B.C. Wine Industry Welcomes Six New Sub-Geographical Indicators

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced the approval of six new sub-Geographical Indications (sub-GIs) located in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. The sub-GIs, recognized as Summerland Valleys, Summerland Lakefront, Summerland Bench, East Kelowna Slopes, South Kelowna Slopes, and Lake Country, are now protected terms under BC law representing a geographical area of origin for 100% BC VQA wine.

The Okanagan Valley is B.C.’s largest winegrowing region (175 km north to south), comprising 86% of B.C.’s vineyards (9,617 planted acres) and offers a range of diverse soil types, climatic conditions, and resulting styles of wine.

The wine regions of B.C. are identified by ‘Geographical Indications’ (GIs), furthermore by ‘sub Geographical Indications’ (sub-GIs). With a focus on terroir-driven wines, the B.C. wine industry is looking towards recognizing unique growing areas within larger regions as ‘sub-GIs’ to further identify and understand B.C.’s diverse terroir, and to help tell the story of B.C. wine. Once approved, these sub-GIs can then be noted on wine labels to indicate a minimum of 95% of the grapes were grown from the specified region.

British Columbia now features 21 Geographical Indications (10 GIs; 12 sub-GIs):

• British Columbia

• Vancouver Island (1 sub-GI)

  • Cowichan Valley

• Gulf Islands

• Fraser Valley

• Lillooet

• Thompson Valley

• Shuswap

• Okanagan Valley (11 sub-GIs)

  • Lake Country

  • East Kelowna Slopes

  • South Kelowna Slopes

  • Summerland Valleys

  • Summerland Lakefront

  • Summerland Bench

  • Naramata Bench

  • Skaha Bench

  • Okanagan Falls

  • Golden Mile Slopes

  • Golden Mile Bench

• Similkameen Valley

• Kootenays

The creation of a sub-GI is determined based on the science of terroir. Soils, climate conditions, landforms, bodies of water, geographical boundaries are all studied, with results comprised and included in a detailed technical report submitted to the BC Wine Authority. This regulatory process involves collaboration among regional producers to source and submit the proposal to prove defined boundaries and distinct terroir.

British Columbia is becoming globally recognized as a quality wine region producing world-class wines renowned for having bright natural acidity and intense ripe fruit flavours.

As growers and winemakers gain more experience with British Columbian terroir, the nuances and qualities of each unique area starts to become apparent, and the wines continue to gain in complexity and excellence. The approval of these new sub-GIs is a win for both winegrowers and consumers alike.

Read the proposals and technical reports behind each new BC sub-GI at BCVQA.com.

Learn more about each of the wine regions of British Columbia at WineBC.com.

Quick facts:

• This year, British Columbia’s Vintners Quality Alliance (BC VQA) designation celebrates 32 years of quality assurance and 100% BC grown and produced grape wine.

• BC’s wine industry has grown from just 19 grape wineries in 1990 to 284 today.

• There are 11,086 acres (4,486 hectares) of wine grapes in British Columbia’s ten Geographical Indications (GIs): British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Thompson Valley, Lillooet, Shuswap and Kootenays.

• The Okanagan Valley is the largest wine producing region in B.C., with 11 sub-GIs, 186 licensed grape wineries, and 9,617 acres of wine grapes planted.

• The Golden Mile Bench in the Okanagan Valley was B.C.’s first sub-GI established in 2015.

• The B.C. wine industry contributes $2.8 billion annually to British Columbia’s economy.

• Each year, B.C.’s wineries welcome more than 1,000,000 visitors.

Monte Creek Winery Invests 10 Million Dollars

On June 15, Monte Creek Winery hosted media to unveil and celebrate the winery’s new commitments to the Thompson Valley.

Monte Creek shared their new state of the art gravity flow production facility with media at the event. The new custom 15,000 square foot facility boasts 52 feet of vertical space, allowing gravity to process fruit gently, instead of pumps. The belief is that this enables the winery to produce more elegant, premium red wines. The new facility allows Monte Creek to have a more delicate handprint on the wines, but it will also triple the number of cases the winery can produce.

“Today is about celebrating the success of wine in the Thompson Valley, and about unveiling Monte Creek Winery’s commitment to this amazing valley with the addition of 10 million dollars in infrastructure,” said Erik Fisher, General Manager of Monte Creek Winery. “The inspiration behind our core values which are quality, sustainability, and innovation transcend from each and every person on this dynamic team.”

Destination Canada Corporate Strategy: Canada’s Tourism Renaissance

Destination Canada published a new corporate strategy and 3-year plan for recovery entitled Canada’s Tourism Renaissance. This summary highlights Destination Canada’s work to support the 225,000 small and medium-sized tourism businesses across Canada and their communities by driving sector recovery from the pandemic, as well as taking action towards a better future.

View Strategy →

B.C. Strengthens Actions to Prepare for Climate Change with New Strategy

The Province released B.C.’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy strengthens B.C.’s collective capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of climate change. This includes sudden events like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves as well as changes that happen more slowly like rising sea-levels, receding glaciers, and shifting ecosystems.

Actions fall under four key pathways that work to strengthen the foundations for success, build safe and healthy communities, foster resilient species and ecosystems, and advance a climate-ready economy and resilient infrastructure.

Learn More →

Big White Ski Resort VP Michael J. Ballingall Honoured with Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee from Far West Ski Association

Big White Ski Resort Senior Vice President, Michael J. Ballingall, is the latest recipient of the Far West Ski Association’s Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee.

“What an honour it is to receive this prestigious award,” said Ballingall. “The fact that our very own Jim Loyd won it in 2002, then Katie Balkwell in 2016 made my receiving of this award a hat trick for Big White Ski Resort. It bodes well that our philosophy of strong partnerships and looking after the customer has resonated through our organization for 59 years.”

Big White Ski Resort and Aspen Snowmass are the only two resorts in North America to have received this award three times.

The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, held its 89th Annual Convention and Meeting June 9 to 12 in Portland, Oregon. FWSA represented 150 ski clubs throughout North America.

The Bill Mackey Award is given for outstanding service to the skiing public by a ski industry or ski area employee. The award may be received more than once but not in consecutive years. Recipients must be full-time employee in the ski industry or related industry and cannot be a FWSA board member, trustee, or appointed chairperson.

Permanent Repairs Begin Soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway. Work is expected to be substantially complete by winter. All efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours and crews will work overnight when possible.

Learn More →

New Ipsos Survey Confirms Importance of Trails and Outdoor Recreation to British Columbians

A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province.

Survey highlights:

1. 7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.

2. 3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.

Learn More →

TIABC Releases Highway Signage Policy

The Tourism Industry Association BC (TIABC) Policy Committee has been working to address the ongoing concerns regarding the province-wide maintenance and replacement of service and attraction highway signage, an important component of wayfinding for visitors to B.C.

After a thorough review of the current provincial signs policy and input from industry stakeholders and members, TIABC developed a comprehensive list of the core issues regarding the current signage policy and subsequently developed the TIABC Policy on Province-wide Maintenance & Replacement of Service & Attraction Highway Signage.

The following are highlights of the nine policy recommendations:

1. The Ministry of Transportation must conduct an annual audit of all existing signs in each region to A) understand relevance of current signage and update as necessary (e.g. delete references to businesses that are closed), and B) to identify wayfinding gaps such as failure to list turn-offs for services or amenities.

2. All blue and white service and attraction signs should be maintained to the standard that befits the province’s Super, Natural British Columbia tourism brand.

3. Existing signs should be upgraded, or new signs introduced to include Indigenous communities and tourism businesses in the spirit of reconciliation.

4. To avoid lengthy waits to replace or repair signage, the province should offer an expedited process that allows private operators to pay all or part of the cost if they so choose.

Read TIABC's Highway Signage Policy Document →

Government Launches Preparedness Plan for Heat Events, Heat Alert (BC HARS)

The Province of B.C. is launching the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) to help ensure people, First Nations communities, and local governments have the tools they need to stay safe during heat events. Under BC HARS, the Province is prepared to issue a Broadcast Intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies. The Province is also bringing in additional measures to bolster B.C.’s ambulance system to better respond to a significant increase in 911 calls during a heat emergency.

