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General COVID-19 Information

NORTH ISLAND COVID-19 LINKS & INFO

Jump to your topic of inquiry by clicking a button below. Contact each organization for their current phase 2 and phase 3 statuses. 

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We must all work together to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. 
Please note that as our communities have entered phase 2 & 3 there are changes to 
scheduling, hours of operations, and in management techniques.
Please contact the organization in question for more details.
"Be calm, be safe, be kind."  - Dr. Henry
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Please note the Mount Waddington Health Network is not a health authority. 
Visit use the following resources for all primary COVID-19 health updates:

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NORTH ISLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LINKS
Links to websites & COVID-19 resources in your community 

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Regional District of Mount Waddington 

There is an Emergency Operations Committee formed to help manage the COVID-19 situation. It is comprised of the leadership of each North Island community and key staff members.

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RDWM Electoral Areas, including: 

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District of Port Hardy

Resource and Information Page Municipal Hall is closed to the public.

Recreation facilities including playgrounds will remain closed until further notice.

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Town of Port McNeill

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Village of Alert Bay 

State of Emergency has been declared as of April 18, 2020. There is a curfew imposed on Cormorant Island, and no visitors are allowed. 

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Village of Port Alice 

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FOOD SECURITY 
Organizations, Networks, and Supply 
 
Food access and supply is a concern for all people. For most, social distancing protocol can occur, and special care can be made in the visit to the local grocery store. However, for the vulnerable in society food access is an issue that is more challenging during this time. Of the vulnerable,  there are two distinct tiers of people who need food assistance during the time of COVID-19: 
  1. Those who are having affordability issues and cannot afford food and are going hungry
  2. Those who are having trouble accessing supplies but can afford their food, such as the elderly or those with a compromised immune system. 
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If you cannot afford food and need help getting it, please contact the Harvest Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Food Program . Additionally, the Volunteer Transportation Network is able to help people with financial need with supply delivery. Otherwise, the businesses in our communities have developed work-arounds. Contact your local grocery store for assistance, and review the resources below to understand the food distribution networks in your community. 
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There are social service agencies providing food for their clients. If you are accessing a social service agency, mental health and substance use services, or childcare supports and have trouble accessing food, please reach out and let your service provider know. There are many ways to get help. 
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If you have having trouble accessing food, please use the following matrix. 
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FOOD SECURITY 
Organizations providing financial food support
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Food Atlas

The Food Atlas can help you find local food security programs and service providers. In 2020, the Mount Waddington Health Network partnered with the MWCFI to update the Atlas. Review this page for links to programs and services throughout the region.

 

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Harvest Food Bank

"Harvest Food Bank volunteers are operating the Harvest Helpers Program to assist our North Island communities to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Sign up today if you are self-isolating/quarantined and need help, or if you can help a neighbor in need. This is a time for all community members to work together to support and protect each other."

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The Harvest Food Bank services every North Island Community and has existing distribution networks. 

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Loaves & Fishes Food Program 

Loaves & Fishes visits the region to supply food through a Food Recovery Program. Their schedule is being modified to help support the community through the impacts of COVID-19. Please visit their website for more information or contact their community host, Port Hardy Saint Columba's United Anglican Church depot (9190 Granville Street, Port Hardy) 

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Mount Waddington Community Food Initiative

The Mount Waddington Community Food Initiative is a partnership between North Island College (Mount Waddington Campus) and the Island Health. They offer organizations support with referrals to food agencies in the region. 

Website: https://mountwaddingtoncommunityfoodinitiative.wordpress.com/about-the-initiative/

 

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Salvation Army

Please see below notes on service levels and programs

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FOOD SECURITY NETWORK
Community Food Supply - Grocery Stores & Distributers

Port Hardy

Save-On-Foods

Save-On Foods is taking phone and online orders from Seniors and the most vulnerable. The demand has increased, be sure to plan ahead for your food needs and give adequate time for delivery. Delivery can be done with local taxi service providers. Ask the store for more details. Open 07:00 - 08:00 Daily for seniors and vulnerable people. 

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Port McNeill 

IGA

Phone and online orders are available, and IGA offers some delivery services. They are open early for people who need additional support in social distancing measures, the vulnerable, and the elderly. 

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Hyde Creek Petro Canada

Hyde Creek Petro Canada has partnered with Sysco Food Distributers to provide small food packages. Contact Hyde Creek Esso for more details about this innovative and helpful project. 

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Alert Bay 

Shoprite

Maintain social distancing: max 5 customers in the store at a time. No re-usable bags.

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Sointula

The Co-Op

Maintain social distancing: max 5 customers in the store at a time.

Email & phone orders available for pick-up at 11:30-12:00 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Email orders must include name, phone number, member number, payment method, grocery list, and whether or not you will take substitutions. No re-usable bags please  

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Island Food Distributors, Port McNeill

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Busy B Distributors, Port Hardy

Busy B is working with Sysco Food Distributors to provide the small package food program. Contact Busy B for details.  

