Businesses in the community are taking extra precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic reaches B.C.
As provincial and federal governments put more restrictions on travel and gatherings, large events and festivals set to be hosted in Sun Peaks this month have been cancelled.
And around the village business are feeling the impact.
Cahilty Creek Kitchen & Taproom has lost thousands of dollars due to the cancellation of the HUB International Nancy Greene Festival which was to host 700 children and their families this month.
“It’s really shitty honestly,” said Yolanda Dye, an owner of the restaurant. “I know we’ve lost three big team groups who had booked out the restaurant.”
In addition to the loss of restaurant traffic, Cahilty Creek sponsors the event, which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the team. On top of the 1500 hotdogs ordered that won’t be eaten the club will lose out on the chance to raise money to support their athletes.
Despite the loss their doors will stay open, with enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures in place. This means more wiping of door handles, cancelling their breakfast buffet, diligently washing crayons if they are handed out to kids and thoroughly cleaning tables, condiments and salt and pepper shakers between guests.
In the West Village Sun Peaks Yoga has closed but plan to work with members in a Facebook group and honour passes.
Sun Peaks’ daytime shuttle has also increased their disinfecting of the vehicles that provide shuttle services around the village and to the airport or other locations booked in advance.
Sun Peaks Resort LLP released a statement saying they are also cleaning more. removing the singles line for chairlifts and promoting social distancing in food and beverage outlets.
“In resort, we have undertaken a number of proactive measures to help continue this trend. These include increasing the frequency and scope of our sanitation efforts in all of our resort-controlled facilities,” read a statement posted on their website.
The virus isn’t just changing things in Sun Peaks, it’s impacting resort communities around the world.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard has cancelled all domestic events. Over 90 resorts in Austria, in addition to resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland.
Many B.C. resorts have closed including SilverStar Mountain Resort, Whistler Blackcomb and Fernie Alpine Resort.
Alpine Canada cancelled the Alpine NorAm Finals and Canadian Championships and U16 Canadian Alpine Nationals.
Other races and events have been cancelled around the world.
Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing has cancelled tours and the highly-anticipated powder eights competition planned for this spring.
Christopher Nicholson, president of the Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA) said since the beginning of the outbreak their focus has been on education in the industry.
They’ve brought member’s attention to the nature of the situation, he said, as well as advised them of different tools, protocols and procedures ski areas can use for the safety of guests. They have also focused on identifying official, credible sources of information for the CWSAA and their partners to rely on.
“Establishing credible sources has been essential,” Nicholson said. “The job that Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Ministry have done for B.C. is admirable.”
Looking ahead, Nicholson said, trends are apparent in bookings.
He predicted fewer international visitors as travel bans or quarantines are enforced, but expects more domestic guests to visit resorts.
He explained many guests are calling ahead for reassurance on sanitation protocols and that the virus is being taken seriously but are still proceeding with domestic trips.
Also, he explained, while the last part of the winter season may see a drop in visitation there will likely be an increase in summer visitation for those destinations which offer it.
“In the past the tourism industry and travel are quite robust and I believe there is an innate human nature to travel. There will be a pent up demand to travel…the ski industry is somewhat lucky this has happened at this point in the season.”
Compared to previous outbreaks COVID-19 has grown quickly and impacted people more intimately, with things like the NBA, NHL and CHL being cancelled, Nicholson said.
“This has come into people’s living rooms quickly.”
Looking forward, it’s hard to predict what might happen in the coming weeks.
“If we have a downturn, even though it’s been a good season until now, financial decisions and capital investments are made at the end of the season.”
Nicholson said he would expect to see a trickle down effect to those who work in jobs like manufacturing chairlifts or grooming equipment.
But until we see the full breadth of the impact, he said, it’s important to breathe.
“People also do need to breathe…we will get through this. There is an end that will come, it’s not years its weeks.”
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