Downtown Invermere, B.C. (The Drive 102.9 FM)

By Wylie Henderson

Officials in southeast B.C. thank those who stayed home for Easter

Apr 14, 2020 | 3:33 PM

INVERMERE, B.C. – Politicians in the Columbia Valley are thanking those who decided to stay home over Easter long weekend.

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok says he’s pleased that many British Columbians and Albertans heeded the advice of their province’s Health Ministers to avoid travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although we saw people travelling both from British Columbia and Alberta, I think the numbers were down, so I think the message was heard,” Clovechok says. “I think it’s really important that we recognize and thank British Columbians who stayed at home.”

He says it’s important to take direction from health authorities seriously to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

He adds he’s disappointed in those who decided to travel over the holidays and says he’s tired of dealing with those who aren’t taking the situation seriously.

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“There’s always going to be those folks that either don’t believe this is for real, or for whatever reason they just don’t care,” says Clovechok. “We’re tired of talking to them. We just want to thank everybody who’s following the rules, playing by the rules.”

Clovechok asks his constituents to continue doing their part to flatten BC’s curve.

Meanwhile, Invermere’s mayor is pleased that the District was not a popular destination for Easter tourists, as is the case most years.

Earlier this month, Al Miller put out a plea for non-residents to avoid coming to the area over Easter weekend to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 and to ensure the District’s infrastructure is not compromised.

He’s pleased that many were receptive to his request.

“Travel was way down,” says Miller. “I think for the vast majority, they were listening, they were paying attention to their own health authorities. Either BC’s or Alberta’s health authorities and realized that this is something we have to do. We have to do it for the good of people, we have to do it for public safety.”

The Columbia Valley community is normally a hot spot for tourists from Alberta, with Easter weekend typically being one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Miller looks forward to seeing tourists return to the Columbia Valley when the pandemic ends.

He says it’s easy to understand why Invermere draws so many tourists.

“The lifestyle, the beauty, the scenery, the friendliness, everything, it’s just a great spot to be,” says Miller. “Fully understand why people want to be here. We’ll be encouraging people to get out and get moving again and come back and visit us once they’re able to.”

Miller says residents appear to be doing quite well with regards to dealing with social distancing guidelines imposed by the government due to the pandemic, but concedes being isolated is likely wearing on many.

He adds District services remain available for any residents in need of assistance.

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