include or exclude government subsidies like grants, in calculating their losses.
Ottawa hopes to create more jobs for students by expanding its Canada Summer Jobs program. The program will now subsidize 100 percent of the cost of hiring students and it will also apply to part-time jobs.
Provincial parks in BC are closed until further notice. The decision is an attempt to ensure people stay at home this holiday weekend. The province says it was prompted by concerns raised by the RCMP, first nations, local governments and search and rescue groups about the ability to enforce physical distancing orders in wilderness settings. BC Parks has also extended its ban on camping in its parks until the end of May. Refunds for bookings will be sent automatically. Canada's national parks were closed to traffic two weeks ago because of a big spike in use. Highways and roadways which pass through those parks and sites will remain open but no one will be allowed to stop anywhere inside the parks.
The Premier has told CBC News that BC will begin a more intensive screening of travellers returning to Canada. John Horgan says travellers arriving at airports and border crossings will have to show they have a plan to quarantine, instead of just promises to do so. Horgan will provide more details at a news conference at 1:15 this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Premier has given a free pass to the Easter Bunny. Horgan posted a Special Eggs-Emption on Twitter today, allowing the Easter Bunny to "travel freely and throughout the province of British Columbia, for the essential service of spreading Eggs-ellent cheer."
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There is good news for Vancouver Island residents with the latest COVID-19 numbers. There have been no new cases of the virus here since Monday. There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region for close to a week. The same can't be said for the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions, where there have been four more deaths over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 43 in BC. There have been 25 new COVID-19 cases in those two health regions during that time, totalling 1291 infections province-wide.
Meanwhile, other COVID statistics show the Island Health region is lagging behind the provincial average when it comes to the number of hospital beds available and the virus recovery rate. BC's Minister of Health says 58 percent of hospital beds are in use across the province, but Island Health reports a 75 percent occupancy rate. Province-wide, 62 percent of those who caught the virus have recovered, but that number is less than 50 percent in the Island Health region.
The province has secured 900 spaces to help vulnerable populations to self-isolate or quarantine during the epidemic. However, the only secured spaces on Vancouver Island are in Victoria. It has two sites, totalling 160 spaces. The Ministry of Housing says the new spaces will be available to a range of people, including the homeless, vulnerable youth and some patients released from hospitals who still need ongoing health care. Non-profit societies with experience working with vulnerable populations will oversee the day-to-day management of the spaces. Staff will provide daily meals and cleaning services. Health-care workers will also provide on-site care when needed. The Ministry expects to have more announcements about other spaces on Vancouver Island, in the coming days or weeks.
While the city of Vancouver will close Stanley Park to traffic to ensure physical distancing, the city of Nanaimo has opted for new signage at its parks and trailheads. The list of do's and don'ts include reminders to keep 2 meters apart and no one showing symptoms of the virus is allowed to be in the public spaces. Healthy citizens may use open areas in parks. However, the city has closed its sports and recreation facilities and has banned the use of playgrounds and amenities like basketball, soccer fields, skateboard parks and gated off-leash dog areas.
And finally, the normally stoic provincial health officer added some levity to her latest update. Dr. Bonnie Henry confessed to disregarding conventional wisdom about not cutting one's hair during the pandemic. Henry offered her apologies to her regular stylist, saying she "hopes her hair will calm down over the next few days.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Prime Minister is trying to allay fears over shortages of medical equipment. Justin Trudeau says four Canadian companies are poised to begin production of 30,000 ventilators. That's a sixfold increase in the number of ventilators in Canada currently. In BC, the Minister of Health says he's not worried about our supply. Adrian Dix says BC has 620 ventilators, including 179 in the Island Health Region. Meanwhile, the United States has reversed its decision and will now allow the company 3M to export N95 masks to Canada. Trudeau says he's expecting the delivery of half a million masks from 3M tomorrow.
Statistics provided by Corrections BC shows as of April the 2nd, it has temporarily released 95 inmates from its ten correctional centers, to comply with COVID-19 distancing orders. That number includes 12 inmates from Nanaimo's correctional center and four from the Vancouver Island Regional center near Victoria. Those inmates had been serving intermittent sentences. Eight inmates who were serving non-intermittent sentences have also been released, but none is from facilities on Vancouver Island. Corrections BC does not have the power to release anyone sentenced to remand while they await trials. That is up to the courts. New inmates entering correctional centers are being isolated for two weeks, before being allowed into the general prison population. So far, there has been one case of a provincial inmate at the Okanagan detention center testing positive for COVID-19, as well as two others from the federal institution at Matsqui.
And speaking of statistics, Statistics Canada wants you to participate in a survey about what you're thinking and doing during the pandemic. Its questionnaire will gather information on the economic and social situation of Canadians, including their physical and mental health. It says the information will be used by all levels of government to "effectively assess the needs of communities and implement suitable support measures during and after the pandemic." You can find the questionnaire if you google Statistics Canada COVID survey.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Minister of Health is warning travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate, or face arrests and fines. Adrian Dix says BC is concerned about the potential for a spike in new COVID-19 cases, with the return of Canadians from hot spots like India, the United States and cruise ships. Local newspapers have been reporting the case of a North Cowichan couple that is refusing to quarantine, despite having returned from travelling. Dix says "where people don't follow a plan for self-isolation, enforcement must take place." However, Dix concedes the federal and provincial governments are still working out protocols on when to levy fines and whether to make arrests or force detentions in federally sanctioned quarantine sites.
Meanwhile, BC's provincial health officer says the province may be flattening the curve. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the percentage of the number of new cases is slowing, but she says the only way to ensure that continues is for people to self-isolate and venture out only when necessary. She says she is not recommending the use of non-medical masks when out in public, as her federal counterpart is doing. Henry says masks are not a replacement for remaining two meters apart. She says masks can prevent the wearers from spraying their droplets but are not proven to protect the wearers from catching the virus.
There was another death from COVID-19 reported yesterday, but this time, it was a man in his 40s who died in his home. It's the second death outside of a long term care facility in BC but officials did not name the community where it happened. That death brings the total to 39 province-wide. There were 63 new cases of the virus confirmed since Saturday, totalling 1266 infections in BC. The Island Health region reported three new cases since Saturday, bringing our total to 79. The most recent numbers will be updated later this afternoon.
Police in Nanaimo are sounding the alarm over the effects of COVID-19 on the city. RCMP say while shoplifting and residential break-ins have dramatically decreased, the number of commercial break-ins and theft from vehicles has increased. Nanaimo RCMP's media relations officer, Gary O'Brien, says police are seeing increasing desperation among substance abusers, whose illegal drug supply is drying up and whose support services have been reduced.
