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Recovery Task Force
The purpose of the RTF is to identify immediate and long-term needs, assess various initiatives,
and craft a response to the economic and social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
that best serve the needs of the local community.
For relevant updates from the City of Revelstoke for COVID-19, please visit: www.revelstoke.ca/covid
LATEST UPDATES
MAY 2021 - I ❤️ REVY. CAMPAIGNI ❤️ REVY. is a collaborative, well-being initiative by the Revelstoke Recovery Task Force.
Together, the I ❤️ REVY. team hopes to build community resilience by sharing information, tips, tools, and stories.
The campaign launch includes a 4 issue supplement in the Revelstoke Review from May 6 - 27, 2021.
In addition, the team has created a page on TalkRevelstoke.ca as a resource to collect feedback and open up discussion with the community about how we can help each other to recover and sustain through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find PDF copies of the supplement issues and MORE at TALKREVELSTOKE.CA/I-HEART-REVY
Read the latest news from the Recovery Task Force - Newsletter Issue #6 - May 25, 2021
Please reference the tabs below for information and latest updates on the RTF initiative.
On May 12, 2020, Council supported establishment of a
Recovery Task Force (RTF) in collaboration with the CSRD.
PURPOSE
The City of Revelstoke and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District recognizes the need to identify immediate
and long-term needs, assess various initiatives, and craft a response to the economic disruptions caused by
the COVID-19 pandemic that will best serve the needs of the local community, comprised of the City of Revelstoke
and CSRD Area B.
The purpose of the Recovery Task Force is to help formalize efforts to create a resiliency and recovery plan and identify key actions needed to ensure Revelstoke is in a strong position for a safe recovery coming out of the pandemic. It will be a collaborative initiative representing the Revelstoke area consisting of local and regional government, business leaders, and stakeholders.
OBJECTIVES
The role of the task force is to be a non-partisan, cross-sectoral ’think tank’ that will receive input from a variety of sectors and will collate that input to suggest strategies and opportunities that we can focus on to mitigate the potential economic impact to businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The key objectives of the Recovery Task Force are:
- Conduct needs assessment, economic impact analysis, and research into best practices for economic recovery.
- Identify and leverage internal and external resources to fund and support delivery of effective programming and assistance measures to businesses.
- Support the on-going work of local agencies and stakeholders to assist businesses, tourism operators, cultural workers, food producers, and all sectors of industry experiencing significant disruption and negative impacts from the pandemic.
- Support consistent, proactive communications, and consensus-building among stakeholders.
- Develop a ’made-in-Revelstoke’ economic recovery and resiliency plan for the community and surrounding region.
- Develop business transition and restart resources, tools, and supports to enable businesses as well as workforce retention and expansion.
As the Recovery Task Force moves forward, we will update on the progress of these initiatives.
UPDATE: MAY 25, 2021
The latest news from the Recovery Task Force including: vaccination details, latest initiatives, and information on the new I HEART REVY. community page on talkrevelstoke.ca PDF or Adobe Online
UPDATE: MAY 2021 - I ❤️ REVY. CAMPAIGNI ❤️ REVY. is a collaborative, well-being initiative by the Revelstoke Recovery Task Force.
Together, the I ❤️ REVY. team hopes to build community resilience by sharing information, tips, tools, and stories.
The campaign launch includes a 4 issue supplement in the Revelstoke Review from May 6 - 27, 2021.
In addition, the team has created a page on TalkRevelstoke.ca as a resource to collect feedback and open up discussion with the community about how we can help each other to recover and sustain through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find PDF copies of the supplement issues and MORE at: TALKREVELSTOKE.CA/I-HEART-REVY
UPDATE: DECEMBER 14, 2020
Interior Health Update for Revelstoke - Dec 14, 2020
Through communications with Interior Health (IH), the Recovery Task Force received a presentation update at its most recent meeting regarding the latest COVID-19 related news to Revelstoke. IH has now declared the cluster that developed as contained but urges the community to continue to be vigilant with ongoing measures. In their latest press release, Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown stated: “This remains a time for caution and vigilance with the overall cases we are seeing in Interior Health, but it is important to recognize Revelstoke residents, businesses, elected officials and health care teams for their collective efforts in reducing local spread and containing this cluster.” The Recovery Task Force would like to thank the community for its efforts – keep up the great work, Revelstoke! Let's keep holding the line together.
IH Info Bulletin (Dec 11-2020): https://bit.ly/3oVp7Eb
IH Presentation to RTF (Dec 9-2020): https://bit.ly/2IPpJMb
IH Winter Toolkit: https://bit.ly/2KqsjbX
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2020
The latest news from the Recovery Task Force including updated REVY. Rules with new mandatory mask requirement for all public indoor and retail spaces. PDF or Adobe Online
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2020
The "Mask Up REVY." campaign is a great success with 20,000 masks distributed to businesses, residents and visitors AND over $9000 collected in donations plus 350lbs of dry food to the Community Connections Food Bank. This was a collaborative effort with funding from Community Economic Development for Revelstoke and CSRD Area B, administration and distribution from the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, additional funding support from Tourism Revelstoke, and the concept brought forth by the RTF. Read the Full Media Release
UPDATE: OCTOBER 27, 2020
At the Regular Council meeting on October 27, 2020, Council approved support for wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible. This applies to all public spaces, both indoors and outside.UPDATE: OCTOBER 8, 2020
At the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 8, 2020, the Recovery Task Force presented an update on all the initiatives to date that the RTF has completed.
Review the presentation.
UPDATE: SEPT 4, 2020
Read the latest news from the RTF! Newsletter Issue #4 - ONLINE · PDF
UPDATE: AUGUST 24, 2020 - The REVY. Masks have arrived!
Visit the Revelstoke Visitor Centre for your FREE mask! - MASK UP, REVELSTOKE! - VIDEO
The Visitor Information Centre is accepting cash and non-perishable food donations to the Community Connections Food Bank.
Media Release - Revelstoke Tourism: "Mask Up REVY" Project
UPDATE: AUGUST 14, 2020
Read the latest news from the RTF! Newsletter Issue #3 - ONLINE · PDF
UPDATE: JULY 31, 2020
COMMERCIAL UTILITIES RELIEF FOR COVID-19 SHUTDOWN PERIOD
If you are a business who was required to cease operations in response to COVID-19, Council recently passed
Commercial Utility Services Amendment Bylaw No. 2274 which provides businesses the opportunity to apply for a change in utility fees invoiced during the period from: March 16-May 30, 2020
Application deadline is September 30, 2020
Contact the Finance Department for more details and to apply.
Read the latest news from RTF! Newsletter Issue #2 - July 31, 2020: ONLINE or PDFWatch our new WELCOME TO REVELSTOKE video - Visitors Welcome!
“We are proud to share Revelstoke with our visitors and excited to welcome you back." - Mayor Gary Sulz says.
UPDATE: JULY 10, 2020
The Recovery Task Force (RTF) has been working hard on initiatives to help the community work through the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the latest news from the RTF! Newsletter Issue #1 - July 10, 2020: ONLINE or PDF
Current Initiatives and Accomplishments include:
EXPANDED SPACE FOR BUSINESSES AND ‘PARKLET’ PILOT PROJECT
City Council has made recent approvals to waive fees for businesses to expand into their frontage onto City sidewalks and parking stalls to help with physical distancing guidelines.
These options include:
Retailers & Shops: display table/rack OR table & chairs on sidewalks, and ‘parklet’ seating areas in parking stalls
Restaurants & Bars: patios on sidewalks or extending into parking stalls
Fees for these permits have been waived until October 15, 2020.
To inquire about permit requirements and to apply, contact Development Services: 250-837-3637 development@revelstoke.ca
MACKENZIE AVENUE PILOT PROJECT
Through extensive consultation with the local business community, the RTF has recommended to Council a phased approach to support Revelstoke’s vibrant downtown economy including:
Phase 1 - Communicating options for local business to increase capacity while maintaining physical distancing guidelines.
