Hornby has asked that visitors not visit until further notice
https://www.facebook.com/download/207098970561606/Press%20ReleaseHornbyFinal%20%28JH%29.pdf?av=1618705783&eav=AfbJ1ndWh48VIX2ix_c_Yr23xJffT4nfPsFNXBdu8CD-ZWPdbaQ1hUinJuSehGAjIUE&hash=AcoFipCQrQPjFB0h PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT/ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS/IMAGES: Karen Ross – Economic Enhancement Officer karen@hiceec.org 1-250-335-1455
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 21, 2010
Hornby & Denman Islands Requests a Break from Visitors… for now.
Hornby & Denman Islands Requests a Break from Visitors… for now.
Hornby Island, BC. - Associations and governmental officials on Hornby and Denman Islands have united in respectfully requesting that visitors and residents observe the guidance of BC Health Office and the Canadian Government, issued on March 19th, to self-isolate at home and to reduce all non-essential travel and movement. Hornby Island, known to many as a major tourism destination, is bracing for the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most restaurants, resorts, and businesses have chosen to close down to safeguard local at-risk residents. However, with the nearest hospital two ferry rides away, an outbreak of COVID-19 would pose a particular challenge for Hornby residents. The situation on neighbouring Denman Island is similar. Denman Island Trustee, Laura Busheikin states “we have a particularly vulnerable population here, with almost 50% of our population over 55, compared to 25% in BC. Please stay home”. The presence of visitors and guests on the Islands would increase the strain on the local medical system and first responders and limit the communities’ ability to prevent the spread of the virus. Hornby Island is currently experiencing major capital investment with many projects underway. HICEEC Economic Enhancement officer Karen Ross states that “Tourism is the engine that drives our local economy, our accommodation providers, artists, craftspeople, hospitality businesses are adaptable and industrious, and look forward to sharing the new changes to the Island with its’ visitor community when the pandemic eases.” The Hornby Island Short Term Rental Association (HISTRA) website says, “We understand the virus is likely to be part of society for some time to come, and in the coming weeks we will dedicate ourselves to consider new measures and guidelines to reduce the risk of CoVid19.” Updates on the Hornby community's response to COVID-19 will be posted on
www.HornbyIsland.com every 2 weeks following the March 21st announcement. Hornby is still a beautiful island, and when the pandemic eases and the summer weather arrives, we will once again welcome visitors to our island. Keep checking in, and keep us in your long-range plans! * * * * * * * This message is brought to you by the Hornby Island Economic Enhancement Corporation (HICEEC), and supported by the Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association (HIRRA), Hornby Island Short Term Rental Association (HISTRA), the Comox Valley Regional District Area A Director Daniel Arbour, the Hornby Islands Trust Trustees Alex Allen and Grant Scott, and Denman Island Trustees Laura Busheikin and David Critchley.
Attached images: “Helliwell - Aileen Fearman.jpg” Location: Helliwell Provincial Park Credit: Aileen Fearman “SSP_HORNBYISLAND_20160715_0170-Edit-1.jpg” Location: Mt. Geoffrey Provincial Park Credit: Mountain Bike BC
