This story first appeared in print in the Summer 2020 issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine. Read the e-edition here:
This article appeared in the Summer 2020 Revelstoke Recovers issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine as part of a series featuring leadership voices looking ahead along the path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for the community.
By Dylan Hardy, chair of the Revelstoke COVID-19 Recovery Task Force
As Revelstoke enters Phase 3 of reopening, it is the natural time to assess the economic and social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and launch our recovery effort. Flattening the curve in our community worked because we all contributed to the cause. Now, with hundreds out of work and 22% of local employers worried about their ability to survive, we need to rally together and support a community recovery effort.
Revelstoke’s unofficial population of 13,000 residents (7,500 full time and 5,500 seasonal) supports a diverse local economy. Most of our employers (96% in 2017) are small businesses with fewer than 50 staff . Approximately a third are service businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, which have been hit hard by the pandemic. Our largest employers — social, health, and public sectors — have had to change how they operate, but have experienced less disruption. Between May 2018 and April 2019 we welcomed over 2.9 million same-day and overnight visitors from across Canada, the US, and the world. Hundreds of businesses and more than a thousand employees helped these visitors explore the magic that is Revelstoke. While our town provides unforgettable memories to our visitors, tourism makes it possible for our community to enjoy recreational and cultural benefi ts that we would not be able to provide on our own. For example, the bike trails, snowmobile clubhouse, the Nordic Centre, splash pad, LUNA Art Fest and more).
Tourism is a big part of our community. Things changed this year. In April, May and June, travel restrictions kept us safe by keeping everyone close to home. Overnight visitors to Revelstoke were down about 80% in this period.
The drop in visitors resulted in lost work for hundreds employed by hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators, and retail shops. This put increased demand on our social service organizations, such as the food bank, where demand is up about three times over last year).
In Phase 3 we can expect to see visitors from B.C. and neighbouring provinces. The thousands of international visitors we normally welcome may not be coming this year. Our future will be different than our past. If we want to close the gaps caused by the pandemic, we need to reopen safely, welcome back the visitors who can get here, and bolster our community’s capacity to support those in need. Staying safe is the best way to stay open. Staying open is how we close the gaps.
The Recovery Task Force is a team of mostly volunteers — people who care deeply about this community and want to help it survive this pandemic and thrive afterwards. Our efforts are focused in three areas: immediate actions that can accelerate business recovery, supporting the community’s social needs in coordination with the social development committee, and planning our long term recovery and resiliency. This journey will not be fast or direct — it will take time and include setbacks. Each of us has an opportunity to contribute to this recovery effort.
Residents can help by staying safe and following the ‘Revy Rules’ on COVID-19 safety. Looking for work? Check out the jobs listed at WorkBC. Have time? Lean in and help those who could use a hand (see communityfuturesrevelstoke.com for volunteer opportunities). Summer is the perfect time to deepen neighbourly relationships and welcome visitors. Get out there and enjoy our community.
Employers can keep up the great work in protecting staff and customers. Now is the time to double down on COVID-19 safety and let folks know that we are open for business. Staying safe is how we stay open. If you see barriers in your path let us know how we can help by contacting [email protected].
A warm welcome to our visitors. The best way to enjoy Revelstoke is to follow the Revy Rules. These will guide you to experience Revelstoke safely and help ensure our community stays healthy so we can host you again in the future. Have fun.
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