In these extremely challenging times, I want to share our support as a member association to our community. Because the health and safety of our members and civic partners is our highest priority, we had to make the decision to cancel all upcoming events in the South Okanagan. It is our hope to reschedule most gatherings in the future and we will keep you posted.
The home building industry in the South Okanagan is resilient and used to managing risk. COVID-19 will challenge us, but we will work together and will come through it. I wish you all the best in health and in managing business during these unprecedented times. If you are a member in need of any assistance on your work sites or finding resources, please call the South Okanagan office and Sarah will assist you.
Take Care, Joe Wackerbauer President, CHBA South Okanagan Okanagan Custom Homes
As the challenges caused by the COVID-19 outbreak continue to shift, the B.C. government and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, are taking unprecedented measures to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Recently, Henry issued an order under the Public Health Act prohibiting the gathering of people in excess of 50 people at a place of which a person is the owner, occupier or operator, or for which they are otherwise responsible. Employers in the construction industry are asking for clarity about what this means for them.
While this order does not apply to construction sites as a whole, the public health officer is directing employers to take all necessary precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees. This includes:
Section 4.85 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation does provide for a minimum standard around the provision of washrooms and hand washing facilities. Where plumbed facilities are impracticable, employers must provide access to portable washroom and hand-washing facilities. Those facilities must be maintained in good working order and must be provided with the supplies necessary for their use.
Employers should reassess their work environment every day and keep updated with the information posted on the Province’s website: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19
The B.C. government is doing everything it can to help contain the spread of COVID-19, and the safety of British Columbians remains its top priority.
Learn More: For more information on the COVID-19 response, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19
As of 3:30pm, March 20, 2020, the COCABC officially confirm that WorkSafeBC is not contemplating shutting down worksites in BC.
The government’s fiscal stimulus package has now increased to $202 billion. The package is comprised of a 75% wage subsidy, government-backed credit lines and more tax deferrals to inject cash into the country’s nearly 1.2 million small- and medium-sized businesses. CHBA National is continuing to engage with government and stakeholders to inform further responses and support. Information is still to come on the eligibility criteria and we will update you as soon as it becomes available. Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments Deferral of Customs Duty and Sales Tax for Importers New Loan Programs for Businesses Canada Revenue Agency’s Additional Measures for Individuals and Businesses
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is using extraordinary powers under a state of provincial emergency to keep British Columbians safe, maintain essential goods and services, and support the Province’s ongoing response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These include:
Developed by Emergency Management BC in consultation with other government ministries and the provincial health officer (PHO) have created a list of essential services as well as ordered some businesses to close. A list of essential services can be found here.
The Penticton Regional Hospital is in need of your help. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 the Penticton Regional Hospital is in need of surgical/N95 face masks, safety goggles, faceshields and nitrile gloves immediately.
As a community we can help the staff of the Penticton Regional Hospital by donating any surgical/N95 masks, safety goggles, faceshields, and nitrile gloves we have available at our work sites, offices or homes. Simply collect all surgical/N95 masks, safety goggles, faceshields and nitrile gloves you have available and donate them by driving to the Penticton Regional Hospital Emergency Department entrance (550 Carmi Avenue). Park in the emergency drop off zone (old part of the hospital). Call the emergency department unit clerk at 250-492-9001 and explain you have a donation. Make sure to stay in your car. A staff member will come outside to pick up your donation.
The Penticton Regional Hospital is our community's first defense from COVID-19. Let us show our support for the brave staff that are putting themselves at risk everyday by making it our priority to donate these critical medical supplies. Together, we can make a difference!
See below link for response plan with up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. The Government, through CMHC, is also providing increased flexibility for homeowners facing financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans. CMHC will permit lenders to allow payment deferral beginning immediately.
CANADA COVID ECONOMIC RESPONSE PLAN
District of Summerland
See this document for all Building and Development Services updates from the District of Summerland.
RDOS
Corporate and satellite offices are closed to the public effective immediately. Will still be accepting building permit applications which can be submitted electronically or dropped off using the drop box at the 101 Martin Street address. See this document for more details.
Town of Oliver
The Town of Oliver has closed Town Hall but will be answering emails and calls. Inspections will be conducted on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For planning and development questions, contact Randy Houle at 250 485 6206 or rhoule@oliver.ca
City of Penticton
City Hall is now closed to the public. See this document for a variety of changes in development and building services with the City of Penticton.
Town of Osoyoos
Plan checking and building inspections remain unchanged.
Town of Nelson
City Hall offices are currently closed to the public. The Building and Planning Department is still working and processing all application types. All applications must be made via email for the time being. Payments are made by credit card over the phone or by cheque. Inspections are still taking place.
All your contracts should have specific procedures documented to prepare you and your clients for situations that are out of your control (including Force Majeure events). For existing contracts, defer to the procedures you set in place. Those procedures should include your cancellation and rescheduling policies, as well as how you communicate with your clients regarding project timelines.
Going forward, if you do not already have illness/epidemics/pandemics and other examples explicitly listed under what constitutes as a Force Majeure event, you should consider including them to future contracts.
You can find language on what to include regarding unavoidable delays in CHBA’s Residential Renovation Contracts: A Guide For Renovators (page 17).
See below for additional resources pertaining to our industry: