Land Without Limits - Media
warning

This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. If this were a real emergency...

The Road To Recovery - May 2021

Destination BC - yrui Choufour | Spirit Bear

Biosphere Destination Certificate

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism commits to a collaborative sustainable path forward through pursuing Biosphere Destination Certification: 

Signing of the Biosphere Letter of CommitmentTo commemorate World Earth Day on April 22, 2021, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) formally committed to a new path forward to support future planning and a more sustainable visitor economy as we work to rebuild the post-COVID-19 tourism economy. Signing of the Biosphere Letter of Commitment today solidifies a long-term commitment to achieving the internationally recognised Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere Certification. 

We join three other regional destination management organizations (Tourism Vancouver Island, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association and Northern BC Tourism Association) who, together with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), operate under the umbrella of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, officially declaring their commitment to pursue the Biosphere Certification, granted by the Responsible Tourism Institute. If successful, we will join TOTA which is among only 34 destination management organizations in the world, and the only one in Canada, to achieve this status. 

The certification is based on established standards and targets aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals in areas that include climate change, environment, social, economy and culture – and guarantees compliance and continuous improvement through a private, voluntary and independent certification system – which is evaluated on an annual basis.

 We encourage partners, organizations, local governments, Indigenous Nations and tourism businesses interested in collaborating or finding more about the Biosphere Certification to get in touch with our Biosphere Project Manager, Kristi Denby: kristi@landwithoutlimits.com

Press release click here.

Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiatives 

Province provides $2.3 million in funding for six new tourism development projects in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Six new tourism development projects are coming to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) from the province as a part of BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. The six projects that have been approved, include:

Great Bear Sustainable Marine Project:
Assist Coastal First Nations in the creation of a network of shore accessible campsites and recreation areas, and support the development of community paddling centres to develop visitor experiences like adventure guiding, wildlife viewing, eco-tourism, and Indigenous cultural experience.
$705,293

Highway 20 and Gold Rush Trail Connectivity Project:
The design and construction of 12 Wi-Fi access/emergency phone kiosks along the Highway 20 Corridor and Gold Rush Trail.
$360,000

Cariboo Outdoor Tourism Recreation Enhancement and Development Project:
Enhance year-round recreation and outdoor tourism development in three key areas: construction of the Jesmond Signature Multi-Use Trail to finish an iconic mountain bike trail look from Clinton to Quesnel; construction of a timber-framed visitor warming hut/lodge and ski rental facility at Bull Mountain near Williams Lake and construction of additional low-mobility and accessible trails and amenities at the Bridge Lake Ice Caves recreation area.
$719,414

Nuxalk Carrier Grease Trail/Facility Improvements:
Construction of 50km portion of the Nuxalk Carrier Grease Trail running through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park connecting Chilcotin Plateau (Anahim Lake) to the Mackenzie/Rainbow Range Cabin located in the Mackenzie Valley of Tweedsmuir Park (South).
$320,293

Cariboo Wagon Road:
Funding to support the restoration of sections of the Cariboo Wagon Road as non-motorized visitor amenities, including parking lots, signage, restrooms and Wi-Fi access.
$35,000

Destination Management Tourism Data:
Collaborative Regional project between the five RDMOs and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat.
$45,000

Full list of projects from all regions here.

Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant

New Program Criteria

Starting April 26, 2021:

  • Up to $20,000 is available for short-term accommodation businesses impacted by the April 23, 2021 EPA order (PDF)
  • High intensity fitness businesses are eligible
  • Grant amounts have increased

If you applied to the program before April 26, 2021:

  • You do not need to resubmit an application
  • Applications received before these changes will be reviewed under the updated criteria (including grant amounts)

 

Accessibility Corner

Access & Inclusion News/Information

Great news in Access and Inclusion! New accessibility legislation introduced on April 28 “will set British Columbia on the path to a more accessible and inclusive province for people with disabilities and their support networks.”

“If passed, the accessible British Columbia act will allow government to establish accessibility standards aimed at identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and inclusion. Standards will be developed in a range of areas such as employment, the delivery of services and the built environment.”

Learn more about the Accessible British Columbia Act:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021SDPR0033-000771 

For more information please contact Alison Duddy Tourism Accessibility Program Manager via email at inclusive@landwithoutlimits.com.

Community Futures Pass Program

Planning A Successful Succession

Anyone in business knows that it’s not business as usual anymore and that the landscape for business sales is no different. If you are thinking about exiting your business over the next few years you will need to understand the challenges you will face to get the best chance of securing a successful sale. 

