tnrd 2017 wildfire economic recovery

TNRD Economic Recovery

Recovery Work Plan

and Recovery Needs: January 5th, 2018

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Submitted to: The Thompson Nicola Regional District Prepared by: O’Leary and Associates Ltd. Project Contact: Colin O’Leary 250-299-3631 [email protected] With support from: Jamie Mayes [email protected] Aleece Laird Amplify Consulting [email protected] Pictures in this report were graciously shared by the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission.

© O’Leary and Associates Ltd. Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged.

mailto:[email protected]



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Table of Contents

Background ................................................................................................................................................... 5

What is Recovery?..................................................................................................................................... 5

Recovery Components: ............................................................................................................................. 6

This recovery work plan and report was accomplished through three main activities: .......................... 6

Key Findings: ................................................................................................................................................. 7

Estimated Economic Loss: ......................................................................................................................... 8

Summary of Gap Analysis: ............................................................................................................................ 9

Possible Short-Medium term Recovery Actions ....................................................................................... 9

Possible Long term Recovery Actions ..................................................................................................... 10

Recommendations for the TNRD: ............................................................................................................... 12

Recommended Short-Medium term Recovery Actions: ......................................................................... 12

Recommended Medium-Long term Recovery Actions: .......................................................................... 13

Findings from Online Survey and Community Engagement Sessions.................................................................... 14

Types of Businesses Affected by the Wildfires in the TNRD ................................................................... 15

Cause of Economic Loss due to Wildfires for Businesses in the TNRD ................................................... 17

TNRD Businesses Economic Recovery Needs ......................................................................................... 20

Quantify an Estimate of the Economic Loss ............................................................................................... 28

Gap Analysis, Opportunities and Recommendations ................................................................................. 35

Short-Medium term Recovery Actions ................................................................................................... 36

Long term Recovery Actions ................................................................................................................... 40

Summary of Current Economic Recovery Programs ................................................................................... 42

Red Cross Phase 2 - Additional Financial Assistance .............................................................................. 42

Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant ............................................................................................. 42

Canada Small Business Finance Program ................................................................................................ 42

Employment Assistance Work Sharing Program .................................................................................... 43

Community Futures Sun Country BC Wildfire Response and Recovery Loan Program .......................... 43

Community Futures Sun Country Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery .................... 43

Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources for Small Business and “Ask the Expert” ............................ 43

Agri-Recovery Program ........................................................................................................................... 43

Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program .............................................................................. 44

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Advanced Payments Program ........................................................ 44

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2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program .................................................................. 44

BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Wildfire Initiatives ................................................................. 44

Mental Health Support Programs: .......................................................................................................... 44

Tax Relief Programs: ............................................................................................................................... 45

Environmental Recovery Programs: ....................................................................................................... 45

Recovery Work plan (Methodology) ........................................................................................................... 46

Phase 1 – Project Launch ........................................................................................................................ 46

Phase 2 - Planning, Logistics and Communications Strategy .................................................................. 46

Task 2.2: Wildfire Recovery Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis Survey ......................................... 47

Task 2.3: Community Engagement Session Planning.......................................................................... 47

Task 2.4: Operational Planning ........................................................................................................... 47

Phase 3 - Community Engagement - Needs Assessment ........................................................................ 48

Task 3.1: Roll out the coordinated marketing plan utilizing various media channels ........................ 48

Task 3.2: First Round of Community Engagement Sessions ............................................................... 48

Phase 4 – Data and Gap Analysis ............................................................................................................ 49

Task 4.1: Compile Data from Online Survey and Community Sessions .............................................. 49

Task 4.2: Gap Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 49

Phase 5 - Validation and Second Round of Community Engagement .................................................... 49

Task 5.1: Validation of Draft Findings ................................................................................................. 49

Task 5.2: Coordination with other stakeholders ................................................................................. 49

Task 5.3: Second phase of community engagement - presentation of findings ................................. 50

Phase 6 - Creation of Final Disaster Recovery Plan ................................................................................. 50

Gap Analysis Outcomes: ............................................................................................................................. 51

Possible Short-Medium term Recovery Actions ..................................................................................... 51

Possible Long term Recovery Actions ..................................................................................................... 53

Recommendations for the TNRD: ............................................................................................................... 54

Recommended Short-Medium term Recovery Actions: ......................................................................... 54

Recommended Medium-Long term Recovery Actions: .......................................................................... 55

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Appendix 1.0: Recovery Work Plan Table ................................................................................................... 56

Appendix 2.0: Short-Medium term Recovery Actions ................................................................................ 57

Appendix 3.1: Community Marketing Posters ............................................................................................ 59

Appendix 3.2: Mail Drop Postcard .............................................................................................................. 60

Appendix 4.0: Online Survey Questions...................................................................................................... 61

Business Information .................................................................................................................................. 61

Support Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 62

Economic Impact ......................................................................................................................................... 63

Recovery...................................................................................................................................................... 65

Appendix 5.0: Detailed List of Recovery Resources for Businesses ............................................................ 67

The Canadian Red Cross & Province of BC Emergency Financial Support to Small Businesses, Not-for-

Profit Organizations and First Nations Cultural Livelihoods ....................................................................... 67

Red Cross Phase 1 - Emergency Financial Assistance ............................................................................. 67

Red Cross Phase 2 - Additional Financial Assistance .............................................................................. 68

Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant ............................................................................................. 69

Canadian Small Business Finance Program ................................................................................................. 71

Employment Assistance Work Sharing Program ........................................................................................ 72

Community Futures Sun Country BC Wildfire Response and Recovery Loan Program .............................. 73

Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery .............................................................................. 73

Rural Dividend Grant for Wildfire Recovery Initiatives ............................................................................... 74

Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources for Small Business and “Ask the Expert” ................................ 75

AGRI Recovery Program .............................................................................................................................. 76

Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program .................................................................................. 77

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Advanced Payments Program ............................................................ 78

2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program ...................................................................... 79

BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Wildfire Initiatives ..................................................................... 80

BC Wildfire Service: Claims for the 2017 fire season .................................................................................. 80

Mental Health Support Programs: .............................................................................................................. 81

Tax Relief Programs: ................................................................................................................................... 82

Environmental Recovery Programs: ........................................................................................................... 82

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Section 1: Executive Summary Background As the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and its business owners move from response to

recovery after a devastating wildfire season, the TNRD is taking a series of steps to help businesses with

that recovery process. Most significantly, the TNRD has hired a Community Economic Recovery Manager

to coordinate efforts with business owners who suffered negative economic impacts due to the 2017

wildfires.

A number of areas throughout the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) were impacted by wildfires

during the summer of 2017. The areas hardest hit in 2017 included Boston Flats with the loss of 45

residences, the Loon Lake community with the loss of 40 residences, and the Pressy Lake area with the

loss of 33 residences. This property damage and loss is not inclusive of all of the damage that was

suffered throughout the region to important infrastructure, such as hydro and telecommunications.1

After the wildfires had subsided and residents were allowed to return, the TNRD took immediate steps

to help property owners quickly dispose of fire-damaged materials. This included temporarily waiving

disposal fees for fridges/freezers and food; coordinating pickup of fridges/freezers; setting up temporary

disposal locations for debris; and offering one-on-one assistance to landowners.2

Now, the TNRD is looking to help business owners who were adversely affected by the economics with

the recovery process. This was accomplished through multiple community engagement sessions, data

collection to facilitate in the quantification of economic loss in the region, a survey of existing programs

and support, a gap analysis and recommendations for support programs going forward, which is

summarized in this report.

What is Recovery? Recovery is the restoration, re-development, and /or rehabilitation of facilities, livelihoods and living

conditions of economically impacted populations to a level that meets – or in some cases improves upon –

the original condition. Recovery planning is a legislated component of community emergency preparedness

planning under the Emergency Program Act (Section 6.2).

Recovery is a three-stage process: short term recovery or incident stabilization, medium term recovery and

long term recovery. Short term recovery activities include assessing damages, providing temporary housing

and restoring essential services. In contrast, long term recovery is reflected by a return to normal routines and

permanent reconstruction efforts that may include improvements to promote a more resilient community.

The extent of the recovery process should reflect the scope and scale of the economic impact2.

1 TNRD Press Release, September 12, 2017 – 12:00 p.m.: Wildfire Damage in the TNRD

2 TNRD Press Release, November 8th, 2017: TNRD Hires Manager to Help with Fire Recovery

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When moving through these stages, the impacted communities will need to:

1. Set priorities and objectives for recovery;

2. Articulate the roles and responsibilities of all involved;

3. Set realistic milestones for gauging how much progress has been made; and,

4. Ensure the effective transfer of knowledge, expertise, services and support.

Recovery Components: Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC) and the Community Wildfire Recovery and Provincial

Disaster Recovery Branches of the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations and Rural

Development (FLNRORD) have outlined four recovery components in the Recovery Work Plan and

Recovery Needs: A Guide for Community Wildfire Recovery Planning Document. These foundational

components are as follows:

People: Ensuring the right resources are available to support the overall physical, mental and

social wellbeing of economically impacted communities, municipalities, First Nations, families

and individual British Columbians.

Economy: To nurture an environment that supports the rehabilitation of and reinvestment in

disrupted economies and businesses.

Environment: To protect and re-establish the environment to a healthy state and mitigate long-

term environmental effects and risks.

Reconstruction: To enable the safe and orderly restoration of damaged infrastructure within

impacted areas.

This report and the actions summarized within it are focused almost exclusively on Economic Recovery

in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

This recovery work plan and report was accomplished through three main activities:

1. Actively engaging the business community affected by the 2017 wildfire season in the TNRD.

This was accomplished through eight in-person, facilitated community engagement sessions

which were supported by an active marketing campaign.

2. Data from the community sessions and an online survey was then used to estimate the

economic loss in the region, identify the existing recovery resources and undertake a gap

analysis to identify opportunities for additional recovery programs or support.

3. This information was then compiled into this report which outlines recommendations for

possible programs or actions that the TNRD (or other agencies) could take undertake to offer

effective support to businesses needing assistance to recover from the 2017 wildfire season.

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Key Findings: This section will summarize very briefly some of the key findings from both the online survey as well as

the community engagement sessions. Further information and any figures referenced can be found in

“Section 2: Technical Report”.

With the use of business licence data (where available) and local area knowledge, it was estimated that

there are a total of 492 businesses in the study area. Of the 492 businesses, it was estimated that 457

of them were impacted in some way by the 2017 wildfires.

The top five industry sectors represented in this study are: Accommodation and Food Services;

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; Retail Trade; “Other Services”; Arts, Entertainment and

Recreation; and Construction. These five accounted for nearly 85% of the total representation of

businesses in the online survey.

Most businesses surveyed (~75%) typically have annual revenues below $250,000 per year (Figure 2.0)

and 85% of them have ten or fewer employees. Just over 40% of the businesses captured in this

recovery initiative are owner/operators (Figure 3).

This is representative of BC’s economy which is comprised of 98% small businesses (as defined by 50

employees or less) of which approximately 51% of those small businesses are categorized as owners

without paid help (Figure 4)3.

Overwhelmingly the economic loss suffered by businesses in the TNRD due to the wildfires of 2017

was related to business interruption. Only 16% of businesses engaged in the initiative indicated that

their business loss was attributed to direct fire damage.

When businesses in the survey were asked if they were aware of business interruption insurance, 62%

said yes (Figure 7). Of the respondents who said yes, only 14% of the businesses indicated that they had

successfully made a claim (Figure 8). This means that only 8.5% of businesses surveyed held business

interruption insurance AND were able to successfully make a claim.

Of the businesses that had or were aware of business interruption insurance, 47% indicated that they

were not able to make a claim. When prompted further about why not, the responses generally fell into

the following categories:

The losses were not enough to make it worthwhile putting in a claim;

There was no “insurable loss” for a variety of reasons as defined by the insurance providers;

Putting in a claim was too complicated;

The deductible was too high; and,

The insurance is too cost prohibitive for a small business.

3 BC Stats Small Business Profile 2017 calculated using data supplied by Statistics Canada

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Only 42% of businesses engaged indicated that they had successfully participated in an economic

recovery program despite the fact that eligibility is much higher. About 19% indicated that they were

aware but had not yet applied and 39% of businesses indicated that they had not participated in any

support programs (Figure 10). Generally the data indicates a persistent lack of awareness about the

existing recovery programs and that there is still underutilization of existing programs.

When businesses were asked if they had an emergency plan, nearly two thirds (61%) reported that

they did not (Figure 13). A business emergency response plan is a document designed to help small

business owners plan and prepare for emergencies that could interrupt operations. Business emergency

response plans have been proven to make a difference in how effectively a business responds to and

recovers from a disaster.

Businesses and communities are interested in having assistance with disaster planning now, as a proactive measure, before the next disaster strikes. Other key themes were centered on faster response and communication.

When asked if business owners would like to know more about programs and services that could help

their business with economic recovery, there was an overwhelming response of “yes” (Figure 15).

Estimated Economic Loss: The estimated total loss of sales due to wildfires in the study area was over $21 Million (see page 26).

The estimated total lost hours of employment due to wildfires in the study area was almost 100,000

hours, resulting in a very conservative estimate of just over $1 Million in lost wages. Thirty percent of

respondents indicated that they had to engage in some form of lay-offs.

The estimated total direct economic loss due to wildfires to date in the study area was almost $31

Million, and this number is expected to grow. 42% of businesses anticipate further economic loss in

2018 and beyond because of the 2017 wildfires (see Figure 19).

It should be mentioned that not all businesses were affected negatively. Some businesses, which were

able to stay open and were located in an area where road or access closures were not affecting their

ability to service customers, actually did substantially better compared to previous years. Examples

include gas stations, convenience stores and some accommodations that were able to service people

who were being evacuated or service wildfire support agencies such as the RCMP or firefighters.

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Summary of Gap Analysis: The following sections have been divided into short to medium term recovery recommendations and

long term recovery recommendations. These are findings from the study and reflect the opinions and

data collected from the businesses in the TNRD. These are only brief summaries of the

recommendations, further detail can be found in “Section 2: Technical Report”.