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SOCIAL SERVICES & CRISIS SUPPORTS
Supporting vulnerable people 

 

Salvation Army Lighthouse Resource Centre

From Michael Winter, Salvation Army Lighthouse Resource Centre – Mt. Waddington Region – Ocean Crest Community Ministries

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Due to the COVID 19 virus pandemic, we will need to temporarily modify our programming at the Lighthouse Resource Centre.

It might seem counterintuitive to our mission, but out of love and consideration for all who access the Centre during this sensitive time, we are eliminating group settings and social gatherings.

 

Moving forward the Centre will be open between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm, but with operational changes.

We will modify our programming by opening the Centre at certain times, for specific programs, using specific preventative protocols as follows:

 

Front Desk Services

  • Monday to Friday - 9:30 am to 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm; (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm we will undertake a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the facility.)

  • 1 person in the Centre to access service at a time

  • Open and available for all front desk services, including taxes, laundry facilities, showers, and bathroom use

  • Client and Family Services will manage 1 person at a time

  • The Resource Room will be closed until further notice

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Breakfast Club hours - Please note that breakfast club is planning to change service locations; ask Michael for information.

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - 9:30 am to 10:30 am

  • Back door access only

  • Bagged “to go” breakfast and a quick touch-base will take place

  • Centre closed for general public use

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Lunch Program hours:

  • Monday to Friday - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

  • Back door access only. Bagged “to go” lunch

  • Centre closed for general public use

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The Sobering & Assessment programming:

  • Every night of the year - 5:00 pm to 7:00 am

  • Operational changes have been made to increase sanitary processes and utilize group limiting procedures as recommended by our in-house pandemic plan.

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Unfortunately, we will not be able to facilitate:

  • AA group meetings in our Centre. The Tuesday and Friday 12:00 pm (nooner) meetings and the 7:00 pm Sunday night (Candle Light) meeting will not be held at The Salvation Army, until further notice.

  • LSS (Legal Services Society) will not be facilitated at The Salvation Army, until further notice.

  • The Harm Reduction “Wellness” Outreach Nurse, will not be able to facilitate services at The Salvation Army, until further notice.

 

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North Island Crisis & Counselling Women's Shelter

NICCCS has continued to provide crisis intervention and support via telephone (250-949-8333) and at their facilities - social distancing will be an expectation during any service provision.

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North Island Community Services Society 

The programs have been modified to meet COVID-19 protocols. Please contact NICSS for detailed program and service information. 

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MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE

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Port Hardy & Port McNeill Offices, Mental Health and Substance Use Services

How to Access Services: Call 250-902-6051. Services have been modified to work with COVID-19 protocols, and staff are working to provide modified yet uninterrupted services to clients. 

  • services are free of charge

  • services are available to any Mt. Waddington area resident aged 19 years or over who has a severe and persistent mental illness, an addiction or is in acute emotional distress

  • we have an open referral process. Members of the public, community agencies or physicians can access services by phone or by fax

 

Services Provided

Mental Health and Substance Use services in Mt. Waddington region delivers a range of services to persons living with severe mental health and/or substance use issues.  We work closely with other Island Health programs, local physicians and nurse practitioners, First Nations health partners and other not for profit groups to ensure that “every door is the right door” to access the appropriate service setting.  We accept referrals from primary care providers, health programs, community partners and self referrals.

 

PROGRAMS PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES IN BOTH THE PORT HARDY AND PORT MCNEILL LOCATIONS:

  • Mental Health and Substance Use counseling

  • Case management

  • Rehabilitation supports and services

  • Access to Crisis Stabilization Program housing (limited space and duration)

  • Outreach to distance communities  (Port Alice, Sointula, Fort Rupert, Zeballos, Woss and Alert Bay)

  • Access to psychiatry services in person and via telehealth

  • Developmental Disability Mental Health Team (DDMHT) provides consultation and assessment services.  Serves people fourteen years and older with a demonstrated developmental disability and co-occurring mental illness

 

PORT HARDY OFFICE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC SERVICES:

  • Early Recovery Program

  • Drop in counseling and support 

  • Nurse Practitioner provides outreach primary health care via Lighthouse Centre twice a week, Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre once a week and Port Hardy office

  • Community Residential Withdrawal Management Service is located in Port Hardy.

    • The service will be provided to adults living in the Mt. Waddington region who can safely withdraw from substances in a community residential setting, and who have been assessed and referred by the Island Health Withdrawal Management / Detox nurse

    • The service is provided in partnership with North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre. 

    • The model will provide integrated care and treatment to support people with concurrent mental health, physical health, behavioural, and substance use issues. 

    • The anticipated length of stay for clients is five to ten (5-10) days. 