Phase 2 - The ‘Parklet’ Pilot Project Extended waiting areas for retailers! Fees for these permits have been waived until October 15, 2020. To inquire about permit requirements and to apply, contact Development Services:
250-837-3637 development@revelstoke.ca.
Phase 3 - Assessment of Phase 1 and 2 and a further look at creation of expanded space for additional capacity including potential street closures during peak pedestrian traffic hours.
ART DECAL PILOT PROJECT
Sponsored by the Revelstoke Credit Union and working with local artists and Signs Ink, physical distancing Art Decals will be placed on sidewalks around the Credit Union. There will be an opportunity to expand this project to other businesses. The decals will feature notable revelstoke scenes and landscapes by local artists. The Art Decals enhance the experience for locals and tourists while observing physical distancing guidelines.
REVY. MASKS
We’ve ordered 10,000 masks, funded by the Resort Municipality Initiative, to promote safety for visitors and locals. In partnership with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, these masks will be distributed through the Revelstoke Visitor Centre while quantities last. We’ll announce when our REVY. masks have arrived!
REVY. Rules Posters
REVY. Rules posters are available at the Revelstoke Visitor Centre for businesses to encourage both visitors and locals to follow the simple guidelines set out by the Province of BC to keep everyone safe and healthy. Tourism Revelstoke has also created additional digital components that outline the REVY. Rules and how to explore both responsibly and safely to keep our community and visitors safe.
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UPDATED: June 10, 2020
The following initiatives were presented to Council on June 9, 2020.
USE OF CITY SIDEWALKS & REFUND OF PRE-PAID VENDING FEES - 2020
Council approved that all fees as prescribed in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2256 associated with vending or busking use of sidewalks; use of City sidewalks for retail purposes; use of City sidewalks for dining purposes; use of City sidewalks for coffee shops; and for outdoor patios be waived for the year 2020.
In addition, it was also approved that a refund be authorized for any fees paid between January 1-9, 2020, as prescribed in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2256 associated with vending or busking use of sidewalks; use of City sidewalks for retail purposes; use of City sidewalks for dining purposes; use of City sidewalks for coffee shops; and for outdoor patios.
PILOT PROJECT FOR MACKENZIE AVENUE
Council approved that City staff assist the Recovery Task Force (RTF) with implementation of a pilot project regarding Mackenzie Avenue closures and/or adjacent streets for selected times and days of the week.
This is to enable businesses to expand their footprint into the street and includes possible temporary road closures, parking adjustments, and public engagement.
Included with the pilot project, Council also approved the implementation of removable sidewalk art, organized by the Revelstoke Credit Union, be used to support physical distancing measures for businesses while entertaining/educating customers.
The RTF is organized by the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and reports to the EDC.
Meetings are frequent as time is of the essence in our current situation.
TASK FORCE MEMBER | REPRESENTING |
Roberta Bobicki | Economic Development Commission |
Dawn Low | City of Revelstoke |
Ingrid Bron | Economic & Social Issues / Arts & Culture City of Revelstoke / CSRD Area B |
Stacey Brensrud | All Small Business / Chamber Members |
Dylan Hardy | Technology / Change of Service Delivery |
Daniel Kellie | Tourism / Operators |
Brady Beruschi | Hospitality / Accommodation / Restaurants & Bars |
Linda Chell | Childcare / Daycare |
BR Whalen | WorkBC / Employment |
Anita Ely | Healthcare / Public Health & Safety |
In addition to the initial RTF membership, ongoing communication needs, business supports, and outreach continues under the leadership of the Business and Visitor Information Centre team, including:
Community Futures
Basin Business Advisor program
Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Info Centre
Tourism Revelstoke
Community Economic Development staff and project leads
Key staff provide regular updates to RTF and work together to ensure that we have the capacity
to deliver on proposed initiatives in collaboration with the City.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY and RESILIENCY
The one common denominator of the COVID-19 pandemic is the unknown.
Economic recovery, even by optimistic assessments, will take time.