It is understood that although the TNRD has completed this initial recovery work plan and gap

analysis, it is unlikely that they will be able to take on all of the recommendations listed below. One

key reason for this is that some of these findings lay clearly outside of the jurisdiction or scope of the

TNRD. That being said, this information will still prove to be very valuable for other recovery

organizations. By sharing this data and document, the TNRD can immediately help business owners with

recovery by providing valuable on-the-ground information regarding business recovery needs to other

organizations, saving them the time and resources of duplicating the same effort.

Possible Short-Medium term Recovery Actions

Marketing and promotion of the area to help the tourism sector recover. The top five industry sectors

represented in this data accounted for nearly 80% of the total businesses and they were all related to

tourism or impacted by tourism.

Development of a one-on-one direct assistance program to help businesses recover by providing

services such as:

Navigation and awareness in a constantly changing recovery program landscape;

To act as a single point of contact for businesses when it comes to recovery; and,

To assist with application forms and processes to access recovery initiatives.

Continued promotion of the existing recovery programs in an easy to read and simplified format,

which should be made available on the TNRD website, on social media and through mail drops. Data

would seem to indicate that the existing recovery programs are not being utilized to their fullest extent

due to lack of awareness.

Additional grant programs should be considered to cover recovery expenses. Some examples include:

To help with expenses related to animals that do not qualify as livestock but are directly

attributed to business activities (miniature horse breeding, geldings, etc.);

To help with hiring or employee wages;

To help with more general recovery and cleanup expenses; and,

To help municipalities with post-fire economic development.

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Explore the possibility of local lenders offering low or no-interest loans to help businesses with

operating and recovery capital. Many businesses in the TNRD count on the peak season to survive the

off-season. The wildfires in 2017 heavily impacted the income generated during the peak season and in

some cases resulted in additional expenses. Many businesses will need an influx of capital to survive

until the next peak season.

Special provisions should be considered around variances and permittingto enable businesses to

rebuild and recover as soon as possible. Focus should be put on red tape reduction and expedited

process with possible special variances as long as public health and safety, and environmental

protection are not compromised.

Provide support to assist businesses with the creation of an emergency response and business

continuity plan. Business emergency response and continuity plans have been proven to make a

difference in how effectively a business responds to and recovers from a disaster. Almost two thirds of

businesses surveyed reported that they do not have an emergency plan.

Best efforts should be made to continually improve the wildfire-specific, integrated media and communications strategy or plan for the TNRD for the next fire season. Now is the time to make a plan and strategy while there are no disasters currently underway and there is more time to think and strategize. Stakeholder engagement should include community leaders, wildfire management agencies, private industry, different levels of government as well as media representatives. This could include a provision to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters.

Possible Long term Recovery Actions Commitment to a long term marketing and promotion campaign to revive the tourism sector. The impact from the wildfires will likely last over multiple years and so a sustained long-term commitment to marketing and promotion will be needed to assist the tourism sector to recover and grow. Best efforts should be made to continually improve the programs to assist local governments and First Nations governments with preparedness efforts such as an integrated emergency management plan (such as those offered through EMBC). The planning process should include larger companies that operate in the backcountry, such as logging and tourism organizations, emergency response agencies, various levels of government, etc. Efforts could include fuel reduction programs, policy and procedures for when an emergency takes place, communications plans, etc.

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The creation of post-fire economic development incentives to promote the recovery and expansion of existing businesses as well as attracting new businesses to diversify the existing economies. Specific suggestions included tax incentives, entrepreneur support, and attraction campaigns. The development of long term tax relief and grant programs. It is suggested that programs be developed to continue over a two to three year period in order to promote more sustained growth and development. Recovery will likely take multiple years and therefore recovery measures should be put in place to take into account these timeframes. Investigate policy development and best practices around alternative insurance solutions. Best practices in other parts of the world, such as New Zealand should be reviewed to see if there are plausible alternatives to help businesses secure better insurance coverage for wildfire disasters. Take measures (such as geotechnical stability studies) to reduce further environmentally driven economic impacts (such as flooding, slides, or debris torrents) as well as undertake environmental remediation measures such as noxious weed control and reseeding.

Explore the possibility of purchasing and installing multiple “web-cams” (similar to those used on major highways) throughout the region including in the parks. This will enable residents, officials, and tourists to see firsthand in real-time the conditions in the TNRD. This can help to market the region to tourists, become a source of information for locals, help control misinformation, and give real-time pictures on the ground during emergencies.

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Recommendations for the TNRD: Given the jurisdiction, scope and resources of the TNRD not all of the identified recovery actions will

be possible. Therefore, the following recommendations have been made balancing business recovery

impact with most pragmatic measures the TNRD could undertake. This does not mean that other

recovery actions listed above should not be initiated; instead the following recommendations are based

on the best information available at the time.

Recommended Short-Medium term Recovery Actions:



indicates that the existing recovery programs are not being utilized to their fullest extent due to lack of

awareness.

Note: Community Futures Sun Country Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery is

addressing this need, but not for the whole of the TNRD. Effort should be made to expand the

program to cover unaddressed areas.

Special provisions should be considered around variances and permitting to enable businesses to




Note: The TNRD Board of Directors have already taken measures to reduce building permit and

planning application fees by 50% and directed the acceleration of application processing for

wildfire impacted property owners. Additionally, the Board will be considering a new zoning for

“dry cabins” and will be lobbying the provincial government for relief and Building Code changes

for seasonal cabin rebuilds.

Investigate the idea of providing support to assist businesses with the creation of an emergency response and business continuity plan. Business emergency response and continuity plans have been proven to make a difference in how effectively a business responds to and recovers from a disaster. Almost two thirds of businesses surveyed reported that they do not have an emergency plan.

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Recommended Medium-Long term Recovery Actions:

Best efforts should be made to continually improve the wildfire-specific, integrated media and communications strategy or plan for the TNRD for the next fire season. Now is the time to make a plan and strategy while there are no disasters currently underway and there is more time to think and strategize. Possible actions could include stakeholder engagement with community leaders, wildfire management agencies, private industry, different levels of government as well as media representatives. This could include a provision to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters.

Work to continually improve existing programs which assist communities with preparedness efforts such as an Integrated Emergency Management Plan. The planning process could include larger companies that operate in the backcountry, such as logging and tourism organizations, emergency response agencies, various levels of government, etc. Efforts could include fuel reduction programs, policy and procedures for when an emergency takes place, communications plans, etc.

Note: The Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant could possibly cover some expenses related

to the development of a program to assist communities with preparedness efforts such as an

integrated emergency management plan. Further investigation should be done if this

recommendation is to proceed.

Take measures (such as geotechnical stability studies) to reduce further environmentally driven economic impacts (such as flooding, slides, or debris torrents) as well as undertake environmental remediation measures such as noxious weed control and reseeding.

Note: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s

(FLNRORD) recovery plans include immediate efforts related to rehabilitation from wildfires and

firefighting, such as trail restoration, grass seeding and assessing slopes for stability. Any such

efforts should be done in coordination with FLNRORD.

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Section 2: Technical Report

Findings from Online Survey and Community Engagement Sessions

The data collected can be broadly defined in 4 major groups: information about the businesses affected

by the wildfires, the support resources they are aware of currently, the economic impact of the

wildfires, and how the TNRD can assist with recovery.

Overall 112 online responses were collected from late November to the end of December 2017. These

were complimented by twelve different community engagement sessions.

Through business licence data (where available) and local area knowledge it was estimated that there

were 492 businesses. Of the 492 businesses it was estimated that 457 of them were impacted in some

way by the 2017 wildfires.

Total Affected

70 Mile House and Area* 37 37

Ashcroft 125 117

Cache Creek 112 112

Clearwater 218 191

492 457

* Including: South Green Lake, Pressy Lake, Egan Lake, Big Bar area, Loon Lake, Maiden Creek and 20 Mile

With a sample size of 112 and a population size of 457, this data is statistically significant, representing a

95% confidence level and 8.1% confidence interval. In other words, there is a 95% chance that the data

in the report is representative of the population as a whole, plus or minus 8.1%.

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Types of Businesses Affected by the Wildfires in the TNRD Businesses affected by the 2017 wildfires in the TNRD ranged dramatically from Garlic Farms to

Museums, Vineyards to Architectural Consulting, and Adventure Tourism to Retail.

This being said, the top five industry sectors, as defined by Statistics Canada, represent nearly 85% of

the total representation in the online survey. These industry sectors were, in order from largest to

smallest:

Accommodation and Food Services, which includes RV resorts, hotels, motels and restaurants;

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, which includes fishing and hunting lodges, farming,

ranching, etc.;

Retail Trade which includes gas stations, grocery stores, and other storefronts;

“Other Services” which includes businesses primarily engaged in repairing, or performing

general or routine maintenance on motor vehicles, machinery, equipment and other products to

ensure that they work efficiently; providing personal care services, funeral services, laundry

services and other services to individuals;

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, which includes establishments primarily engaged in

operating facilities or providing services to meet the cultural, entertainment and recreational

interests of their patrons; and,

Construction.

The full industry sector representation is outlined in the table below (Figure 1).

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

Accommodation and Food Services

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

Retail Trade

Other Services (except Public Administration)

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

Construction

Finance and Insurance

Transportation and Warehousing

Health Care and Social Assistance

Information and Cultural Industries

Manufacturing

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Management of Companies and Enterprises

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Public Administration

Wholesale Trade

Figure 1: Please select the Industry Sector which best represents your business:

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Most businesses surveyed (nearly 75%) have annual revenues below $250,000 per year (Figure 2.0) and

85% of them have ten or fewer employees. Out of this 85%, just over 40% of the businesses captured in

this recovery initiative are owner/operators (Figure 3).

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

less than $250,000/year between $250,000 and$499,999/year

between $500,000 and$999,999/year

More than $1 million/year

Figure 2: What are the typical annual revenues (sales) for your business?

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00% 45.00% 50.00%

26-50 paid employees

11-25 paid employees

1-10 paid employees

No paid employees

Figure 3: Number of paid employees:

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This representation is not overly surprising as BC’s economy is comprised of 98% small businesses (as

defined by 50 employees or less) and approximately 51% of those small businesses are owners without

paid help (Figure 4)4.

Cause of Economic Loss due to Wildfires for Businesses in the TNRD Overwhelmingly the economic losses suffered by businesses in the TNRD due to the wildfires of 2017

were related to business interruption. Only 16.09% of businesses engaged in the initiative indicated that

their business loss was attributed to direct fire damage.

Instead, over 80% of businesses reported that road closures were the biggest cause of interruption.

These closures prevented customers from accessing businesses, prevented owners from accessing their

own businesses, prevented suppliers from bringing supplies, or shipping companies from bringing

finished goods or produce out of the region.

This was followed by losses arriving from Evacuation Orders (54.02%) and Evacuation Alerts (59.77%)

which had a similar impact to the road closures, but was defined by areas rather than infrastructure

(Figure 5). In addition to direct lack of access, the evacuation orders and alerts drove fear, which further

decreased customer activity and bookings.

All of this happened during the peak season for many of the businesses in the TNRD, intensifying the

financial impact of the wildfires.

4 BC Stats Small Business Profile 2017 calculated using data supplied by Statistics Canada

Figure 4: Breakdown of Businesses in

British Columbia, 2016

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Business interruption insurance is a form of insurance designed to help support businesses that cannot

operate as a result of an insurable loss. For example: a fire destroys a workshop, or a flood ruins inventory.

Business interruption insurance typically covers fixed expenses – utilities, taxes and even employee wages

– and includes Business Income Insurance, to cover any loss of earnings. This form of insurance is different

from property insurance which typically covers the cost of replacing buildings, equipment or materials.

80.46%

12.64%17.24% 16.09%

54.02%

59.77%

Road or accessclosure

Loss ofinfrastructure

Loss of naturalresources

Direct fire damage Evacuation Orders Evacuation Alerts

Figure 5: Were the losses a result of road closures, loss of infrastructure, loss of natural resources, direct fire damage or because of an evacuation order or alert (check all that apply)?

61.90%

38.10%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00%

Yes

No

Figure 7: Are you Aware of Business Interruption Insurance?

Yes

No

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When businesses in the survey were asked if they were aware of business interruption insurance, only

61.9% said yes (Figure 7). Of the respondents who said yes, only 13.7% of the businesses indicated that

they had successfully made a claim (Figure 8). This means that in total only 8.48% of businesses

surveyed held business interruption insurance and were able to successfully make a claim.

Of the businesses that had or were aware of business interruption insurance, 46.58% indicated that they

were not able to make a claim. When prompted further about why not, the responses generally fell into

the following categories:

The losses were not enough to make it worthwhile putting in a claim.

There was no insurable loss for a variety of reasons including:

o no structures were lost or damaged;

o not on evacuation order or alert ; and,

o impacts from road closures were not covered.

Putting in a claim was too complicated.

The deductible was too high.

The insurance is too cost prohibitive for a small business.

It should be mentioned that not all businesses were affected negatively. Some businesses, which were

able to stay open and were located in an area where road or access closures were not affecting their

ability to service customers, actually did substantially better compared to previous years. Examples

include gas stations, convenience stores and some accommodations that were able to service people

who were being evacuated or service wildfire support agencies such as the RCMP or firefighters.

13.70%

46.58%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%

50.00%

Yes No

Figure 8: If you answered yes to the question above, did you use your Business Interruption Insurance?

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TNRD Businesses Economic Recovery Needs

A number of different questions were asked both in the community engagement sessions and in the

online survey regarding both the awareness of and uptake in existing recovery programs. These

questions were asked in order to gather data for a gap analysis which will be used to determine if there

are businesses needs for recovery which are not currently being met by existing recovery programs; and

to determine if there are existing recovery programs, which address current economic recovery needs in

the TNRD, which are being underutilized.

The first question asked was based around awareness of the major recovery initiatives that are currently

operating. By far the greatest awareness was for the Red Cross Initiatives, followed by the Small

Business BC Wildfire Support Program, and then the Agriculture Support Programs (Figure 9).