Learn More →

Boating BC Excuses Don't Float Campaign

With summer approaching, Boating BC is renewing its call for increased safety on BC’s waterways with a public service advertising campaign reminding BC’s boaters that when it comes to safety, excuses don’t float.

View Campaign Page →

Watch highlights of the Excuses Don’t Float campaign featuring community leaders:

ITAC Launches Updated Canadian Pow Wow Website

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)’s enhanced Pow Wow website, CanadianPowWows.ca, helps travellers locate public Pow Wows near them and invites everyone to experience these authentic cultural celebrations.

Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings and one of the many ways travellers can engage with meaningful Indigenous experiences and expand their understanding of Indigenous culture, throughout National Indigenous History Month and all year round.

Learn More →

Resources for Indigenous History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Canadians are encouraged to seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities to inspire learning beyond the month of June.

Across the country, events will highlight the heritage, history and remarkable achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Share your experience on social media by using the #NIPD2022 and #NIPDCanada hashtags.

Learn More →

Download Promotional Resources →

---

Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan

We acknowledge that the Thompson Okanagan region lies on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.

In 2016, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia embarked on a new and innovative program to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan with tourism development. Working collaboratively, the two organizations jointly hired a Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialist based in the Thompson Okanagan, to develop and implement a cultural tourism strategy in alignment with TOTA and ITBC's corporate strategies.

TOTA continues to work to cultivate credible relations with the 33 Indigenous communities throughout the Interior and endeavours to develop economic opportunities that progress Indigenous Tourism within the region, while maintaining respect and cultural authenticity.

Learn About TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism Program →

---

Get Involved

Indigenous Tourism BC has several ways for industry to get involved, such as:

• Download the Guide for Developing Relationships in Indigenous Communities.

• Become a Friends of ITBC Stakeholder, a program to recognize non-Indigenous partners that contribute to reconciliation through the support of Indigenous tourism.

• Visit the Indigenous Peoples Day Events Calendar, including Thompson Okanagan events at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Hat Creek Ranch, and Clearwater.

• Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find and visit Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan and BC.

• Follow Indigenous Tourism BC on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long calendar of inspirational and educational Indigenous digital content.

• Watch the new Everything is Connected video:

Travel by Canadians Continues to be Limited Since Pandemic

A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data summarized that travel still isn’t ‘back to normal’ in the eyes of Canadians, and this feeling continues to drive travel desires. More Canadians now believe it’s possible to travel without feeling like we are living in a pandemic (1 in 4), but three quarters still believe that if they want to travel in the next few months, it will feel like ‘pandemic travel’.

The majority also say this feeling will prevent them from making plans. 44% of Canadians say if they want to travel in the next few months, it will feel like travelling in a pandemic and that just isn’t something they are interested in. However, travel within Canada is looking up.

Additional highlights include:

• 48% say travelling to another province in the country already feels normal (a 38-point jump since October 2021)

• Canadians are still far more likely to be exploring our own backyard and travel within one’s own province continues to be the most likely destination.

• 39% of Canadians are comfortable spending money on travel and leisure while 61% would prefer to hold off and wait to spend on travel since things are getting more expensive.

View Report →

National Unemployment Rate Dips to 5.1% - Women Lead Job Growth

Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 per cent in May, the lowest level on record, according to recent Labour Force Survey results from Stats Canada.

This included a jump in jobs for women as the country added 40,000 jobs last month.

The agency said that women across all age groups made up the bulk of hiring in May, with employment steady for men. The participation rate, which looks at workers employed or looking for a job, hit an all-time high of 85 per cent for core-aged women in May. Also to note, there was a rise in employment rate in accommodation and food services (+20,000; +1.9%) for a second consecutive month.

The unemployment rate in BC has dropped to a three-year low of 4.5%, which is a rate not seen since July 2019. There are now nearly 100,000 more people working in BC than prior to the pandemic.

Learn More →

Andrew Peller Exploring Viticulture Potential of Tranquille Farmland in Kamloops

Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.

With the MOU signed, Andrew Peller Ltd. will start microclimate data collection and micro-soil analysis to understand when the region gets frost free days, how many growing degree days it gets, and most importantly, to find out how cold it gets in the winter months. These processes will help determine which grapes will be best suited for the land.