Finally, a Nanaimo barbershop quartet has recorded a love song for Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer. The Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus sings their ditty to the tune of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Last week, Qualicum Beach musician Phil Dwyer released his tribute, entitled "The Ballad of Bonnie Henry. He's accompanied by Gabriola island musician Tina Jones on vocals and banjo. Both are easily found on Google.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's provincial health officer says there has been another death from COVID-19, but this time, it was a 40-year-old who died in his home. It's the second death outside of a long term care facility in BC but officials did not name the community where it happened. Today's death brings the total number of fatalities to 39 province-wide. There have been 63 new cases of the virus confirmed since Saturday, totalling 1266 infections in BC. The Island Health region has reported three new cases since Saturday, bringing our total to 79.
Meanwhile, health officials here are confident they are not running as short on Personal Protective Equipment as they are in other provinces. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his province has only one week's worth of PPE because of a ban on US exports of masks to Canada.BC's Minister of Health says "we feel good about our supply." But Adrian Dix did not estimate when the supply could run out. The provincial health officer says a team in the Ministry of Health is in contact with companies and groups offering to provide PPE and it is assessing whether that equipment meets medical standards.
Island Health is confident it's hospitals have enough equipment to handle the most serious cases of COVID-19. The BC Centre for Disease Control lists 11 people in hospital with five in critical care at either Nanaimo Regional General or Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. They are the two designated hospitals for COVID-19 patients on Vancouver Island. A statement from Island Health says there are 108 ventilators available, along with 70 anesthetic machines. It says many of the machines can be moved to where they need to be.
Transport Canada has ordered BC Ferries and other marine transportation companies to cut in half, the maximum number of passengers per sailing. The ferry corporation must also conduct wellness checks on those coming aboard, with a series of questions. The federal minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, says the new regulations will be in effect until June 30th.On Saturday, BC Ferries suspended its Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route for the next 60 days. It has also cut the number of sailings in half from Duke Point to Tsawassen and on the Swartz Bay/Victoria to Tsawassen route.BC Ferries is not serving food on board, but vending machines are available.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Today is the day people can start applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The benefit provides up to $2000 a month for those who have lost their jobs, are self-employed or cannot work because of COVID-19. Those already on Employment Insurance or who have applied, do not need to apply for the Emergency benefit. The Prime Minister is asking Canadians to apply on certain days, according to their birth month. Justin Trudeau says that it will prevent the system from being overwhelmed. Those born January to March should apply today. From April to June, apply on Tuesday. From July to September, apply on Wednesday and October to December, apply on Thursday. Trudeau says you can expect your direct deposit within 5 days of applying or within 10 days if by mail.
BC is also offering a one-time payment of $1000 but its application website will not be set up until mid-April.
However, those eligible for three months' worth of free hydro will be able to apply on the BC Hydro website by mid-week.
BC's Provincial Health officer says she is concerned that Canadians returning home from international travel could cause a spike in COVID-19 infections. Dr. Bonnie Henry believes BC is starting to flatten the curve, thanks to measures taken since mid-march, but she warns there could be large spikes if international travellers do not obey the 14-day quarantine order. Henry says so far, no one has been fined for disobeying health orders. But she says RCMP officers have the authority to do so,
On Saturday, Henry reported 2 new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region, bringing the total to 76. Five people remain in critical care in hospitals on the island. Across the province as of Saturday, there were 29 new cases of the virus, totalling 1203. There were three more deaths, bringing the fatalities to 38. Henry will update the numbers early this afternoon.
RCMP are warning COVID-19 scams are spreading like the virus itself. The scams include test kits that are inaccurate, door to door sales offering fake decontamination and Fraud involving fake police officers issuing on the spot fines for wearing face masks in public. Health Canada is investigating a Vancouver company that offers an immune booster for COVID-19. It says the company has not applied for a license to sell the unproven product.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There are two more new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health Region, bringing the total to 74. Across BC, there are 53 new cases, pushing the provincial total to 1174. There have been four more deaths in other jurisdictions. Yesterday the Island Health region recorded two of the first deaths here. Today, both the Provincial Health Officer and the Minister of Health spoke strongly about the need to follow orders. Dr. Bonnie Henry called it "maintaining our firewall." She says all travellers must obey federal quarantine orders, while the rest of us need to stay home and not gather together so we can prevent cases from rising at a higher rate. Minister Adrian Dix called on the federal government to take stronger action by setting up "a strong, robust presence at airports and borders.
There will be major reductions to BC Ferries routes and sailings starting tomorrow. The Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route will be temporarily suspended, along with the Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay route. Duke Point to Tsawassen sailings will be cut in half to four round trips per day, but four, cargo shipment-only sailings will be added. The number of sailings on the Swartz Bay to Tsawassen route has been also cut in half. Northern and mid-coast routes will continue on the winter, off-peak schedule. The ferry corporation says details on reductions to service to the southern Gulf Islands will be announced soon. BC Ferries says travel has dropped by 80 percent and that's why it has laid off 1400 employees. The BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union says it expected some layoffs, but says today's announcement blindsided the union and may be in violation of the collective agreement.
The Mayor of Nanaimo says the city is trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by installing temporary washrooms and portable hand washing stations downtown. But Leonard Krog rejects calls from Nanaimo's Homelessness Coalition to allow permanent outdoor camping in parks. Krog believes that could increase the chances of the virus taking hold in a vulnerable population. The Mayor is expecting the Ministry of Housing to make announcements about alternative shelters and isolation sites in the coming weeks. Nanaimo lost 40 emergency shelter beds this week, with the closure of the cold weather shelter at St. Paul's church hall, and 17 other beds have been closed at other shelters in order to ensure people are sleeping two meters apart.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC Ferries has announced a major reduction in service because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting this Saturday, the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route will be suspended, along with the Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay route. The Duke Point to Tsawassen route will be cut in half to four round trips per day, but four extra cargo ship sailings will be added. Northern and mid-coast routes will continue on the winter, off-peak schedule. The ferry corporation says details on reductions to service to the southern Gulf Islands will be announced soon.
The Provincial Health Officer's orders for safe distancing have led to the closure of 17 emergency shelter beds in Nanaimo. The Unitarian Shelter, Samaritan House, Martha's Place and the Salvation Army Shelter have reduced the number of beds offered, to comply with the two-meter separation directive. The 17-bed reduction is in addition to 40 beds closed last Tuesday at the temporary cold-weather shelter at St. Peter's church hall. The city of Nanaimo is working with the Nanaimo Homelessness Coalition, BC Housing and Island Health to come up with a coordinated emergency response for those experiencing homelessness. It has given the province a list of facilities that could be used to isolate homeless people who show symptoms of the virus.
The city enacted several other measures to help homeless people stay safe. It is keeping washrooms in designated parks open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is expanding access to potable water, including the continuation of the shower program. It will provide 24-hour access to temporary washrooms and hand sanitizing stations being set up downtown. It is working with other social service agencies on a food security plan for vulnerable populations.
