Thursday, April 30, 2020 – 5:00pm
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE #32 – CITY OF NELSON
Economic Stimulus & Financial Stability 25 Point Action Plan
Council has adopted an Economic Stimulus and Financial Stability 25 Point Action Plan that will stabilize City operations and help our community recover from the economic and financial impacts of COVID-19. This Plan focusses on three pillars: 1) Financial Plan, Fees & Taxation, 2) Economic Stimulus Program and 3) Community Support.
The first pillar, Financial Plan, Fees & Taxation, addresses the significant financial challenges the City is facing in its own operations; it then builds on the initiatives and programs in place through senior levels of government and our regional partners. The Plan includes waiving fees and penalties, extending payment periods, creating re-payment plans and adopting the provincial framework for property tax payments.
The second pillar, Economic Stimulus Program, is designed to support Nelson’s economic recovery and focusses on three key areas: Capital Infrastructure, Business Improvements, and Housing. The Plan includes moving forward with City capital projects that will employ local contractors and employees, working with senior levels of government to fast-track projects that are on their books, identifying and bringing other capital projects to a shovel ready stage, and creating a “Made-in-Nelson Economic Stimulus Fund” that will support our local business community.
The third pillar, Community Support, is where Council is thoughtfully responding to what has been heard from the Nelson community, including local businesses. Council is using its available financial tools to enhance the provincial and federal government relief packages for businesses and residents.
For further information on the Economic Stimulus and Financial Stability 25 Point Action Plan, and the three pillars, please see links below:
Full 25 Point Action Plan go to: https://www.nelson.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4039/25-Point-Plan-April-30-2020-Final
Financial Plan, Fees & Taxation - http://www.nelson.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=432
Community Support - http://www.nelson.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=438
Economic Stimulus Program - http://www.nelson.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=440
“Made-in-Nelson” Economic Stimulus Fund – Plug the Meter Campaign!
In 2019, the City of Nelson generated over $1,100,000 in parking meter revenue and collected $290,000 in parking meter fines. The “Made-in-Nelson” Economic Stimulus Fund is a key part of the Mayor and Council’s Economic Stimulus and Financial Stability 25 Point Action Plan. From May 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, 50% of parking meter fines will go into this fund, which will be used to support our business community to adapt to the new reality of COVID-19. This new program will support public art programs and downtown beautification projects, such as decorative lighting. It will also target storefront improvements, energy upgrades and help fund the transition of our businesses to doing business online.
The City of Nelson is in discussions with the Kootenay Association of Science & Technology, Selkirk College, Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership, and others to develop a Digital Nelson – an online marketplace. This will allow area residents and the world to transact with participating local businesses online, seamlessly. Not only will this help during the pandemic, but it is also an essential step in our local businesses being able to compete in a digital marketplace.
To read the full media release: http://www.nelson.ca/813/COVID-19-Updates
In the photo, Tom Thomson (in center) and Cam Whitehead (far right) join Mayor Dooley in “Plugging the Meter” to support local businesses.
Nelson Queen City Cruise Postponed Until 2021
The Nelson Road Kings have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s annual Nelson Queen City Cruise. The Nelson Road Kings’ President Marcello Piro noted, “Unfortunately, as a result of COVID-19, so many things have changed in a very short time requiring us to restrict the gathering of people in large groups until at least the end of summer. With this in mind, it was felt that the number one priority would be to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy, and this year’s scheduled show for September 11 & 12 , 2020 would be cancelled.”
To read the full Nelson Star article: https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/queen-city-cruise-postponed-to-2021/
Some Pharmacies in BC Are Now Able to Dispense 90-day Supplies of Medications
As the drug supply chain beings to show signs of recovery, some BC pharmacies have been able to remove 30-day prescription refill limits, however, other pharmacies may still be facing challenges. Pharmacists use their professional judgment in providing supplies longer than 30 days.
To read the full press release: https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/news/bcpha-statement-drug-supply-slowly-recovering
The BC Government has provided the following information today: COVID-19 Case Statistics:
Total cases in BC to date: 2112
- 815 in Vancouver Coastal Health
- 961 in Fraser Health
- 120 in Island Health
- 170 in Interior Health (Increase of 1 in 24hrs)
- 46 in Northern Health
- Total fatalities in BC to date: 111 (Increase of 2 in 24hrs)
- Total new cases in BC: 25
- Total who have fully recovered: 1322
- Total cases in Canada to date: 53,021
- Total fatalities in Canada to date: 3182
Important Resources & Information – COVID-19
Which businesses are open in Nelson? https://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/news
BC Government Resources List for Support and Information during COVID-19
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
Supports for Businesses in BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/small-business/covid-19_small_business_supports.pdf
Wellness Together Canada https://ca.portal.gs/
Anxiety Canada https://www.anxietycanada.com/
BounceBack BC https://bouncebackbc.ca/
Here2Talk for Post-Secondary Students https://here2talk.ca/home
Psychological First Aid – Over 19+ https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources
Crisis Line Association of BC – 1-800 suicide (1 800 784-2433) - 24/7
www.crisiscentre.bc.ca - 24/7 - crisis and suicide intervention
Mental Health and Information Support Line - 310-6789 (no area code required)
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
www.kidshelphone.ca or text connect to 686868 - 24/7
Helpline for Children - 310-1234 (no area code required)
www.youthinbc.com - 24/7
VictimlinkBC – 1-800-563-0808 - 24/7
information, referrals. Immediate crisis support
HealthLinkBC - 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca
For seniors looking for additional support at this time, call 211 or visit:
www.bc211.ca
Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273 - 24/7
Nelson Transition House – (250) 354-4357
24/7 - Specifically for women leaving or struggling in, an abusive relationship.
Nelson Police Department Victim Services – (250) 505-5657
To help provide important information to our community, the City of Nelson has developed a dedicated webpage nelson.ca/covid19 that will be updated frequently as new information becomes available. Please sign-up for ‘City News’ on NotifyMe to receive automatic updates from the City via text or email.
The City of Nelson relies on Interior Health, BC Public Health, and the Federal Government for information related to the virus itself. If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your physician, or call the COVID-19 telephone line at 1-888-COVID19, to be assessed or call the testing clinic hotline at (250) 551-7500 to be triaged for testing. Symptoms of COVID-19 include coughing, fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may not present themselves for up to 14 days, but you may be a carrier of the virus; therefore it is important to follow the guidelines set out by the health experts.
To check your symptoms or get updates from the BC Government you can download the BC COVID-19 App or visit this website
We thank you for doing your part to help maintain a safe and healthy community and for understanding the importance of this evolving situation.
Information from the BC Center for Disease Control on COVID-19
Media Contact:
Ginger Lester, EOC Information Officer glester@nelson.ca