35.29%

21.18%

71.76%

61.18%

45.88%

10.59%

Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant

AGRI Recovery program

Red Cross Phase 1

Red Cross Phase 2

Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources

The Advanced Payments Program (Agri-Food Canada)

Figure 9: Have you heard of the following programs (please check all that apply):

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Despite this apparent awareness, there were a large number of individuals who indicated that they were not

aware of many of these programs. Given the marketing effort and community engagement efforts of these

groups, it is surprising that there is still some lack of awareness about the support services being offered.

Further, only 41.7% of businesses surveyed indicated that they had successfully participated in an

economic recovery program. About 19% indicated that they were aware but had not yet applied and

39.2% of businesses indicated that they had not participated in any support programs (Figure 10).

41.77%

39.24%

18.99%

Yes

No

Have not yet applied

Figure 10: Have you been able to participate in any economic recovery programs?

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

I am unable to findfunding to assist mybusiness to recover

I do not meet theeligibility

requirements ofprograms

I don't feel mybusiness was impacted

like others' were

I do not have capacityto complete the

application

I do not think I ameligible

Figure 11: Why have you not been able to participate in any economic recovery programs?

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When asked why they have not been able to participate, the following reasons were given:

I am unable to find funding to assist my business to recover (approx. 40%);

I do not meet the eligibility requirements of programs (approx. 35%);

I don't feel my business was impacted as severely as others or There are other businesses that

could use it more (approx. 9%);

I do not have the capacity to complete the application (approx. 7%); and,

I don’t think I am eligible (approx. 9%).

These responses indicate a lack of awareness about the existing recovery programs and that there is still

a massive underutilization (nearly half of the businesses in the TNRD) of existing programs.

The responses which indicated that businesses were unable to find funding to support their recovery are

probably much more indicative of not being able to find a program which would provide coverage for

the full economic loss experienced due to the wildfires. Interactions with business owners during the

community engagement sessions further support this conclusion as many comments were made

regarding the current funding available being far less than the total amount of economic loss incurred.

The 35% of respondents who indicated that they did not meet the eligibility requirements is probably

also over-represented as Phase 2 of the Canadian Red Cross support initiative is extremely inclusive

(Figure 11). However, eligibility requirements have changed since the program was first launched. This is

likely fueling the misconception that businesses are not eligible, when in fact they are. Once again

during the community sessions, there were multiple examples of instances where business owners in

the room indicated they were not eligible for Phase 2 of the Canadian Red Cross support initiative. Yet,

with further discussion (including with the Canadian Red Cross representative at the sessions), it was

found that they were in fact eligible.

When business owners affected by the wildfire in the TNRD were asked their opinion of what gaps exist

for recovery, there was a wide variety of answers, but generally seven distinct themes emerged as

outlined by figure 12:

Marketing and promotion of the region for the coming tourism season (31%);

Some forms of additional monetary assistance in the form of grants (26%);

Better communication and awareness of support initiatives (14%);

Better support to help them access business recovery initiatives (12%);

Some sort of interim financing, ideally interest free loans (10%);

Lenience or reduction of red tape around permitting and licensing (4%); and,

Some sort of lobbying or regulation of insurance companies to make business interruption

insurance more affordable and to ensure that coverage is being honored (3%).

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Some of the more specific suggestions included:

Help with remediation of burned infrastructure or the clean-up of fire retardant on private

property;

Changing policy, regulation, and legislation so that the B.C. Emergency Program Act or Disaster

Financial Assistance could better help businesses affected by the wildfire in the TNRD;

Emergency planning improvements to better prepare for future wildfires; and,

Variance to building code making it possible to rebuild business infrastructure at a previous

location or to help manage upgrading to current code standards.

After reviewing numerous wildfire economic recovery initiatives throughout North America, one key

component began to stand out: the development of a Business Emergency Response and Continuity

Plan.

A Business Emergency Response and Continuity Plan is a document designed to help small business

owners plan and prepare for emergencies that could interrupt operations. They typically outline policies

and procedures that come into play once a disaster strikes. More importantly, they get business owners

thinking (in a non-emergency setting) what are the major risk factors that could impact their business,

the basic needs and functions of the business, and how to best preserve them. They can develop a

business evacuation plan, a plan on how the business could continue to operate remotely, an

emergency communications plan, and decide how to protect and manage critical business information.

Better communication14%

Support to access resources

12%

Marketing for coming tourism season

31%Loans

(interest free)10%

Additional Monetary Assistance

26%

Lobbying/regulating insurance companies

3%

Permitting process4%

Figure 12: In your opinion what gaps exist for recovery for business owners affected by the wildfire in the TNRD?

Better communication

Support to access resources

Marketing for coming tourism season

Loans (interest free)

Additional Monetary Assistance

Lobbying/regulating insurance companies

Permitting process

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Business Emergency Response and Continuity Plans have been proven to make a difference in how

effectively a business responds to and recovers from a disaster and there are many templates available

for businesses to use, including one from PreparedBC5.

When businesses were asked if they had an emergency plan, nearly two thirds (61%) reported that they did not (Figure 13). It also became apparent, during the community engagement sessions that many business owners had never even heard of or thought about an emergency plan. Those who did have an emergency plan fared much better than those who did not as they were able to either maintain some level of business or were better equipped with information to complete recovery program applications.

Interest in Business Emergency Response and Continuity Plans carried over into the next question as well which asked: What could the TNRD do in future disasters to aid in economic recovery? There was a variety of thoughts and comments, but the majority of the responses followed six key themes as outlined in the chart below (Figure 14). Businesses are interested in having the TNRD assist them and their communities with disaster planning now, as a proactive measure, before the next disaster strikes (11%). Other key themes were centered on faster response (16%) and improving communication (26%). Communication has been identified a number of different times throughout this report and has been referenced in a number of different ways. Improved communication between all of the different agencies, levels of government, and businesses was the most cited at 26%. The general feeling was that all of these different organizations had different messaging, different timing, different access points, and different rules and were generally not coordinating with each other, leading to confusion and further misinformation.

5 PreparedBC, Emergency Plan for Small Businesses: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/preparedbc_small_business_plan_web.pdf

Yes39%

No61%

Figure 13: Do you have a business emergency plan?

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“Communication” also includes media communications and helping to control the information that is broadcasted by the media or correct inaccurate reports (7%). Not surprisingly, it was generally felt that the media tended to “sensationalize” and focus on the devastation. The result was the projection of devastation on a much larger scale to the rest of the world. There were consistent comments that European tourists and event tourists from outside of the Thompson-Okanagan thought the whole of the province had burned down, severely impacting the tourism industry. For example, the media focused on the closure of Wells Gray Park giving the impression as if the park and area was burning. In reality Wells Gray park experienced no major fires and was largely untouched. Attention should be made in future disasters to highlight the good news and show positive images as well. Lastly, a solution identified was the need for a single point of contact (3%), which can amalgamate all of the different information streams into one source, and which could assist businesses one-on-one and help respond faster to business needs during response. Here is a comment from a business owner explaining the situation in their own words: “…there are too many organizations involved in this recovery dealing directly with business and people impacted. Red Cross, TNRD, SLRD, CCCTA, Province, etc. etc.. Perhaps, you can organize yourself so I only deal with one organization that can help me on the ground. This is the fifth survey I have completed, but I have yet to see any help beyond the initial Phase 1”.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Single point of contact for all information and programs

Better communications management betweenagencies, government and businesses

Assist businesses and communities with an EmergencyPreparedness Plans

Faster response with support

More one on one business support

Better media relations and messaging control

Figure 14: What could the TNRD improve in future events to aid in economic recovery?

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Specific programs that were suggested to help businesses recover include:

Targeted and wide ranging tax incentives that can be advertised specifically toward sectors that have been hardest hit;

Agriculture consultants to help identify the best crops for specific soil types and the growing season in a post-fire ecology;

Programs to help businesses with disaster planning and the development of business emergency response and continuity plans;

A 'one stop shop' where businesses could go to find out what programs/relief are available;

A program to facilitate co-op marketing for specific regions to share expenses and create a unified brand, leveraging individual marketing budgets into a greater impact;

A translation program or initiative to help English as a second language business owners to participate in recovery. There are many non-native English speaking small business owners in the TNRD who will likely struggle accessing assistance.

84%

16%

Figure 15: Would you like to know more about programs and services that could help your business with economic

recovery?

Yes No

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When asked if business owners would like to know more about programs and services that could help their business with economic recovery, there was an overwhelming (85%) response of “yes” (Figure 15). Business owners were also asked what their preferred informational channel would be, which is summarized in figure 16. Based on this response, email should be used whenever possible, followed by websites, social media and mail brochures. There was also a preference for centralized workshops and face-to-face meeting, which when combined together would represent the fourth most popular option, above social media.

28.99%

15.94%

1.45%

36.23%

86.96%

7.25%2.90%

21.74%

10.14%

Mail -brochures

Centralizedworkshopsor classes

Localtelevision

InternetWebsites

E-mail NewspaperInsert

Radio Social Media Face to face

Figure 16: If you were interested in learning more, what kind of informational format would you prefer?

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Quantify an Estimate of the Economic Loss Quantifying the economic loss due to the 2017 wildfires is a challenging task as most small businesses

are not publically traded companies and therefore their financial information is not public. This is further

complicated by the fact that most business people do not want their financial information to be shared

with others, including their competitors, customers, employees, etc.

Without having a dataset that is publically accessible, the only way to get financial information from

businesses was to ask them to self-report, understanding that there is a very real risk that the

information is not accurate. This can be circumvented to some degree by taking known third party

information and comparing it to the reported numbers as an external validation.

For this we were graciously able to access the results from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Economic Impact Survey, which asked similar questions, but from a different perspective. Both the

staffing and economic impact numbers from both studies were similar, indicating that they are likely

fairly accurate. As these surveys were performed at different times, from different perspectives, it is

unlikely that fabricated responses would match so closely.

When businesses were asked how 2017 would compare as a percentage to a typical year in terms of

revenues (sales), the results were relatively consistent. There were some outlying figures, but the

average response was that business was down 26% and the median response was that business was

down 30%.

Breaking this data up further in quartiles, we can see that the first quartile was down 50% and the third

quartile was down 10% as outlined in the table below:

How would you compare 2017 in terms of revenues (sales) with an average year for your business?

Average: -26%

Median: -30%

First quartile -50%

2nd quartile -30%

3rd quartile -10%

Quartiles are a useful measure of spread because they are much less affected by outliers or a skewed

data set than the equivalent measures of mean and standard deviation. For this reason, quartiles are

often reported along with the median as the best choice of measure of spread and central tendency,

respectively, when dealing with skewed and/or data with outliers. A common way of expressing

quartiles is as an interquartile range. The interquartile range describes the difference between the third

quartile (Q3) and the first quartile (Q1), telling us about the range of the middle half of the scores in the

distribution.

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This was explored further to determine the loss of sales experienced in the 2017 wildfire in an absolute

dollar amount. Once again, quartiles were used to analyze the aggregate data and are outlined in the

table below. In this circumstance there were a few outlying figures impacted the average, but the

median, quartiles and interquartile range shows a much different story and is much less spread out

(interquartile range of $57,500).

One interesting point to note is that after reviewing this data it would appear as though the funding

available through the Canadian Red Cross, Phase 2 (up to $20,000) should cover almost 100% of the

economic losses for nearly half of the business who participated in this survey (50% of businesses would

be below the median figure, which was $25,000).

Average: $ 152,610

Median: $ 25,000

First quartile $ 5,000

2nd quartile $ 25,000

3rd quartile $ 62,500

Interquartile range $ 57,500

Using the reported lost sales numbers, an estimate can be made for the total lost sales in the TNRD due to

the 2017 wildfire season. In order to do this estimation we have to assume that this sample is

representative of the loss of sales for the entire region and that our estimated figure of the number of

businesses affected by the wildfires in the study region is accurate (457). Using this information the total

reported loss of sales can be extrapolated to reflect the estimated loss in sales for the whole region:

Estimated Value of Lost Sales due to 2017 Wildfires in Study Area

Loss of Sales as reported by the survey sample $ 5,799,192

Total estimated number of businesses affected by 2017 wildfires in study area 457

Total number of businesses in survey sample 124

Estimated sample as a percentage of all businesses in study area 27.09%

Estimated total lost sales due to wildfires in study area $ 21,372,828

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Loss of sales does not paint the whole picture for economic impact as it does not include lost assets

(equipment, buildings, etc.) or loss of earnings for employees who were laid off.

Although most businesses did not lose assets, there were some reported losses in this sample including:

Hundreds of kilometers of fencing;

Numerous outbuildings;

Rental cabins and guest lodges;

Historical buildings;

Food products/feed/other supplies with a shelf life;

Equipment;

Harvestable timber; and,

Private road damage.

Assets lost18%

No Direct Fire Lost Assets82%

Figure 17: What assets (equipment, buildings, property, livestock) did your business lose in the 2017 wildfire?

Assets lost No Direct Fire Lost Assets

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Businesses were asked if they had to lay off any employees due to the wildfire. 30% of respondents

indicated that they had to engage in some form of lay-offs as summarized by Figure 18 below:

Businesses were also asked to quantify the total hours of employment lost due to the 2017 wildfires.

This information can be used to make a conservative estimate of the economic loss of wages due to the

2017 wildfires in the region. We can do this by taking the total number of lost hours of employment and

then multiply them by the minimum wage at the time ($10.85) as we know that these employees would

have been paid at least this much money. In reality, this will likely underestimate the total amount of

lost wages, but it is better to err on the side of conservatism and without employer wage data in the

region there is no other number that can be used.

Once again, in order to do this estimation we have to assume that this sample is representative of the

loss of wages for the entire region and that our estimated figure of the number of businesses affected

by the wildfires in the study region is accurate (457). Using this information the total reported loss of

wages can be extrapolated to reflect the estimated loss in wages for the whole region.

