COVID-19 Response

The District of Lake Country took a proactive approach and did an essential services and staff skills audit in early March. Many municipalities have been forced to lay off workers while spring programs are postponed and facilities are closed, but Lake Country does not employ any permanent part-time recreation program, parks or facilities staff like other communities.

A review of contracts and project plans has been done to ensure both fiscal responsibility in the use of tax dollars and senior government grants along with timelines for project delivery so as not to incur additional costs.  As many are aware, Council made a decision to terminate the Visitor Services contract for 2020.

Hiring has been suspended for current vacancies in both existing positions and approved new positions, and will be reassessed at a later time.  Staff resources have been reallocated where needed to ensure continuity and fiscal effectiveness in delivery of essential services to the community.

Sandbagging stations will be set up Thursday, April 9, at Beasley Park parking lot and on the Oyama isthmus across from the Oyama Community Hall.  Those property owners that have had issues in the past with flooding are encouraged to take a look at their flood preparation plans.  It’s a good time to review and update the steps they take each year to protect and prepare their property from potential flood damage. Property owners are reminded they are responsible for having a plan as well as the tools and equipment necessary to protect their properties from possible flood damage.

As approved by NavCanada, a professional drone pilot/photographer will fly Middle Vernon Creek from Wood Lake to Duck Lake between April 8-13 to assist with planning and preparing for the spring freshet by helping identify areas of risk and hazards along the creek.

Links to information and pamphlets on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking are available on the Be Prepared page of the Central Okanagan Emergency Program website cordemergency.ca and on the Prepared BC websiteopen_in_new.  There is also information available for areas that might be susceptible to land slippage or movement.

No. With physical distancing being crucial in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Lake Country Recreation Services has made arrangements to host an ONLINE Easter "Bunny" Hunt event for Lake Country families. 

Using the District of Lake Country website or Facebook page, kids and parents can download the online Easter “Bunny” Hunt instructions and clues. Then using “Street View” in Google maps, participants can use the clues to find the “letters” necessary to complete a Easter word puzzle! 

Once the puzzle is solved, participants can send their completed puzzle to the Lake Country Recreation Department e-mail inbox to be entered into draw for some great Easter prizes!

The Easter “Bunny” Hunt will go LIVE online at 8am, Friday, April 10 at www.lakecountry.bc.ca/easter2020.  Deadline to submit your contest entry will be 11:59pm, Monday,  April 13. 

The prize draws will be held Tuesday, April 14  Prize draws are for ages 15 and under however everyone is welcome to have some safe fun family fun solving the Easter “Bunny” Hunt puzzle!

No.  Effective Friday, April 3, 2020 ALL burning including backyard campfires has been banned until further noticed. For more information see News Release.

Propane campfire pits are still okay since they don't create the same air quality issues that actual wood burning creates.

Yes. BC Transit is implementing summer level of service in the Kelowna regional transit system starting Sunday, April 5.

The changes will include:

• Service reductions and schedule changes on various routes that reflect summer service
• Discontinuation of routes 4 Pandosy/UBCO Express and 13 Quail Ridge for the summer
• Schedule change for route 97 Okanagan and 23 Lake Country to improve on-time performance

To find out more about changes to specific trips, please check the preview schedules on BCTransit.com. Due to the additional changes in response to COVID-19, a Rider’s Guide will not be available for this service change. Customers are thanked for their patience during this time.

The response to COVID-19 is a fluid situation that businesses, governments, and people are adjusting to across the country and around the world. BC Transit will continue to monitor available resources and provide service updates on a day-to-day basis. 

Please visit bctransit.com/covid19 for details about BC Transit's response to COVID-19, including reduced passenger capacity, rear door boarding where available, not collecting fares, and enhanced cleaning on buses and at facilities.

Yes - the bottle depot is currently closed. Store your recyclables safely in your home, garage, basement until depots reopen. 

• Please do not put depot only items such as refundables, plastic bags, styrofoam, glass, electronics etc. into recycling carts or the garbage. To ensure the garbage collection can remain running smoothly and not be overwhelmed by materials that shouldn’t be in your garbage.