    • Referrals can be made by contacting the Mental Health and Substance Use centre in Port Hardy at phone 250-902-6051 or via the Single Point of Access Mt Waddington referral process

 


Port Hardy Mental Health and Substance Use Services

7070 Shorncliffe Avenue
Box 1290
Port Hardy, BC   V0N 2P0

  • Phone: 250-902-6051

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Port McNeill Mental Health and Substance Use Services
2750 Kingcome Place
Box 548
Port McNeill, BC   V0N 2R0

  • Phone: 250-956-4461

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 

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North Island Employment Services (NIEFS)

  • Providing services virtually and by phone. Official message is on our website here: https://www.niefs.net/covid-19 1-866-286-6788

  • Will continue to work with people in any capacity they can. They have a sign posted on our door with instructions for clients.

 

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Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL)

  • All locations are closed. Free WIFI is available outside Library facilities.

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Community Futures Mount Waddington

Economic Supports to businesses are being provided. Offices are closed but staff remain available in business hours.

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Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce

Facility is closed; staff available by phone and email.

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Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce

Staff available by phone and email

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Sointula Resource Centre

The staff at the Sointula Resource Centre are providing a key connection to the COVID-19 relief efforts in the community. Contact them for more information. 

 

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WorkBC

Continuing to assist job seekers and employers by phone and online; through our physical doors are closed to in-person service.

  • Job Seeker: Here to support our current and new job seekers during this challenging time. If you or someone you know would like to connect with an Employment Counsellor at Work BC, please call 250-334-3119

  • Employers: COVID-19 has changed the way businesses operate. We know that employers are and will be looking for ways to support themselves, their employees and their business. We're here to help, whether is be information on wage subsidy, links, hiring or planning for future events. 

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MEDICAL SERVICES

 

Island Health is the authority for health services. Please refer directly to their website for the most up to date information on services, hours, and service levels. The links below are facility specific, or you can get more general information at  www. 

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Alert Bay

 

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Port McNeill 

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Port Hardy 

 

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Sointula 

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Port Alice

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Zeballos

 

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Regional 

 
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INCOME ASSISTANCE

 

Please see the page of government supports related to income assistance here.

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TRANSPORTATION
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Transportation and delivery of goods and services to people's homes is a key concern in COVID-19. Each community has developed work-arounds and systems to help support their residents. From neighbours-helping-neighbours to grocery store delivery services, increased taxi and freight use for supplies, and the Volunteer Transportation Network, communities are coming together and working together to solve issues. 

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Public Transportation 

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Mount Waddington Transit

BC Transit is continuing to provide transportation services customers can rely on as we recognize people still need to get to work, including at healthcare facilities, or other activities such as weekly grocery shopping trips. BC Transit places the safety of our riders, staff, and communities as our top priority.

 

The Province of BC and the Provincial Health Officer continue to lead the response to COVID-19, and BC Transit is taking their advice to identify and implement new measures to enhance safety throughout the BC Transit system. We want to assure you we are taking the Coronavirus COVID-19 situation seriously, and we are implementing plans based on advice from health experts.

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We have already implemented enhanced measures in response to COVID-19 including:

  • Enhanced cleaning on buses and at BC Transit facilities

  • Communication to staff and customers about physical distancing procedures

  • Rear door loading (as available)

  • Not collecting fares

  • Limiting passenger capacity to support physical distancing

  • Enhancing the red line for passengers to stand behind

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handyDART

handyDART is an accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person. handyDART picks you up at your accessible door and drops you off at the accessible door of your destination.

You must first register at no charge.

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Air Travel 

Pacific Coastal Airlines

Service suspended out of the Port Hardy Airport until further notice

Wilderness Seaplanes

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Private Bus Travel - Tofino Bus

Service suspended pending further notice.

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Taxi Services 

Wavin Flags Taxi

Working with grocery and service providers to provide home drop-offs in Port McNeill, Port Hardy, and the surrounding areas. 

 

Town Taxi

Working with grocery and service providers to provide home drop-offs in Port Hardy, and the surrounding areas. 

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Rainbow Taxi 

Doing deliveries for the community of Port McNeill 

  • Phone: (250) 956-8294

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40K Taxi, Alert Bay 

  • Phone: (250) 956-8294

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Volunteer Transportation Network

 

Volunteer Transportation Network 

The Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) Program has detailed COVID-19 protocols in place that is allowing them to help the people who need this service. The VTN does door-to-door transportation for Mt. Waddington residents who don’t have an alternate mode of transportation or don’t have access to public transit. The VTN is integrated with the municipal transit system, which allows the program to provide services to smaller communities with limited or no service at all. 

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The program is meant to provide transportation to medical appointments, access to  social service agencies, grocery shopping, prescription pick up, and access to employment-related appointments among other things. 

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The VTN program is currently looking for volunteer drivers in Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Fort Rupert, Coal Harbour, Alert Bay and Sointula. 

Those who have a Class 4 or 5 license can volunteer. There is a virtual driver’s workshop. Volunteer drivers will also be required to provide a driver’s abstract and a criminal background check. 

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Drivers will be using their own vehicles to provide transportation service in their communities but will be reimbursed monthly for kilometres driven, fuel, and vehicle maintenance.

  • Phone: 250-956-3151

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