06/18/2020
♥️
"Plate hate" has no place here.
Today, Premier John Horgan indicated it's likely that BC will move into Phase 3 of the Restart Plan next week, and that means we will all be able to travel between communities more comfortably and openly, keeping in mind the Golden Rules of hand washing, physical distancing, small groups outdoors, and staying home if we feel at all sick.
Yes, we've already seen quite a few visitors here on the West Coast - and it's brought up a range of feelings amongst the region's residents - from happiness at being back to work, to worry about overwhelming our local hospital, to concern that every visitor isn't behaving the way we wish they would.
We have come so far. We are ready to host visitors responsibly. Local businesses have been able to implement and practice their new protocols, and we are getting used to them too. We are being patient and kind with post office, grocery and retail store staff, we are celebrating the return of favourite local restaurants, and we are supporting our local schools and childcare centres as kids tried it out again this June. We have doubled our bubbles and hugged friends and family we have been long awaiting to hug. We have returned to doctors and dentist appointments, some of us have been lucky enough to get our hair cut!
We *will* take the time to look back and learn from the last three months, and we will continue to advocate for the supports needed by businesses, vulnerable populations, families, and individuals. We will also continue to follow public health guidance, and take all the measures required to protect the older and more vulnerable people in our region.
With the official start of summer this coming weekend, here in Tofino we also need to focus on everything summer can be for our community and the region. That means supporting Tofino businesses as they do everything they can to have the best summer possible, respecting the needs and precautions that First Nations have put in place for their communities, and above all being the best hosts we can as people emerge from crowded cities and escape to the incredible beaches and ocean we are so lucky to enjoy daily.
It's getting to be the time to share again - and one of the best ways to support this community is to show our hospitality with pride, with patience, and with kindness.
We can do this.