The RCMP in Nanaimo says the stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increasing number of children calling 911 for help. RCMP say there have been 29 calls for domestic violence and disturbances over the past two weeks. That's a third higher than usual. The RCMP's media relations officer in Nanaimo says officers are reporting fights that have started over COVID-19 and with many people laid off and schools closed, there's a real concern about the situation in those homes escalating and the numbers increasing in the coming weeks. Constable Gary O'Brien says "sadly we're seeing children being subjected to these arguments and that's extremely concerning to us."
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Island Health Authority is reporting the first deaths from COVID-19 in the region. The provincial health officer says two people in the Island Health region died over the past 24 hours. Dr. Bonnie Henry says they are among 6 new deaths in BC, bringing the total to 31. There are no new COVID-19 cases here, but there are 55 new cases elsewhere in the province, including one at the Okanagan Correctional Center. The total number of cases in BC is now 1121.
There is good news for 295 Canadians stuck on two cruise ships that have been stranded at sea by COVID-19. U.S. officials have granted permission for Holland America Line's ships Rotterdam and Zaandam to dock in Port Everglades Florida. There are half a dozen Nanaimo residents on board. The Prime Minister says all Canadians on the cruise ships will be flown back to Canada where they will be quarantined for 14 days. BC's Provincial Health officer says she's been in contact with federal authorities to ensure the cruise ship passengers are properly assessed and returned to quarantine. There is no word yet, whether those passengers will be taken directly to federal quarantine locations, or if they will be allowed to self-isolate at home.
Help is on the way for BC post-secondary students and people who receive disability or social assistance payments. The Ministry of Advanced Education is adding $3 and a half million dollars to its Emergency Financial Assistance program. The money is for BC students who need help with living expenses, food, travel, portable computers or other supports. The money can be accessed by contacting your institution's financial aid department.
And, British Columbians who are on provincial social assistance, disability programs and the Seniors' Supplement will see an extra $300 on their cheques for the next three months. In addition, the Minister of Social Development and Poverty says the province will not claw back any money from federal COVID-19 support payments. And, because buses are now free, the province will add $52 to monthly cheques, instead of providing monthly bus passes. Shane Simpson says more than a quarter of a million British Columbians will benefit from the initiatives. However, Simpson acknowledged those who receive federal disability payments will not be eligible. The Minister pledged to work with federal officials to try to close those gaps.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
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Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Help is on the way for post-secondary students who need financial assistance due to COVID-19. The Ministry of Advanced Education is adding $3 and a half million dollars to its Emergency Financial Assistance program. The money is for BC students who need help with living expenses, food, travel, portable computers or other supports. Each of the financial aid departments at the province's 25 public universities and colleges will receive $140,000 for distribution. In the last academic year, the total amount of the fund for all institutions was $100,000.
British Columbians who are on provincial social assistance or disability programs will see an extra $300 on their cheques for the next three months. The Minister of Social Development and Poverty says the extra cash will also be available for those receiving the BC Seniors' Supplement. In addition, Shane Simpson says the province will not claw back any money from federal COVID-19 support payments. Simpson says more than a quarter of a million British Columbians will benefit from the initiatives announced today. However, Simpson acknowledged the extra-provincial supports will not be given to British Columbians who are under the federal disability program, but he pledged to work with federal officials to try to close those gaps.
The Prime Minister will be talking with the premiers later this afternoon, to figure out the best way to distribute medical supplies that Ottawa has purchased. Justin Trudeau says today's meeting will focus on concerns among the provinces, about the shortages of ventilators, masks and personal protective equipment. Trudeau says 10 million masks have arrived at federal warehouses in the past few days and he wants the provinces to tell him what they need and how they want to receive it. BC has set up a Provincial Supply Coordination Unit that will collect and distribute supplies and equipment acquired through government purchases and donations from companies and organizations.
If you are looking for ways to beat isolation boredom, the city of Nanaimo has some suggestions: You can play "Wellness Bingo" by going to the city's Instagram page. Residents who complete and submit their completed Bingo card will have a chance to win prizes. Prizes can also be won in a contest to identify photos of Nanaimo parks. The Instagram site is @nanaimoparksandrec.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The latest COVID-19 numbers are in: There are 53 new confirmed cases over the past 24 hours, bringing BC's total to 1066. There were 5 new cases reported in the Island Health region, bringing the total to 72. One person in the Fraser Valley Health Region has died. There have been 25 deaths due to the pandemic in BC so far. There have been no deaths in the Island Health region.
BC Hydro customers who have lost their income due to COVID-19 will receive a gift of free hydro. Residential customers will be given a credit, equaling three times their average monthly bill over the past year. That adds up to an average credit of $477. Some customers may also be eligible for Hydro's Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills. All businesses, forced to close because of the pandemic will have their power bills forgiven for three months. Large industrial users, like pulp mills or mines, will be allowed to defer half of their bill payments for 3 months. Customers must apply to BC Hydro for the benefit before the end of June. The utility has also halted all disconnections for non-payments. And, Hydro rates for all residential and business customers decrease by one percent, starting today.
BC teachers who are being asked to devise ways of delivering lessons to students outside their classrooms have a new tool at their disposal. The Ministry of Education has funded licenses to use the ZOOM application for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in BC. The virtual classrooms will be set up this month. Individual teachers will be in touch with parents later this week, to let them know how they will deliver lessons for the rest of the school year. Last week, the ministry announced a separate website, that offers families ideas for educational activities, access to free learning resources and tips on how to help their children learn. It's called Keep Learning BC. The Ministry says the site had more than 136,000 visitors in its first three days of operation.
Thousands of cruise ship passengers, including several from Nanaimo, remain stranded off the coast of Florida. The trouble started two weeks ago when nine people aboard the Holland America ship "Zaandam" tested positive for COVID-19. More than 200 others reported flu-like symptoms. Last weekend, healthy passengers, including two couples from Nanaimo, were transferred to a sister ship, the "Rotterdam." Both ships hope to dock in Fort Lauderdale, but so far, officials from the US Coast Guard and Florida's Department of Health have refused. They want more details about how passengers will disembark and where they will go, along with a better understanding of who is on board and the state of their health.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC Hydro customers who have lost their income due to COVID-19 are about to receive a gift of free hydro. Residential customers will receive a credit, equalling three times their average monthly bill over the past year. That adds up to an average credit of $477. Some customers may also be eligible for Hydro's Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills. All businesses, forced to close because of the pandemic will have their power bills forgiven for three months. Large industrial users, like pulp mills or mines, will be allowed to defer half of their bill payments for 3 months. The Minister responsible for Hydro, John Ralston says the program will cost $90 million. Customers must apply to BC Hydro for the benefit before the end of June. The utility has also halted all disconnections for non-payments and Hydro rates for all residential and business customers will decrease by one percent, starting today.
