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Check mission.ca/COVID-19 for the latest information and service updates as we respond to COVID-19.
The District of Mission is actively reviewing the remaining closed facilities and amenities to ensure compliance to the safety measures ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. The safety of our community is our top priority as we phase our re-opening alongside the BC Restart Plan.

As re-opening occurs this page will be regularly updated with the status and details, if applicable, for each location.

Please note that the following safety measures apply to all:

  • Practicing good hygiene – hand hygiene, avoid touching your face, respiratory etiquette;
  • Staying home and away from others if you are feeling ill;
  • Maintaining physical distancing;
  • Considering the use of non-medical masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained; and,
  • Do not share any equipment with others.

For complaints about social distancing and self-isolation, call: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319)

Indoor Facilities

Status

Details

Municipal Hall

Closed

Opening June 1 for property tax payments. Click here for details. 

Welton Common

Closed

Staff continue to work and are accessible by telephone and e-mail.

Leisure Centre

Closed

Tourism Centre

Closed

Staff continue to work and are accessible by telephone and e-mail.

Public Works

Closed

Staff continue to work and are accessible by telephone and e-mail.

Fire Rescue Services

Closed

Mission Fire & Rescue continues to operate, but the public is restricted from accessing the front counter areas until further notice.

Police Detachment

Closed

The Mission RCMP detachment continues to operate, but the public is restricted from accessing the front counter areas until further notice.

Outdoor Amenity

Status

Details

Boat Launch

  • Harbour Avenue 
  • Stave Lake

Harbour – Open

Stave – Open June 1, 2020

Centennial Park

Open

Open for recreational use. Group use and bookings of facilities are suspended.

Dog Park

Closed

Under review of safety measures. 

Fields

Open

Fields open for recreational use. Group use and bookings are suspended. See Field Status.

  • Artificial Turf Field remains closed for all use. 

Fraser River Heritage Park

Open

All bookings are suspended and special events cancelled in the park for the time being. The playground, gazebo, shelter and washroom are closed.

Mission Landfill

Open

Not accepting cash at this time; debit or credit only.

Parks

Open

Public washrooms remain closed.

Playgrounds

Closed

Under review of safety measures.

Skate Park

Open

View safety measures here. 

Sports Courts

  • Disc Golf
  • Tennis Courts
  • Lacrosse Box
  • Basketball Courts

Open

Group use and bookings of the courts are suspended.

Spray Park

Closed

Stave Lake & Hayward Lake Recreation Areas

Closed

Please follow the BC Hydro website for updates on these areas going forward.

Trails

Open

Please remember to practice social distancing on the trails.

Mayor's Messages
Date: May 26, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

We are now two weeks into Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan.

In Mission, we’ve re-opened the District’s sports courts, sports fields and the Harbour Avenue boat launch for casual use.

We are actively reviewing our remaining closed outdoor facilities to ensure compliance to the safety measures ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. The safety of our community is our top priority as we phase our re-opening alongside the BC Restart Plan.

On June 1, we will be partially re-opening our Municipal Hall for in-person property tax payments. Physical distancing measures will be in place to keep staff and the public safe.

Around town, we’re seeing local businesses, restaurants and services adapt their physical spaces and open back up to the public as well.

I know this is a tremendous amount of work and I want to thank our business community for their leadership and for continuing to do what needs to be done to comply with Dr. Bonnie Henry’s orders and the new WorkSafeBC guidelines.

As for our District of Mission Bylaw Officers, they’re here to support and advise through this process, but WorkSafeBC is the lead on industry guidelines and safety plans.

Our new normal is just beginning, and I’m proud to see Mission progressing within the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic with the safety of all front and centre.

Date: May 20, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

On Tuesday, May 19 at our Regular Council meeting, staff presented a report on the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the District of Mission.

As a direct result of COVID-19, we’re expecting revenue losses from sources such as recreation and leisure activity fees, transit fare collection, and gaming…as well as the interest collected on late property tax payments and metered utility bills due to delayed deadlines for 2020.

Council also heard that building permits, business licensing, and utility connections have not slowed down.

COVID-19 has touched every single aspect of our community.

We are all adapting to our new normal, living alongside this virus for the foreseeable future. But we have to look ahead.

Just around the corner, in late summer, is our 2021 budget and public consultation process where we’ll decide together as a community, as we always do, what we want to prioritize in Mission. During this process, the impacts of COVID-19 will be front of mind for us all.