No. The detachment will not be providing criminal checks. In order to protect the public and their employees, the Lake Country RCMP  are making the following temporary changes in response to COVID-19. 

These changes are being taken as a preventative measure and do not affect 9-1-1 service or calls to our non-emergency police line. Both of those services continue to be offered 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our priority continues to be community safety and security and we are taking these measures to help ensure core policing duties will not be impacted. 

The Lake Country Fire Department appreciates donations of commercially-supplied PPE. 

The Province has requested that businesses and organizations undertake an inventory of critical supplies in their possession, including personal protective equipment, medical supplies and cleaning. Local governments are asked to share this request with businesses and organizations in their community.

The Province asks that all the supplies and associated volumes held by businesses and organization be outlined and whether each business or organization would be able to send the supplies to centralized provincial distribution facilities, located in the Lower Mainland and Victoria, for further distribution across B.C. Information on the location of these facilities will be forthcoming.

At this time, the Province is seeking quantities of 100 units or more. Businesses and organizations are asked to please return the spreadsheet by Tuesday, April 2 to:

ESMOC.DIRECTOR@gov.bc.ca

While regular in-person Activity Guide programs have been postponed, some of the recreation program fitness instructors have tried to provide options for classes via online video sharing technology. 

Enjoy a quick Afternoon Boost with Ali Mayo’s latest Yoga video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A07chngfB6I

Kiarra Watson offers Bootcamp classes via Zoom:

April 6 class recorded for anytime access: 

https://us04web.zoom.us/rec/share/6p1tA-jS63JLGLPRy2_tdI4hB7jFaaa81HIfqPIJzxuI6FSSl1SU9qFD7XMSl_c3

April 1 class recorded for anytime access:  

https://us04web.zoom.us/rec/share/6PBpNJjO7XlIG4n8smbEAJcxAoHqeaa80SMa-Ptcn0z7fomjM-BTDDncHsQTejyM

March 30 class recorded for anytime access: https://us04web.zoom.us/rec/share/9OJaCYPV90hIR6PfuFjSXLI_A97oaaa81nVM_fYOzEtJv99dyXsHc9sKKAXOtuH- 

https://us04web.zoom.us/rec/share/-fJ0Eeuu90xOS4HT7B_8GbAOFYj0X6a8hChM-_MPmUu9E3Ia0msD7LudetDvnNbp?startTime=1585178981000

Enjoy Ali Mayo's March 24th Yoga class: https://youtu.be/d0YYgcnZsk0 

Here is a link to a children’s fitness class video by our Lake Country Yoga & Pl3y Kids Fitness Instructor, Christina Aaron. https://www.facebook.com/christina.aaron.18/videos/10163258139240125/

March 26, 2020 Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety, definded the following essential services: 

(See the Provincial News Release)

Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians rely on in their daily lives.

Developed by Emergency Management BC in consultation with other government ministries and the provincial health officer (PHO), this definition is intended to clarify what qualifies as an essential service in the context of the Province’s response to COVID-19.  In consultation with the PHO, these services should and are encouraged to remain open. They must, however, follow the orders and guidance provided by the PHO to ensure safe operations and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

The PHO has ordered some types of businesses to close. Any business or service that has not been ordered to close, and is also not identified on the essential service list, may stay open if it can adapt its services and workplace to the orders and recommendations of the PHO.

Child care providers and schools providing care and/or in-class instruction for children are to prioritize placements for those children whose parents are employed as front-line workers in direct to public health and health services, social services, law enforcement, first responders and emergency response.

A list of essential services follows.

Health and health services

Direct-to-public health services

• all health-care services, including acute care (hospitals), secondary/long-term care, coroners' services, health-care providers working within and outside an acute care setting and other health services, including public health, detox facilities, safe-injection sites, COVID-19 testing, clinical research supporting the COVID-19 response, blood/plasma donation services and emergency pre-hospitalization services;
• other health services and caregivers (e.g., physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, mid-level practitioners, nurses and assistants, infection-control and quality-assurance personnel, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists and assistants, social workers, mental-health and substance-use workers, including peer support workers, speech pathologists, diagnostic and therapeutic technicians and technologists, counsellors, chiropractors, naturopaths, dentists, crisis centres, outreach workers, overdose and harm-reduction services, meal programs; and
• health first responders (paramedics).

