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Whistler ‘still on the upslope of the curve,’ says medical director

Learn how to access medical, dental and veterinary care during pandemic

Despite some mild optimism from provincial officials that B.C.’s COVID-19 growth rate appears to be slowing down, the medical director of the Whistler Health Care Centre (WHCC) said that Whistler is likely still in the early stages of the crisis. “We’re still on the upslope of the curve,” said Dr. Bruce Mohr.…

Pemberton council amends bylaw to ticket people who ignore park closures

COVID-19-related items discussed, April 7 council meeting cancelled

The Village of Pemberton council is adjusting to new physical-distancing requirements, holding its March 31 special council meeting via video-conferencing service for the first time. During the meeting, council passed an amendment to its Parks and Public Spaces Use bylaw so that people who violate closures and restriction can be ticketed $200.…

Nature is still our greatest ally

As we settle into this uneasy existence of life in the time of a pandemic, perhaps it is time to consider some of the unintended consequences we are seeing. One of the most noticeable is the many fewer cars on the road.…

Letters to the Editor for the week of April 2nd

Advice from the front lines—WHCC’s medical director Thank you, Whistler, to every single person who is working to keep themselves healthy and safe from COVID-19.…

Free will astrology for the week of April 2nd

ARIES (March 21-April 19):
“If all the world’s a stage, where the hell is the teleprompter,” asks aphorist Sami Feiring. In my astrological opinion, you Aries are the least likely of all the signs to identify with that perspective.…

An elaborate April Fool’s Day joke?

I hit a time warp last Friday. The morning was progressing, as all mornings seem to in this current sheltering-in-place reality.…

LETTER: Advice from the front lines—Whistler Health Care Centre’s medical director

Thank you, Whistler, to every single person who is working to keep themselves healthy and safe from COVID-19. This will keep others safe, too.…

Unemployed during COVID-19? Here’s how to navigate federal programs

A quick look at some of the federal COVID-19 benefit programs and who qualifies for assistance: Canada Emergency Response Benefit…

Videoconferencing on way for students, teachers

Zoom moves out of business and into the classroom

B.C.’s Ministry of Education has struck a deal with the Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM) videoconferencing company to enable teachers to communicate remotely with their students while in-class learning is suspended to prevent COVID-19’s spread. The company will be using servers based in Canada, allowing it to fall within provincial privacy rules regarding data storage.…

Simple substitutions for common kitchen ingredients

Does COVID-19 have you home bound? No need to run to the grocery store with these kitchen staples

Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing made it more difficult to go to the grocery store, once you get there, you’re often faced with empty shelves. And, with home baking and cooking at an all-time high—at least that’s how it looks from my social media feeds—you do not want to get halfway through a recipe only to discover you’ve run out of brown sugar or butter.…

B.C. system now activated to catch speeders and red light violators

Most cameras are located in the Lower Mainland

Drivers in a hurry are on notice: the British Columbia government says 34 speed cameras at high-risk intersections around the province are operating and ready to ticket motorists. A statement from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said all the cameras are now operating around the clock.…

China restricts PPE exports just as Canada’s supplies reach critical stage in COVID-19 fight

The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada has resulted in desperate calls by medical professionals about a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs) – a situation about to be exacerbated by the world’s largest manufacturer sharply restricting exports. Canadian officials said they were notified on March 31 that China – which makes about 50% of the world’s face masks, medical goggles, protective gloves and other items – is now restricting exports of PPEs to those made by Chinese manufacturers that have proper certification by the national medical products registry.…

Vail Resorts could ‘delay or cancel’ its upcoming summer season, says CEO

Company announces widespread layoffs in U.S.; considering labour cost-savings program for Whistler Blackcomb

In a letter to its U.S. employees on Wednesday, April 1, Vail Resorts’ CEO laid out a dire picture for the company’s financial future, warning that it could “materially delay or cancel” its upcoming North American summer season. “With the very real possibility that the global stay-at-home orders could be extended, and travel reduced regardless, our business in May through October is at risk,” Rob Katz wrote.…

BC Hydro offers credits, bill forgiveness to residents and businesses

The BC Utilities Commission has also approved a 1% rate reduction for all hydro customers

The Province of B.C. is rolling out BC Hydro bill relief to residents, small businesses and large industrial operations impacted by efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Residential customers who have lost their jobs or are struggling with reduced employment will be eligible for a three-month credit from BC Hydro, worth on average $477 per customer.…

Feds likely didn’t have enough protective gear in emergency stockpile: Hajdu

Hajdu signalled there are lessons to be acted on after the pandemic

OTTAWA — The federal government likely did not have enough protective equipment in its emergency stockpile to meet needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Patty Hajdu acknowledges. Successive governments in Ottawa have not spent enough money preparing for public-health crises, Hajdu told a news conference Wednesday.…