BC's Provincial Health officer says restrictions affecting gatherings, social distancing and self-isolation are the new normal, although some health directives might be eased by the end of May or June if the weather is warm enough. That's because the virus does not survive in higher temperatures. Dr. Bonnie Henry hopes for a reprieve from the virus over the summer months, but she says the second wave of infection will likely hit in the fall. She says the restrictions will not be permanently lifted until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. Henry will update the coronavirus numbers later this afternoon.
The BC Nurses Union is sounding the alarm over personal protective equipment. The president of the union says she's hearing from members who are being discouraged from changing their masks with each new patient. Christine Sorenson says most hospitals have gone through their regular supply, and the pandemic supply is being rationed. She says that has nurses frustrated and concerned.
Meanwhile, the province hopes to ease the supply pressure with the creation of an on-line platform that will coordinate, source and deploy medical supplies and protective equipment to provincial health authorities. The COVID-19 Supply Hub will gather donations from businesses and other organizations that have offered to help. The Supply Hub will be part of a larger Provincial Supply Coordination Unit that was announced last week. The Unit will also receive and distribute medical supplies purchased by the federal government and the Ministry of Health.
The Prime Minister has clarified some rules in applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. It is for people who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children. It also applies to wage earners, as well as contract workers and the self-employed, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance. Starting next Monday, Canadians can apply on-line on the federal government website. This taxable benefit will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months. Those who have already applied for EI do not need to register.
CHLY is celebrating an anniversary today. Twenty years ago, the Malaspina Radio Society started live-streaming on the internet. We are grateful for your support and hope to celebrate with you in person in the future.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Bells are ringing out at Anglican churches across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands right now. The bell-ringing is in support of COVID-19 front-line workers, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province's health officer and Adrian Dix, the Minister of Health. The 40 participating churches plan to make it a weekly gesture, every Wednesday at noon.
Those bells will likely continue ringing into the summer. BC's Provincial Health officer says restrictions affecting gatherings, social distancing and self-isolation is the new normal, although some health directives might be eased by the end of May or June, if the weather is warm enough. That's because the virus does not survive in higher temperatures. Dr. Bonnie Henry hopes for a reprieve from the virus over the summer months, but she says a second wave of infection will likely hit in the fall. She says the restrictions will not be permanently lifted until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. Henry will update the coronavirus numbers later this afternoon.
The BC Nurses Union is sounding the alarm over personal protective equipment. The president of the union says she's hearing from members who are being discouraged from changing their masks with each new patient interaction. Christine Sorenson says most hospitals have gone through their regular supply, and the pandemic supply is being rationed. She says that has nurses frustrated and concerned.
Meanwhile, the province hopes to ease the supply pressure with the creation of an on-line platform that will coordinate, source and deploy medical supplies and personal protective equipment to provincial health authorities. The COVID-19 Supply Hub will gather donations from businesses and other organizations that have offered to help. The Supply Hub will be part of a larger Provincial Supply Coordination Unit that was announced last week. The Unit will also receive and distribute medical supplies purchased by the federal government and the Ministry of Health.
The Prime Minister has clarified some rules in applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Its for people who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children. It also applies to wage earners, as well as contract workers and the self-employed, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance. Starting next Monday, Canadians can apply on-line on the federal government website. This taxable benefit will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months. Those who have already applied for EI do not need to register.
CHLY is celebrating its birthday today. Twenty years ago, the Malaspina Radio Society started live-streaming on the internet. We are grateful for your support... and that's no joke!
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Premier gave a pep talk about the COVID-19 pandemic last night. Premier John Horgan's address to the province included praise for healthcare workers, truck drivers, grocery and gas station clerks, pharmacists and daycare workers, saying "BC has got your back." John Horgan urged British Columbians to obey health orders, saying "We may be separated but you're not alone." He also acknowledged the incredible stress many people are under who are unable to pay their rent today. Horgan reminded them they can apply for a $500 rent subsidy, and an additional $1000 in provincial emergency money. He says British Columbians can look forward to more announcements in the future to support them and keep them safe.
BC's Minister of Health, Adrian Dix says "there is zero chance that any health orders will be varied by the end of April." The provincial health officer offered some hope, saying it is possible that some orders related to the pandemic might be eased by the summer. Dr. Bonnie Henry says we are in the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, but there could be a brief reprieve in May or June, when the weather gets warmer. Henry says British Columbians can expect a second outbreak in the fall, when restrictions would be reinstated. She says living under restrictions will likely continue until there is a vaccine for the virus.
Meanwhile, new numbers released yesterday show 43 new COVID-19 cases in BC, which have pushed the total to 1013 confirmed infections in the province. Five more people have died, all of them over the age of 70 and who were residents at care homes. There were no new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Island Health region, so our total stands at 67.
BC's first large community outbreak has happened at a farm in West Kelowna. CBC is reporting 14 temporary foreign workers at Bylands Nursery tested positive for COVID-19 last weekend. It says 63 other migrant workers along with twelve local workers are now in isolation. All remain under a health order at their on-site housing at the farm. The Provincial Health Officer says the migrant workers cannot return to their home countries because of travel restrictions. Dr. Bonnie Henry says she is very concerned about the potential for similar outbreaks where seasonal farmhands work because many of the sites do not have facilities large enough to handle quarantines or isolations.
On a happier note, CHLY is celebrating its birthday today. 20 years ago, the Radio Malaspina Society started internet live-streaming. We hope to celebrate this milestone with you in person in the future.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
43 new COVID-19 cases in BC have pushed the total to 1013 confirmed infections in the province. Five more people have died, all of them over the age of 70 and who were residents at care homes. There were no new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Island Health region since yesterday, so our total stands at 67.
The Provincial Health Officer says BC is seeing its first large community outbreak, among temporary foreign workers at a farm in West Kelowna. Dr. Bonnie Henry says a number of foreign farmworkers at Bylands Nursery tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend. She says they have been quarantined on-site and are being well-cared-for. Henry says other workers are safely self-isolating on-site and cannot return to their home countries because of travel restrictions. She says she is very concerned about the potential for similar outbreaks where seasonal farmhands work because many of the sites do not have facilities large enough to handle quarantines or maintain safe distancing.
A Duncan man has created a Facebook group, that asks people to lend their RVs to first responders, who need to be quarantined from their families. Oakley Ryan is asking RV owners to either contact their local police, fire or ambulance to make the free offer or post their RV and location to the Facebook page RV's for 1st Responders. Ryan says so far, 35 RVs have been offered.
The province is helping parents who are essential service workers to find child care during the coronavirus pandemic. A new service will match parents, who work on the front lines and have children up to 5 years of age, with child care providers. To register, call 1-888-338-6622 or on the provincial government website gov.bc.ca/essential-service-child-care. The province has also pledged to keep schools open to accommodate older children of essential service workers. More information is available through your local school district.
