J. Abram & Chief R. Chickite
Media Release
Community Requests Public Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Quadra Island
April 24, 2021 - Quadra Island - Quadra Island is a tight knit community that has built a reputation for its hospitality and scenic beauty and rich First Nations Culture. Every year visitors from all over British Columbia and from around the world are drawn to the island for its warm welcome, outstanding recreational opportunities and rich First Nations culture. But in light of the growing crisis surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic community leaders are asking that visitors defer their travel plans to Quadra Island until further notice.
Electoral Area C Regional District Representative Jim Abram and the We Wai Kai First Nation Chief, respectfully request that the public refrain from making non-essential visits to Quadra Island until the virus outbreak abates. The situation has worsened with numerous variants adding to the problem.
“Quadra Island is a small community with limited resources and its share of vulnerable residents” says the Director for the Discovery Islands- Mainland inlets, Jim Abram. “Like other small destinations we are at special risk of exposure from people who may unknowingly travel with the infection. We all know now that isolation and limiting travel are key strategies in fighting this pandemic while we continue to wait for the Provincial vaccination program to reach completion. Our community is asking anyone thinking of visiting Quadra, for discretionary reasons, to reconsider and make plans to come at a safer time when we look forward to welcoming our visitors back”. ( the list of “Essential Travel” exceptions are listed on the BC Government site:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current#restrictions)Some of the largest provincial tourism organizations and many other small communities have issued similar requests and this should be a clear signal that it is time to put the brakes on tourism during this public health emergency. We have gone from bad to worse over the past year and it is time to do more to stop this deadly pandemic.
Our community encourages the public to stay home, stay safe and follow the clear guidelines issued by Health Canada and the British Columbia Public Health Officer in the past week.
“ We offer our gratitude to our extended family of seasonal visitors in understanding our concerns and acknowledging that we want to be here safe and sound when it’s the right time to return and enjoy Quadra Island with us” concluded Abram.
Contact information:
Director Electoral Area C (Discovery Islands-Mainland Inlets)
Jim Abramjimabramxplornet.ca
1-250-285-3333
We Wai Kai First Nation
Chief Ronnie Chickite1-250-850-9482