I expected to see revenue losses in some areas given the situation in the world right now, but I also anticipate revenues from building and development to keep pace with what we have been experiencing in recent years. This is encouraging, especially as we plan a vibrant post-COVID-19 recovery.

Date: May 12, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

Last week Premier John Horgan laid out the BC Restart Plan, which is a series of steps and phases that we will take together to protect people and ensure we come back from COVID-19 stronger than ever.

Phase 2 will start within the next week.

While Dr. Bonnie Henry has said we can increase our social circles by a few people, I know some of you may be uncomfortable with this and, perhaps, frightened by the loosening of restrictions. This is understandable.  The BC Restart Plan tells us what is acceptable, but within that context, each of us has to determine our own comfort levels.  We are transitioning to a new normal, not going back to normal.

In Mission, staff are working on a recovery plan for our community, which includes looking at how indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure activities will be provided going forward.  They are also identifying shovel-ready capital construction projects so that the municipality is well-positioned to take advantage of any Federal and Provincial government stimulus funding that may become available.

Unfortunately, based on the guidelines from the Province, there will be no large gatherings in any of our parks this summer, which means that, among other things, our beloved Twilight Concert Series has been cancelled.  Stay tuned, however, because we may be able to find other ways to celebrate safely as a community.  For example, plans are currently underway for a whole new approach to Canada Day.

The best place to find the latest information about the COVID-19 response in Mission is at mission.ca/COVID-19 and on our social media channels.

The key to our collective success as we progress through the phases of the BC Restart Plan is to ensure that we all:

  • Keep a safe physical distance from one another.
  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Stay home if we’re feeling sick.
  • And, when seeing friends and family who don’t live with us, get together in small groups of no more than 2 to 6 people, while maintaining that all important physical separation.

I’m proud of the work that we’ve done, and the work that we continue to do, in Mission to tackle COVID-19.

Date: May 5, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

I want to shine a light on some of the important work that is being done in our community now to help ensure people have what they need during COVID-19.

From food security to ensuring shelter beds are available to providing support for vulnerable populations, there is a lot of hard and important work being done in Mission, and most of these incredible organizations rely on volunteers.

In my video message this week, I highlight many organizations by name and thank them for their specific contributions. If I missed a group, please forgive me. We are a resilient community and have a strong desire to support one another. It has never been more evident than it is now.

There are also teams of people making sure information is accessible, such as The Mission City Record, What’s On Mission magazine, The Chamber of Commerce, the switchboard at City Hall and staff at both MLA’s and MP’s offices.

You are all our community champions. Thank you.

Date: April 28, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

Last week I was asked to participate in a virtual interview by Mission Public Schools leadership students.

They wanted to know what it was like to lead a community at a time of crisis, and it got me thinking about the incredible leadership at the federal and provincial levels we are privileged to have right now.

What I’m seeing is that kindness and compassion go hand-in-hand with clear, factual orders. We are all struggling to make sense of this situation, and our health leaders are giving us their all with calmness and empathy.

I’ve talked in my videos before about how I tune into Dr. Bonnie Henry’s provincial updates. Her leadership as our Provincial Health Officer is outstanding, and I’m happy students across our province are seeing a seasoned health expert with global experience say that we need to be kind to each other.

Dr. Theresa Tam, our Chief Public Health Officer, is working tirelessly to guide our entire country through this crisis. Her decisions are protecting us.

Closer to home, we see Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health President and CEO, lead the healthcare professionals our community depends on to get through this.

These are challenging times, and I’m hearing from people how anxiety-inducing it all is. I understand and feel it, too.

But we’re working together, we have world-class health experts leading us through this dark time. They are reminding us all to keep our physical distance, stay home, and to wash our hands. It’s what we need to do.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 21, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

The provincial state of emergency has been officially extended to April 28. Four weeks into these measures, I want to take a step back and talk about the ways Mission is adapting to our evolving situation. What I’m seeing is a sincere attempt to keep connected, to keep going and to keep together through it all.

Business at City Hall continues a little differently via email, phone or virtual meeting—but the work that keeps our community going is happening.

Student learning has gone online. Congratulations to all the teachers, students and parents who have made this leap so quickly. Mission Public Schools Superintendent Wilson said recently, this is crisis schooling not home schooling. This is important to remember. Be gentle with yourselves. We are all adjusting to this unique experience.