Statistics demonstrate that there is a lot of competition for business buyers and not every business will find a new buyer. On average it takes close to 2 years for a business to sell and transition.

But… as a business owner there is much you can do to improve your odds of achieving a successful transition for your business to new ownership. 

Planning a successful succession identifies four key stages: Planning, Preparation, Marketing and Connecting with buyers. 

With the assistance and support of knowledgeable service providers and professionals you will be able to retain control of your business exit and improve your odds of a happy outcome. The PASS Program can help your business through the selling pathway to plan, prepare, market and provide financial incentives to help cover planning expenses. 
Learn more: https://www.cfdccariboo.com/pass_program/ 

For more information: 
Laurie: laurie@cfdccariboo.com
Larry:  happytrails@cfdccariboo.com

Invasive Species Council of BC

eLearning training course: “Tourism and Invasive Species”

ISCBC has been working in partnership with a diverse group of tourism industry professionals with funding from the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk to develop the new Invasive-Wise Tourism program, a behavior-change program for the tourism industry. The overall goal of the program is to protect species at risk and BC’s rich biodiversity from the threats of invasive species by focusing on high-risk pathways such as movement by tourists, anglers, boaters, floatplanes, and recreationists.

eLearning Content:

Tourism and Invasive Species is an engaging and interactive eLearning training course developed exclusively for tourism operators and staff to increase awareness around invasive species and identify practical actions to prevent the spread of invasive species.

To learn more click here.

Online Training

BSAFE ~ BC Safety Assured for Everyone

BSAFE is a new, online COVID-19 health and safety training program launched by go2HR with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. This training tool is a direct result of the Tourism Task Force’s recommendation to government that was delivered in their report in December 2020.

Rebuilding confidence in the tourism and hospitality industry is critical to rebuilding our sectors as we emerge from the pandemic. BSAFE is designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge in BC’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone — workers, guests and communities — safe as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.

BSAFE stands for BC Safety Assured For Everyone
The course is designed for both front-line staff and managers/supervisors. The curriculum is delivered online, in 90 minutes, and upon completion a certificate will be awarded. Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism is proud to be a part of this industry-wide effort to rebuild and recover.

The BSAFE registration portal is now open to employers who are interested in registering for the course. If you are interested in pre-registration, contact BSAFE@go2HR.ca.

#BSAFEBC

Please visit BSAFE online to learn more today!

eLearningU

Tourism Online Learning. Anytime.
 In addition to the 50 live webinars and 350+ webinar library, members have access to the new Tourism Digital Marketing Certification Program. Once you’re a member (free for Northern BC Tourism stakeholders), log in to attend live webinars, start your certification, or explore the library of on-demand content. 

Upcoming Webinars
May 20: Social Media Analytics & Reporting
May 27: Intro to Content Marketing & Content Strategy 

Click here to register and attend

Ongoing Relief Programs

Provincial Programs

Circuit Break Business Relief Grant. Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 are available to hospitality and fitness businesses impacted by the March 30, 2021 PHO orders on gatherings and events and liquor and food serving premises. Hotline: 1-833-254-4357

B.C. Business Recovery Grant: $10,000 to $40,000 grants for tourism-related businesses. Deadline to apply is August 31, 2021. Hotline: 1-833-254-4357

Launch Online Grant Program: Grant of up to 75% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $7,500 to create an online shop and/or improve e-commerce. 

B.C. Recovery Benefit: Individuals can apply for this recovery benefit worth up to $1,000. The benefit is based on 2019 income, so higher earners who lost jobs during the pandemic won’t qualify. Hotline: 1-833-822-0220

Federal Programs

 

Canada Emergency Business Account: Up to $60,000 loans with up to $20,000 forgiven. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2021. Hotline: 1-888-324-4201

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: Up to $60,000 loans for businesses that have been unable to access other support measures, such as CEBA. Administered through your local Community Futures office. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2021 Hotline: 1-888-338-9378

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy: Subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses until March 31, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% until June 2021 if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers part of your employee wages up to 65%, retroactive to March 15 and up to December 19, 2020. Starting December 20, 2020, until June 5, 2021, the maximum subsidy will increase to 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

Canada Recovery Benefit: $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27th, 2020, and September 25th, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

 

Indigenous Programs

 

First Peoples’ Cultural Council Arts Program. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 for Indigenous B.C. residents open for the Spring 2021 intake.