Once these questions are answered based on robust two-year data collection, Andrew Peller Ltd. will make recommendations to Ignition and move forward with 5-acre parcels of agreed-to varietals, with an expected planting date of spring 2025.

Learn More →

AccessibleBC Plan Removes Barriers

The B.C. Government’s new accessibility plan, AccessibleBC, outlines how provincial ministries will embed accessibility and inclusion in their work and services over the next three years.

The AccessibleBC plan lists five priority areas for government to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to participation for people with disabilities:

1. creating a culture of accessibility and inclusion;

2. information and communication;

3. buildings, infrastructure and public spaces;

4. employment in the B.C. public service; and

5. delivery of goods and services.

Implementation of the act is ongoing, with government now set to begin developing two new standards, the Accessible Employment Standard and the Accessible Service-Delivery Standard.

Development of accessibility standards will be guided by the overall objective to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that impede full and equal participation by people with disabilities. Barriers include environments, attitudes, practices, policies, information, communications, and technologies and can be compounded by intersecting forms of discrimination.

View Announcement →

View AccessibleBC Plan →

B.C. Minimum Wage Increased as of June 1

As of June 1, 2022 BC's lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, the highest of any province.

The minimum wage increase to $15.65 per hour is tied to British Columbia's average annual inflation rate which, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, was calculated at 2.8%. This is consistent with the approach taken in other jurisdictions.

View Announcement →

COVID Border Measures to Remain in Place at Least Another Month

Health Canada made an announcement earlier today stating the Government of Canada is extending current border measures for travellers entering Canada until at least June 30, 2022.

Several pandemic restrictions are in place at Canadian airports and land borders, including vaccine mandates, random COVID-19 tests and the requirement that international travellers answer pandemic-related questions on the ArriveCan app. Travellers must also wear masks on planes and passenger trains. The specific restrictions vary depending on travellers’ age, citizenship and vaccination status.

As for when the mandates will be lifted, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said he doesn’t know but the government is consulting with experts and other jurisdictions.

View COVID-19 Guidelines →

National AccessAbility Week & Accessibility Ambassadors in the Okanagan

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”

Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.

Learn More →

View Promotion Toolkit →

As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.

The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.

AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.

Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.

Claim Your Listing →

Happy Tourism Week | May 29 – June 4, 2022

Each year, from May 29 to June 4, 2022, tourism partners are invited to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees to celebrate tourism in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

Get Involved

Operators and communities around BC are encouraged to share their Tourism Week celebrations on social media using the hashtags #BCTourismCounts and #GreenMeansGo.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has created a toolkit with resources to make it easy to share Tourism Week.

Access Canada Toolkit →

Destination BC and TIABC have provided a toolkit with B.C. specific resources.

Download B.C. Toolkit →

TIABC created a series of Value of Tourism Videos that you can share through your channels. Videos range from about 0:35 seconds to 2:57 minutes, and feature different parts of the province. 

Watch & Download Videos → 

Be sure to follow TIABC and Destination BC on their social channels to share, like and retweet social posts to help all B.C. communities spread the word about Tourism Week.

The Value of Tourism

Tourism is vital to British Columbia, not only for its ability to generate huge economic activity, but also for providing social, cultural and environmental benefits, and showcasing our values as a province: resiliency, reconciliation, peace, tolerance, and inclusivity. These values are needed on the world stage now more than ever.

Tourism improves the quality of life for all British Columbians. Think about the things we enjoy that would not be as viable without the tourism engine: museums and galleries, festivals and sports events, air/highway and coastal transportation, dining and wine touring, parks and recreational facilities, and many other benefits that make life so good here in BC.

Tourism has benefits for both urban and rural communities, provides inclusive and welcoming spaces for all travelers, and acts as a financial and social force for good.

The majority of British Columbians agreed that tourism industry plays an important role in British Columbia’s economic recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic (84%), tourism supports a greater diversity of amenities (such as restaurants, attractions, recreation facilities, and events) than would otherwise exist in their community (79%), while 76% agree that tourism plays a positive role in preserving, sharing, and celebrating the culture and history of their community.