In fact, I’m hearing from parents how much they are cherishing the time at home with their kids, and from others on how much they look forward to their calls checking in with friends and family members that they are apart from.

I love seeing handmade messages of hope and support on people’s windows and drawn in chalk on sidewalks and on rocks. It shows how deeply we care about each other and want to brighten each other’s days.

I know this is a challenging time for everyone on many levels and we look forward to when life is back to normal, but I’m also seeing our community values in bloom.

We are here for each other. We will weather this storm and I think we’re going to come out of this situation kinder and stronger than ever before.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 16, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

Sadly, an inmate of Mission Institution passed away yesterday at Abbotsford Regional Hospital due to complications associated with COVID-19.

I am working closely with our provincial and federal government representatives to ensure our community is protected from any transmission of COVID-19 to the general community as a result of the outbreak at Mission Institution. All three levels of government, Fraser Health and the Correctional Service of Canada are working collaboratively and have committed to keeping each party regularly informed of the situation.

As a community, we must stay true to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s measures. Wash your hands. Keep a physical distance from others. Stay home. Do it to protect yourself, do it to protect others. This is a challenging time for us all, but we are in it together.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 15, 2020
Title: Spring & COVID-19 – A Message from Mayor Pam Alexis

With warm, spring weather upon us, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the people I see staying vigilant to physical distancing while enjoying District of Mission’s parks, trails and outdoor spaces. It’s inspiring to see such commitment to these orders from our community.

I tune into each of Dr. Bonnie Henry’s updates and I’m always heartened to hear her note the importance of getting out into nature for our well-being.

I know I look forward to and appreciate my daily walks around Fraser River Heritage Park because time outside is important to my mental health, and I hear from residents that they cherish their outdoor time, too.

In Mission we are lucky to have world-class recreation at our door steps. We all need to enjoy these outdoor spaces responsibly. This means continuing to keep our physical distance from people outside our homes.

It’s also important at this time to delay all non-essential travel to other communities, and we’re asking potential visitors to visit us later, when things are back to normal.

These measures will help us slow the spread of COVID-19. I know it’s hard work, but we’re in it together.

In the meantime, enjoy your time outside in the fresh air. Spring in Mission is breathtaking.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 9, 2020
Title: Mission Medium Institution – Message from Mayor Pam Alexis

The news of cases of COVID-19 at Mission Medium Institution is deeply concerning. This is not only a serious public health issue for the inmates on lockdown and the staff working there, but is a great concern for the staff who are residents of Mission and have families at home and go about their lives within the community.

Since Monday, myself, District staff and MP Brad Vis have been requesting more information from Corrections Canada about the protocols they have in place to contain this outbreak and keep everyone safe. Corrections Canada staff have reached out to us and we are confident that the appropriate Health experts are involved and appropriate measures to control the outbreak, including a full lockdown, are in place. Of critical importance is that these measures include actions that staff must take to protect their families and the outside community.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 6, 2020
Title: Supporting Local Mission Businesses During COVID-19 – A Message from Mayor Pam Alexis

The Province has extended the provincial state of emergency. This means that the measures we are abiding by now will continue.

At this time, I’m often asked by residents, how can I support local Mission businesses? How can I help?

It’s wonderful that as a community we are thinking about each other and looking toward the long-term, to when we can get back to normal.

As you know, many of our local businesses have had to close their doors to customers due to COVID-19.

But you can still support local businesses here in Mission.

Many of our restaurants and coffee shops are still open for take-out. Put an order in.

You could also buy a gift card for a service you’ll use once COVID-19 is over. Your investment will make a difference.

Online shopping is very popular and convenient. Take a stand and support local online shops.

We’re in this together, so if you have a favourite business, get in touch with them and ask how you can help. Your action will go a long way. It’s how we do things in Mission.

The current COVID-19 situation is not easy, but it won’t last forever.

Thank you for your hard work. Stay calm; stay strong.

Until next time.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: April 1, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Statement

A message from Mayor Pam Alexis: Last night, Premier John Horgan extended the state of emergency in our province.

He also said, we may be separated, but we are not alone. And I want to extend this powerful message to everyone in Mission. We need to take this situation seriously and we all have a part to play. Staying home and keeping attentive to physical distancing is making a difference. The next two weeks are critical to bending the curve of the COVID-19 virus in BC.

These measures will not be forever, and I know it’s not easy. But our commitment is needed now and here in Mission we can do it.

