Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association

07/19/2024

PQB Tourism is very proud and thankful for our incredible community partnerships that help make projects like this happen!

07/05/2024

With four drownings in the Kootenays and one drowning in the Okanagan recently, in addition to a canyon rescue on the North Shore July 3, + warm summer weather in the forecast, it's timely to talk about water safety.

We never head out for a water adventure with the expectation that something will go wrong, and most times everything will go right. However, that one time that the unexpected happens…your investment in water safety, individual abilities, keen supervisor awareness and rescue techniques can mean the difference between a successful outing and becoming a statistic.

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE.
Know Before You Go!

WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET: It’s the most effective piece of safety equipment you can use while on the water. Most marine incidents occur quickly and without warning.

BE PREPARED: Carry the required safety equipment and ensure vessel preparedness. It could save your life on the water. Visit BC Transportation and Infrastructure for vessel requirements.

BE AWARE OF COLD-WATER RISKS: The immediate effects of cold-water immersion (unintentional water entry) can be life-threatening.

TAKE A COURSE: Familiarize yourself with the area and activity in which you are engaging. Our friends at the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch have a great program called ‘Swim To Survive’ – check it out!

ARMS REACH: Parents and caregivers must be near (within arms' reach) their children whenever they are near water.

Here’s three reliable resources for your water safety this summer;
1) AdventureSmart
💦 safety on rivers/in canyons, coastal, paddling, hypothermia
https://www.adventuresmart.ca/water-safety/

2) Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch
💦 courses, training, WaterWise education
https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/watersmart

3) CoastSmart
💦 rip currents, tides, coastal, surge channels, unexpected waves
https://coastsmart.ca/

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE.
Know Before You Go!

06/17/2024

In the last three years, World University Service of Canada (WUSC-EUMC) has worked with 24 workplaces in BC experiencing staffing shortages to effectively facilitate the immigration and transition of 60 refugee youth from refugee contexts, possessing suitable skills for their new hospitality jobs!

Learn more:

Canada's commitment to durable solutions for refugees is exemplified by its leadership with the implementation of the Economic Mobility Pathways Program (EMPP.) The EMPP not only offers durable solutions and economic empowerment for refugees but it also fills gaps in the Canadian labour market📈.

🚀 As part of our efforts to expand labour mobility pathways for refugees, we're excited to share our learnings from the evaluation of HIRES, our labour mobility pathway pilot. In our latest blog, we delve into:

🔑 Key Findings
🛠 Challenges
🌱 Opportunities

📖 Read now: https://wusc.ca/?p=27433&utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=World%20University%20Service%20of%20Canada%20%28WUSC-EUMC%29&utm_content=HIRES-%20KP

World Education Services






***
L'engagement du Canada à l'égard de solutions durables pour les réfugié·e·s est illustré par son leadership avec la mise en œuvre du Projet pilote sur la voie d'accès à la mobilité économique (PVAME). Le PVAME offre non seulement des solutions durables et une autonomie économique aux réfugié·e·s, mais il comble également les lacunes du marché du travail canadien📈.

🚀 Dans le cadre de nos efforts visant à élargir les voies d'accès à la mobilité économique pour les réfugié·e·s, nous sommes heureux·ses de partager nos apprentissages tirés de l'évaluation d'HIRES, notre projet pilote de voie de mobilité économique. Dans notre dernier billet de blogue, nous nous penchons sur:

🔑 Les principales constatations
🛠 Les défis
🌱 Les opportunités

📖 À lire ici: https://wusc.ca/fr/?p=27437&utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=World%20University%20Service%20of%20Canada%20%28WUSC-EUMC%29&utm_content=HIRES-%20KP

06/14/2024

Destination BC (DBC), in collaboration with tourism industry partners at regional and local levels, has launched an inspiring new collection of 12 destination development case studies that highlight innovative tourism practices and their positive impact on visitors and residents.

Learn more:

In partnership with various groups in our province, our destination development strategies involve developing defined areas to support BC's tourism sector.

05/27/2024

Apply for the BCTCRI Sustainability Micro-grant Program Before May 31, 2024! This program offers BC tourism businesses and non-profits up to $15,000 to support projects focused on enhancing operational sustainability, reducing operating costs through efficient resource use, achieving sustainability certification, and enhancing preparedness for climate events.

Applications close at 4:00pm PT on May 31, 2024 and are being processed on a first come, first served basis.