Even with great uncertainty we can work together to plan our path forward and resolve impacts
in an adaptive, effective, and efficient manner.
The Recovery Task Force Timeline
(Our current position is indicated by the RTF Bear)
LAST UPDATE: MAY 2021
SHORT TERM
Recovery actions respond to the immediate needs of individuals and the community. Actions include safeguarding health and safety of community members, enabling essential services, communicating pertinent information, sharing resources, and performing outreach efforts to understand and respond to needs of the community.
LONG TERM
Recovery refers to the need to re-establish a healthy, functioning community that will sustain itself over time. The steps in long-term recovery begin with determining “community need” - those elements that will allow a community to fully recover and become resilient should any future disasters occur.
Input from Revelstoke businesses and the community is critical for shaping initiatives that deliver results.
EMAIL
Share your thoughts with the Recovery Task Force as they work to help guide responsive actions and recommendations.
Email: ced@revelstoke.ca
SURVEYS
Revelstoke businesses are the heart of our community. We want to understand what assistance may be needed to ensure your business has a successful re-opening as the province moves into different phases of restarting the economy. We may conduct various surveys as we progress through our current situation.
CURRENT SURVEYS:
The Community Well-Being Survey for Revelstoke Residents and Area took place from Oct to Dec 2020.
Find results, outcomes and more through the "I ❤️ REVY." project page at: TalkRevelstoke.ca/I-HEART-REVY
Thank you to all who participated in the survey to provide input in an effort to help the RTF focus its efforts on key issues.
The following are resources relative to the Recovery Task Force for background information,
tools for businesses, and helpful material as the community transitions through the COVID-19 pandemic.
For relevant updates from the City of Revelstoke for COVID-19, please visit: www.revelstoke.ca/covid
FUNDING RESOURCES
Revelstoke Community Foundation - Rapid Response Funding
The Revelstoke Community Foundation is in the process of developing the Revelstoke Response and Recovery Fund aimed at providing funding toward immediate needs of low-income or vulnerable individuals impacted by COVID-19 related closures including access to food, hygiene, housing and other basic needs. Once fundraising is complete, announcements will be made for the application process for this fund.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
REVY Rules Health & Safety Poster UPDATE - Nov 6, 2020 - With winter approaching, the RTF felt the REVY Rules needed an update to address winter conditions with physical distancing outside retail and restaurant spaces. Please be patient and kind when planning to visit these spaces. Download Poster
Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce - Open Businesses Listing
Revelstoke Tourism - Open Businesses Listing
Revelstoke Tourism - Visual Stories: Revy Rules
REFERENCE RESOURCES
NOVEMBER 19, 2020 - The Provincial Health Officer announced at 3pm on Nov 19, 2020 that masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces along with other increased COVID-19 safety requirements.
OCTOBER 27, 2020 - At the Regular Council meeting on October 27, 2020, Council approved support for wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible. This applies to all public spaces, both indoors and outside.
OCTOBER 8, 2020 - At the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 8, 2020, the Recovery Task Force presented an update on all the initiatives to date that the RTF has completed.
Review the presentation.
Mayor Sulz on Global News Radio - Mayor Gary Sulz joins Charles Adler of Global News Radio to discuss his “Kindness to out-of-province plates” initiative in response to reports of aggressive driving and rude gestures being directed at individuals with out-of-province license plates in British Columbia. #BeKind Listen Here: https://bit.ly/3fY6FpC
Revelstoke Mountaineer: Summer 2020 issue - RTF Overview
Council Highlights - Re: Recovery Task Force Progress - June 23, 2020
Council Report - Recovery Task Force - Update and Recommendations - June 23, 2020
Mayor’s Letter to Community – Finding Humanity, Sharing Love - June 10, 2020
Council Report - Recovery Task Force - Update and Recommendations - June 9, 2020
Press Release - Establishment of the Revelstoke Recovery Task Force - May 28, 2020
Council Meeting Minutes - Approval for Establishing the Revelstoke Recovery Task Force - May 12, 2020