Take care, everyone.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 30, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

A message from Mayor Pam Alexis on COVID-19 Food Preparedness

I want to check-in with you and talk about a topic that I know hits close to home for everyone during this anxious time: having enough food for our families.

While it’s a good idea to pick-up a few extra non-perishable food items to have on hand, there is no need to stockpile.

The stores in Mission have enough food and supplies for everyone to buy.

In fact, I wanted to thank our local grocery stores for their hard work keeping our community stocked with the food and essentials we need for daily life—while keeping vigilant to critical physical distancing measures.

Particularly, I want to acknowledge a few incredible steps some of our local grocery stores have taken to ease the spread of COVID-19:

  • Many stores have dedicated their first hour of shopping to seniors, people with disabilities and those who are vulnerable;
  • I’ve seen stores mark their floors with tape to ensure customers have enough physical distancing while waiting for the check-out, and;
  • I’m starting to see frontline workers, such as first responders and healthcare workers, also receive exclusive shopping time.

These measures go a long way to keep people safe, while ensuring everyone has access to what they need.

Thank you again, Mission, for all your vigilance in helping stop spread the COVID-19 virus. We’re a community that cares about each other and it absolutely shows.

We need to keep up our 100% commitment to doing our part to help bend the curve of this virus. We have to keep going. We are in it together.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 27, 2020
Title: Mayor’s Message

I want to thank everyone for their hard work helping protect our community from the spread of COVID-19 by keeping vigilant to critical physical distancing measures.

As we go into the weekend, I want to remind everyone to remember to keep their 100% commitment to the measures put in place by the provincial and federal governments.

This means:
– Staying home if you are sick
– Limiting errands and appointments
– Staying 2 metres from others outside your home
– No group gatherings

We can do this Mission! We all have to do our part!

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 24, 2020 
Title: Mayor’s Message

Please view the message from the Mayor in the video below.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 20, 2020 5:10 pm
Title: Mayor’s Message in the March 20th edition of the Mission Record

Dear Residents of Mission,

We are living in challenging times and are, in fact, in uncharted territory. This situation requires courage, kindness, compassion, patience and restraint. We have to stay calm yet strong as we navigate these waters.

Things are changing by the hour. Consequently, it is important to ensure that we are all following the official Provincial and Federal government websites and social media for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Links to BC Centre for Disease Control, Fraser Health etc., and other useful information, can be found on the District of Mission’s website at https://www.mission.ca/covid-19/.

For the health and safety of us all, it is essential that we follow the protocols laid out by the Federal, Provincial and local health experts. We must all do our part so that we can reduce the number of patients requiring care. We are fortunate to have excellent health care professionals in our midst. We are also fortunate to live in such a deeply caring community. By practising social isolation and social distancing, we are not just taking care of ourselves; we are taking care of each other. At the same time, we need to be touching base with those who are most vulnerable in our midst. This week I have heard of many acts of kindness and generosity. It warms my heart but does not surprise me. From you, Residents of Mission, I would expect no less. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful, resilient community. We will get through this together.

Please be safe, stay well, and look after yourselves and one another.

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 16, 2020 4:30 pm
Title: COVID-19 Update – Message from the Mayor

“We have now received instructions from both levels of government about how we can all help limit the transmission of COVID-19. Things are happening very quickly, sometimes even by the hour. We are going to do our best to keep you as informed as possible, because your safety is first and foremost for us as a Council.
Consequently, we will be closing the Leisure Centre as of March 17th. In addition, we have heard from the Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Regional Library and the library will also be closed effective March 17th.

Tonight’s council meeting is cancelled. Staff will need some time to sort out how we engage with the public remotely so that the public, staff and Council can remain safe. I encourage everyone to take the precautions necessary to protect their health, and the health of their loved ones while still remembering that we’re all part of a greater community. We recognize that we are in uncharted territory, and that there is some fear associated with this.
In particular, parents, please re-assure your children that we have excellent healthcare professionals in our midst, and everyone is working hard at ensuring our community’s safety. We will get through this, Mission. Stay strong.”

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Date: March 14, 2020
Title: Coronavirus Update – Message from the Mayor

“We find ourselves in very challenging times these past few weeks with respect to the COVID-19 situation. It is my deepest wish that everyone stay calm, strong, and healthy in the face of this challenge. We are very fortunate to live in a resilient, close-knit and caring community with excellent health services. This is what makes Mission special. It is also what will see us through. I encourage everyone to take the precautions necessary to protect their health, and the health of their loved ones, while still remembering that we are all part of a greater community.