Learn more & apply: https://www.destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/bc-tourism-climate-resiliency-initiative/what-we-do-destination-management-bc-tourism-climate-resiliency-initiative-project-2/

05/17/2024

It’s Local Government Awareness Week and we want to help you understand who does what in our region.

We have many great partners, especially our four member municipalities. We want to share with you how you can learn more, get involved and have your say with them too during Local Government Awareness Week! Our Regional Board includes locally elected municipal council members from our municipal partners. They meet regularly with our Electoral Area Directors and work together to help provide services to the entire region. Learn more about our member municipalities at:
🔹 City of Nanaimo nanaimo.ca/ or getinvolvednanaimo.ca/ (will tag them in social media posts if possible)
🔹 District of Lantzville lantzville.ca/
🔹 City of Parksville parksville.ca/ or letstalkparksville.ca/
🔹 Town of Qualicum Beach qualicumbeach.com/

If you are not yet registered at our Get Involved RDN page at: getinvolved.rdn.ca/who-we-are be sure to register by June 16 to be entered to win one of three great prizes of your choice! An RDN Recreation or Parks $100 gift certificate, two, one-month passes for RDN Transit, a $100 credit on your next RDN utility bill (you must live in one of the RDN’s electoral areas to receive this prize) or a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant or business.

05/16/2024

Did you know that 96% of Canadians view arts, culture, and heritage organizations as essential spaces for community education?

During BC Museums Week 2024, we are imagining a future where museums, galleries, and heritage sites bring communities together to make sense of a rapidly changing world.

05/10/2024

Destination BC is reminding the tourism sector to be prepared for emergencies with the help of their recently updated Emergency Messaging Guidance document.

Learn more: https://www.destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/emergency-preparedness/

05/06/2024

Celebrate National Safety & Health Week with go2HR’s Essential H&S Training.

Whether you are looking to train new hires, upskill your managers, or meet WorkSafeBC regulatory requirements, go2HR offers a wide variety of courses to help tourism and hospitality businesses prioritize workplace health and safety and build a strong safety culture.

Learn more:

Create a strong and safe workplace with health & safety training for the tourism & hospitality industry, including fundamentals, hazard identification, signs of stress and more.

04/19/2024

There are tourism opportunities in every corner of BC (and Parksville Qualicum Beach!), supporting our communities by helping to preserve, share, and celebrate our culture and heritage.

Thanks for helping us celebrate and elevate BC on a global stage!

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

04/18/2024

DYK tourism improves quality of life for all British Columbians? From museums and galleries to dining and wine touring, our industry makes BC even better.

Celebrate with us, and let’s show the world how BC and Canada are Powered by Tourism!

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

04/17/2024

Meet Qualicum Beach Cafe, Nanoose Bay Cafe, & DEEZ Bar & Grill Managers and interview on-site at their upcoming Hiring Fair happening on Saturday, May 4th, on the Qualicum Beach Cafe Patio!

Learn more:

Our Restaurant Family is looking for people like you to join our vibrant and ever-growing team! Meet our Managers and interview on-site at our upcoming Hiring

04/17/2024

Working in tourism is so much more than a 9-5 job! From helicopter pilots to sommeliers, the industry offers diverse, well-paying careers for 154,360+ people in BC and approximately 3,000 people in PQB.

Show your appreciation for these hardworking individuals during


The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

04/16/2024

Tourism is a key economic driver in BC, generating $18.5 billion in revenue in 2022. Locally in PQB, tourism generated approximately $510 million in 2022.

With over 16,900 tourism businesses supporting the BC economy, it's clear that ! Let's commemorate and the positive impact of this industry on our province.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

04/15/2024

Thanks to City of Parksville & Mayor O'Brien for helping us celebrate !

https://www.facebook.com/cityparksville/videos/699173845528353/

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)

04/15/2024

Join us in celebrating , April 15-19, 2024! Together, let's champion and promote BC's unparalleled destinations, tourism businesses, and employees.

| The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)

04/04/2024

PQB Tourism formally released the long-term destination strategy and 5-year implementation plan with a public open house at The Beach Club Resort on Thursday, March 28.

Later that afternoon tourism businesses, community leaders, and residents who were engaged with the planning process were invited to celebrate the official launch with William Bakker of Destination Think sharing an informative video presentation / Q&A of the overall strategy and plan.

Learn more:

In 2023 PQB Tourism and Destination Think created a long-term destination development strategy (10+ years) for the region in collaboration with local governments, First Nations, the tourism industry, residents, and visitors.

03/27/2024

When the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act was introduced in fall 2023, the Province exempted strata hotels and motels. Details are now being provided about the exemption to give greater certainty ahead of spring and summer tourist seasons.