Estimated Value of Lost Wages due to 2017 Wildfires in Study Area

Lost Hours of Employment as reported by the survey sample 25,686

BC Minimum Wage prior to September 15th, 2017 $ 10.856

Total sample estimated minimum wages lost $ 278,693.10




Estimated total minimum amount of wages lost due to wildfires in study area: $ 1,027,119

6 The minimum wage in BC was adjusted upwards to $11.35 on September 15th, 2017. It was assumed that the majority of the lost wage hours happened prior to this date.

Yes, 30%

No, 70%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Figure 18: Did you have to lay off any employees?

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Businesses were also asked to estimate their total economic loss (taking into account all variables) due

to the 2017 wildfire season in the TNRD. There was quite a bit of variability in the reported data as some

businesses were dramatically impacted, while others were not negatively impacted at all. Once again

quartiles were used as a way to analyze the data, which are summarized in the table below.

Looking at the data we can see that the average total direct economic impact for businesses in the TNRD

due to the 2017 wildfires has been estimated at $144,310. This being said, given the very high sample

standard deviation (indicating that the data was quite diverse) we can see that the median response was

once again around $25,000. This means that of all the businesses in the sample, half of them reported a

total direct economic loss of $25,000 or less.

Once again this would indicate that the funding available through the Canadian Red Cross, Phase 2 (up

to $20,000) should, in theory, cover almost 100% of the economic losses for nearly half of the business

who participated in this survey (50% of businesses would be below the median figure, which was

$25,000).

Average: $ 114,310.41

First quartile $ 5,000.00

2nd quartile $ 25,000.00

3rd quartile $ 100,000.00

Interquartile range $ 95,000.00

Sample Standard Deviation $ 308,963.39

Using this information, an estimate of the total direct economic loss due to the 2017 wildfires can be

calculated. We can do this by taking the total estimated direct economic loss from the sample and then

extrapolate to reflect the estimated direct total economic loss for the whole region.

Once again, in order to do this estimation we have to assume that this sample is representative of the

direct economic loss for the entire region and that our estimated figure of the number of businesses

affected by the wildfires in the study region is accurate (457).

It should be mentioned that this calculation does not take into account economic multipliers, which can

be used to approximate the indirect and induced economic impact of the direct economic impacts. In

other words this estimate, which only looks at the direct economic impact, is most likely an under-

representation of the actual economic impact in the TNRD due to the 2017 wildfires.

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Estimated Total Direct Economic Loss due to 2017 Wildfires in Study Area

Direct Economic Loss as reported by the sample survey $ 8,344,660




Estimated total direct economic loss due to 2017 wildfires in study area: $ 30,754,110

Another factor to consider is that the final economic impact from the wildfires of 2017 has not yet been

realized. Businesses were asked if they anticipated further economic loss in 2018 and beyond because of

the 2017 wildfires and 42% of them said yes. Another 22% indicated that they were unsure at this time,

while only 36% seemed convinced that there would be no further economic impact (Figure 19).

Yes42%

No36%

Unknown22%

Figure 19: Do you anticipate further business loss in 2018 and subsequent years as a result of the 2017 fires?

34 | P a g e

Some examples of the continued economic impact from both the survey and community engagement

sessions are outlined below:

Damage and loss of habitat, coupled with silt runoff to lakes and spawning streams will likely lead to future impact on fishing lodges and related businesses.

Loss of rental cabins and accommodations which cannot be rebuilt in time for the 2018 season or possibly beyond.

Loss of timber sales and pasture. Lack of pasture will cause increased costs associated with feed, feed hauling, and moving livestock.

Livestock stress during the fires has resulted in late calves, lighter weaner calves and fewer cows having calves.

Impact to the landscape will likely affect future tourism, customer enjoyment, and outdoor experiences.

Past experience seems to indicate an expected 10-15% drop in future tourism traffic for up to a decade because of widespread negative publicity during the fires.

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Gap Analysis, Opportunities and Recommendations This section will be used to summarize findings and articulate identified short, medium, and long-term

recovery needs that have emerged in the TNRD, as well as recommendations which could be adopted to

meet these needs.

One of the first questions asked with regard to recovery was of the organizations that are offering

support for economic recovery and which organizations have businesses engaged with to date. The

following tables illustrate all of the different organizations which are active players in the TNRD in the

economic recovery arena (Figure 20). This list is definitely not all inclusive as the “other” includes the

BCEDA, Rotary, Lions Clubs and other service organizations which accounted for the fourth largest

response at just over 14%. This attests to the complexity and confusion around accessing economic

recovery programs.

Overall, by far, the largest response was for the Canadian Red Cross at just over 75% awareness among

survey and community engagement session participants. Although this is high, it is still rather surprising

given the amount of time, staff and effort the Canadian Red Cross has spent on economic recovery in

the region.

After the Canadian Red Cross, awareness drops off dramatically to 20% for Community Futures, 15% for

the TNRD, and then 15% or less for all of the other organizations active in the economic recovery arena.

This data really makes evident the strong lack of awareness still present in the TNRD with regard to

economic recovery supports. There are a number of programs available to help small businesses but

they are not being used to their fullest potential. Therefore, continued focus on awareness could be the

fastest path to recovery for most businesses negatively impacted by the 2017 wildfires.

75.32%

19.48%

15.58%

14.29%

12.99%

10.39%

10.39%

5.19%

2.60%

2.60%

0.00%

The Canadian Red Cross

Community Futures

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (before now)

Other (please specify)

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations…

Destination BC

United Way

BC Cattleman’s Association

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (TAC)

Figure 20: Have you connected with any of the following organizations with regards to economic recovery (check all

that apply):

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Short-Medium term Recovery Actions Short term recovery was defined as 3 to 6 months, and medium term was defined as 6 months to one

year. Businesses were asked specifically what they felt would help them to recover in the short term.

There were a variety of responses, but six main themes emerged, which are summarized in Figure 21.

The number one consistent message was marketing and promotion of the region to help the tourism

sector to recover. The top five industry sectors accounted for nearly 80% of the businesses and they

were all related to tourism or impacted by tourism. This is why it is not surprising that the top response

was related to supporting the marketing and promotion of the tourism sector.

The next largest response was in regards to continued awareness of support programs (approx. 30%),

which very much supports the earlier conclusion – based on economic recovery agency engagement –

that there is still a very persistent lack of awareness of the recovery programs that are available to

businesses in the TNRD. This should also be coupled with helping businesses to apply to support

programs which accounted for 12% of the responses. It is very apparent that providing businesses with

direct support to become aware of, and apply to, recovery programs would be very beneficial in

accelerating the recovery effort.

Funding to replace lost income (in the form of grants) and interim lending at low or no- interest rates

were identified at 29% and 21% respectfully. Comments during the community engagement sessions

also support the need for capital to either rebuild or continue operating in the near term. Obviously

their preference is for grant money, but a supportive loan program would go a long way to helping

businesses stay afloat while they wait for the 2018 peak season (Figure 21).

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Marketing andpromotion of

businesses andarea

Help businesses tobe aware of

support programs

Funding to replacelost income

Help businessesapply to support

programs

Interm Financing atlow or 0% interest

Special casepermitting and

licensing

Figure 21: What actions or programs could help businesses recover in the short term?

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Lastly, numerous examples were mentioned regarding special measures around variances, permitting

and licencing. Comments ranged from reduced red tape to expedited process to special variances to

allow for new construction to be exempt from current building standards and codes. Most of these later

comments are driven by the fact that many of the structures that were lost were originally built a

number of years ago to very different building standards. Rebuilding these structures to current

standards is either not possible (in some circumstances) or much more costly than the insurance pay-out

on the old structures or out of pocket expenses.

Building codes have been updated for a variety of reasons including resiliency and energy efficiency but

more importantly for public health, safety, and environmental protection. Therefore not “building to

code” or allowing variances are not recommended. Process improvement, red tape reduction and

expedition of permits however are plausible outcomes as long as public health, safety, and

environmental protection are not compromised.

One last suggestion that did not make it into the graph was the need for help to clean up residual fire

retardant on private property. 7At present, the BC Wildfire Service is considering whether this could be

eligible for compensation or assistance; business owners who have this need will need to contact the

Manager of Wildfire Risk at the BC Wildfire Service to determine eligibility.

7 https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/EmergencyPreparedness/Documents/After%20Fire%20-%20Returning%20Home.pdf

Marketing and promotion of businesses

and area, 55%

More Grants, 11%

Better communication between agencies, government and businesses, 6%

Better control over media messaging next

time, 4%

Interm Financing at low or 0%

interest, 9%

Economic Development programs to expand or diversify economy, 2%

Assist community with prepardness

efforts , 13%

Figure 22: What actions or programs could help businesses recover in the medium term?

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When asked what actions or programs could aid in business recovery in the medium term, there were some similar suggestions, although the responses started to diversify somewhat. Overall there was one strong theme, followed by six smaller themes, and then a number of individual recommendations, some of which are outlined below. Once again marketing and promotion of businesses and the area dominated the responses at 55%. One specific suggestion for marketing and promotion was to offer free BC Parks camping for the 2018 season. This was followed by suggestions to assist the community and businesses with preparedness efforts such as business emergency response plans. Some of these comments revolved around community fire suppression and fuel reduction plans. Suggestions included the integration of emergency management planning to include larger companies that operate in the backcountry, including logging and tourism organizations. Grants and loans once again were represented and reinforce the need for interim capital to either

rebuild or continue operating in the near to medium term. Obviously the preference would be for grant

funding, but a supportive loan program would go a long way to helping businesses continue to operate

while they wait for the 2018 peak season.

Better communication between agencies, government, and businesses represented 6% of responses. Comments related to this theme included reducing the duplication of services and supports, and reducing the number of active agencies engaging businesses with recovery, both of which would help alleviate feelings of confusion and being overwhelmed by too many players and programs. Also there was a suggestion to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response, and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters. Development of a media and communications strategy or plan for the next fire season was also suggested (4%). The feeling is that now is the time to make a plan and strategy while there are no other disasters currently underway and there is more time to think and strategize. This is a proactive measure to hopefully reduce the economic impact of future wildfire disasters. Lastly there was some mention of economic development incentives to promote the recovery and expansion of existing businesses and to attract new businesses to diversify the existing economies. Specific suggestions included tax incentives, entrepreneur support, and new business attraction campaigns.

39 | P a g e

Businesses were also asked that if they were given one operational support that would make the biggest difference in their recovery what it would be? Again marketing and promotion of the businesses and area dominated the responses (Figure 23).

This was followed by help with recovery related expenses and operational expenses. The difference

being that operational expenses are exactly what the business would have incurred before the fire to

operate, but now do not have enough operating capital in the bank to cover, due to disaster related

expenses. Recovery expenses are those expenses which the business would not have otherwise

incurred, if not for the 2017 wildfires. The third highest response, interim financing at low or no-interest,

is also related to these responses as they are the cause of the need for financing.

Business support to navigate the various recovery initiatives currently available and help with the

creation of emergency response plans was the fifth most common response at 11%.

Lastly, environmental recovery, future fire mitigation, and commercial tax relief are mentioned as other

possible operating support measures which could aid in recovery.

51%

26%

2%

19%

13%

11%

4%

Marketing and promotion of businesses and area

Help with recovery related expenses

Commercial tax reduction or relief

Help with operational expenses (employee or utilities)

Interm Financing at low or 0% interest

Business management support / disaster planning

Environmental recovery and future fire mitigation

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Figure 23: If there was one operational support which would make the biggest difference for aiding in recovery, what would

it be?

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Long term Recovery Actions

When asked what actions or programs could aid in business recovery in the long term, there were some similar suggestions, along with some new suggestions. Overall there were six main themes and then a number of individual recommendations, some of which are outlined below (Figure 24). Once again marketing and promotion of businesses and the area dominated the responses at 28%. This would seem to reflect industry knowledge that the impact from the wildfires will likely continue over multiple years. One earlier comment which was referenced seemed to indicate that previous experience would suggest impacts lasting as long as 10 years. This was followed once again by suggestions to assist the community and businesses with preparedness efforts (26%) such as business emergency response and continuity plans. Some of these comments revolved around community fire suppression and fuel reduction plans. Some specific suggestions included:

Aiding municipalities in creating or editing emergency plans, and promoting the FireSmart program;

Require private logging companies to clean up after logging. Forest undergrowth needs to be maintained to prevent such large amounts of tinder/fuel; and,

Take part in community, professional and ministry planning so that when the next emergency happens the whole community has a voice.

Marketing and promotion of businesses and area

Work with insurance companies to provide betterproducts / awareness

Assist community with prepardness efforts

Continued grants and tax relief

Interm Financing at low or 0% interest

Better communication between agencies, government andbusinesses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Figure 24: What actions or programs could help businesses recover in the long term?

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Better communication between agencies, government and businesses represented 11% of responses. Although this came up earlier, the comments associated with the theme were different as they focused much more around planning and the development of a framework or strategy for future emergency events. Once again there were suggestions to put provisions in place to be able to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters. Better communication between agencies controlling road closures was specifically mentioned. Continued tax relief and grants accounted for the fourth largest response rate at 8%. Comments related to this theme tended to shift more towards tax relief and suggestions to extend tax incentives over a two to three year period in order to promote more sustained growth and development. Once again it was mentioned that recovery would take multiple years and therefore recovery measures should be put in place to take into account these timeframes. Policy development around insurance providers and the coverage they offer accounted for 4% of the responses. Comments here reflected the feeling that either:

Business interruption insurance needs to be more affordable;

Eligibility criteria to place a claim need to be adjusted or regulated – this comment relates to insurance holders not being able to make a claim because they were not directly evacuated, they did not lose critical assets in the fire or that road closures were not recognized as a cause of business interruption; and,

Models exist in New Zealand and other countries where governments have effectively helped to regulate insurance coverage for business owners, especially in the tourism sector.

Interim financing at low or no-interest rates in the long term to help businesses cover lost operating

capital and rebuild accounted for the last theme at approximately 3% of the responses.

