Resources for Local Businesses and Individuals During the Pandemic

There is seemingly endless information about the pandemic floating around, and it can be hard to know what links to click, what resources to trust, and where to seek out the facts that are relevant to you.

In hopes of making this easier, we have compiled a list of local resources that may have the information you need.

Our favourites: the Government of BC and the BC Centre for Disease Control websites.

Health

• The BC Centre for Disease Control has information on what to do if you are sick
• The BC Government has also developed a Self-Assessment Tool to check your symptoms
• HealthLink BC has all kinds of resources, including those in languages other than English
• For questions related to MSP, visit the BC Government website

Personal Preparation

• The BC Government’s Emergency Preparedness website has advice for preparing for COVID-19
• There is also information specific to those living in apartment buildings

Housing and Utilities

• Rent supplements are available for some affected people through BC Housing, who also provide information on eviction suspensions for those in subsidized housing
• The Government of BC has published information on how they will help renters and landlords during the pandemic
• LandlordBC has gathered resources for tenants and landlords, as well
• For information on mortgage payment deferments, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation They also have a tip sheet on steps to take if you are concerned about mortgage payments
• Check out this BC Hydro news release to see how they are supporting those impacted by COVID-19
• Fortis BC is also providing support to affected customers

Childcare

• The BC Centre for Disease Control has guidelines and suggestions for child care providers
• For information on how the Government of BC will support families during the pandemic, read the notification from the Ministry of Children and Family Development

Transit

• The Government of BC has information on driving and cycling during the pandemic
• BC Transit has changed bus frequency, fares, and protocols
• There is a Travel Advisory in effect for BC Ferries

Financial Support + Taxes

• Details of the BC Government’s Financial Support plan are outlined on their website
• StudentAid BC has information on student loans
• The Government of BC has provided information on changes to provincial taxes

Arts and Parks

• FAQs for the Arts and Culture sector can be found on the BC Arts Council website
• The BC Alliance for Arts and Culture also has updates, resources, and prevention tips
• For information on BC Parks during the Pandemic, visit the Government of BC website

Immigrants + Refugees

• The Immigrant Society of BC has updates on their programs and various resources available
• There are also resources available for immigrants and refugees through the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria

Volunteer and Community Service

• Able to help? You can register as a volunteer with Volunteer Victoria
• Donating to the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness will provide meals for those in need
• Volunteer BC has info for volunteers and organizations, and The Federation of Community Social Services of BC also has a lot of information for community organizations
• The Government of Canada website explains the Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers, for which non-profit organizations and registered charities are eligible.

Business and Employment

• This CBC article outlines the federal government’s plan for businesses that experience lost revenue due to the virus
• The BC Economic Development Association has suggestions for workplaces during the pandemic, and their Economic Disaster Recovery Program has resources for businesses (employers and employees) across various sectors
• For women entrepreneurs, there are resources available through the Women’s Enterprise Centre
• The Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Small Business BC have compiled resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, as has the City of Victoria
• For local work, visit the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce job board. Employers: there is currently no charge to post an open position.

Real Estate

• The National Association of Relators has compiled a Guide for Realtors to help navigate the pandemic
• The Real Estate Council of BC provides information to real estate professionals and consumers

Farmer’s Markets + Food Services

• Some BC Farmers’ Markets are moving online!
• For farmers’ markets that are not changing to online, the BC Centre for Disease Control has recommendations
• For information on restaurants delivering liquor, read this news release from the Government of BC
• Restaurants Canada has regular updates and lots of resources for those in the restaurant industry

Hotels + Tourism

• The Hotel Association of Canada has lots of material on best practices for hotels, how to care for guests and staff, support measures for businesses and staff, and more
• Destination BC has information and resources for tourism-related businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19

Faith-Based Organizations

• The BC Centre for Disease Control has guidelines for Faith Based Organizations staying open during the pandemic
• Chek News has published an article on changing church services as well

Essential Services

• Wondering what is considered an essential service? Here is the Government of BC’s list

Pretty Much Everything

• Community Connect has a list of many varied local resources as well

Remember to double-check information that comes from sources that may be less reliable, and to do your own research when you see or hear something alarming.

Morgan Thomas, BA (Dtn.)
Project Management & Customer Experience Coordinator