Health service providers

• pharmaceutical production, medical laboratories/research, medical testing, pharmacies, medical supply and equipment manufacturers, wholesale, distribution and stores, and analytical testing labs related to testing of finished product for pathogens and contaminants;
• safety supply (e.g., work clothes, personal protective equipment, medical/pharmaceutical/ laboratory supplies, etc.) stores, manufacturers, technicians, logistics and warehouse operators;
• medical wholesale and distribution; and
• health plans, billing and health information.

Law enforcement, public safety, first responders, emergency response personnel

• first responders, including police, fire and those services providing for public safety, including commercial vehicle safety enforcement, corrections and detainment facilities, park rangers, security and protective services, court services, bylaw enforcement, as well as communications/dispatching support for first responders and volunteers, such as search-and-rescue and public-safety lifeline volunteers;
• public-sector workers for peace, order and good government, and employees of contracted service providers in these fields, including maintenance of technical infrastructure to support this work and compliance with health and public-safety orders;
• businesses that provide support to police and correctional services;
• operations and services in support of the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Border Services Agency;
• emergency management personnel at local, regional and provincial levels;
• businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of aggregates to support critical infrastructure repairs and emergency response requirements (e.g., sandbags, armour stone barriers, etc.); and
• equipment and uniform suppliers for first responders.

Vulnerable population service providers

• businesses and non-profits that provide food, shelter, social and support services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals, such as:
  • food banks, community kitchens, and voluntary and community service providers;
  • residential health facilities, mental-health, substance-use and addictions services;
  • transitional, social and supportive housing, and single-room occupancy housing;
• community services and outreach for immigrants, refugees, vulnerable populations and non-market housing, including businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies;
• care for seniors, adults, children or individuals with disabilities;
• child care services for those persons providing essential services;
• caregivers for children in care and out of care;
• elder and disability care, including disabled service support for people with physical and cognitive disabilities;
• residential care for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, including licensed and registered treatment and recovery facilities;
• government and non-profit service delivery staff who provide access to income supports for people in need of food and shelter;  
• residential and care facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, children and people with disabilities;
• overdose prevention sites, clinical overdose prevention services or medical marijuana provision; and
• businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies, or other products/services that support the health sector, including mental-health and addictions/counselling supports.

Critical infrastructure service providers

• infrastructure, drilling and production, refineries, processing, completion facilities, utilities, transportation, transmission, stations and storage facilities critical in supporting daily essential electricity needs, drinking water, waste water, electricity (including associated infrastructure), steam, alternative energy production, waste and hazardous management, industrial recycling, oil and natural and propane gas, fuel and other fuel sources, such as heating oil and wood pellets, as well as operating staff;
• manufacturing of goods necessary for the continued and immediate operation of other essential infrastructure and businesses;
• gas stations, diesel, propane and heating fuel providers including providers of motor vehicle, aircraft and water/marine fuels, and providers of charging stations for electric vehicles; and
• operations and employees needed to operate and maintain drinking water and wastewater/drainage infrastructure, including:
  • operational staff at water authorities;
  • operational staff at community water systems;
  • operational staff at wastewater treatment facilities;
  • workers repairing water and wastewater conveyances and performing required sampling or monitoring;
  • operational staff for water distribution and testing;
  • operational staff at wastewater collection facilities;
  • operational staff and technical support for supervisory control and data-acquisition control systems;
  • chemical disinfectant suppliers for wastewater and personnel protection; and
  • workers who maintain digital systems infrastructure supporting water and wastewater operations.

Food and agriculture service providers

• food cultivation, including farming, livestock, aquaculture and fishing, and businesses that support the food supply chain, as well as community gardens and subsistence agriculture;
• food processing, manufacturing, storage and distribution of foods, feed products and beverages;
• workers essential to maintaining or repairing equipment in food processing and distribution centres;
• workers, including temporary foreign workers, to support agricultural operations to enhance food security;
• retail: grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets and other establishments engaged in the retail sale or provision of food, pet or livestock supply, liquor, cannabis (including producers), and any other household consumer products, such as cleaning and personal care products. 
  • includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential daily operation of residences. such as home supply, hardware, building material stores, pawn brokers, and garden centres and nurseries;
• farming supply, including seed, fertilizer, pesticides, farm-machinery sales and maintenance;
• inspection services and associated regulatory and government workforce and supporting businesses required for slaughter of animals, dairy production and food safety; and
• businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including veterinarians, farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities and other service providers.

Transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing

• supply chain services needed to supply goods for societal functioning, including cooling, storing, packaging, transportation, warehousing and distribution;
• workers who support the maintenance and operation of cargo transportation services, including crews, maintenance, operations and other facilities workers;
• manufacturers and distributors (to include service centres and related operations) of packaging materials, pallets, crates, containers and other supplies needed to support manufacturing, packaging staging and distribution operations;
• truck drivers who haul hazardous and waste materials to support critical infrastructure, capabilities, functions, and municipal and provincial services;
• local, regional, and provincial delivery services, including but not limited to businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to business and residences and mailing and shipping services;
• services to support and enable transportation, including highway, road, bridge maintenance and repair;
• employees who repair, maintain and overhaul vehicles, aircraft and parts, rail equipment, marine vessels, and the equipment and infrastructure that enables operations that encompass movement of cargo and passengers, as well as vehicle rentals and leasing;
• services that facilitate the transportation of essential supplies, personnel and services, including port/waterfront operations, road, air and rail operations;
• facilities supporting interprovincial and intra-provincial delivery of goods, including truck scales, commercial vehicle inspection stations, brokerages, truck towing and repair services, commercial cardlock fuel providers, truck and rest stops;
• government-owned or leased buildings;
• businesses that supply other essential businesses and people working from home with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
• private transportation services, such as taxis, ride-hailing, helicopter, aircraft and marine vessels;
• public transportation services under rules for physical distancing or other recommendations from the PHO;
• workers supporting the chemical and industrial gas supply chains, including workers at chemical manufacturing plants, workers in laboratories, workers at distribution facilities, workers who transport basic raw chemical materials to the producers of industrial and consumer goods and support the natural resource sector, as well as workers supporting safety at such facilities;
• provision of public services that support the safe operation of regulated businesses and the provision of public services that support those businesses to meet other regulatory requirements;
• workers who support the operation, inspection, and maintenance of essential public works facilities and operations;
• workers who support the inspection and maintenance for ongoing safety at industrial facilities;
• inspectors who ensure worksites are safe and health for workers, and who investigate serious workplace accidents;
• workers who process and manage claims made by injured workers, including services related to their care and treatment, as well as the provision of workers’ compensation benefits;
• hotels and places of accommodation;
• activities of the consuls general and staff who support the work of the consuls general;
• landlords of buildings where the consulates are located and those who must guarantee access to consular offices as well as the operation of the consular offices;
• storage for essential businesses;
• businesses that provide materials and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of transportation systems (road, transit, rail, air and marine) including delivery of maintenance services, such as clearing snow, response to collisions and completing needed repairs to transportation systems;
• businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers (e.g., primary metal/steel, blow moulding, component manufacturers, chemicals, etc., that feed the end-product manufacturer);
• vegetation management crews and traffic workers who support environmental remediation/monitoring and who respond to environmental emergencies;
• businesses providing staffing services, including temporary labour services; and
• businesses that support the safe operations of residences, essential businesses and facilities/buildings.

Sanitation

• cleaning services necessary to provide and maintain disinfection;
• manufacturing of sanitary products, household paper products, chemicals, microelectronics/semi-conductor, including companies able to retrofit their production facilities to produce goods/services that can be used to address critical shortages of sanitary and protective goods;
• businesses that support environmental management/monitoring and spill cleanup and response, including environmental consulting firms, professional engineers and geoscientists, septic haulers, well drillers, pesticides applicators and exterminators, management of industrial sewage/effluent (e.g., for mining operations) and environmental laboratories; and
• waste (garbage and organics) and recycling collection, processing and disposal.

Communications, information sharing and information technology (IT)

• workers maintaining IT and communications infrastructure for medical facilities, governments facilities, emergency response and command agencies, energy and utilities, banks and financial institutions, employees working from home, and other critical infrastructure categories and personnel, including managing information and cyber-security incidents;
• newspapers, television, radio, online news outlets and other media services;
• IT, radio, cable providers and telecommunications services, including phone, internet, wireless communications and data centres; and
• satellite operations, undersea cable landing stations, internet exchange points, and manufacturers and distributors of communications equipment.

Non-health essential service providers

• feed, water, bedding, veterinary care, veterinary supply, transport and processing services for livestock, animal shelters and pets;
• coroners and workers performing mortuary services, including funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries, as well as workers supporting the appropriate handling, identification, storage, transportation and certification of human remains;
• banks and their branches, credit unions and related financial institutions, as well as workers who support security and technical operations supporting financial institutions;
• capital markets, including the British Columbia Securities Commission, self-regulatory organizations, exchanges, clearing agencies and investment-fund dealers, advisers and managers;
• services related to bankruptcy/credit restructuring and non-bank sources of capital, cheque-cashing outlets, money sending and money remittance services, currency exchange services, pawn brokers;
• accounting, payroll, translation services, legal services and insurance providers; insurance assessment and adjudication providers;
• plumbers, electricians, elevator maintenance providers, exterminators, property management services, custodial/janitorial workers, cleaning services, fire safety and sprinkler systems, building systems maintenance and repair technicians, engineers, mechanics, smelters and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and daily essential operation of residences and commercial buildings;
• educational institutions — including public and private K-12 schools, and public post-secondary institutions — for purposes of facilitating remote learning or performing essential functions, including services that are needed to ensure the safety, security, welfare, integrity and health of the community, property and research and certain operational and contractual activities, if operating under rules for physical distancing or other recommendations from the PHO;
• in relation to research universities, services including COVID-19-related research, residential housing and food services for students on campus, building operations and risk management, animal care services, health services for students, IT including data security and infrastructure, finance/payroll/administration/HR/communications and child care for essential university staff;
• laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers;
• restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, if operating under rules for social and physical distancing or other recommendations from the PHO;
• towing services and other vehicle repair/maintenance operations;
• schools and other entities that provide free food services to students or members of the public, if operating under rules for physical distancing or other recommendations from the PHO;
• construction work, in accordance with PHO direction, construction firms, skilled trades and professionals, and construction and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;
• businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of primary and value-added forestry/silviculture products (e.g., lumber, pulp, paper, wood fuel, etc.) including soft-pulp products, such as protective masks, gowns, drapes, screens and other hospital supplies, as well as household paper products;
• postal services, including both public and private mailing, shipping, logistics, courier, delivery services and post office boxes;
• research services supporting essential sectors, including medical/clinical research and industrial research;
• all government (local, regional, provincial) functions or services;
• businesses and non-profits that provide support services to citizens and businesses on behalf of government – these include but are not limited to: income assistance and disability assistance, pensions, residential tenancy, BC Services Card, drivers’ licensing, Affordable Child Care Benefit, Medical Services Plan, forest-worker support programs, notary, commissioner, affidavits, pesticide exams, invigilation for essential trades, 1 888 COVID19, verify by video, and helpdesk for BCeID;
• weather forecasters;
• businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of mining materials and products (e.g., metals such as copper, nickel and gold) and that support supply chains including
  • mining operations, production and processing;
  • mineral exploration and development; and
  • mining supply and services that support supply chains in the mining industry including maintenance of operations, health and safety;
• workers at operations centres necessary to maintain other essential functions;
• professional services, including lawyers and paralegals, engineers, accountants, translators;
• land registration services and real estate agent services;
• building code enforcement, inspection of buildings, building sites and building systems by building officials and registered professionals (architects and engineers);
• public washrooms and hygiene facilities (toilets, handwash stations, showers) for unsheltered persons; and
• parks and green space for public health and sheltering (for people experiencing homelessness).

FAQ – Solid Waste Management During COVID-19 Crisis

Is my garbage, recycling and yard waste still being picked up?

• In order to protect our garbage services which is the priority for pick up, we are suspending some non-essential items like tag-a-bag options and cart upgrades. 
• For now, all the usual schedule for garbage, recycling and yard waste are being maintained.  Should anything change due to staff shortages residents will be notified. 
• To stay up to date, download the Recycle Coach app or visit rdco.com/recycle.

Are recycling depots still open?
All RDCO run and private depots continue to operate. 

• Please limit your time at these facilities or store your recyclables at home for a later date.
• Make sure to maintain physical distancing when you are there
• And please don’t throw anything additional in your garbage, we need to ensure the garbage collection can remain running smoothly and not be overwhelmed by materials that shouldn’t be in your garbage

What do I do with my recycling if the depots close?

• Please do not put depot only items such as refundables, plastic bags, Styrofoam, glass, electronics etc. into recycling carts or the garbage.
• We need to ensure the garbage collection can remain running smoothly and not be overwhelmed by materials that shouldn’t be in your garbage

What happens if the Hazardous Waste Depot closes?

• Should this facility close, please store all household hazardous wastes safely in a garage or shed until the depot can reopen.  Do not put household hazardous wastes in the garbage.
• We need to ensure the garbage collection can remain running smoothly and not be overwhelmed by materials that shouldn’t be in your garbage.

Is the Westside Transfer Station on Asquith still open?

• Please limit your visits to this facility to ensure physical distancing can be maintained on site. 
• Effective March 23^rd, no cash payment will be accepted.  Please use contactless payment whenever possible.

Why are cart upgrades being suspended?

Will I still be able to get a broken cart repaired?

Why is tag-a-bag being suspended?

• New homes waiting for bin delivery will still be allowed to use bags at the curb until their carts arrive.

What do I do with donation material if charities stop accepting donations temporarily?

• Please do not add this material to your household garbage. We need to ensure the garbage collection can remain running smoothly and not be overwhelmed by materials that shouldn’t be in your cart.

What do I do with extra garbage if there is no tag-a-bag available?

Is now a good time to renovate and spring clean while home due to COVID-19

Are events still going ahead like the Repair Café, Trunk Sale or Community Cleanup?

Will I still be able to pickup the composter or rain barrel I ordered?

Avoid group gathering in public spaces

Maintain 2 metre distance (approx. 6 ft)

• All essential services in Lake Country will continue to be provided (water, wastewater, emergency response, road maintenance) in addition to limited services for permitting, bylaw enforcement, inspections and business licensing;
• Most District of Lake Country municipal services are available on-line through the website at www.lakecountry.bc.ca. District staff can be reached at 250.766.5650 or email customerservice@lakecountry.bc.ca and staff will endeavor to respond as soon as possible;
  • The Report a Problem/Service Request form can be accessed online by visiting www.lakecountry.bc.ca. 

To let us know about a municipal service issue you have experienced, or observed firsthand, please use the online Report a Problem/Request Service form so we can address the issue as soon as possible and track the response.  Thank you for your patience as it may take longer than usual to respond due to reduced staff levels available. 

https://forms.lakecountry.bc.ca/Administration/Report-a-Problem 

Yes. Bylaw Enforcement and essential municipal services are being provided for Lake Country citizens, along with a simplified model for many regular municipal services are still proceeding.

Bylaw Officers are available Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm with seasonal officers working weekends & some evenings from May to September. If you leave a voice message after hours or use the online form, the Bylaw Officer on duty the following working day will respond. 

You can use the online Report a Problem/Request Service form for Bylaw Enforcement issues or call 250-766-6673.

Part of living in a community is respecting each other's rights. Issues are dealt with on a complaint basis. The goal of bylaw enforcement is not to ticket, but to first provide information and work with residents so we can preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in Lake Country.

Guidelines to support the Provincial Health Officer's orders (released Wednesday, April 1, 2020) 

Please note: Spion Kop is provincial crown land. To report issues please contact the conservation officer 24-hour hotline: 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network. You can also use the online form to report issues to the Province. (https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/)

To report issues with firearms or public safety please contact the RCMP Office at 250-766-2288.

Extra time on your hands and thinking you'd like to be more informed? Learn more about Lake Country Bylaws. https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/en/local-government/bylaws-and-policies.aspx

• Lake Country Municipal Hall                        
• Fire Administration
• Winfield Arena                                                 
• Winfield Curling Club
• Creekside Theatre                                          
• Beasley Community Centre
• Seniors Activity Centre                                 
• Lake Country Museum
• Playgrounds and Skateboard Park
• Sports Courts including Pickleball, Basketball, Ball Hockey, Baseball Diamonds

No – Regular Council Meetings, Public Hearings and Committee Meetings are cancelled until further notice. Special Council Meetings may be scheduled when a decision of Council is required to allow staff to take a certain course of action.

Local governments need to ensure that they are meeting the public health orders and necessary physical distancing – yet they also need to keep functioning so that they can continue to make needed decisions about public services, assets and finance.

Yes - to apply for a new Building Permit please note the updated process:

• Drop off new Building Permit Applications at the front entrance on the north side of Municipal Hall.
• Place all documents in the small drop box slot to the right of the main entrance of Municipal Hall.
• If your documents are too large to fit in the drop box, place them in the temporary Large Drop Box bin provided directly below the small drop box.
• Place all cheques in the small drop box slot on the Municipal Hall building, so they are secure inside the building.
• Make sure to include the name of applicant and type of application (purpose) in the envelop with the cheque.
• Email building@lakecountry.bc.ca to inform us of the drop off.
• You can also email completed applications (excluding drawings) to building@lakecountry.bc.ca to have them processed; and follow up with payment and two (2) sets of drawings  delivered via the drop box at Municipal Hall or Canada Post mail.

 For complete Building Permits, ready to be issued:

• Permits that are ready to be picked up, will be delivered by Building Inspectors while they are in the field for inspections.
• Water meters, if required, will also be dropped off at this time.
• As a point of reference, here are some frequently-used online resources:

• Coordinate with building@lakecountry.bc.ca to determine the cost of the permit, and have a cheque ready for Building Inspectors to take with them back to the Municipal Hall to complete payment.

• Building Permit Application Form
  
• Access Permit Application Form  
• Water/Sewer Connection Application Form  
• Simple Building Permit Requirements Information Bulletin  

Guidance from the province to construction sites operating during COVID-19: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0002-000542

The inspector will require physical distancing during inspections, including having all workers pause and relocate in open air briefly to enable our inspectors to complete inspections. One person may escort the inspector to ensure safety while on-site, while maintaining a minimum separation of 2 metres.

NO BURNING March 26-April 15:

MARCH 26, 2020 Effective immediately, the Province has now prohibited Open Burning in High Sensitivity Areas, which includes our region. No new fires and No new materials may be added to existing fires. Burning prohibited until April 15.

Burning notification permits can be applied for online and issued up until April 30^th.  Application forms will be available again after April 15 here: lakecountry.bc.ca 

Yes – work is continuing and schedule updates will be provided on the District website at lakecountry.bc.ca. 

To find out more about any specific project please visit https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/projects  

Guidance from the province to construction sites operating during COVID-19: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0002-000542

Where can I get accurate information about COVID-19?

Public health officials require anyone arriving in B.C from a foreign country to self-isolate for 14 days, staying away from work or school. Guidance for self-isolation is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing-isolation

• Help flatten the curve by checking symptoms online. The self-assessment app can be downloaded here: https://covid19.thrive.health/
• If you or a family member have symptoms or need medical advice, call 811.
• For the most up-to-date health information on the #COVID19 outbreak, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control at @CDCofBC or visit: www.bccdc.ca
• For up-to-date non-health information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
• Latest COVID-19 updates and statements: https://news.gov.bc.ca/Search?q=COVID-19
• Latest orders and directives from the provincial health officer can be found https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers, businesses, schools and those planning events of less than 50, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For common questions about COVID-19 and terminology, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions

For the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/

To view tables of epidemic curve and age distribution, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Epidemic_Curve_Age_Distribution_March_20_2020.pdf

Yes. 