Many other individual ideas were also mentioned, some of which are outlined below:

Geotechnical stability studies and mitigation measures need to be put in place to reduce further future economic impacts from environmental disasters;

Build strategic fire breaks and assess the lay of the land so that future fires may be more easily understood and controlled;

Expedite replanting and take measures for weed control and rehabilitation of the environment; and,

Install multiple “web-cams” like the ones used on major highways, throughout the region including in the parks. This will enable residents, officials, and tourists to see firsthand what is happening not only during emergencies, but also anytime. This can help to market the region to tourists and control misinformation during emergencies.

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Summary of Current Economic Recovery Programs In order to do a gap analysis, needs must be compared to existing resources, in order to determine the

gaps in support programs which are available. After extensive research, a detailed inventory of all

currently active recovery programs was created. This detailed list can be found in Appendix 5. Outlined

in the following section is a summary of these recovery programs including a brief overview.

Red Cross Phase 2 - Additional Financial Assistance Overview: Eligibility and the amount of financial assistance will be based on an assessment of the small

business’ vulnerability and need. Eligible small businesses will be able to apply by completing an online

application. The amount of money provided to each eligible applicant in the second phase of the

program will be a portion of the eligible costs incurred after July 7, 2017, to a maximum of $18,500 if the

needs are extraordinary. Not-for-Profit Organizations: may also apply for additional financial assistance,

to a maximum of $8,500 based on an assessment of the information provided. Phase 2 will include the

Phase 1 $1,500 for any successful applicants who did not previously access Phase 1 funding.

Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant Overview: The Community Partnerships Program funds projects by community organizations working towards relief, recovery and resilience-building of those affected by the 2017 British Columbia Fires. This Program will fund a range of initiatives identified by community groups, municipalities, registered charities and other organizations, to support work with affected populations through the following five (5) areas of programming:

Emergency Relief: meeting the immediate needs of impacted populations through individual and community based support, for example:

Community Strengthening: initiatives that bring community together and promote networks of support and community connectedness.

Safety & Well-being: services that address individual well-being and protection as well as strengthen formal and informal psychosocial support structures and networks.

Indigenous Programming: meeting the unique recovery needs and priorities of impacted Indigenous Communities

Disaster Risk Reduction: support activities that will help communities to mitigate and prepare for future fires and other emergencies

Canada Small Business Finance Program Overview: The Canada Small Business Financing Program offers a “loan guarantee program to secure small business loans against inadvertent non-compliance with payment terms for a range of reasons, including disasters. Assets guaranteed include real property improvements, leasehold improvements or the purchase of equipment.” Funding per applicant up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than

$350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and

purchasing or improving new or used equipment.

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Employment Assistance Work Sharing Program Overview: If you are faced with having to temporarily lay off your staff, due to the wildfires, the Employment Insurance Work Sharing Program offers income support to workers who are willing to work a temporary reduced work week when there is a reduction in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program includes special criteria to allow easier access to the Work Sharing Program for business affected by major disaster or public threats.”

Community Futures Sun Country BC Wildfire Response and Recovery Loan Program Overview: Community Futures Sun Country has announced a BC Wildfire response and recovery loan program to help small businesses within its regional area that were impacted by wildfires. This program offers a loan of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses at prime plus 2 per cent interest over a four-year amortization period. There’s also an option to waive repayment obligations for up to eight months.

Community Futures Sun Country Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery Overview: The Recovery Business Ambassadors will help businesses assess the impact of the wildfires on their operations, match their needs to available programs and services, assist with appropriate referrals and application processes and collect information that can help communities better understand the wildfire impacts in order to support new program development.

Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources for Small Business and “Ask the Expert” Overview: Small Business BC is making sure people and businesses who have been impacted by the 2017 wildfire season are supported during this time of need by providing a special edition of Small Business BC’s ‘Ask the Expert’ service to help small businesses who have been impacted by wildfires throughout B.C. This service will allow fire-impacted small businesses to gain insight, advice and support from key professional fields.

Agri-Recovery Program Overview: The AgriRecovery Framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business

Risk Management (BRM) tools under Growing Forward 2. AgriRecovery is an FPT disaster relief

framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers

recover from natural disasters.

BC Wildfire Specifics: B.C. ranchers and farmers can now access the $20-million 2017 Canada-British

Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative to help rebuild their livelihoods.

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Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program Overview: The aim of the Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program is to assist farmers and ranchers to better understand the adverse effects of this year’s wildfires on their current production and financial situation, to enable them to implement an immediate and long-term recovery plan.

They will provide access to up to $5,000 for services such as basic financial analysis, specialized business planning and coaching services. The program also includes the customized B.C. Wildfire Recovery for Agriculture Workbook to help producers with their recovery planning.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Advanced Payments Program Overview: The Advanced Payments Program is a federal loan program which is available to assist crop and livestock producers meet their financial obligations through improved cash flow and better opportunities to market their agricultural products. Loans of up to $400,000 are available under the program, with the federal government covering the interest on the first $100,000.

B.C. Ranchers and Farmers can now register for the $20-million 2017 Canada-British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative to help rebuild their livelihoods. The aim of the initiative is to assist agricultural producers with compensation for extraordinary expenses necessary for recovery and, more importantly, enable farms and ranches to return to production as quickly as possible.

2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program

Overview: The British Columbia government has made special provisions to help producers who suffered income declines in 2017.

Producers throughout the province dealt with numerous challenges in 2017 including winter freeze, excessive moisture, and wildfires. The 2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program allows agricultural producers to enroll late and without penalty into the existing AgriStability program. It also includes some enhancements to the AgriStability program but only for 2017.

BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Wildfire Initiatives Overview: The Province has provided $1.1 million to support tourism in areas affected by the wildfires. Specifically, the ministry provided a total of $600,000 to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism associations to help mitigate tourism-related losses caused by the fires and to support the tourism recovery needs. Destination BC has also reallocated $500,000 in marketing to support areas affected, for a total of $1.1 million

Mental Health Support Programs:

Overview: Understanding the signs and symptoms of stress and practicing the above self-care may help alleviate your stress; however there are many additional supports available. Needing additional information, support or counselling is very normal after a traumatic event and affected individuals are encouraged to seek help. Numerous support programs are offered, please see Appendix 5 for a detailed list.

https://www2.qa.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/programs/gf2/bk-sa/farm-business-recovery-advisory-services/bc_wildfire_recovery_-_ag_nov_3_2017.pdf


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Tax Relief Programs: Overview: In extraordinary circumstances (such as the B.C. Wildfires) Canada Revenue Agency may waive penalties or interest on outstanding tax payments. To apply to have penalties or interest waived, businesses need to download form RC4288 Request for Taxpayer Relief.

If books or records have been destroyed, call the CRA to inform them of the issue at 1-800-959-5525 The Canada Revenue may allow livestock producers to defer income from the sell down of breeding stock. This allows livestock producers to move the income from selling breeding stock into the future so it can be matched against the expense of repurchasing breeding stock. It is not certain at this time if this income deferral will be available in 2017.

Environmental Recovery Programs: Overview: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s (FLNRORD) recovery plans include immediate efforts related to rehabilitation from wildfires and firefighting, such as trail restoration, grass seeding and assessing slopes for stability. These and the following recovery efforts are being led through an incident command structure based in the Cariboo.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-response-and-recovery/recovery-programs

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Recovery Work plan (Methodology) This section of the report summarizes the actions and methodology used to collect the data necessary

for the creation of this report. It is hopeful that this section will also help other researchers and recovery

managers with their own recovery initiatives by replicating and improving upon this process.

Phase 1 – Project Launch

One of the first key steps undertaken was an environmental scan of existing recovery organizations

operating in the TNRD. During this this phase, there were a number of phone calls and meetings with

key recovery players including other regional organizations, provincial government representatives, local

government representatives and electoral area directors. From these meetings and interactions an

inventory of existing support programs and scope started to form.

Phase 2 - Planning, Logistics and Communications Strategy

To ensure maximum participation and exposure for the TNRD, an active advertising campaign

supporting the economic recovery survey was rolled out. The advertising campaign was an excellent

opportunity for the TNRD to actively engage the business community to provide input in the economic

recovery process. The marketing and communications strategy had three main goals:

1) Increase awareness of the TNRD initiative regional district wide;

2) Drive businesses located in the TNRD to fill out an online survey; and,

3) Drive businesses to participate in the community sessions hosted in December 2017.

The marketing and communication strategy included:

Development of print pieces including a Community Marketing Poster (appendix 3.1) and Mail

Drop Postcard (appendix 3.2). The Community Marketing Posters were couriered to local

municipal leaders to post at various community bulletin boards to aid in awareness;

Two unaddressed Admail Campaign drops to businesses Nov 27 and Dec 1 which utilized the

Mail Drop Postcard (appendix 3.2);

Social Media Facebook Campaign to invite online survey engagement at attendance and in-

community consultations; and,

Phone calls targeting Municipal Leaders and Emergency Program Coordinators ; CFDCs, Tourism

DMOs, Tourism Marketing Organizations (Gold Country), and local Chambers of Commerce with

a personal invite to attend in-community consultation and to ask for help engaging their

community through social media and e-mail.

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Task 2.2: Wildfire Recovery Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis Survey

Given the overall project, overall timeline and resources it was felt that the most effective method of

engagement was a mixture of key informant interviews and community engagement sessions supported

by an online survey. The online survey will allowed for access to the most business opinions and input in

the shortest period of time.

This online survey also collected primary business and market data to support the estimation of economic

loss and gap analysis accruing from the 2017 wildfires. This data was used to identify key issues and trends

which will assist the TNRD with programming, planning and policy development. The TNRD also got a

sense of the economic pulse of the region and was able to record these results in this report.

Primary data collection is key in this process, as in most circumstances in this province, little to no

community level data exists unless the local municipality or economic development agency is actively

collecting it. Most publically available sources of data only provide detail at the development region

level. In the case of the TNRD, data could include Kamloops and Sun Peaks, making the data virtually

useless when trying to create a local strategy.

Task 2.3: Community Engagement Session Planning

A key component of this project was the multiple community engagement events. The overall focus of

these events was to increase awareness of the TNRD economic recovery efforts, collect valuable data

and engage the business community in a meaningful manner. In order to do so, a number of key

planning steps needed to be accomplished in advance.

The first of step was to create a power point presentation ensuring that key information collected to

date and important pieces of information required to be collected were covered. Part of this process

included the selection and organization of facilitation exercises which best suited the participants and

level of desired engagement.

Throughout this process every effort was made to collaborate with other regional organizations,

provincial government representatives, local government representatives and electoral area directors.

Task 2.4: Operational Planning

Along with the planning of agendas, exercises and presentations, logistics needed to be planned for the

six (6) community engagement sessions. This included working with regional organizations, provincial

government representatives, local government representatives and electoral area directors to:

Identify ideal venues, check availability and book spaces;

Organize light refreshments from local suppliers; and,

Arrange for technical and other room requirements (projector, screen, chairs, tables, etc.).

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Phase 3 - Community Engagement - Needs Assessment

Task 3.1: Roll out the coordinated marketing plan utilizing various media channels

As outlined previously in the Planning, Logistics and Communication strategy, the marketing campaign

was rolled out utilizing various media channels. Specifically, there were two unaddressed admail drops

exclusively to all businesses affected by the 2017 Wildfires in the TNRD region on November 27th and

December 1st. Invitations and posters for municipal leaders and directors to post and share were printed

and couriered. An active Facebook Campaign was run through the TNRD Facebook account to invite

online survey engagement and attendance at in-community consultations. Lastly, the creation of a

landing page by the TNRD web developer was key for businesses to find resources and information

regarding the recovery efforts.

Further to this marketing campaign, earned media was used to the fullest extent possible. Interviews

were done regarding the initiative on CBC, the Jim Harrison Show (radio NL), The Midday Show on CTV,

two articles in the Ashcroft Cache-Creek Journal and the Clearwater Times.

Task 3.2: First Round of Community Engagement Sessions

The next step in the process was the first round of community engagement sessions. After reviewing the

locations of the 2017 wildfires in the TNRD, it was determined that six sessions in four different

communities would be held to capture most of the businesses affected by the wildfires. The four

communities and their associated regions are as follows:

1. Clearwater to capture surrounding region (Little Fort, etc.);

2. 70 Mile House to capture surrounding region (Clinton, Loon Lake, etc.);

3. Ashcroft to capture surrounding region; and,

4. Cache Creek to capture surrounding region.

During these sessions light refreshments were served, information was shared in the form of

presentations, and data was collected via various facilitation exercises. The Community Economic

Recovery Manager was fortunate enough to have two representatives from the Ministry of Forests,

Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Community Wildfire Recovery Branch, the

General Manager of Community Futures Thompson Country, a representative from The Ministry of

Health, and the Residential Recovery Manager for the TNRD.

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Phase 4 – Data and Gap Analysis

Task 4.1: Compile Data from Online Survey and Community Sessions

At this stage, the economic recovery survey had fairly good participation rates and the initial compiling

of data into meaningful trends and themes began. All identifying information was stripped from the data

and the results were aggregated to ensure anonymity. At this point, the data was still fairly raw, but

these trends and themes were used to start to build the foundation of the economic recovery survey

findings.

Task 4.2: Gap Analysis All of the information gathered to date, along with the secondary data review from Phase 1, was used to

help finalize the trend analysis to determine local economic development gaps and opportunities. These

gaps and opportunities were then evaluated against existing programs offered by other organizations to

identify if the gap is real or if there is an opportunity to leverage existing programs to a fuller extent.

Phase 5 - Validation and Second Round of Community Engagement

Task 5.1: Validation of Draft Findings

This portion of the project involved re-engaging the TNRD staff to provide input on the draft economic

recovery plan. Broad concepts and groups of options were narrowed down into more refined products

to create the draft economic recovery plan and then embark on the second phase of the stakeholder

engagement process (Task 5.3).

At this point, once approval from the TNRD senior staff was given, the draft economic recovery plan was

sent to the Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC), and Community Wildfire & Provincial

Disaster Recovery Branches, Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

(FLNRORD) – within the 30 day time period of the project initiation.

