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Visitors asked to postpone visits to Powell River area

Regional emergency operations centre makes request
Powell River
Aerial view of Powell River. Peak archive photo

Regional emergency operations centre (EOC) is appealing to tourists and part-time residents with second homes and vacation homes to avoid travelling to qathet Regional District, City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation for the coming holidays.

On April 7, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry stated: “This is also a time ... when many people will be thinking of travelling and going to perhaps holiday homes or smaller communities around the province and I’m really imploring people this is not our time to do that, right now. We need to avoid all non-essential travel and it’s important that we don’t go to communities where we might not have the resources to support us if we become sick or if there is a medical emergency. So, now is the time to stay home, to stay connected with our family, to stay connected virtually.”

BC health minister Adrian Dix reiterated those comments by stating: “This weekend … the weather is maybe the best weather of the year we have, but this is not the weekend to travel to second homes and to cottages. Let’s enjoy, as much as we can under these circumstances, what we have here … let’s enjoy them without travelling, that there be no non-essential travel; we certainly would actively discourage it.”

According to a media release from the regional emergency operations centre, this is an isolated region with a substantial vulnerable population.

“Our community, like many coastal towns, has limited health resources and our residents are at a high risk should they be exposed,” stated Ryan Thoms, manager of emergency services. “Our businesses and local services are reduced to minimal levels, BC Ferries has reduced services and our community is helping to plank the curve with physical distancing.

“The water taxis and barge operators servicing our islands are restricting travel to the transport of residents and essential goods and services. Please avoid non-essential trips and remain in your home community.”

Thoms stated there is an understanding of the desire to leave large urban centres for vacation homes so people can physically distance themselves and their families, however this puts this community at significant risk.

“Please consider your neighbours and postpone your travel plans to our region until further notice,” stated Thoms. “Like you, we love exploring our region, but now is not the time to come. We must all do our part to protect communities at high risk. Please follow the advice of health authorities so that we can all enjoy the Sunshine Coast, Tla’amin Nation lands and islands together again.”