COVID-19 Alberni Valley Response

This page has been set up to provide you with local information on COVID-19. We will regularly update this page with any changes to City of Port Alberni (the City) and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) operations which may affect Port Alberni and the surrounding Electoral Areas.
Here in the Alberni Valley, the City and ACRD use a combined approach to preparing for and responding to emergencies. Because the COVID-19 global emergency affects all citizens of the Alberni Valley, we have implemented a joint Alberni Valley COVID-19 Response Plan (the Plan).
As local governments, our main role is to help provide accurate and timely information to the public, as well as ensure we continue to provide essential services to the community we serve.
Please note that the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control should remain your primary source of information in the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) outbreak. Please visit their websites information on COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
As we progress through this global epidemic, we remind you to do your part by following the direction of public health officials, including limiting public gatherings, practicing physical/social distancing, staying home unless your work is considered to be essential to the public good and washing your hands regularly
Stay safe - stay calm - stay informed - stay connected
We are stronger together.
This page has been set up to provide you with local information on COVID-19. We will regularly update this page with any changes to City of Port Alberni (the City) and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) operations which may affect Port Alberni and the surrounding Electoral Areas.
Here in the Alberni Valley, the City and ACRD use a combined approach to preparing for and responding to emergencies. Because the COVID-19 global emergency affects all citizens of the Alberni Valley, we have implemented a joint Alberni Valley COVID-19 Response Plan (the Plan).
As local governments, our main role is to help provide accurate and timely information to the public, as well as ensure we continue to provide essential services to the community we serve.
Please note that the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control should remain your primary source of information in the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) outbreak. Please visit their websites information on COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
As we progress through this global epidemic, we remind you to do your part by following the direction of public health officials, including limiting public gatherings, practicing physical/social distancing, staying home unless your work is considered to be essential to the public good and washing your hands regularly
Stay safe - stay calm - stay informed - stay connected
We are stronger together.
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City Supports Local Businesses
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link01 Apr 2021April 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.
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For More Information
Tim Pley, CAO
City of Port Alberni
250.720.2824
Pat Deakin, Economic Development Manager
City of Port Alberni
250.720.2527
pat_deakin@portalberni.ca
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COVID-19 Exposure at Wood Elementary School December 15, 16, 17 &18, 2020
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link22 Dec 2020School 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/
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BC Recovery Benefit
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link09 Dec 2020British 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
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Low Risk COVID-19 Exposure at Alberni District Secondary School - November 30th, 2020
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link01 Dec 2020School 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:
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COVID- 19 Exposures at Four Alberni District Elementary Schools
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link30 Nov 2020School 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/
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Island Health - Central Island COVID Update November 20, 2020
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link24 Nov 2020With 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
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Alberni District Secondary School COVID-19 Exposure November 17, 2020
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link18 Nov 2020School 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:
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Wood Elementary School COVID-19 Exposure Event
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link22 Oct 2020Please visit School District 70 website to find out information related to a COVID-19 exposure at Wood Elementary School.
Additional information can be found on Island Health website:
www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/exposures-schools
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COVID-19 Impact Survey
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link16 Oct 2020The 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.
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Alberni District Secondary School COVID-19 Exposure.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link04 Oct 2020Please visit Alberni District Secondary School website to find out information related to a COVID-19 exposure at ADSS.
Additional information can be found on Island Health website:
www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/exposures-schools
BC CDC Twitter
Relief Programs for Residents and Businesses
Important Links
- ACRD & City of Port Alberni, COVID-19 Recovery Survey
- BC's Restart Plan
- COVID-19 Survey
- COVID-19 Symptoms and Treatment
- Mental Health Services and Resources
- COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates
- Government of Canada Public Health Agency COVID-19 Outbreak Update
Follow Project
Videos
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Click here to play video 93.3 The Peak Morning Show with Evan Hammond -November 26th Listen to EOC Spokesperson Mayor Minions and 93.3 The Peak host, Evan Hammond for a 'COVID-19 Community Update'.
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Click here to play video COVID-19 Community Update. EOC Spokesperson Mayor Sharie Minions, November 17, 2020 Listen to update provided by the Alberni Valley Emergency Operations Centre Spokesperson Mayor Sharie Minions.
Who's listening
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HZ
Phone 250-724-1356 Email hzenner@acrd.bc.ca
Documents
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ACRD-CPA COVID-19 Recovery Plan Updated August 7, 2020 (434 KB) (pdf)
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ACRD-CPA COVID-19 Recovery Plan (431 KB) (pdf)
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Provincial Restart Plan (2.3 MB) (pdf)
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Provincial Go Forward Management Strategy (619 KB) (pdf)
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Mental Health Services and Resources (136 KB) (docx)
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Alberni Valley Joint COVID-19 Response Plan (415 KB) (pdf)
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Public Health Order: Vending Merchandise at Markets (224 KB) (pdf)
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Alberni Valley Service Update (171 KB) (pdf)
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Healthy Schools Weekly Digest - Vol 1 (1) (1.87 MB) (pdf)
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COVID-19 Provincial Supports (179 KB) (pdf)
Fraud Alert
The Canadian government continues to warn Canadians of fraud related crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians should be extra vigilant right now with unsolicited calls and texts, fake charities asking for money and people trying to sell medication or health-related products. You should never give out personal or financial information and remember that if you didn’t initiate contact with a person or business, you don’t know who you are dealing with.
For information on COVID-19 scams, visit: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
Important Contacts
HealthLink BC: 8-1-1
ACRD Office: 250-720-2700
Emergency Operations Centre: 250-724-1356
City of Port Alberni: 250-723-2146
BC211: 2-1-1