The Federal Govts economic stimulus plan has some great measures. March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

To learn more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

For information on B.C.’s COVID Action Plan and other government resources and updates, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Guidance to retail food and grocery stores operating during COVID-19: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0015-000587

The Province is providing a $3-million emergency grant from the Community Gaming Grants program to Food Banks British Columbia: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0049-000583

The B.C. government announces support and relief for the province’s most vulnerable and those living in BC Housing: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0013-000536

The B.C. government is taking steps to support the child care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0041-000530

The B.C. government is waiving the Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage wait period for people moving back to B.C. from COVID-19 impacted areas. In addition, the B.C. government is planning to provide health coverage to British Columbians who are out of province and unable to return. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents

Resource for managing COIVD-19 related stress, anxiety and depression: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health-safety/covid19_stressmanagement_5_accessible.pdf  

WorkSafeBC resources available for employers and workers: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates

On March 21, 2020, the federal government announced new measures to provide support for Canadians at home or abroad, as well as support for international students, seasonal agricultural workers and other temporary foreign workers: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/21/prime-minister-announces-efforts-bring-canadians-home-abroad

COVID-19 Provincial support and information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support?utm_campaign=20200319_GCPE_AM_COVID_4_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION 

See the comprehensive set of resources for Central Okanagan businesses from the COEDC: https://www.investkelowna.com/covid19/

The Province is funding the expansion of bc211, a provincewide information and referral service, to match seniors whose support network has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with volunteers. To learn more about bc211, visit: http://www.bc211.ca/  

To learn more about United Way Better at Home Program, visit: http://betterathome.ca/

Seniors and people who want to volunteer and who are well can call bc211 or visit: www.bc211.ca/

Fact Sheet on various renters’ supports: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/information-for-renters-and-landlords-during-covid-19. You can also find more details on actions to support renters at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19. 

The provincial government also launched a temporary rental supplement program to assist renters who may have difficulty paying rent. This supplement is in addition to funding available from the federal government and the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers. We encourage all renters to continue paying their rent and talking with their landlord to establish a payment schedule if they can’t pay rent right now. The temporary rent supplement will provide for up to $500 per month, for eligible households to be paid directly to the landlord on the renter’s behalf. Additional information will be available at http://www.bchousing.org.  

What is being done about family and social supports for child care?

March 31, 2020 an announcement was made that essential workers can fill out a new “parent” form to identify their need for urgent child care. Forms can be accessed by calling 1 888 338-6622 and selecting Option 4, or online:

www.gov.bc.ca/essential-service-child-care

Child Care Resource Referral (CCRR) centres in 38 communities will act as community-based hubs. The CCRRs will reach out to essential-service workers in their area who filled in the form to connect them with available licensed child care spaces.

Applicants will be asked:

• which category of essential worker they are;
• their child’s age; and
• in which community they need child care.

Child care spaces will be prioritized for children whose parents work in public health and health services, social services, law enforcement, first responders and emergency response sectors. Additional spaces will then be given to families working in other crucial roles, defined as essential service workers.

March 24, 2020 the Ministry of Children and Family Development provided answers to common questions regarding child care impacts and supports. See them here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/family-and-social-supports/covid-19/qa_child_care_sector.pdf?fbclid=IwAR04CzGQxsia7DSYVE8zITlff_P6ilXkM2u4mGnQuEZHbZ0lzRdY6gcdnUQ

Are there any specific supports for businesses?

Yes. 

March 27, 2020 announcement on small business supports: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/small-business/covid-19_small_business_supports.pdf

The BC Economic Development Association has compiled a resource list for support to BC businesses: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OjtkSJ_VedTzPVJIRL2fDp8NyXA07RkXMB6St12eYdc/preview 

Business credit availability program 

See the comprehensive set of resources for Central Okanagan businesses from the COEDC: https://www.investkelowna.com/covid19/

Are there supports for vulnerable populations?

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has reached out to the social service sector to emphasize the importance of services to vulnerable people who may be at greater risk of COVID-19. 

View the Factsheet for Unsheltered people. 

BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Harm Reduction and Overdose Response

Information to help us all stay healthy

Are the utility companies and banks providing any relief options for individuals? 

Yes. Here are some links to the relief programs we are aware of: 

BC Hydro help with utility bills

ICBC autoplan payment deferral 

Student loan payments suspended without interest

Employment insurance benefits

BC Housing rental supplement program

Guide to managing debt