Business Resources
There are a number of agencies dedicated to ensuring small businesses in British Columbia have the resources they need during these difficult times. We have compiled several of these resources below in the ‘Links for Businesses’ area. If you find any additional resources that you would like to share please email them to SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca.
The Provincial Government has several economic development resources available that can be found. Personal Service Establishments and Major Planned Events have been temporarily suspended in BC. Click here for more information.
The Federal Government has announced an $82 billion pandemic aid package for Canadians. This includes income supports, flexible options for taxpayers, mortgage default management tools, support for businesses and more. Click here to read more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Tourism Business Resources
The Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program will be providing Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast tourism businesses with meaningful, hands-on guidance and support to navigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards long-term resiliency.
Local Business Information
[May 28, 2020]
As BC moves into Phases 2-4 of carefully reopening the economy, Sooke is starting to see previously closed businesses reopen their doors. Much like essential services who have been operating under Phase 1, all Phase 2 businesses will also be required to operate safely, with employee and customer health as a top priority. The District of Sooke encourages residents to Choose Sooke and shop locally whenever they can.
Phase 2 businesses and services include:
- Medically related services – ie. dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractors, physical therapy, speech therapy, and similar services
- Retail sector
- Hair salons/ barbers/other personal service establishments
- In-person counselling
- Restaurants, cafes, pubs – with sufficient distancing measures
- Museums, art galleries, libraries
- Office-based worksites
- Recreation/sports
- Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces
- Child-care
Individual businesses are required to develop detailed COVID-19 Safety Plans that include provisions to ensure physical distancing, installing barriers where physical distancing is not possible, enhanced cleaning protocols, and limited use of shared tools or equipment. Detailed safety plans are not required before a business is able to reopen as they may require time to develop, but workplace health and safety must be assured until such time as a written plan is in place. Once developed, plans are to be made available on-site. Further details can be found at: www.worksafebc.com
As we move forward together from these challenging times, please consider choosing local businesses first.
While reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the information contained on this webpage is current at the time of publication, it can change quickly and without notice. The District of Sooke is in no way liable for the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information contained on this webpage and does not guarantee that the information may be relied upon for any reason. If you would like to suggest an addition/change to the information, please email SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca