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Apr 14, 2023

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – April 14, 2023

TIABC

CEO MESSAGE

Years ago when a friend decided to build a new house, he moved his family of five from a two-level, 2,500 square foot home into a worn and weathered 800 square foot single-wide trailer next to a chicken barn on a rural farm property.

For over two years his brood endured the cramped quarters, teasing by friends, the stench of chicken manure, long commutes to work and school, as well as other inconveniences for the ultimate payoff of a brand-new dwelling in a nice suburb. The irony of it all is that every one of them admitted that living in that stuffy old trailer was one of the best experiences their family has ever had.

To be sure, living in a manufactured home or recreational vehicle (RV) is not for everyone. However, there are thousands of people who reside in trailer parks, as well as RVs for all or part of the year in every part of our province and absolutely love it. In fact, in many areas along the new pipeline route, there are hundreds of RVs and trailers of all shapes and sizes on private land and in campgrounds that have become thriving communities on their own.

I know of a church camp near Hope where pipeline workers from all over Canada have established temporary roots replete with an activities hall, frisbee golf, and other amenities to pass the time between one shift and the next. By all accounts, this makeshift trailer court is friendly, quiet, safe, convenient, and more than adequate as a home away from home.

So at a time when our province is challenged by substantial housing shortages, why don’t more communities allow solutions such as manufactured homes, recreational vehicles or modified shipping containers on a temporary (i.e. for a prescribed period of time) basis for seasonal workers such as those in the tourism and hospitality sector?

We’ve long heard that one of the biggest obstacles to attracting and retaining workers is finding adequate and affordable housing. While some people are willing to commute long distances for work and others don’t mind sharing accommodation even if it requires sleeping four to a room, there are other options like the one above that should be considered.

I discussed the issue of municipalities in many parts of the province failing to consider temporary accommodation of any kind with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon a couple of months ago. Since then, TIABC completed a quick scan of several regions to determine which communities ban or permit temporary housing and any conditions attached therein. We subsequently submitted a briefing note with background information and recommendations to Minister Kahlon for review and consideration just prior to the UBCM housing summit in Vancouver last week and will be following up shortly to see what, if anything, the province chooses to do.

Obviously allowing modified shipping containers or trailers is not the panacea for solving all affordable housing problems but it could at least help many resort communities in particular reasonably house seasonal workers during the peak season.

To be fair, there are challenges regarding utilities (e.g. sewer, water), safety, noise, parking and other community concerns, but all can be overcome with political will, creativity and of course partnerships with tourism operators and/or the local business community. One only needs to look at the resource sector and their temporary housing camps to learn best practices and ways to resolve issues.

While it wasn’t exactly ideal for long-term living with kids that were growing up quickly, my buddy’s temporary trailer home provided a place for his family to live during a time when they needed it most, even if it meant being called TT by some of his so-called friends.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC

Related Posts

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Tourism Abbotsford’s Barb Roberts & Clare Seeley, as well as VCM’s Chad Wetsch on a site visit to a land-based Tilapia fish farm owned and operated by the Sumas First Nation who are expanding their Fraser Valley holdings with ambitious plans to bolster Abbotsford’s tourism infrastructure and experiences.
As he does regularly, TIABC CEO Walt Judas recently presented to tourism students and faculty at @westerncommunitycollege's (WCC) Surrey campus, focussing on industry issues and TIABC's advocacy priorities. Walt also serves on WCC's Program Advisory Committee (PAC), as well as the PACs of @capilanou and @myvcc.
🍽️ What an incredible farm-to-table experience! Backyard Farm Proprietor and Chef Chris Van Hooydonk welcomed TOTA's Board of Directors and guests Walt Judas, Richard Porges (DBC CEO) and Scott Fraser (DBC Chair) for a memorable meal in Osoyoos this week.

Chris's culinary philosophy focuses on utilizing the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create unique, tailored menus for each visit. With a commitment to true hospitality, the experience is marked by attentive service and a passion for showcasing the beauty of the South Okanagan.

Also pictured, Destination Osoyoos Executive Director Kelley Glazer, TOTA CEO Ellen Walker Matthews, and TOTA's Jane Parece. 

A huge thank you to Chris for providing such a delightful culinary experience! 🌿
🎉 Highlights from the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria! 🌟

Close to 450 tourism industry professionals convened in Victoria last week for the annual 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference, hosted by TIABC. Industry leaders representing businesses, sector associations, regional and community destination management organizations, First Nations, federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as non-government organizations gathered for the two-day event. 

Anchored by the conference theme - Shaping Our Future Together - the outstanding program provided both a knowledge and skills track via plenary sessions and workshops. Here are just a few highlights:

▪️ Opening keynote speaker Shaun Boothe shared a unique and emotional celebration of some of the world's most influential cultural icons. His energy and messages set the stage for the entire event.

▪️ Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport kicked off the conference by welcoming delegates and sharing her own personal story of working in BC's tourism industry.

▪️ Plenary Remarks by Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada: Insights from the Minister of Tourism and Economic Development Agency of Canada highlighted the industry's significance.

▪️TIABC CEO Walt Judas engaged in a compelling conversation with Premier David Eby whose remarks underscored the vital role of the tourism industry in British Columbia, earning him a standing ovation.

▪️ Opening Reception at the Royal BC Museum

A big thank you to all our sponsors for making this event possible! 🙌
Join us in celebrating the remarkable winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala presented by @indigenoustourismbc! 🎉✨ 

Ten awards were given out to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector. These awards showcased the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers this past year.

The winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards are:

Business Woman of the Year Award - Sponsored by Prince of Whales
⭐ Winner: Ingrid Jarrett, @bchotelassociation 

Community Contribution & Impact - Sponsored by Tourism Richmond
⭐Winner: @princeofwhaleswhalewatching 

DMO Professional Excellence - Sponsored by BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
⭐Winner: @visitrichmondbc 

Employees First - Sponsored by go2HR
⭐Winner: @golfbc 

Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience - Sponsored by Destination BC
⭐Winner: Vancouver Aquarium

Indigenous Operator or Experience | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism BC and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
⭐Winner: @homalcotours

Innovation | Sponsored by Tourism Innovation Lab
⭐Winner: @tourismnewwest 

Remarkable Experience | Sponsored by BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA)
⭐Winner: @nimmobayresort

Sector Association Excellence Award | Sponsored by Acera Insurance
⭐Winner: Sport Fishing Institute of BC

Sustainability Excellence | Sponsored by Nanaimo Airport
⭐Winner: @40knotswinery 

📸 @arkitekcreative
Insightful session at the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference with post-secondary educators discussing collaboration with the tourism sector! 🌍 📚 

Post-secondary educators Patrick Brouder (TRU), Farhad Moghimehfa (VIU), Dennis Innes (VCC), Jamie Noakes (TRU), Jason Johnston (TRU), Moira Mcdonald (Royal Roads), Michael Lever (FDU), Jarrett Bachman (FDU), Sarah-Joy Kallos (CapU) and Natasha Mrkic-Subotic (CapU), presented at a lunchtime session on how their post-secondary sections can and do work with the tourism sector.