Task 5.2: Coordination with other stakeholders

Once the preliminary findings of the draft economic recovery plan were approved by the TNRD, the

Community Economic Recovery Manager once again engaged the other regional organizations,

provincial government representatives, local government representatives and electoral area directors to

share the results and start planning the second round of community engagement sessions.

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Task 5.3: Second phase of community engagement - presentation of findings This second round of community engagement sessions was very similar to the first round, only with the

intention of sharing the findings and recommendations to the various businesses affected by the 2017

wildfires in the TNRD.

This step was important as it helped to solidify the fact that the TNRD has listened to the needs of the

business community and has made recommendations for programs and support specifically to address

these needs without duplicating other services currently offered by other support organizations.

Further to this, based on perceived gaps identified in the data, other organizations were invited to

inform the attendees of the details of their programs. Often, programs exist to support businesses, but

they are hard to find and therefore go unutilized. By actively increasing awareness of programs, the

TNRD was able to add great value to the economic recovery process, quickly and easily.

As with the first round of community engagement sessions, four communities and their associated

regions were visited:

Clearwater to capture surrounding region (Little Fort, etc.);

70 Mile House to capture surrounding region (Clinton, Loon Lake, etc.);

Ashcroft to capture surrounding region; and,

Cache Creek to capture surrounding region.

Over the course of these sessions the following organizations had staff represented:

The Canadian Red Cross;

Interior Health;

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development;

Community Futures Sun Country;

Community Futures Thompson Country;

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association;

United Way;

TNRD - Community Economic Recovery Manager; and,

TNRD - Recovery Manager.

Phase 6 - Creation of Final Disaster Recovery Plan This final report was divided into two sections. Section 1 is the Executive Summary for the project and

was developed with the community audience in mind. It articulates the background, key findings and

recommendations. Section 2 is the technical report which presents the data, analysis and community

consultation results as well as the final economic recovery strategy recommendations.

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Gap Analysis Outcomes: The follow sections have been divided into short to medium term recovery recommendations and long

term recovery recommendations. It is understood that although the TNRD has completed this initial

recovery work plan and gap analysis, it is unlikely that they will be able to take on all of the

recommendations listed below.

That being said, this information will still prove to be very valuable for other recovery organizations. One

of the major issues identified is the large number of agencies attempting to help with the recovery

effort, which is causing confusion for business owners looking for support resources. By sharing this data

and document, the TNRD can immediately help business owners with recovery by providing valuable on-

the-ground information on business recovery needs to other organizations, saving them the time and

resources of duplicating the same effort.

It should also be mentioned that whenever an existing recovery program is similar or matching a

recommendation, a special note was provided under the recommendation pointing out the connection.

It is recommended that if an organization decides to proceed with a program to address the

recommendation that they coordinate with the existing program which is mentioned in the note. This

will help to reduce duplication and confusion.

Possible Short-Medium term Recovery Actions

Marketing and promotion of the area to help the tourism sector recover. The top five industry sectors

represented in this data accounted for nearly 80% of the total businesses and they were all related to

tourism or impacted by tourism.

Development of a one-on-one direct assistance program to help businesses recover by providing

services such as:

Navigation and awareness in a constantly changing recovery program landscape;

To act as a single point of contact for businesses when it comes to recovery; and,

To assist with application forms and processes to access recovery initiatives.



would seem to indicate that the existing recovery programs are not being utilized to their fullest extent

due to lack of awareness.

Additional grant programs should be considered to cover recovery expenses. Some examples include:

To help with expenses related to animals that do not qualify as livestock but are directly

attributed to business activities (miniature horse breeding, geldings, etc.);

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To help with hiring or employee wages;

To help with more general recovery and cleanup expenses; and,

To help municipalities with post-fire economic development.

Explore the possibility of local lenders offering low or no-interest loans to help businesses with

operating and recovery capital. Many businesses in the TNRD count on the peak season to survive the

off-season. The wildfires in 2017 heavily impacted the income generated during the peak season and in

some cases resulted in additional expenses. Many businesses will need an influx of capital to survive

until the next peak season.

Special provisions should be considered around variances and permittingto enable businesses to




Provide support to assist businesses with the creation of an emergency response and business

continuity plan. Business emergency response and continuity plans have been proven to make a

difference in how effectively a business responds to and recovers from a disaster. Almost two thirds of

businesses surveyed reported that they do not have an emergency plan.

Best efforts should be made to continually improve the wildfire-specific, integrated media and communications strategy or plan for the TNRD for the next fire season. Now is the time to make a plan and strategy while there are no disasters currently underway and there is more time to think and strategize. Stakeholder engagement should include community leaders, wildfire management agencies, private industry, different levels of government as well as media representatives. This could include a provision to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters.

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Possible Long term Recovery Actions Commitment to a long term marketing and promotion campaign to revive the tourism sector. The impact from the wildfires will likely last over multiple years and so a sustained long-term commitment to marketing and promotion will be needed to assist the tourism sector to recover and grow. Best efforts should be made to continually improve the programs to assist local governments and First Nations governments with preparedness efforts such as an integrated emergency management plan (such as those offered through EMBC). The planning process should include larger companies that operate in the backcountry, such as logging and tourism organizations, emergency response agencies, various levels of government, etc. Efforts could include fuel reduction programs, policy and procedures for when an emergency takes place, communications plans, etc. The creation of post-fire economic development incentives to promote the recovery and expansion of existing businesses as well as attracting new businesses to diversify the existing economies. Specific suggestions included tax incentives, entrepreneur support, and attraction campaigns. The development of long term tax relief and grant programs. It is suggested that programs be developed to continue over a two to three year period in order to promote more sustained growth and development. Recovery will likely take multiple years and therefore recovery measures should be put in place to take into account these timeframes. Investigate policy development and best practices around alternative insurance solutions. Best practices in other parts of the world, such as New Zealand should be reviewed to see if there are plausible alternatives to help businesses secure better insurance coverage for wildfire disasters. Take measures (such as geotechnical stability studies) to reduce further environmentally driven economic impacts (such as flooding, slides, or debris torrents) as well as undertake environmental remediation measures such as noxious weed control and reseeding.

Explore the possibility of purchasing and installing multiple “web-cams” (similar to those used on major highways) throughout the region including in the parks. This will enable residents, officials, and tourists to see firsthand in real-time the conditions in the TNRD. This can help to market the region to tourists, become a source of information for locals, help control misinformation, and give real-time pictures on the ground during emergencies.

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Recommendations for the TNRD: Given the jurisdiction, scope and resources of the TNRD not all of the identified recovery actions will

be possible. Therefore, the following recommendations have been made balancing business recovery

impact with most pragmatic measures the TNRD could undertake. This does not mean that other

recovery actions listed above should not be initiated; instead the following recommendations are based

on the best information available at the time.

Recommended Short-Medium term Recovery Actions:



indicates that the existing recovery programs are not being utilized to their fullest extent due to lack of

awareness.

Note: Community Futures Sun Country Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery is

addressing this need, but not for the whole of the TNRD. Effort should be made to expand the

program to cover unaddressed areas.

Special provisions should be considered around variances and permitting to enable businesses to




Note: The TNRD Board of Directors have already taken measures to reduce building permit and planning application fees by 50% and directed the acceleration of application processing for wildfire impacted property owners. Additionally, the Board will be considering a new zoning for “dry cabins” and will be lobbying the provincial government for relief and Building Code changes for seasonal cabin rebuilds.

Investigate the idea of providing support to assist businesses with the creation of an emergency response and business continuity plan. Business emergency response and continuity plans have been proven to make a difference in how effectively a business responds to and recovers from a disaster. Almost two thirds of businesses surveyed reported that they do not have an emergency plan.

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Recommended Medium-Long term Recovery Actions:

Best efforts should be made to continually improve the wildfire-specific, integrated media and communications strategy or plan for the TNRD for the next fire season. Now is the time to make a plan and strategy while there are no disasters currently underway and there is more time to think and strategize. Possible actions could include stakeholder engagement with community leaders, wildfire management agencies, private industry, different levels of government as well as media representatives. This could include a provision to hire a specific communications manager to collect information from various organizations and agencies, coordinate a response and disseminate information to businesses as a single point of contact during future disasters.

Work to continually improve existing programs which assist communities with preparedness efforts such as an Integrated Emergency Management Plan. The planning process could include larger companies that operate in the backcountry, such as logging and tourism organizations, emergency response agencies, various levels of government, etc. Efforts could include fuel reduction programs, policy and procedures for when an emergency takes place, communications plans, etc.

Note: The Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant could possibly cover some expenses related

to the development of a program to assist communities with preparedness efforts such as an

integrated emergency management plan. Further investigation should be done if this

recommendation is to proceed.

Take measures (such as geotechnical stability studies) to reduce further environmentally driven economic impacts (such as flooding, slides, or debris torrents) as well as undertake environmental remediation measures such as noxious weed control and reseeding.

Note: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s

(FLNRORD) recovery plans include immediate efforts related to rehabilitation from wildfires and

firefighting, such as trail restoration, grass seeding and assessing slopes for stability. Any such

efforts should be done in coordination with FLNRORD.

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Appendix 1.0: Recovery Work Plan Table

Need ActivityResources to

Consider

Timeline/

Milestone

Person

Responsible

Financial

Considerations

Development of recovery

website

- Recovery manager

Active Facebook Campaign - Cell phone

Mail drop to all businesses in

TNRD

- Tracking Sheet

Development of print media

including posters and

postcards

Cost of Mail-drop

Phone calls to CAO's and

Area Directors

Build out an inventory of

existing business support

programs

- Recovery manager

Connect with various

organizations to collaborate

- Cell phone

- Tracking Sheet

Identify other activities and

sessions at play

- Pathways document

to identify

organizations with

potential solutions/

supports.

Conduct business impact

assessment.

- Survey

development and

promotion

Target: 6 community

sessions spanned over 4

different epicenters of wildfire

impact

- Promotions to

businesses on

purpose/ timing of

impact assessment

Try to quantify the economic

loss in the TNRD

- Database for data

entry

- Analysis

- Recovery manager

- Cell phone

- Tracking Sheet

- Pathways document

to identify

organizations with


supports.

6 community sessions

spanned over 4 different

epicenters of wildfire impact

- Recovery manager

Connect with various

organizations to collaborate

- Tracking Sheet

Provide opportunity for

organizations to do 10 min

presentation on support

programs

- Pathways document

to identify

organizations with


supports.

Provide opportunity for

organizations to set-up a mini-

booth at the venue and make

themselves available for

conversations after the

sessions

Summarize all activities - Recovery manager

Identify trends and gaps

Make recommendations for

programs and activities to

best support economic

recovery

Make this information

available to other

organizations who may be

able to assist businesses in

the TNRD

No additional

financial

considerations

needed.

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Cost of

development of

print media

No additional

financial

considerations

needed.

No additional

financial

considerations

needed.

No additional

financial

considerations

needed.

No additional

financial

considerations

needed.

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Creation of a final

disaster recovery plan

Triage immediate and

pressing economic, social,

and land-based needs from

citizens, non-profits and

businesses. Track needs, as

well as program gaps. Use

this information to inform

larger recovery

implementation plan.

On-going

Completed.

January 8th, 2018

Community

sessions and Survey

completed as of

December 21st,

2017.

Completed.

Developed a list of

"gaps" in services

and recomendations

by January 8th, 2018

Community

sessions completed

as of December

21st, 2017.

January 8th, 2018

Economic

Recovery

Manager

(Colin

O'Leary)

Communicate to the

business community

that the TNRD is here to

help with economic

recovery

Thorough Review of

Existing Wildfire support

programs and Active

support organizations

Gain understanding and

appreciation of full-

scope business impacts

from the wildfires.

Some businesses,

individuals and non-

profit organizations are

facing acute needs in

the short-term. Many of

these needs do not fit

neatly within existing

recovery supports.

Second round of

community engagement

sessions to share

findings and link

businesses in the TNRD

to support programs

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Appendix 2.0: Short-Medium term Recovery Actions

Recovery Scope Need Activities Resources To ConsiderTimeframe/

Milestone

Person

Responsible

Financial/ Resource

Considerations

Short to Medium

term:Business associations

Navigation and

awareness in a

constantly changing

recovery program

landscape

Municipal / First Nations

To act as a single

point of contact for

businesses when it

comes to recovery

Recovery Agencies

To assist with

application forms

and processes to

access recovery

initiatives

BC Government

Short to Medium

term:Recovery Agencies

Further investigation

should be done to

determine if some

existing recovery

programs could be

adapted to address

unmet needs

BC Government

Short to Medium

term:Lending Agencies

Work with local

lenders and the

provincial

government to see if

there is a possibility

of reducing risk and

therefore interest

rates on business

loans.

BC Government

Medium to long

term:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts

and Culture

Active marketing

campaigns including

Europe

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Tourism Association

Thompson Okanagan

Tourism Association

No additional funding

required.

Promote that BC is

still open for

business

Destination BC

External Agency Needs Assessment

Economy

Development of a

one-on-one direct

assistance program

to help businesses

recover

Immediate need.

Business

Ambassador

Contract

Further funding from The

Ministry of Forests,

Lands, Natural Resource

Operations and Rural

Development should be

explored to create this

recovery program.

Economy

Explore the

possibility of local

lenders offering

low or 0% interest

loans to help

businesses with

operating and

recovery capital.

Immediate

need.

External granting

and loan agencies

Further funding from The

Ministry of Forests,

Lands, Natural Resource

Operations and Rural

Development should be

explored to create this

recovery program.

Economy

Additional grant

programs should be

considered to cover

recovery expenses

Immediate

need.

Province of BC or

External granting

agencies

Additional funding will

be required unless

existing TNRD staff can

commit resources.

Economy

Marketing and

promotion of the

area to help the

tourism sector

recover

Dec, 2017 – Dec

2020

Tourism

Association or

Organization

active in the TNRD

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Recovery Scope Need Activities Resources To ConsiderTimeframe/

Milestone

Person

Responsible

Financial/ Resource

Considerations

Short to Medium

term:

Local authority/First

Nation

Make available an

easy to read,

comprehensive list

of current economic

recovery initiatives.