Over the next few weeks, we will need to approach things with good old-fashioned common sense. It is times like this when I am reminded of my mother’s advice to get plenty of rest, eat well, drink lots of fluids, wash your hands, exercise and get plenty of fresh air. I would like to add to these the importance of social distancing and self-isolation when appropriate. We need to take good care of ourselves and any neighbours that are vulnerable or need assistance in any way. This is the Mission way.

There is also an extraordinary amount of information available online about the coronavirus. I encourage you to go to Provincial and Federal sites for the most accurate and up-to-date information. My favourite is the BC Centre for Disease Control. We will try to provide timely updates on the District’s channels as well.

We are a strong community and I have full confidence that we will pull through this like we have done many times in the past.”

Mayor Pam Alexis and Council

Councillor's Messages
Date: May 7, 2020
Title: Councillor Cal Crawford’s Message

Thank you for staying true to physical distancing measures, says Councillor Cal Crawford. He shares the project he’s been working on at his home.

Have you had a chance to tackle any projects around your home?

Date: April 29, 2020
Title: Councillor Danny Plecas’ Message

While business might look differently now during COVID-19, action is happening throughout the District of Mission. Councillor Danny Plecas shares an update on how he’s keeping busy while staying at home.

Date: April 22, 2020
Title: Councillor Ken Herar’s Message

These are unprecedented and challenging times, but we’re in it together! Councillor Ken Herar shares a few books he’s been reading while staying home to help bend the curve of COVID-19.

Date: April 17, 2020
Title: Councillor Jag Gill’s Message

As we stay home to bend the curve of COVID-19, District of Mission Councillors are sharing how they’re keeping busy.

Use the time to catch up on reading or learn a new skill, suggests Councillor Jag Gill. He’s learning to cook.

Have you learned a new skill at this time?

Date: April 9, 2020
Title: Councillor Carol Hamilton’s Message

As we stay home to bend the curve of COVID-19, our District of Mission Councillors will be sharing how they are keeping busy.

Staying connected with friends and family is important, says Councillor Carol Hamilton. She has a daily check-in call and looks forward to it.

How are you keeping connected with friends and family during this time?

Links & Resources
Fraser Health Authority:
Phone: 604-587-3936
Email: foodsafe@fraserhealth.ca
Website: Fraser Health COVID-19 Updates

BC Centre for Disease Control:

The Provincial Health Officer maintains an up to date website with comprehensive information regarding the virus, its symptoms, how it spreads, how to protect yourself and family, etcetera: BCCDC

This site also contains information for schools, childcare, self isolation and testing.

Health Canada:

Health Canada provides updates on the outbreak, travel advice, symptoms and treatment, etc: Health Canada

Information for Travelers:

The Government of Canada issues Travel Health Notices at this site: Travel Notices

 Additional resources:

Helpful Business Resources:

Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce – COVID-19 & Your Biz

Small Business BC: Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) (regularly updated)

PreparedBC – Emergency Plan for Small Businesses

World Health Organization (WHO) – Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (Feb 27, 2020)

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade – Business Preparedness Checklist 

British Columbia Economic Development Association

Money for Businesses

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

Support for Businesses

Support for Canadians

In the links above you can find information and resources for:

  • Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents
  • Longer-Term Income Support for Workers
  • Income Support for Individuals Who Need It Most
  • Flexibility for Taxpayers
  • Role of Financial Institutions
  • Mortgage Default Management Tools
  • Supports to Businesses
  • How the Government of Canada will support Business through the Canada Account
  • Helping Businesses Keep their Workers
  • Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
  • Ensuring Businesses Have Access to Credit
  • Supporting Financial Market Liquidity 

Business Development Bank of Canada

As part of the Federal Government’s announcement about help for businesses, BDC is offering:

  • Small Business Loan Up to $100,000 can be obtained online in as little 48 hours from time of approval.
  • Working capital loan Get extra funds to bridge cash flow gaps and support everyday operations.
  • Purchase Order Financing Increase your cash flow to fulfill domestic or international orders with very flexible terms.

Hubs & Groups: Check out these grassroots communities of support. Most are on social media platforms and many include an ask/offer component. Please respect the guidelines of each group.

Esquimalt Farmers Market Online Market Place Group – An online Facebook group for vendors to connect with customers directly, outside of market hours. Vendors must be a current EFM Vendor in good standing to use the group for sales or connections.