Two couples from Nanaimo are hoping their ill-fated cruise will come to an end soon. Maggie Tilley, her partner David Andrews along with Elizabeth and Ron Pack were on Holland America Line's ship Zaandam when a COVID-19 outbreak began in early March. Four passengers died on the Zaandam. Tilley told the Vancouver Island Free Daily both couples and other health passengers were transferred to a sister ship, the Rotterdam, last weekend. The ships are travelling in tandem, heading to the coast of Florida. They are hoping officials in Fort Lauderdale will allow them to dock. The ships have been denied landing at ports along the coasts of South America since mid-March.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Prime Minister says more than 3000 Canadian companies are offering to make medical equipment to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Trudeau says the government has signed deals with three companies, to make ventilators, surgical masks and test kits. Deals are in the works with five others, in an attempt to find supply chains closer to home. Ottawa has set aside $2 billion dollars to buy supplies from the world market. And, the government has temporarily eliminated tariffs and taxes on all goods imported by provincial health authorities.
Meanwhile, a company in Delta, BC is reaching out to schools that have 3-D printers to join a virtual production line for medical equipment. Tinkerine says it will supply schools with proper sanitation protocols. The finished parts would be sent to the company for quality assurance and sterilization before being delivered to hospitals and other medical facilities. It is currently producing face shields and hopes to expand to goggles and ventilator splitters. Schools can sign up at Tinkerine.com.
A Duncan man has created a Facebook group, that asks people to lend their RVs to first responders, who need to be quarantined from their families. Oakley Ryan is asking RV owners to either contact their local police, fire or ambulance to make the free offer or post their RV and location to the Facebook page RV's for 1st Responders.
Two couples from Nanaimo are hoping their ill-fated cruise will come to an end soon. Maggie Tilley, her partner David Andrews along with Elizabeth and Ron Pack were onboard Holland America Line's ship Zaandam when a COVID-19 outbreak began in early March. Four passengers died on the Zaandam. Tilley told the Vancouver Island Free Daily both couples and other health passengers were transferred to a sister ship, the Rotterdam last weekend. The ships have been travelling in tandem, heading to the coast of Florida. They are hoping officials in Fort Lauderdale will allow the ships to dock. They have been denied landing at ports along the coasts of South America since mid-March.
Canada's Chief Public Health officer is voicing concern over a big jump in national COVID-19 cases. Dr. Theresa Tam says there have been one thousand new cases of the virus confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing Canada's total to 7,700. As of yesterday, BC was reporting 690 cases in total. Our Provincial Health Officer will update the numbers later this afternoon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Health care workers, patients, staff and visitors are getting a break on parking starting April the 1st. BC’s Minister of Health says parking will be free at all hospitals and health authority-owned and operated sites. Dix says no deductions will be taken off those who have signed up for monthly payment plans.
The Minister is trying to calm fears of a shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers. Dix acknowledges there are challenges world-wide in getting equipment, but BC is not facing shortages. He says BC suppliers have not been able to deliver as much as what the province has been ordering. However, he says shipments are arriving regularly, pointing out that one million surgical masks were delivered to the province yesterday. The Provincial Health Officer says a lot of innovative people in the private sector are working with the Health Ministry to develop items like visors, made from 3-D printers. The Vancouver Island Free Daily is reporting a group called "Project Draw Breath" is using a 3-D printer, to create valves that would allow up to four patients to use one ventilator. The report says the team is developing clinical tests with Island Health at the Cowichan District Hospital.
New COVID-19 cases reported yesterday show 86 more British Columbians were infected since Saturday, with seven new cases on Vancouver Island. The total number of cases in the Island Health district is 67. The total for the province is 970. the Provincial Health Officer says there have been two COVID-19 deaths on the lower mainland since Saturday. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the good news is 469 people who were infected have now recovered including 70 people who were in intensive and critical care units.
The province has named 19 hospitals in BC that have been designated Primary COVID-19 care sites. On Vancouver Island, they are the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The Vic General Hospital has been named a secondary site. Health Authorities are also designating what are being called "off-site treatment centres" for less acute in-patient care. The Vancouver Convention Centre and the new tower at the Royal Columbian Hospital in Burnaby will provide 350 additional beds if needed. Island Health has not announced where its off-site locations will be.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There have been 86 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC since Saturday with seven new cases on Vancouver Island. The total number of cases in the Island Health district is 67. The total for the province is 970. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been two COVID-19 deaths on the lower mainland since Saturday. She says the good news is 469 people who were infected have now recovered including 70 people who were in intensive and critical care in hospitals.
Meanwhile, the BC Coroners Service has confirmed the first COVID-19 death in the community. The coroner's service has not identified the man, but media reports say he was a dentist who died in his home after attending a dental conference in Vancouver in early March. All the other coronavirus deaths have occurred in care homes or in hospitals.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library is warning people they may have been exposed to COVID-19 if they visited its South Cowichan Branch on a number of days earlier this month. The notice says anyone at the branch on Mill Bay Road on March 11, 12, 13, 16th or 17th may have been exposed It says Island Health considers the risk to be equivalent as going to a grocery store and is not planning an investigation. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days and call 8-1-1 to report it. The BC Centres for Disease Control has a self-assessment tool online at bccd.ca/health-info.
It's the end of March break, but students are not heading back to their classrooms. Instead the Ministry of Education is referring parents to an online resource for learning at home. It's called Keep Learning in BC. Teachers who have returned to work are currently planning how they can deliver lessons online or assignments through email, Parents can expect a call from their children's teacher this week, once details for at home learning have been worked out. Individual schools are also creating plans to allow students to return to their school buildings to pick up items they left behind before March break.
The Nanaimo Regional District is reminding residents that outdoor watering restrictions will kick in on April the first. The district says a drier than normal February and March means the snowpack is lower than average. In Nanaimo, Lantzville, Qualicum Beach and Bowser, residents can only water between 7 pm until 7 am. In all other water service areas, the restrictions mean watering is allowed on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Watering is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 till 10 am or 7 to 10 pm. Vegetable gardening and drip irrigation is allowed at any time.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There have been 86 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in BC since Saturday with ten new cases on Vancouver Island. The total number of cases in the Island Health district is 67. The total for the province is 900. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been two COVID-19 deaths on the lower mainland since Saturday. She says the good news is 469 people who were infected have now recovered including 70 people who were in intensive and critical care in hospitals.
Meanwhile, the BC Coroners Service has confirmed the first COVID-19 death in the community. The coroner's service has not identified the man, but media reports say he was a dentist who died in his home after attending a dental conference in Vancouver in early March. All the other coronavirus deaths have occurred in care homes or hospitals. The Vancouver Island Regional Library is warning people they may have been exposed to COVID-19 if they visited its South Cowichan Branch on a number of days earlier this month. The notice says anyone at the branch on Mill Bay Road on March 11, 12, 13, 16th or 17th may have been exposed It says Island Health considers the risk to be equivalent as going to a grocery store and is not planning an investigation. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days and call 8-1-1 to report it. The BC Centres for Disease Control has a self-assessment tool. It's online at bccd.ca/health-info.
