Gabriola’s Recovery
As businesses, facilities and parks begin to follow the provincial recommendations for re-opening, the public has, once again, new information to absorb. Following the May 6th announcement of BC’s Restart Plan, the provincial government has been working with health authorities, industry experts and WorkSafe BC to release sector-specific regulations for re-opening that prioritize the safety of British Columbians and our communities. To read more about the provincial guidelines that have been released visit: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation
Our local business community faces immense pressure as individual businesses and organizations work to interpret the information, plan, prepare and pivot their operations in order to continue to serve our community. Business owners want to make sure they are doing their part to support community health and safety, while trying to ensure they can keep their businesses alive. The anxiety and overwhelm that business owners are experiencing in this process is palpable During this stage of gradual re-opening we encourage you to support our local business community to whatever extent you can:
Take the time to order items over the phone or through in-store appointments
Plan a staycation for your birthday or wedding anniversary with a local accommodation provider
Support the Agricultural Co-op’s farmer’s market, both in person and via the online sales platform for vendors
Take advantage of the delivery services, take-out and/or upcoming dine-in options at our local restaurants
Post a business Rave on social media, write a thank you to the Sounder.
Purchase gift certificates or donate to our island-based businesses through the new Island Comeback program being launched on May 26th via a support local online platform funded by the Rural Islands Economic Partnership.
Apprehension about ‘doubling the bubble’ and operations expanding is understandable. Everyone is assessing their own degree of comfort with the re-opening guidelines and how to interact with them, or not.
Likewise, during this complex and uncertain time businesses will have to make decisions specific to their circumstances with unknown results. They will be doing their very best to ensure the safety of their customers and staff. We encourage you to find ways to give back, support and be kind to our local business community who have done so much to fundraise, support and meet our needs as island residents—it will mean so much.
Love where you live.
Love local.