COVID-19 Coming Together: Regional Facebook groups to help people connect to share resources, support each other, show solidarity for healthcare workers and the vulnerable, build community, and amplify social movements fighting for critical access to healthcare, housing and workers’ rights. Current regional groups: Vancouver and Victoria/Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ Lands.

Utilities Links/Resources:

BC Hydro
Shaw
Telus
Rogers
Fortis BC
West Coast Express (Translink)

Vulnerable Persons Action Team (VPAT)

Date: April 30, 2020
Title: St. Joseph’s Foodbank Message

St Joseph’s Foodbank is open and meeting the needs of current customers and welcoming new customers. We are now pre-assembling our hampers and taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all during these challenging times. The hours of the Foodbank are now extended from 8:30 am-noon every first and third Thursday of the month.

Date: April 3, 2020
Title: Vulnerable Persons Action Team (VPAT) Update & COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Those looking to volunteer in Mission to assist those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak, can contact Chelsey Hogness at chogness@mission.ca  or at 604-217-7598.

Vulnerable Persons Action Team Update

Some highlights from the work that the VPAT has been doing in the community:

  • A COVID-19 task force has been established and they having been holding weekly Conference Calls.
  • Setting up an emergency food security plan is one of the VPAT’s top priorities.
  • The team has been collecting social services staff cell numbers for vulnerable people to access.
  • The VPAT has been performing daily risk assessments in the community to respond to those most in need.
  • The group has been connecting with Mission Community Services Society on Senior Needs.
  • They are keeping track of how much food that food serving agencies have in stock.
  • 5 Food Drop Spots have been identified for homeless by the VPAT. A Map is being created to outline these areas.
  • The team is working to ensure that the population can obtain the food they need, especially the most vulnerable individuals including but not limited to: infants, young children and women, elderly people, homeless people, people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illness, disabled people, and home-bound individuals.
  • The VPAT has been inquiring with restaurants and schools that have recently shut down for leftover food that could be donated for vulnerable persons/the homeless.
  • Door to door services that are currently in operation and VPAT is working to keep sustained: Meals on Wheels, Starfish Backpacks prioritized with other school food programs, Food Bank, Food Centre.
  • Working with local food supply companies/stores to limit stock, disallow hoarding.
  • Develop a network of volunteers for food provision work including: obtaining food, preparing food, storing food and distributing food. Those looking to volunteer can contact Chelsey Hogness at chogness@mission.ca  or at 604-217-7598.
  • The Following Food Services are available:
    • Copper Hall: Providing breakfast 8am – 9am M/W/Fri & Dinner 6pm – 7pm T/Th/Sun
    • MY HOUSE: Open M-F 11am – 5pm for takeaway food, showers, laundry, crisis referral
    • Haven: Providing 3 meals per day
    • Mission Friendship Centre Society:  M-F lunches via brown bag takeaway
    • Food Centre: Hamper distribution available for pickup on Monday and Wednesday between 0900-1100, and Friday between 0900-1200.
    • St. Joseph’s Food Bank: Drive through only, Inventory slightly down, taking guidance from Food Banks Canada. Contact Wendy Neigel (Food Bank Manager) at 778-201-5000

Date: March 23, 2020
Title: Vulnerable Persons Action Team (VPAT)

An update from the department of Social Development:

We appreciate the calls and emails of concern for our vulnerable populations in Mission which includes persons living homeless, families facing minimal income and food insecurity, shut in Seniors and other population groups.

Municipal Social Development staff collaborate with BC Housing, Fraser Health and community social service and housing agencies on action steps moving forward. A Vulnerable Persons Action Team (VPAT) has been established for Mission as an emergency response measure to act as a communication hub for core agencies providing food and urgent medical and mental health needs to vulnerable pockets of the community. The VPAT will identify resources in critical need among agencies including items, food and staff/volunteers moving forward as well as share communication and directives from BC Housing and Fraser Health.

It is important to note that at this time there is no interruption to the community food supply in mission, hoarding of items is not necessary and the lack of items on shelves impacts the exact people we are trying to assist.

