B.C.’s Restart: A Plan to Bring us Back Together, released yesterday, outlines four stages leading to a complete reopening of the province by September. The plan is contingent on COVID-19 case counts and hospitalization remaining low and vaccination rates increasing.

“We’ve been asking for this on behalf of our members for some time. Having the steps laid out for easing of restrictions has lifted the fog many of us are feeling,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams says.

“Speaking with Chamber members, the consensus is this plan is good news. It’s something we can work with. We need to continue rolling up our sleeves, keep B.C.’s immunization schedule moving forward, and get to work rebuilding those connections that will allow everyone to experience economic renewal.”

The restart plan marked the end of a five-week circuit breaker that had restricted in-person dining, recreational travel and indoor fitness classes.

The next milestone is June 15 when travel within BC will re-open along with extended hours for restaurants and pubs and the ability to hold small in-person meetings. By Canada Day, travel throughout Canada will open, and bigger meetings will be possible. There will also be no limits on dining, and bars and casinos can return with limited capacity.

“These are hopeful times and we can see the end of the pandemic and a chance to get our lives back,” Williams says, adding that the Chamber’s 2021 Business Awards recently celebrated the many incredible stories of organizations and entrepreneurs who found innovative ways to be successful — our Pivot Pilots. “We’ll need these leaders now as we make sure all businesses can take part in the recovery. We want to extend a hand to everyone who needs it now to make sure you have what you need to be successful.”

The move allows cruise ships to sail directly from Seattle to Alaska, without stopping in a Canadian port. The change, approved by Biden on Monday, temporarily waives the US Passenger Vessel Services Act.

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO Ian Robertson said in a GVHA newsletter he’s working to make sure cruise ships return to Victoria when regulations allow. The industry is worth $130 million per year to our regional economy and creates 800 jobs.

The US decision is good news for the Alaskan economy, and doesn’t impact Canada for now as cruise ships are not allowed until next year. Robertson said he expects to hear more about the return of cruise ships by the fall.

As we begin the fifth and final week of restrictions that began on March 29, we know you need more certainty about what lies ahead. On Thursday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is expected to speak about some of those next steps. We also know that BC Premier John Horgan will have details next week about the plan for a gradual reopening.

The BC Restaurant and Food Association says restrictions to inside dining are expected to continue for a few more weeks, but restaurants should begin to plan for reopening.

What is clear is we need to continue abiding by current restrictions this weekend, and we need to keep encouraging friends and family to book their immunization appointments.

As soon as we hear more details from the PHO, The Chamber will share that information through all of our communication channels.

The federal government’s decision to close international borders prompted the state of Alaska to push for changes to US legislation that has been critical to the growth of the cruise industry in BC. Under a 19th-century law, ships travelling between US ports — such as in Washington State and Alaska — were required to stop in another country along the way, unless the vessels were built in the US. In a move that caught the provincial government off-guard, the law was temporarily changed to allow ships to bypass Canada while our borders are closed.

The Chamber is working to support local businesses and organizations, including the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, to make sure our provincial and federal governments understand that this change cannot be allowed to become permanent.

To hear from locals affected by the loss of cruise ships, check out this video produced for the GVHA by Roll.Focus.Productions, with comments from Seaspan and The Bay Centre.