City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation, along with Powell River Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast Tourism and Tourism Powell River, are asking all visitors to postpone trips to the qathet region, from Saltery Bay to Lund and including Savary, Lasqueti and Texada islands.
“This request is not made lightly,” stated Powell River mayor Dave Formosa, speaking on behalf of qathet board chair Patrick Brabazon and Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams, in a media release from all three governments. “We’re following the advice of provincial and federal leaders. Our isolated and remote community has extremely limited health care resources. Our businesses and local services are reducing to minimal levels. We’re all working together on our community’s health and safety, and we need your help.”
The recommendation to restrict travel to the Powell River area is temporary, Formosa added.
“We know that we’ll open our doors to tourism soon and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy our spectacular outdoors and incredible hospitality,” stated Formosa. “But for now, we need you to help us protect our families and our most vulnerable.”
Guests currently in the region are asked to speak to local visitor information services and their accommodation providers with any questions, according to the media release. Guests with upcoming stays are strongly encouraged to listen to all directives from senior levels of government and to contact their accommodation and tour providers to rebook plans.
“On behalf of our regional governments, we thank all of our visitors for their understanding, and for keeping everyone’s health and safety in mind, above all else,” stated Formosa.
The COVID-19 situation is being actively monitored and the restricted travel recommendation to the qathet region will be closely reviewed as more information becomes available.
