COVID-19 Vaccination & Immunization
Proof of Vaccination Information for Businesses
Beginning September 13, people aged 12+ will need to show proof of vaccination to get into certain events and businesses in BC.
- The Government of British Columbia has created an information hub with a number of resources to assist those businesses who need to start verifying proof of vaccination.
- Download print-ready posters provided by the Province to help your businesses implement the BC Proof of Vaccination Program here.
- Download a Whistler Chamber Proof of Vaccination Tip Sheet for local businesses.
Messaging guidance for tourism businesses created by Destination BC is available here
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has a Vaccine Resource Hub to equip businesses to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity.
BC’s Restart Plan
The BC Restart Plan takes a phased approach to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Each phase provides guidance for individuals and businesses. Everyone is free to go at their own pace as we move between phases, as long as they follow the guidance and orders of the Provincial Health Officer. Businesses and organizations may not follow the same timelines for reopening and expanding interactions.
Whistler is currently in Phase 3 of the Restart Plan. Masks are required in all public indoor settings – the order will be reassessed when proof of vaccination and B.C.’s vaccine card are fully implemented.
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched resource guides to support small businesses as they navigate toward economic recovery as laid out in the Restart Plan. The guides address workforce planning, operational challenges and the next steps of pandemic recovery, among other topics. Access the Mainland | Southwest Region Resource Guide that encompasses Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Workplaces will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Plan.
More information: BC’S RESTART PLAN | Next steps to move BC through the pandemic
Business Reopening Resources
Here are some key resources to help businesses in the reopening phase:
Key steps to safely operating your business or organization and reducing covid-19 transmission – from BC Small Business Roundtable
From the Canadian Business Resilience Network:
Roadmap Toolkit for Chambers and Boards of Trade
We will continue to provide the Whistler Business community with the necessary resources and updates as we move towards our ‘new normal’.
Industry Specific Resources
Restaurants
Employer resources from the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA)
Retail
Recovery Playbook from the Retail Council of Canada
VIDEO: Advocacy In Action – COVID-19 Recovery Strategies for Retailers
BC’s Economic Recovery Plan
BC’s Economic Recovery Plan – Stronger BC, is focused on building better healthcare, supporting people and families, helping BC businesses and building stronger communities.
Stronger BC is helping B.C. businesses hire and grow in a range of different industries. Their plan helps businesses, adapt and grow through initiatives like helping businesses connect to customers online, and delivering grants to businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic. Find a range of Stronger BC resources for businesses here.
Health & Wellness + HR
Mental Health Resources
- BC COVID-19 Mental Health Network: email bccovidtherapists@gmail.com
- Free counselling and support with Wellness Together Canada
- Connect with an outreach worker: Whistler Community Services Society
- A toolkit for mental health in uncertain times: Sea to Sky Healing Project
- First aid includes mental health: Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Mental health and substance use support: Sea to Sky Safety Net
Employment Standards
- Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19 (Government of Canada)
- Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service (MediateBC)
- Keeping your employees safe (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
- Work Sharing Brochure for Employers (Service Canada)
- HR advice: Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace (go2HR)
- What Employers Need to Know About Temporary Layoffs (Small Business BC)
Local Resources
Whistler’s Doors Open Directory
Whistler’s Doors Open Directory from Tourism Whistler provides information for locals or visitors planning ahead. The directory provides up-to-date information on what is open in Whistler.
Guidelines for a Safe Restart
Whistler’s guidelines for a safe restart from the RMOW cover COVID-19 business best practices including core workplace guidelines and best practices for different sectors.
Mayor’s Video Updates
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Resort Municipality of Whistler, with Mayor Jack Crompton’s regular video updates.
How to Support Whistler Business
Here are a few ways you can show support to your favourite local businesses during COVID-19.
Safety & Expectations
Businesses must continuously revisit their COVID-19 safety plans. WorkSafe BC’s COVID-19 Safety Plan should be your master document. Safety plans should be constantly reviewed as things evolve.
The RMOW also has a guide on COVID19 Guidance and Support for Whistler Businesses, as well as the COVID-19 business best practices page.
WorkSafe BC
All employers must demonstrate that they can operate safely, and are required under the Workers Compensation Act to ensure the safety of their employees at work.
WorkSafeBC will be there to help all local businesses, non-profits and organizations, and will work with employers and workers through educational materials, consultation, and workplace inspections to help you restart safely.
Employers are required to:
- Review Health and Safety Guidelines, best practices and other resources from WorkSafeBC
- Adapt these materials into appropriate COVID-19 Safe Plans for your workplace
Sectors that have operated during the pandemic may need to update their COVID-19 Safe Plans to fit with updated Health and Safety Guidelines, best practices and resources.
For resources, visit the WorkSafeBC website or call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1-888-621-7233.
The BC Chamber with your Sea to Sky regional Chambers partnered with WorkSafeBC to provide this webinar on workplace health and safety during COVID-19.
Posters & Infographics to Share
Business Travel & Events
As of March 13, 2020, the Government of Canada advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
- COVID-19 travel advice (Government of Canada)
- Travel advisories (Government of Canada)
- Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings (Government of Canada)
Webinars & Virtual Events
Click on the videos below to browse the category playlist and find videos about the topics your need support with.
COVID-19 Business Support
CEO's Weekly Update for Whistler Biz
Advocacy in Action
Stay Informed
Health Updates
Stay up-to-date on the rapidly evolving situation, by frequently checking provincial, national and international websites:
Business Support
These excellent resources from Canadian organisations will keep you informed, and will help to make business easier for you:
- Continuity plan toolkit (Business Development Canada)
- BC Business COVID-19 Support Service (Small Business BC)
- Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19 (BC Chamber)
- Canadian Business Resilience Network (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
COVID-19 Blog
Whistler Chamber Responds to new Health Orders
Whistler Chamber Responds to new Health Orders April 22, 2021 On March 31, 2021, Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, announced a series of health orders that would have implications across the province. The Whistler Chamber posted a response by...
Advocacy in Action – Celebrating the Power of Connection
Advocacy in Action - Celebrating the Power of Connection February 25, 2021 On February 18, the Whistler Chamber held our monthly Advocacy in Action: Member Input Session. Melissa Pace, CEO of the Whistler Chamber, connected virtually with eight Members and...
BC PNP Program – Letter to Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
BC PNP Program - Letter to Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation UPDATE: February 17, 2021 The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has resumed invitations to 31 occupations that were under a temporary suspension. This is a big win for Whistler...
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