20 Things We Are Doing Right Now

  1. A Vulnerable Persons Action Team has been established and will hold weekly conference calls (more as needed) communicating need to the public as it arises through the District website and social media channels.
  2. A Food Security Plan has been started looking at Access and Utilization.
  3. Communication has been developed with the School District on families previously accessing meal supports through the school to identify those in greatest need and offer continuation where possible.
  4. Identifying telephone resources for public use to assist in stress management and anxiety reduction.
  5. Communicating with food suppliers and grocers to ensure an ongoing and stable food supply in our grocery stores as well as strategies to store, prep and distribute meals for large groups of people if necessary.
  6. The Outreach walkabout teams are distributing the following items to homeless camps: food packs, soap, bottled water, hand sanitizer, information sheets (COVID-19 symptoms and emergency response phone numbers, self isolating, safer drug use, etc.), disposable gloves as well as communicating the importance of hand washing.
  7. Tracking the locations and numbers of people in each encampment across Mission for adequate emergency response.
  8. Engaging those living in encampments to establish drop sites for food and supplies moving forward.
  9. Delivery of hand sanitizer to camps and sustaining stock.
  10. Exploring a regular schedule for garbage pick up, biohazard material pick up, etc.
  11. Identifying critical hot spots that persons living homeless gather that can be utilized in the event of a community blackout of services (food delivery, health check insurance, etc).
  12. Creating signage for encampments that communicate the current situation, key contacts and numbers to call if one feels they are symptomatic.
  13. Creating a form that outreach teams can use to communicate with public health and keep track of symptomatic individuals.
  14. Ensuring adequate harm reduction supplies where possible and discouraging shared needle use.
  15. Exploring access to safe storage for individual possessions should quarantine be necessary.
  16. Exploring care options for pets for individuals should quarantine and temporary removal from pet be necessary.
  17. Exploring transportation options for ill individuals to quarantine sites.
  18. Exploring viable quarantine sites.
  19. Exploring frequency of outreach walkabouts and future staffing/volunteer needs.
  20. Establishing communication hub with social service agencies on individual pandemic strategies, increased cleaning protocols, agency skills checklists, etc.

How Can I Help?

  1. Donations such as feminine hygiene products, soap, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, masks, baby formula, diapers, hand wipes, new and unused Tupperware and takeout containers, cleaning supplies, hydration tablets, extra food,pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, vitamins – please contact one of the people listed below to arrange drop-off.
  2. Donations of food items that are not expired are valued however as food products pass through multiple hands they can be a source of contagion. Please contact specific food distribution sites  for clarity on the current donation process for that specific site.
  3. Read and share reputable science/evidence based information such as through Fraser Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control  – Stay posted on Municipal communication updates which will include call outs for volunteers and help from community as needed.

Addressing Recent FAQ’s

  1. Why are non-profits closed? Aren’t they in place to help people? 

While the main offices of our core non-profits may be closed to limit the spread of the virus to staff and clients, the following services are still being offered:

Mission Youth House – Food takeaways, showers, laundry, crisis conversations

Mission Friendship Centre – Lunch takeaways, medical and mental health needs by appointment

Copper Hall/Hope Central – Breakfast (8am – 9am) Mon, Wed & Fri, Supper (6pm – 7pm) Tues, Thurs, Sun)

Haven in the Hollow – Shelter beds still in operation and food provided

Emergency Weather Response Beds – Still in operation

  1. I am seeing persons living homeless clustering together – why aren’t people keeping separated?

Thinking about the uncertainty and stress you may be experiencing, people living homeless face many more unknowns and barriers and are also experiencing stress and fear which draws people sleeping outside into closer contact for survival safety. Staff from multiple agencies are communicating the need loud and clear to maintain physical distance however it remains a personal choice as to whether a person chooses to do so. We continue to work on options for physical distancing moving forward.

  1. Is someone thinking about the kids who are dependent on school breakfast programs and starfish backpacks for food?

Yes, we are in communication with both the School District and Starfish Backpack Coordinator to ensure continuation of these services where possible

  1. Where are the drop sites for the homeless?

We do not publish the locations of these drop sites to protect the safety of the camp residents. If you are interested in donating to this need please contact one of the people below.

Donation Contacts:

Kirsten Hargreaves (Manager of Social Development), Office: 604-820-3752, Mobile: 604-302-8567  khargreaves@mission.ca

Chelsey Hogness chogness@mission.ca

Contact Information by Department
Contact Information by Department:

Media Releases and Updates

 

Update on Financial Impact of COVID-19

by | May 20, 2020 | ,

MISSION, BC—An update on the financial impacts to the District of Mission due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to manage those impacts was delivered to Mayor and Council at last night’s Regular Council meeting. While the District is in a financially...