Recovery Agencies

Promote this

resource list through

the TNRD webpage

and social media

Media outlets

Continually update

this list of resources

as programs change

Medium to long

term:

TNRD Development

Services Staff

Explore the

possibility of making

special provisions in

Development

Services for Wildfire

Recovery.

TNRD Residential

Recovery Manager

Medium to long

term:Other funding agencies

Work with the

Provincial

Government and

Canadian Red Cross

to develop a program

to help businesses

create an emergency

response plan.

BC Government

Medium to long

term:Community Leaders

BC Government

Wildfire Management

Agencies

Private Industry

Recovery Agencies

Media Representatives

TNRD Needs Assessment

Economy

Continued

promotion of the

existing recovery

programs in an easy

to read and

simplified format

Immediate

need.

TNRD

Communications

Staff?

Minimal unless a

marketing awareness

campaign is run.


required.

Stakeholder

engagement should

include community

leaders, wildfire

management agencies,

private industry,

different levels of

government as well as

media representatives.

TNRD Disaster

Management

Staff?

Economy

Special provisions

should be

considered around

variances,

permitting and

licensing

Dec, 2017 – Dec

2019

TNRD

Development

Services Staff


required.

Economy

Development of a

program to assist

businesses with the

creation of an

emergency

response plan.

Dec, 2017 – Dec

2018

External

Consultant

Further funding from

either the Ministry of

Forests, Lands, Natural

Resource Operations and

Rural Development or

another funding agency

should be explored to

create this recovery

program.

Economy

Continued

improvement of the

exiting wildfire

specific, integrated

media and

communications

strategy for the

TNRD for the next

fire season

Dec, 2017 – Dec

2018

TNRD

Communications

Staff?

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Appendix 3.1: Community Marketing Posters

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Appendix 3.2: Mail Drop Postcard

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Appendix 4.0: Online Survey Questions

Business Information Contact name

Email Address

Company Name

Company Address

Please select the Industry Sector which best represents your business:

Accommodation and Food Services (includes RV resorts, hotels, motels and restaurants) Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (including fishing and hunting lodges, farming, ranching, etc.) Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Construction Educational Services Finance and Insurance Health Care and Social Assistance Information and Cultural Industries Management of Companies and Enterprises Manufacturing Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction Other Services (except Public Administration) Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Public Administration Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Retail Trade (includes gas stations, grocery stores, and other stores) Transportation and Warehousing Utilities Wholesale Trade (companies that buy and sell goods with other companies – they typically do not have a storefront) Describe in your own words what your business is:

What are the typical annual revenues (sales) for your business?

less than $250,000/year between $250,000 and $499,999/year between $500,000 and $999,999/year More than $1 million/year Number of paid employees:

No paid employees 26-50 paid employees 11-25 paid employees 1-10 paid employees 51+ paid employees

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Support Resources Have you heard of the following programs (please check all that apply):

Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant AGRI Recovery program Red Cross Phase 1: small business, non-profit, FN cultural livelihoods Red Cross Phase 2: uninsured financial losses Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources for Small Business The Advanced Payments Program provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 10. Have you accessed any other resources to assist your business with economic recovery?

11. In your opinion what gaps exist for recovery for business owners affected by the wildfire in the

TNRD? Please be specific (i.e. Money for out buildings, marketing support to change perceptions, etc.)

12. Have you connected with any of the following organizations with regards to economic recovery

(check all that apply):

United Way The Canadian Red Cross Community Futures Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association Destination BC BC Cattleman’s Association Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (TAC) Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (before now) Other

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Economic Impact 13. In your opinion, what do you think the total economic loss for your business was in 2017 due

directly to wildfires (dollar amount)?

14. Were the losses a result of road closures (please specify major highway or result of a local order),

loss of infrastructure, loss of natural resources, direct fire damage to your business assets or because

of an evacuation order or alert (check all that apply)?

Road or access closure (specify) Loss of infrastructure (specify) Loss of natural resources (specify) Direct fire damage Evacuation Orders Evacuation Alerts

15. What assets (equipment, buildings, property, livestock) did your business lose in the 2017 wildfire

(list of items)?

16. What loss of sales did your business experience in the 2017 wildfire (dollar amount)?

17. Do you anticipate further business loss in 2018 and subsequent years as a result of the 2017 fires?

Please provide description of these losses and potential dollar value.

18. Did you have to lay off any employees?

Yes No

19. If yes, how many HOURS of employment were lost?

20. If you did lay off employees, do you anticipate rehiring them in 2018?

Yes No 21. How would you compare 2017 in terms of revenues (sales) with an average year for your

business?

Greater than 25% higher 15% to 25% higher

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5% to 15% higher 0% to 9% lower 10% to 24% lower 25% to 49% lower 50% to 74% lower Greater than 75% lower

22. Was your business positively affected by the 2017 wildfires in any way? If yes, How?

23. Do you have a business emergency plan? (In case of wildfires, floods, etc.)? Yes No 24. Are you aware of Business Interruption Insurance? (I.e. A form of insurance coverage that replaces business income lost as a result of an event that interrupts the operations of the business, such as fire or a natural disaster)? Yes No 25. If you answered yes to the question above, did you use your Business Interruption Insurance? If no, why? Yes No N/A

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Recovery 26. Have you been able to participate in economic recovery programs?

Yes No N/A

27. If not, please indicate why:

I do not have capacity to complete the application I do not meet the eligibility requirements of programs I am unable to find funding to assist my business to recover Other:

28. In your opinion what is the actions or programs the TNRD could do to help businesses recover

from the 2017 wildfires?

In the short term (next 3 months)

The medium term and; (next year)

The long term (beyond 2018)

29. If there was one operational item (marketing, utility expenses, recovery related expenses,

employee expenses, business management support, etc.), which would make the biggest difference

for aiding in recovery, what would it be?

30. What could the TNRD improve in future events to aid in economic recovery?

31. Could you suggest any specific programs that could make the largest different to businesses?

32. What has the TNRD done well in 2017 to aid your business in economic recovery?

33. What would you like to know more about programs and services that could help your business

with economic recovery?

34. If you were interested in learning more, what kind of informational format would you prefer?

Mail - brochures

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Centralized workshops or classes Local television Internet Websites E-mail Newspaper Insert Radio Social Media

35. Do you have any other information or comments that could assist us with our economic analysis

and recovery plan moving forward?

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Appendix 5.0: Detailed List of Recovery Resources for Businesses

Wildfire Recovery Actions and Supports for Communities (As of January 5th, 2018)

Over the course of the 2017 wildfire season, over 65,000 people were displaced. Over 1.2 million hectares have burnt and over $550 million has been spent on direct wildfire costs alone. The Province is working closely with First Nations, communities and businesses to ensure the necessary programs are in place to support recovery. Recovery supports and programs are available to citizens, businesses, First Nations and communities impacted by the wildfires, depending on their individual circumstances. The following section outlines programs available for businesses and non-profit organizations.

The Canadian Red Cross & Province of BC Emergency Financial Support

to Small Businesses, Not-for-Profit Organizations and First Nations

Cultural Livelihoods Total funding: The British Columbia government has provided $100 million to the Canadian Red Cross. These funds are being used to assist people who have been evacuated from their homes. To date, $21 million has been provided to 52,000 individuals.

Red Cross Phase 1 - Emergency Financial Assistance Funded by: The Canadian Red Cross & Government of BC Application Opens: July 7, 2017

Application Closes: closed on October 31, 2017

Overview: the first phase provided $1,500 to each eligible small business, not-for-profit organization or cultural livelihood directly impacted by the British Columbia Fires through an application and validation process.

Funding per applicant: $1,500

Inclusions: financial assistance for small business owners who have suffered uninsured, financial loss

because of the BC wildfires.

Note: If you did not register the business for Phase 1 of the program, you can still apply for assistance in Phase 2. Eligible businesses must submit an application online along with required documents to apply for assistance.

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/support-to-small-business

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Red Cross Phase 2 - Additional Financial Assistance Funded by: Red Cross & Government of BC

Application Opens: November 20, 2017

Application Closes: April 6, 2018

Overview: Eligibility and the amount of financial assistance will be based on an assessment of the small

business’ vulnerability and need. Eligible small businesses will be able to apply by completing an online

application that can be found here. The amount of money provided to each eligible applicant in the

second phase of the program will be a portion of the eligible costs incurred after July 7, 2017, to a

maximum of $18,500 if the needs are extraordinary. Not-for-Profit Organizations: may also apply for

additional financial assistance, to a maximum of $8,500 based on an assessment of the information

provided

Inclusions: The following are examples of costs that are not covered by insurance that could be eligible

for Phase 2 assistance:

Replacing essential items such as business tools and equipment

Assistance with clean-up expenses, moving or storage, professional cleaning and small repairs

Assistance with overdue utility bills, lease payments and short-term lease of business equipment or vehicles

Assistance with loss of livestock, feed or fencing

Minimum requirements to apply:

Have 50 employees or less.*

Be located in a community that was under an evacuation order or evacuation alert as a result of the 2017 British Columbia Fires, including First Nations businesses or traditional cultural livelihoods located on-reserve

Have been in operation on or before July 7, 2017.

Be financially vulnerable as a result of the 2017 BC Fires.

Have resumed or are intending to resume operations.

Have a net income of less than $250,000 (calculated as revenue less expenses).*

Have the business or livelihood be their primary source of income.* *Does not apply to not-for-profit organizations.

Link: http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-

fires/support-to-small-business/faqs

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/support-to-small-business

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/support-to-small-business/faqs

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/support-to-small-business/faqs

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Red Cross Community Partnerships Grant Funded by: Red Cross & Government of BC Application Opens: July, 2017

Application Closes: There is currently no deadline to apply Overview: The Community Partnerships Program funds projects by community organizations working towards relief, recovery and resilience-building of those affected by the 2017 British Columbia Fires. This Program will fund a range of initiatives identified by community groups, municipalities, registered charities and other organizations, to support work with affected populations through the following five (5) areas of programming:

Emergency Relief: meeting the immediate needs of impacted populations through individual and community based support, for example:

o Retroactively supporting with unexpected organizational costs that were incurred in the evacuation phase and return home;

o Firewood supplies for rural communities and/or traditional food for Indigenous communities in the winter months;

o One time community events related to emergency relief or re-entry to communities after the fires.

Community Strengthening: initiatives that bring community together and promote networks of support and community connectedness.

Safety & Wellbeing: services that address individual wellbeing and protection as well as strengthen formal and informal psychosocial support structures and networks.

Indigenous Programming: meeting the unique recovery needs and priorities of impacted Indigenous communities

Disaster Risk Reduction: support activities that will help communities to mitigate and prepare for future fire and other emergencies

Funding per applicant: The funding amount that you request should reflect what you need for your

project. There is currently no minimum or maximum amount that may be requested.

Inclusions: Registered charities, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, non-governmental

organizations, schools, school boards, Indigenous Peoples organizations, faith-based organizations

Organizations must be located within/ have their head office/ office of incorporation in Canada

Preference will be given to organizations located in communities affected by the 2017 British Columbia

fires.

Exclusions:

Generally Ineligible Organizations:

For-profit businesses

Programs within legislated mandates of government or city departments

Political organizations

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Generally Ineligible Projects or Initiatives:

Community events where a profit is being made by the organization

Fundraising events (including, but not limited to golf tournaments and galas)

Projects that require adherence to a specific faith (the Red Cross is committed to the Fundamental Principle of neutrality and impartiality)

Initiatives that would result in double recuperation of funds, for example for items or services covered by insurance or other government programs

Costs for major capital improvements

Costs related to financing of deficits

Projects involving construction of housing, shelter or other structures

Projects with political activities

Projects that do not fall within our charitable objects

Research projects Projects addressing economic recovery

Link: http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-

fires/community-partnerships-program

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/community-partnerships-program

http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/community-partnerships-program

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Canadian Small Business Finance Program Funded by: The Canadian Federal Government

Application Closes: There is currently no deadline to apply

Overview: The Canada Small Business Financing Program offers a “loan guarantee program to secure small business loans against inadvertent non-compliance with payment terms for a range of reasons, including disasters. Assets guaranteed include real property improvements, leasehold improvements or the purchase of equipment.” For more information on how this program can help you, call 1-866-959-1699

Funding per applicant: Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than

$350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and

purchasing or improving new or used equipment.

Inclusions:

purchase or improvement of land or buildings used for commercial purposes

purchase or improvement of new or used equipment

purchase of new or existing leasehold improvements, that is, renovations to a leased property by a tenant

Exclusions:

goodwill

working capital

inventory

franchise fees

research and development

Link: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/h_la02855.html

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/h_la02855.html

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/h_la02855.html

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Employment Assistance Work Sharing Program Funded by: The Canadian Federal Government


Overview: If you are faced with having to temporarily lay-off your staff, due to the wildfires, the Employment Insurance Work Sharing Program offers income support to workers who are willing to work a temporary reduced work week when there is a reduction in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program includes special criteria to allow easier access to the Work Sharing Program for business affected by major disaster or public threats.” More information on this program can also be found by calling 1-866-891-5319

Eligibility:

Have been in business in Canada year-round for at least two years;

Be a private business, a publicly-held company, or a not-for-profit organization; o A publicly-held company is a for-profit company whereby its shares/stocks are owned by

the general public. Public sector employers, including government or publicly-owned corporations, such as crown corporations, are not eligible for Work-Sharing.

o For a not-for-profit employer to be eligible, the shortage of work must be directly associated with a reduction in the organizations normal level of business activity. A reduction in revenue levels alone (e.g. grants, donations, memberships, etc.) would not meet the Work-Sharing eligibility criteria.

Demonstrate that the shortage of work is temporary and beyond their control, and is not a cyclical/recurring slowdown;

Demonstrate a recent decrease in business activity of approximately 10%; and,

Submit and implement a recovery plan designed to return the Work-Sharing unit(s) to normal working hours by the end of the Work-Sharing agreement. There must be a reasonable expectation that recovery (i.e. a return to normal work hours for all participating employees) will be achieved by the end of the agreement.