It's the end of March break, but students are not heading back to their classrooms. Instead, the Ministry of Education is referring parents to an online resource for learning at home. It's called Keep Learning in BC. Teachers who have returned to work are currently planning how they can deliver lessons online or assignments through email, Parents can expect a call from their children's teacher this week, once details for at-home learning have been worked out. Individual schools are also creating plans to allow students to return to their school buildings to pick up items they left behind before March break.
The Nanaimo Regional District is reminding residents that outdoor watering restrictions will kick in on April the first. The district says a drier than normal February and March means the snowpack is lower than average. In Nanaimo, Lantzville, Qualicum Beach and Bowser, residents can only water between 7 pm until 7 am. In all other water service areas, the restrictions mean watering is allowed on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Watering is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 till 10 am or 7 to 10 pm. Vegetable gardening and drip irrigation are allowed at any time.
The regional district is also reminding residents, there is a ban on outdoor burning and all burning permits for larger acreages have been cancelled.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The latest COVID-19 outbreak numbers show BC reporting its largest daily increase in infections. There were 92 new cases confirmed on Saturday, bringing the total in BC to 884 cases. Three new cases in the Island Health district brings the total here to 60. One new death was reported on the lower mainland. There were no new numbers released on Sunday. The Provincial Health Officer will update the figures this afternoon.
It may be the end of March break, but students are not heading back to their classrooms today. Instead, parents are being asked to check out a new website to support learning at home. The website is openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning. Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Ladysmith and Cowichan Valley School Districts say teachers will be calling parents this week, with more details on how online classes or email assignments will work. Both districts say they will connect vulnerable students to food programs, but no details have been announced.
Meanwhile, farmer's markets in BC are feeling the effects of COVID-19. Nanaimo's Island Roots Farmers' Market at Beban Park was shut down when the city cancelled all rentals. Market manager Michele Greene says it's setting up an online market, where customers can order their farm-fresh produce and baked goods. The same is true of the Qualicum Beach Farmers' market. However, it plans to reopen a modified market next Saturday as well. The Comox Valley Farmers' Market remains open and it too is planning to set up an online option this week.
Starting at midnight tonight, anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to travel on airplanes or trains. The federal order does not apply to buses because they are regulated by the province. Nanaimo's transit system has taken steps to protect bus drivers by having riders enter by the side doors, and can ride for free. It has also gone to its summer schedule, which includes the cancellation of eight of its bus routes.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Health officer says she is starting to see some glimmers of hope when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Bonnie Henry says while the number of cases continues to climb, the rate of infection is lower than the Canadian average. Henry says BC may see a levelling-off of cases within the next two weeks if people have been practising safe distancing, self-isolation and proper hand-washing. Currently, BC has 67 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the BC total to 792. There are now 57 confirmed cases in the Vancouver Island Health Region.
Meanwhile, the island's first COVID-19 case at a seniors' home has been reported in Campbell River. One resident at the Berwick by the Sea retirement home has tested positive and is receiving care from a group of staff that will not be serving any other residents. The other residents are quarantined in their rooms and are having their food and care delivered separately.
Health officials are confident they have enough ventilators and acute care beds to handle a COVID-19 crisis as bad as what Italy is experiencing. The Ministry of Health has released a set of charts that show how it would use hospitals and deploy equipment to manage outbreaks equivalent to what has been seen in China and northern Italy. The data predicts the Island Health Region will likely see a higher percentage of critical care hospitalizations compared to other regions in BC because of a higher percentage of seniors.
The Prime Minister has announced new programs to help small and medium-sized businesses. Justin Trudeau says Ottawa will pay 75 percent of employee wages, to keep workers on the payroll. A new Canada Emergency Business Account will allow businesses to apply for up to $40,000 in interest-free bank loans, that will be guaranteed by the federal government. And, businesses do not have to remit the GST, or duty and import taxes to Ottawa until June.
Starting soon, people who like to shop at farmers' markets will have a new way to get their produce. The BC Association of Farmers' Markets is helping 145 markets to set up digital shopping sites and the province's Buy BC program will pay the fee for farmers' markets to go online.
And, the province has announced help for the arts community, with a $3 million Arts and Cultural Resilience Supplement. Arts organizations and venues have been ordered closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Now, eligible arts projects will receive up to $15,000 early next month, to help them pay their bills. The BC Arts Council will also give operating clients a 50 percent advance on their annual funding to help with their cash flow.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
To hear more on how the Coronavirus epidemic is effecting students and social services in Nanaimo, check out the podcast edition of Students in the Know.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A resident at a Campbell River retirement home has tested positive for COVID19. The Berwick by the Sea care home says the patient has been self-isolating since last Tuesday. Berwick's Director of Sales and Marketing says the infection was confirmed by Island Health the following day. Leslie Sikorski says a letter was then sent to residents, outlining the steps it is taking to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the letter, Berwick's director of operations writes: “While we understand that this may be distressing to hear, the good news is all of the precautions we have implemented will assist us to mitigate the spread further and protect both staff and resident’s safety." Kelly Lazaro says all residents remain quarantined in their suites for the next 14-days. A further deep clean of the building has started.
An “Isolation Team” has been established and is responsible for delivering food to the infected resident. These staff members cannot deliver meals or respond to calls for any other suites. Other staff will be delivering meals and activity to-go bags to each suite daily Lazaro says the situation is being taken seriously and has asked everyone to remain calm. Health officials in BC are confident they have enough ventilators and acute care beds to handle a COVID-19 crisis as bad as what Italy is experiencing. The Ministry of Health has released a set of charts that show how it would use hospitals and deploy equipment to manage outbreaks equivalent to what has been seen in Hubei China and northern Italy. The provincial health officer says in reality, BC cases remain far below the curve in those countries. Dr. Bonnie Henry says cases in BC will continue to increase in the coming days, but she expects the upward curve to flatten during the next two weeks. She says BC is currently far below the projected curve, compared to other countries and the rest of Canada.
Small and medium-sized businesses will get help to cope with layoffs and payments due, thanks to a series of measures, announced today by the Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau says Ottawa will cover 75 percent of worker wages, to allow businesses to keep workers on the payroll. A new Canada Emergency Business Account will allow businesses to apply for interest-free bank loans, that will be guaranteed by the federal government. And, businesses will be allowed to delay paying the government GST as well as duty and import taxes until June.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
To hear more on how the Coronavirus epidemic is effecting students and social services in Nanaimo, check out the podcast edition of Students in the Know.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Provincial Health Officer says most cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island are the result of travellers returning home and infecting others. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no cases in care homes on the island. There are 52 confirmed cases of the virus in the Island Health region, with five new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours.