The Province is taking action to make sure new short-term rental rules will continue to provide more long-term homes for people, while helping ensure certain existing strata hotels and motels will be able to continue providing overnight accommodation.

03/18/2024

Throughout 2023 Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association and Destination Think created a destination development strategy for our region. This strategy takes a long-term view (10+ years) and was developed in collaboration with local governments, First Nations, the tourism industry, residents, and visitors.

PQB Tourism is excited to formally release the long term destination strategy and 5-year implementation plan with a public open house:

Parksville Qualicum Beach Destination Strategy Open House
12pm - 2pm March 28, 2024.
Beach Club Resort
Light refreshments will be served
No RSVP required

Town of Qualicum Beach | City of Parksville | Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce | Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce | Parksville Downtown | Lighthouse Country Business Association

03/11/2024

City of Parksville is seeking your input on proposed goals and objectives for the transportation master plan, future capital projects and planning, and proposed projects and strategies to meet the community’s vision.

Learn more:

Transportation Master Plan – Phase 2 Survey Thank you to those who participated in the City’s transportation master plan project so far. We’ve heard from many residents who shared their thoughts and experiences related to transportation in the City. As part of phase 2

01/31/2024

Looking for a way to help BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association address the struggling hospitality industry? You can start by printing this poster and displaying it.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d37827eea1ab800017d102d/t/65b83a490dc67c03f1f9bd69/1706572363925/Printable+Menu.pdf

01/29/2024

Learn more about Project One of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Facilitated Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses that provides free, one-on-one, tailored support to tourism businesses looking to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations, strategy, and storytelling:

Project One of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Facilitated Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses–provides free, one-on-one, tailored support to tourism businesses looking to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation ...

01/26/2024

Congratulations and gratitude to MosaicForests and Arrowsmith Cycling Club!

Mosaic is in the business of sustainable forest stewardship, managing private timberlands and Crown

01/25/2024

Take a moment to check out BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association's ‘Unhappy Hour’ menu - a menu featuring a curated list of all the challenges and difficulties facing BC restaurants today, and a list of what steps decision-makers can take to help turn the tables.

Restaurant bankruptcies have increased by 48% in the last ten months.

BC is home to more than 15,000 restaurants and foodservice vendors, and those businesses employ over 185,000 workers. They are the heart of every community in this province.

But the industry is facing significant challenges and many businesses are struggling to make ends meet.

There are steps that governments can take to address the issues and help save BC restaurants.

Learn more: https://www.bcrfa.com/savebcrestaurants

12/04/2023

PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities.

Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/services/funding/tourism-growth-program.html

11/08/2023

The first leg of engagement for Charting the Course – A Vision for Coastal Ferries is live, and your participation is vital.

BC Ferries is on a journey to enhance coastal ferry services for today and tomorrow. Take a few minutes to complete the online survey and let your voice be heard.

The online survey runs From November 8th to November 28th – participate now!

Transportation, transit and ferry systems around the world are under pressure resulting from the pandemic, population growth, climate change, inflation and other factors. BC’s coastal ferry system is no exception, and BC Ferries is responding with actions to address

10/24/2023

Thanks to our friends at Destinations International for sharing this infographic that shows how destination organizations like Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism are catalysts for community vitality.

Destinations International is excited to present our new graphic that illustrates the "circle of life" of a destination organization. The Community Vitality Wheel shows that community vitality does not happen without us.
👉 Download the Community Vitality Wheel: https://bit.ly/3FtlqzJ

10/17/2023

Turning short-term rentals into homes for people is at the core of newly introduced legislation to regulate the rapidly expanding short-term rental market.

10/11/2023

The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the British Columbia Hotel Association are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on BC tourism stakeholders from crisis events in the summer of 2023, such as wildfires, poor air quality, road closures, the provincial State of Emergency, and the Travel Restriction Order.

Learn more and take the survey:

10/05/2023

Milner Gardens & Woodland invites local businesses to participate in the First Annual Scarecrow Spectacular!

🎃 ATTENTION ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS 🎃

We still have a few spots left for more scarecrow creations!

Would you like to be part of our First Annual Scarecrow Spectacular? Ask us about our Scarecrow Sponsorship opportunity - giving you a chance to show off your creativity and community spirit by adding your own scarecrow to Scarecrow Lane! Visitors will be encouraged to vote on their favourite spooktacular creation, making this a friendly, festive competition 👻🎃🧛‍♂️

Email [email protected] to learn more.