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

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Community Futures Sun Country BC Wildfire Response and Recovery

Loan Program Funded by: Community Futures Sun Country


Overview: Community Futures Sun Country has announced a BC Wildfire response and recovery loan program to help small businesses within its regional area that were impacted by wildfires. This program offers a loan of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses at prime plus 2 per cent interest over a four-year amortization period. There’s also an option to waive repayment obligations for up to eight months.

Eligibility:

Businesses with 50 or fewer employees

Operating when the emergency commenced

Hold a valid business licence

Unable to operate (or has operated at a reduced level) for more than five days due to wildfires

For more information, visit the Community Futures Sun Country office at 203 Railway Avenue in Ashcroft, or call 250-453-9165 (toll free 1-800-567-9911)

Business Ambassadors Program for Wildfire Recovery Funded by: Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC Cariboo Chilcotin, CFDC North Cariboo and CFDC Sun Country) and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition (CCBAC)

Application Closes: There is currently no deadline to apply Overview: The Recovery Business Ambassadors will help businesses assess the impact of the wildfires on their operations, match their needs to available programs and services, assist with appropriate referrals and application processes and collect information that can help communities better understand the wildfire impacts in order to support new program development.

Eligibility:

Any businesses operating in the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Thompson-Nicola regions, which were affected by the 2017 wildfires and are struggling to recover, reopen and generate revenue.

For more information, visit the Community Futures Sun Country office at 203 Railway Avenue in Ashcroft, or call 250-453-9165 (toll free 1-800-567-9911)

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Rural Dividend Grant for Wildfire Recovery Initiatives Funded by: Government of BC Application Opens: November 15, 2017

Application Closes: December 15, 2017.

Overview: The BC Rural Dividend is providing $25 million a year to assist rural communities with a population of 25,000 or less to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies. It was developed to recognize both the contribution rural communities have made to B.C.’s economy, and the unique challenges they face to diversify beyond natural resources. Total funding: $25 million a year

Funding per applicant:

There are three funding streams for the Program, detailed below:

1. Project Development - Maximum Funding of $10,000

Support for communities with limited capacity to undertake preliminary work (e.g. feasibility assessments and business cases) to develop strong future projects.

Eligible applicants can apply for up to 100% of total project cost.

An approved project development grant does not provide a guarantee of funding in subsequent applications submitted to government of B.C funding programs.

2. Single Applicant - Maximum Funding of $100,000

Supports implementation of community-driven projects.

Eligible applicant must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost via financial or in-kind contributions (maximum 10% in-kind contribution).

Eligible applicant can apply for up to 80% of the total project cost to maximum of $100,000.

3. Partnerships - Maximum Funding of $500,000

Supports implementation of community-driven projects.

Eligible applicant must have at least one eligible partner.

Eligible applicant and eligible partners must contribute at least 40% of total project cost via financial or in-kind contributions (maximum 10% in-kind contribution).

Eligible applicant can apply for up to 60% of the total project cost to a maximum of $500,000.

Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-

organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/rural-dividend/program-details2

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/rural-dividend/program-details2

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/rural-dividend/program-details2

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Small Business BC – BC Wildfire Resources for Small Business and “Ask

the Expert”

Funded by: Small Business BC

Application Closes: There is currently no deadline to apply Overview: Small Business BC is making sure people and businesses who have been impacted by the 2017 wildfire season are supported during this time of need by providing a special edition of Small Business BC’s ‘Ask the Expert’ service to help small businesses who have been impacted by wildfires throughout B.C. This service will allow fire-impacted small businesses to gain insight, advice and support from key professional fields.

Eligibility:

Any business in BC affected by wildfires

Link: http://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/bc-wildfire-resources-for-small-business/

http://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/bc-wildfire-resources-for-small-business/

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AGRI Recovery Program Funded by: AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government

and participating provinces or territories.

Administration: FrontCounter BC, Ministry of Agriculture offices

Application Opens: October 5, 2017

Application Closes: April 6th, 2018

Overview: The AgriRecovery Framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business

Risk Management (BRM) tools under Growing Forward 2. AgriRecovery is an FPT disaster relief

framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers

recover from natural disasters.

BC Wildfire Specifics: B.C. ranchers and farmers can now access the $20-million 2017 Canada-British

Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative to help rebuild their livelihoods.

Total funding: $20-million

Inclusions:

The initiative will cover extraordinary costs incurred by agricultural producers, including:

Costs related to ensuring animal health and safety;

Feed, shelter and transportation costs; and

Costs to re-establish perennial crop and pasture production damaged by fire.

Exclusions:

Events which are cyclical, such as pricing cycles, or part of a long-term trend, such as a change in

markets, cannot be considered under AgriRecovery. The Wildfire Recovery Initiative provides some

assistance to help offset the extraordinary costs required to return to agricultural production. It is not

intended to compensate for farm income losses and does not diminish the need to purchase commercial

insurance for farm assets and infrastructure.

Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-

income-protection-programs/bc-wildfires-agrirecovery-initiative

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-income-protection-programs/bc-wildfires-agrirecovery-initiative

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-income-protection-programs/bc-wildfires-agrirecovery-initiative

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Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program Funded by: BC Ministry of Agriculture The Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program Initiative is cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments on a 60 – 40 percent ratio Administration: BC Farm Industry Advisory Services Program Application Opens: November 8, 2017

Application Closes: March 31, 2018

Overview: The aim of the Farm Business Recovery Advisory Services Program is to assist farmers and ranchers to better understand the adverse effects of this year’s wildfires on their current production and financial situation, to enable them to implement an immediate and long-term recovery plan.

They will provide access to up to $5,000 for services such as basic financial analysis, specialized business planning and coaching services. The program also includes the customized B.C. Wildfire Recovery for Agriculture Workbook to help producers with their recovery planning.

Funding per applicant: $5000

Eligible activities include:

Impact assessment

Impact mitigation

Financial analysis

Financial management

Business strategy

Production economics

Marketing strategy

Human resources

Succession planning

Eligible Applicants:

B.C. agricultural producers that live in an area of British Columbia where the local government had issued an evacuation alert or evacuation order due to wildfire occurring during 2017

The applicant business was an active farming entity at the time of 2017 wildfire (i.e. participates in the day-today operations of the farm) and is a British Columbia resident that is over 19 years of age

Currently have BC Assessment Authority farm status

A farm operation with a minimum of $10,000 in annual gross farm sales income as stated on applicants Canada Revenue Agency’s income tax return

Link: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agriservice-bc



http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agriservice-bc

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Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Advanced Payments Program Funded by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Application Closes: January 31st, 2018

Overview: The Advanced Payments Program is a federal loan program which is available to assist crop and livestock producers meet their financial obligations through improved cash flow and better opportunities to market their agricultural products. Loans of up to $400,000 are available under the program, with the federal government covering the interest on the first $100,000.

B.C. Ranchers and Farmers can now register for the $20-million 2017 Canada-British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative to help rebuild their livelihoods. The aim of the initiative is to assist agricultural producers with compensation for extraordinary expenses necessary for recovery and, more importantly, enable farms and ranches to return to production as quickly as possible.

Eligible activities include:

Up to 70% for extraordinary feed costs, including transportation to feed livestock through the

recovery period;

Up to $20 per head to remove hazards and general cleanup;

Up to $60 per head to re-establish safe winter feeding facilities where fire has destroyed cattle management infrastructure.

Up to 70% for veterinary, mustering and transportation costs;

Up to 70% for the market value of breeding livestock for mortality;

Up to 70% of extraordinary costs incurred by an industry organization and not paid by another agency or government department; and

Up to 70% of the extraordinary costs required to return to normal production, including:

o Labour costs to repair fences required for livestock and production of crops. o Critical infrastructure not covered by insurance o Reseeding/re-establishment of tame forage and other perennial crops damaged by fires.

For further information, please contact: the Ministry of Agriculture, Business Risk Management Branch at: Telephone: 1-888-332-3352

Email: [email protected]

Link: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/advance-

payments-program-1-overview/?id=1462198969862

http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/advance-payments-program-1-overview/?id=1462198969862

http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/advance-payments-program-1-overview/?id=1462198969862

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2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program

Funded by: British Columbia government

Application Closes: April 30th, 2018

Overview: The British Columbia government has made special provisions to help producers who suffered income declines in 2017.

Producers throughout the province dealt with numerous challenges in 2017 including winter freeze, excessive moisture, and wildfires. The 2017 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program allows agricultural producers to enroll late and without penalty into the existing AgriStability program. It also includes some enhancements to the AgriStability program but only for 2017.

This program includes an increase of AgriStability program benefits for all clients by:

Increasing the compensation rate from 70% to 80% on the positive margin loss; the payment is triggered when a producer’s current margin (allowable income less allowable expenses) drops more than 30% below their average historical margin (referred to as Reference Margin);

Eliminating the Reference Margin Limit. In the past, the program has used a Reference Margin Limit which was based on the lower of your Reference Margin or your average Allowable Expenses in the years used to calculate the Reference Margin; and

The program has an option for an Interim Application that allows for an advance payment of up to 75% of the estimated final payment.

Please complete and submit the 2017 Late Participant Initial Declaration and Authorization Form to the AgriStability Administration by scanning and emailing, faxing or by mail. Telephone: 1 877 343-2767 (toll free) Fax: 1 877 605-8467 (toll free)

Email: [email protected]

Link:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-

income-protection-programs/bc-enhanced-agristability-program

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/programs/insurance-and-income-protection/bc-agristability-enhancement-program/lateparticipant_information_forms_declaration.pdf


https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-income-protection-programs/bc-enhanced-agristability-program

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/insurance-and-income-protection-programs/bc-enhanced-agristability-program

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BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Wildfire Initiatives

Funded by: BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with Destination BC, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) and the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA).

Overview: The Province has provided $1.1 million to support tourism in areas affected by the wildfires. Specifically, the ministry provided a total of $600,000 to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism associations to help mitigate tourism-related losses caused by the fires and to support the tourism recovery needs. Destination BC has also reallocated $500,000 in marketing to support areas affected, for a total of $1.1 million

The first major outcomes include a survey to asses needs and numerous marketing campaigns development including one developed in partnership with Destination BC, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Cariboo, Chilcotin Coast Tourism for a joint initiative to leverage funds for greater impact for Spring 2018.

Link: https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2017TAC0082-001684.pdf

BC Wildfire Service: Claims for the 2017 fire season

Overview: The BC Wildfire Service (“BCWS”) has a process to allow the public to report potential claims for compensation. This could include provisions to help with the clean-up of fire retardant, firebreak remediation, temporary road remediation, etc.

If businesses have a claim for compensation due to the wildfires during the provincial State of Emergency, they should provide the following information:

1. their name and their location, 2. a brief description of the alleged damages/losses they claim, 3. the date(s) these occurred; and, 4. the alleged cause or source of the losses/damages they claim.

Claims for compensation will be assessed in accordance with the Wildfire Act, Wildfire Regulation, and/or any other legislation that may apply. These acts can be viewed online: Wildfire Act - http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_04031_01 Wildfire Regulation http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/11_38_2005

All claims for compensation should be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] . Once BCWS has received their email, they will be notified.

If businesses do not have email they can mail the BCWS- Wildfire Risk mailing address (PO Box 6502 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria BC V8W 9C1). Please put “Attention Claims” on the envelope.

https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2017TAC0082-001684.pdf

http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_04031_01

http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/11_38_2005



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Mental Health Support Programs:

Overview: Understanding the signs and symptoms of stress and practicing the above self-care may help alleviate your stress; however there are many additional supports available. Needing additional information, support or counselling is very normal after a traumatic event and affected individuals are encouraged to seek help. Call 8-1-1 – HealthLinkBC is toll free and available 24 Hours Visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/explore-health-topics Call the BC Crisis Line – offering confidential support 24/7: 1-888-353-2273 (Cariboo Regional District Crisis Line) 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) if you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be considering suicide TTY: 1-866-872-0113 Call the KUU-US Crisis Line – a 24-hour Aboriginal crisis line 1-800-588-8717 toll free line Visit: http://www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca/ for specific adult/elder or child/youth supports Call the Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 – confidential support and online resources for children and teens Visit: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Call 310Mental Health Support at 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health Visit BC211 – this online resource is provided by the United Way and will help you find appropriate health and wellness resources within your community See a doctor or other health professional if you are concerned about yourself or someone in your care who is struggling to function or still feeling stress. Visit: http://www.BC211.ca

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Tax Relief Programs: Funded by: Canada Revenue Agency Overview: In extraordinary circumstances (such as the B.C. Wildfires) Canada Revenue Agency may waive penalties or interest on outstanding tax payments To apply to have penalties or interest waived, download form RC4288 Request for Taxpayer Relief Canada Revenue Agency also offers to expedite taxpayer relief requests. Their business inquiries line can be reached at 1-800-959-5525

If books or records have been destroyed, call the CRA to inform them of the issue at 1-800-959-5525 The Canada Revenue may allow livestock producers to defer income from the sell down of breeding stock. This allows livestock producers to move the income from selling breeding stock into the future so it can be matched against the expense of repurchasing breeding stock. It is not certain at this time if this income deferral will be available in 2017.

Environmental Recovery Programs:

Funded by: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s (FLNRORD)

Overview: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s (FLNRORD) recovery plans include immediate efforts related to rehabilitation from wildfires and firefighting, such as trail restoration, grass seeding and assessing slopes for stability. These and the following recovery efforts are being led through an incident command structure based in the Cariboo:

o Wildlife staff are assessing impacts on wildlife habitat.

o Forestry staff are assessing impacts on timber supply and prioritizing areas for reforestation and determining areas to issue salvage licence. Staff are also working closely with forest companies to expedite cutting permits to help people get back to work at the mill.

o Range staff will continue to work with ranchers to replace fencing and infrastructure and identify alternate grazing areas for livestock.

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc4288-request-taxpayer-relief-cancel-waive-penalties-interest.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-response-and-recovery/recovery-programs

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