Help is on the way for seniors who live at home and are having a hard time getting groceries, medicine, rides to appointments or who just need someone to talk to. BC's Senior's Advocate says elders who live at home are more fearful, isolated and vulnerable as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And their caregivers, usually other family members or neighbours, are burning out. Isobel Mackenzie says that's why she's announced an expansion of the provincial 2-1-1 telephone hotline. Mackenzie says 2-1-1 operators will link at-home seniors to agencies or volunteers who can assist. MacKenzie is calling on younger British Columbians to call the service and sign up as volunteers. This latest initiative is part of a $50 million dollar package announced earlier this week, which includes more funding to the United Way's "Better at Home" programs that deliver services to seniors.
People who hoard or try to resell food, medicine or medical supplies could face jail time or fines of up to $25,000 dollars. BC's Minister of Public Safety has announced sweeping new powers over consumers, retailers and distributors. Mike Farnworth says it's necessary to ensure the supply of food and medical equipment is secure. Retailers have been ordered to limit the amount of essential supplies it sells to shoppers, to prevent hoarding and empty shelves. Those retailers have been told to report their protective equipment inventories to a newly created Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit. The Unit will have the power to redirect supplies to where they are needed.
Meanwhile, municipalities are being asked to provide the unit with lists of publicly owned spaces that could be used for isolation, testing, medical care, warehousing and distribution.
The imminent shortage of illegal drugs in BC has prompted the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to empower doctors to write prescriptions for narcotics like heroin. They will be included in a new set of clinical guidelines for patients with substance misuse that will be made public soon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
To hear more on how the Coronavirus epidemic is effecting students and social services in Nanaimo, check out the podcast edition of Students in the Know.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
British Columbians who hoard or try to resell food, cleaning supplies, medicine or protective equipment like masks could face fines or jail time. The Minister of Public Safety has issued a series of emergency orders he says are intended to protect the supply of goods needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Farnworth says municipal bylaw officers have been given the power to enforce these orders as well as previous orders on social distancing.
Starting now, retail stores must restrict the number of items, like cleaning supplies, that shoppers can buy, in order to prevent hoarding. Retailers and suppliers must now report to the province on their inventories of personal protective equipment. A newly formed Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit will have the power to redirect any of those supplies to where they are needed.
In an effort to build capacity, municipalities have been ordered to identify any publicly owned buildings that could be used as centres for self-isolation, testing, medical care warehousing and distribution. Earlier this week, BC's Provincial Health officer said the supply of masks, gloves and medical supplies is running low.
Dr. Bonnie Henry will update the infection rate in BC later this afternoon. As of late yesterday, there were 659 cases of COVID 19, including 47 on Vancouver Island.
The iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria is closing its doors due to the Coronavirus outbreak. A notice on its website says the closure is temporary but offers no date for a possible reopening. The union representing its workers says 480 workers have been laid off as a result.
A Canadian comedian is encouraging people to sing a Tragically Hip song today in an effort to boost morale during the outbreak. Joey Elias is suggesting people sing the song "Courage" from their balconies, rooftops, porches or bedrooms at 3 pm Pacific Time today. Elias says he picked the Hip because they're a band that has united the country in the past. Last Sunday Montreal musician Martha Wainwright organized a sing-a-long of the Leonard Cohen song "So long, Marianne."
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
To hear more on how the Coronavirus epidemic is effecting students and social services in Nanaimo, check out the podcast edition of Students in the Know.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
There are three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island, bringing the total to 47 cases in the health region. Provincially 42 new cases have been reported, adding up to 659 cases in BC. Dr. Bonnie Henry says one more person who was at the Lynn Valley Long Term Care Centre has died.
The provincial government is offering help to renters with a new supplement, an order halting evictions and by freezing rent increases. Renters who qualify can receive up to $500 dollars a month to supplement their rent payments for the next four months. People who already receive rental subsidies will see those subsidies increased. Evictions have now been banned and so have rent increases. Premier John Horgan says the details on how to apply are being finalized. He admits the subsidies will not be available before April the 1st.
Social Service agencies in Greater Nanaimo are doing their best to keep some programs going, but services are limited. The Haven Society has cancelled all group programs and is asking people to call unless it is an emergency, in which case are welcome to come to the centre.
The Nanaimo Area Resource Services for Families is no longer taking new additions to its youth withdrawal and supportive residential programs. Harris House is allowing individual drops for harm reduction until Friday. It has suspended all testing and showers at the facility.
Nanaimo's regional transit system has started its summer level of service. Eight routes are no longer operating due to the coronavirus outbreak. You can find out more at RDNNextRide.ca or call 250-390-4531.
BC Ferry riders will pay 60 cents less per round trip instead of paying 60 cents more. That's because the ferry corporation has decided not to implement higher fees on April the 1st, and it is offering a fuel rebate for the foreseeable future. BC Ferries says its travel volumes have fallen by 40 percent over the past week and there will be fewer sailings as a result. You can find out more on the BC Ferries website.
The Nanaimo Beacon, a satirical on-line magazine is hoping to help lessen the boredom of self-isolation by offering a locally produced colouring book. "No One is An Island" includes colouring panels of Mayor Leonard Krog and nurses at NRGH. It's a free download on its website, the Nanaimo Beacon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Starting at midnight, all international travellers returning to Canada will be ordered into quarantine for 14 days. The federal minister of Health, Patty Haiju says the only exception is for essential workers who show no symptoms. People who arrive in Canada showing symptoms will also be prevented from using public transit.
The House of Commons has passed legislation allowing $82 billion worth of programs to assist Canadians who are out of work, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The measures include a temporary boost to Child Benefit payments. An Emergency Care benefit will give those who qualify for Employment Insurance and the self-employed up to $1800 a month for three and a half months. An Emergency Support Benefit will fund workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance but who have recently lost their jobs. The Prime Minister says one million Canadians applied for those benefits in the past week. He says once a person is registered, they can expect a cheque within 10 days.
Renters in BC will hear the details of what the provincial government will do to help those who may be facing eviction for non-payment of rent due to the coronavirus outbreak. We will bring you those details on the next News Update at 3 pm.
Starting today, Nanaimo's regional transit system begins its summer level of service. This means reduced service on routes to schools and post-secondary institutions that are closed due to COVID-19. The following routes are affected:
1 Country Club/Downtown
5 Fairview
15 VIU/Woodgrove
20 Hammond Bay to Woodgrove
30 NRGH
40 VIU Express
92 Hammond Bay
11 Lantzville will not divert to Dover Bay Secondary
For details, you can check RDNNextRide.ca or call 250-390-4531
The Nanaimo Beacon, a satirical on-line magazine is hoping to help lessen the boredom of self-isolation by offering a locally produced comic book. "No One is An Island" includes colouring panels of Mayor Leonard Krog and nurses at NRGH. It's a free download on its website, the Nanaimo Beacon.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
A doctor who specializes in infectious disease and critical care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital says it is under-resourced when it comes to treating the most serious cases of COVID-19. Dr. David Forrest says NRGH has only 4 ventilators per 100,000 residents, which is far below what most other cities have. He says if several thousand people in the region became infected, there would not be enough ventilators for the 14 percent who would need them. Forrest is calling on all local businesses to close their doors except for grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations.
