COVID-19 Alberni Valley Response

April 1, 2021

Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni recognizes that the new Provincial Health Orders will continue to present challenges to local businesses. We acknowledge this hardship and express our support.

Throughout the pandemic, the City has modified its municipal regulations and helped develop initiatives to assist small business owners during this challenging time and we will continue to support previously implemented programs of the City and its partners including:

• The City adopted a Temporary Sidewalk Use program to provide business owners with options to expand their operating space. All restaurants and retail stores are eligible to apply. For further information, please contact the Director of Corporate Services, Twyla Slonski at 250.720.2823 or twyla_slonski@portalberni.ca.

• Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot Consulting Hive is available to offer assistance to new owners and existing businesses at no cost. For more information, visit www.theconsultinghive.ca.

• The Better Buy Port Alberni initiative developed by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce with financial support from the City provides a centralized online store making it easy for residents to support local businesses by buying gift certificates. To learn more, visit www.betterbuyportalberni.ca.

• Two Small Business Support Specialists are being hired by the Chamber to provide outreach support to all businesses, social enterprises and non-profits. This was made possible through a City application to the Rural Business and Community Recovery Program funded by the Province of BC and administered by the Island Coastal Economic Trust.

• The Port Alberni Port Authority has established the infrastructure for a Food Truck and Market Pod at Clutesi Haven Marina. For more information please contact David McCormick, Director of PR & Business Development at 250.720.4705 or DMcCormick@alberniport.ca.

“These are challenging times and I would like to acknowledge our local businesses who have continued to adapt and become increasingly innovative in their response to the fluctuating Provincial Health Orders. The support we show now can help small businesses weather this storm and emerge to continue serving our community,” said Mayor Sharie Minions.

Businesses have shown incredible resiliency, resourcefulness, and adaptability to the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape. We thank the business owners for their tenacity during changing restrictions and their diligence to follow health and safety regulations.

##

For More Information

School District 70 and Island Health provided notification of a COVID-19 exposure at Wood Elementary school with potential dates of exposure in the school community of December 15, 16, 17 and 18th, 2020.

For additional information: https://www.sd70.bc.ca/

British Columbians will soon be able to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit. This one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for families and single parents, and up to $500 for individuals, will help support British Columbians who are dealing with the pressures of COVID-19.

To apply you will need your:

• Social insurance number
• 2019 income tax notice of assessment from the CRA
• If applicable, spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment from the CRA
• Direct deposit information

Learn more: gov.bc.ca/recoverybenefit

School District 70 and Island Health provided notification that a member of the Alberni District Secondary School community tested positive for COVID-19. Dates of potential exposure in the school occurred November 27th, 2020.

For additional information:

https://adss.sd70.bc.ca/

School District 70 and Island Health provided notification that four Alberni District elementary schools have COVID-19 exposures:

Eighth Avenue Learning Centre - November 24th and 25th

AW Neill Elementary School - November 23rd and 24th

Maquinna Elementary - November 19th, 20th, 23rd, 24th and 25th

EJ Dunn Elementary School - November 24th

For additional information: https://www.sd70.bc.ca/

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Island Health is asking people across our region to double down on their efforts to help stop the spread of the virus.

While COVID-19 is everywhere, the central island region is currently experiencing the highest rate of positive cases on Vancouver Island. As of November 19, there were 76 active cases in the central island, an over 500% increase since November 10. That compares to a 40% increase in active cases in south island, and 55% increase in active cases in north island over the same period.

https://www.islandhealth.ca/news/news-releases/reminder-help-reduce-transmission-covid-19

School District 70 and Island Health provided notification that a member of the Alberni District Secondary School community tested positive for COVID-19. Dates of potential exposure in the school were November 12 and 13, 2020.

For additional information:

https://adss.sd70.bc.ca/

Please visit School District 70 website to find out information related to a COVID-19 exposure at Wood Elementary School.

https://www.sd70.bc.ca/

Additional information can be found on Island Health website:

www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/exposures-schools

The City of Port Alberni is gathering data about the local economy and how it has changed over time due to COVID-19. Complete a survey for a chance to win $100 at a local store.

Please visit Alberni District Secondary School website to find out information related to a COVID-19 exposure at ADSS.

adss.sd70.bc.ca/

Additional information can be found on Island Health website:

www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/exposures-schools