National

B.C. tourism operators, hotels eligible for grants

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Jan, 2022 04:44 PM

VICTORIA - Tourism operators in British Columbia can apply for financial help from a $15-million relief fund to cover some of their losses due to COVID-19.

The provincial government says B.C.-owned hotels or motels that employ more than 150 people, Indigenous-owned resorts on reserves with over 100 employees and tourism operators who hold tenure or BC Parks permits can all apply for grants.

The fund was suggested by a task force established in September 2020 to look at ways of helping tourism operators during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

The government says in a news release the grants could be used for property taxes, BC Hydro fees or for the costs of tenure or park-use permits.

Businesses with tenure or park permits include whitewater rafting, zip lines, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting.

The grant is among other measures the province has brought in for the tourism sector.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate on hold

The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate target on hold at its rock-bottom level of 0.25 per cent. In a statement, the central bank also said Wednesday it doesn't expect to raise the trendsetting rate until some time between April and September next year, which is unchanged from its previous guidance.

Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate on hold

Guilty plea in hit-and-run death of officer

A man charged in the hit-and-run death of a Calgary police officer has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. A jury trial was to begin this week for Amir Abdulrahman on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sgt. Andrew Harnett.

Guilty plea in hit-and-run death of officer

19 arrested as suspects for shoplifting with criminal charges for theft under $500K

Surrey RCMP Community Response Unit arrested 19 people during two days of proactively targeting thieves in local malls. During the holiday season, our shopping malls are busy with people looking for the perfect gift, and stores offering that special item.

19 arrested as suspects for shoplifting with criminal charges for theft under $500K

Senate passes conversion therapy ban

The Senate gave speedy approval Tuesday to legislation banning conversion therapy in Canada. After minimal debate, senators agreed to fast-track Bill C-4 through all stages of the legislative process and deem it passed.

Senate passes conversion therapy ban

Five Omicron cases in B.C., more expected

Five cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant have been confirmed in British Columbia so far among people whose illness is associated with travel to places like Nigeria and Egypt, the provincial health officer says. Dr. Bonnie Henry said three of the people were fully vaccinated and two were unvaccinated, and all have had mild or asymptomatic cases.

Five Omicron cases in B.C., more expected

326 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

There are 2,814 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 215,577 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 242 individuals are in hospital and 82 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.