Meanwhile, BC Premier John Horgan is rejecting calls to shut down all non-essential businesses. Horgan says he believes many workers are already self-isolating and he's relying on a "methodical, science-based approach" before taking further action. The provincial government in Ontario has ordered all non-essential businesses to close by midnight tonight.
BC's Provincial health officer will update the number of COVID-19 cases later this afternoon. Yesterday, Dr. Bonnie Henry reported 472 cases in BC, with 39 of them in the Island Health District.
BC has announced a $5 billion dollar COVID-19 Action Plan which includes help with illness, financial strain or precarious employment. The Minister of Finance says British Columbians who have had to stop working will qualify for a one-time tax-free payment of $1000. Carole James says those affected can start the process by registering with the federal government's COVID-19 Emergency Care Benefit. Those who do not qualify for Employment Insurance can register on the Canada Revenue Agency's "My Account" portal. If you do not have an account, you will be able to register with a toll-free number that will be announced in the future.
BC's action plan will help those with student loans. Payments have been deferred until September the 30th. BC Hydro and ICBC will also be offering deferred payment plans.
Closer to home, the city of Nanaimo is closing more public spaces in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. All sports courts from hockey to tennis are closed. So are skateboard, bike parks and gated dog parks. Playgrounds were closed on Saturday.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The Provincial Health Officer says 145 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in BC since Sunday afternoon. That brings the total number to 617, with 44 of those cases on Vancouver Island. Dr. Bonnie Henry says no new deaths have been reported.
Vancouver Island University students will soon have access to emergency funds, thanks to a new Emergency Student Bursary Fund. The VIU Students Union says some students are struggling with some serious financial issues like reduced or non-existent job opportunities due to the coronavirus outbreak. The student union has pledged $75,000 dollars to the fund which was matched by the VIU Foundation. The fund aims to raise $250,000 dollars to provide emergency funds for the basic necessities of life. For more information and to donate, visit the Emergency Bursaries Fundraising webpage.
Starting tomorrow, all transit buses are moving to the summer schedule. Riders can expect less frequent service.
Nanaimo's Loaves and Fishes food bank says clients can no longer shop in their depots. The COVID-19 outbreak means clients can pick up a prepackaged bag of food at its Farquar Street location during the week, and at its Generations Church site on Saturday. For opening hours, please check the website at nanaimoloavesandfishes.org.
The Harmac Pacific Mill near Nanaimo is working full steam ahead, because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Harmac produces a blend of pulp that is used to make medical masks, gowns, drapes, screens and other hospital supplies. President Levi Sampson told CBC Radio an American company has doubled its orders for pulp over the past week. Sampson says all 300 employees are fully employed, and there are no plans to hire more workers.
The federal government has announced the closure of all National Parks. In BC, provincial parks remain open except Mount Seymour and Cypress on the lower mainland. Regional District parks remain open but there is no camping allowed. All playgrounds, sports courts and gated dog parks are also closed.
The coronavirus outbreak has put the breaks on local government meetings. The city of Nanaimo will hold its next council meeting on April the 6th and will be opened to the public and live-streamed. The Regional District of Nanaimo will hold its next meeting on April the 28th and it will be live-streamed.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
The federal government says it will turn back asylum-seekers who try to enter Canada outside of official border points. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the move is part of what he calls "a new set of extreme measures to stop the spread of COVID 19". A separate agreement to close the Canada-US border to all but essential travel, trade and commerce will begin at midnight tonight.
7-11 has confirmed a case of COVID-19 at one of its stores in Ladysmith. The Nanaimo News Bulletin is reporting the 7-11 on Esplanade Avenue will be closed until April the 2nd, in order to thoroughly clean and sanitize it. Currently, there are 22 confirmed cases of the virus on Vancouver Island.
Pacific Coastal Airlines will temporarily suspend operations starting next Wednesday. The company hopes to resume operations five and a half weeks later, on May the 3rd. PCA President Quentin Smith says the suspension is due to decreased demand for travel. Pacific Coastal says it is contacting its customers who have reservations for travel after the 25th and is advising others who are trying to get home that they can change their reservations without having to pay any extra fees or charges.
The United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island division is launching a fundraising appeal to help the region's most vulnerable citizens during the COVID 19 pandemic. It's "Local Love in a Crisis" campaign will focus on vulnerable seniors, food security, basic needs, mental health supports and the safety of underserved populations. If you would like to donate to the campaign, you can do so online. The website address is: uwcnvi.ca/covid-19.
The city of Nanaimo's Parks and Recreation Department is using the policy of closing its facilities to start on projects that would normally take place in the summer and fall. Parks and Recreation are moving up the dates of annual maintenance at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park Pool. Staff is hoping to do the work now means the swimming pools won't have to close in August and September when maintenance normally takes place
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
BC's Provincial Health Officer has announced 40 new cases of COVID19, including 6 new cases on Vancouver Island. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the total number of cases in BC has risen to 271, with 22 of them in the Island Health region. Henry says there has been another death from the virus, and this one was a patient from the Lynn Valley Care Centre. The most recent death brings the total number of deaths in BC to 8. There have been no deaths in the Vancouver Island region.
For more information on COVID19, you can call a new hotline from 7:30 am until 8:00 pm. The provincial government hotline includes information in more than 100 languages with topics ranging from travel restrictions to social distancing. The number is 1-888-COVID19.
The Nanaimo News Bulletin is reporting that BC Ferries will no longer serve any food on its ships until further notice. However, customers will still be able to buy food and beverages from their vending machines onboard. And BC Ferries northern routes will have some limited food options available. The ferry corporation says it will donate its perishable food to The Rainbow Kitchen foodbank in Victoria.
Some grocers are taking additional measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. Save On Foods and Country Grocer has suspended bottle returns and is banning the use of reusable shopping bags. However, they will provide plastic or paper bags to their customers free of charge. Meanwhile, Thrifty Foods is reducing its hours of operation. Starting tomorrow its stores will be open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm daily. The company says the reduced hours will give its employees more time to restock shelves and better sanitize the stores.
And, BC Liquor stores have reduced their hours to 11:00 am until 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday. BC Cannabis stores have restricted their hours from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. On Sundays, they will open an hour later, at 11:00 am.
Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca
Twitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FM
Funded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.