Ahousaht 659 Maaqtusiis
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A total of 2,400 proud Ahousaht members live in the village of Maaqutusiis, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver and many other locations all over the world.
A quiet, culturally strong place to live, Maaqutusiis is located on the
southeastern tip of Flores Island, a half hour boat ride north of Tofino.
Visitors can enjoy a 30 minute water taxi ride from Tofino Main Street Dock to Ahousaht. Please use Ahousaht owned and operated Water Taxis
(see our INFO page for list of water taxis)
| click_here_for_list_of_covid_benefits_available.pdf |
COVID VIRUS EMERGENCY INFO
Questions about Covid Benefits?
Click the email icon at the very bottom right of this webpage to send us your questions by email.
Covid Testing at Tofino General Hospital 1-844-901-8440
Ahousaht Emergency Operations Centre Update Links are now on this sites Twitter feed near the bottom of this page.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
(CLICK ON UNDERLINED LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION)
HOUSING
⚡ BC Hydro
Bill deferral, payment plans, as well as crisis funding is available.
Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO or apply online.
🏦 Freeze on rental rates
No rent increases are allowed in BC, effective April 1.
No action needed. Contact RTB with questions.
🏦 Rental supplement
Provides up to $500/month towards rent, paid directly to landlords.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0050-000669
https://bchousing.org/bctrs
🏘️ Mortgages (CMHC-insured)
Mortgage payment deferrals available for CMHC-insured loans.
🍁Check with your lender.
🏘️ Mortgages (non-CMHC)
Check with your lender about payment deferral options.
🍁Check with your lender.
🛏️ Emergency Housing
Existing shelters still active and additional emergency options may be available.
Call 2-1-1 or search online.
⚠️ See more re: Housing.
PERSONAL INCOME – WORKFORCE
💵 Employment Insurance (EI)
Existing EI benefit continues to be available. Provides up to $573/week to people who have lost income.
🍁Apply online.
💵 EI Sickness Benefit
One-week waiting period has been waived.
🍁Call 1-833-381-2725 or apply online.
💵 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Call Toll Free 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. These two lines are automated. You will be asked to enter your Social Insurance Number and press the keypad to answer some basic questions. If the lines are busy keep trying, particularly after 4pm Pacific time. This service provides $2000/month to workers who lose income due to COVID-19, including contractors and self-employed people.
(Note: Previous description implied only those who do not qualify for EI are eligible for CERB. However, CERB may actually take the place of EI for new applicants when available. In the meantime, those who qualify for EI should continue to submit for EI, as it is a benefit that lasts up to 45 weeks and can continue after the CERB benefit ends on Oct 3.)
🍁Check back early April for application instructions. More info here.
💵 BC Emergency Benefit
One-time additional tax-free payment of $1000 to those on EI or CERB.
Check back for application instructions.
INCOME SUPPLEMENTS FOR PEOPLE
💵 GST-credit
One-time boost of up to $600 per eligible couple, $400 for eligible individuals in May.
🍁Benefit is paid out according to your income tax return. More info here.
💵 Climate Action Tax Credit
One-time boost of up to $564 for eligible families of 4 and $218 for eligible individuals in an enhanced payment in July.
Children under 18 years old must be registered for the CCB to qualify. No other action is needed; benefit is paid out according to your income tax return. More info here.
👪 Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
One-time boost of $300 per child in May.
🍁No action if you are already registered for CCB. Otherwise, apply online.
🤸 Youth in Care
Youth in care will not age out of services during the pandemic. Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program payments will continue despite school closures and training interruptions.
🧘 Young Adults Program (AYA)
Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program payments will continue to former youth-in-care despite school closures and training interruptions.
💵 Income Assistance
Existing Income Assistance program continues to be available for those in need with no other resources.
Apply online, by phone at 1-866-866-0800, or visit your local office.
♿ People with Disabilities
Existing Disability Assistance program continues to be available. See also full list of additional supports here.
Apply online, by phone at 1-866-866-0800, or visit your local office.
👵 Seniors
Existing programs continue to be available, including:
—–Old Age Security (OAS): $614/mo (max)
—–Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): $916/mo (max)
—–Allowance/Allowance for Survivor: $1389/mo (max)
$300 supplement for seniors. If you are a low-income senior and receive:
Old Age Security (OAS) Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) allowances
You may be able to get a monthly payment from the B.C. government to top-up your federal income. You might also be eligible for this payment if you’re age 60 – 65 and receive the federal spouse’s allowance.
The B.C. government calculates the payment based on how much financial assistance you get from OAS and GIS. These amounts depend on the income you reported on your income tax the previous year. If you’re eligible, you’ll start to get the Senior’s Supplement one month after your first OAS/GIS payment. You don't need to apply. Payment is automatic.
Rates
Depending on your OAS/GIS monthly amounts, you could receive:
$1.00 – $49.30 for single seniors
$1.00 – $120.50 for senior couples
$1.00 – $49.83 as a spouse receiving the federal OAS allowance
Payment is automatic. It will be sent to you each month in the same way you receive OAS/GIS.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/income-security-programs/seniors-supplement
OTHER SUPPORTS FOR PEOPLE
Affordable desktop ($100) and laptop ($120) computers
https://www.reusetechbc.ca/telus-internet-for-good.html
🚘 Hospital parking
Parking is free of charge at all health authority owned/operated health care sites.
🚗 ICBC
Monthly payment deferral for up to 90 days with no penalty.
Call 1-800-665-6442 or apply online.
👪 Emergency Child Care Funding
Child care providers receiving emergency government funding cannot charge parent fees for any periods of closure or for vacant spaces and must reserve spaces for families, starting April.
Check with your provider to see if they are in this program.
🏫 BC Student Loans
Six-month interest-free moratorium on repayment, starting April.
Repayment will be paused automatically.
🏫 Canada Student Loans
Six-month interest-free moratorium on repayment, starting April.
🍁Repayment will be paused automatically.
🚌 BC Transit & TransLink
Fare-free boarding on all buses. Enter through rear of the bus, unless accessible loading is required.
👵 Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs)
Minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) has been reduced by 25% for 2020.
🍁Learn more here.
✈️ Emergency Travel Loan
Emergency loan of $5000 available to Canadians travelling abroad.
🍁Dial +1 613-996-8885 or send an email.
🧾 Income tax return
Filing due date is deferred to June 1. Payments owed are deferred until after August 31.
BUSINESSES (GENERAL)
⚡ BC Hydro
Bill deferral and payment plans.
Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO.
💵 Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Covers up to 75% of wages for businesses, charities, and non-profits that have lost more than 30% of their revenue. Max subsidy of $847 per week per employee, backdated to March 15.
🍁Check back for application instructions.
💵 Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Financing support for small and medium-sized businesses. Available mid-April.
—–Canada Emergency Business Account: Loans of up to $40,000 for small businesses and not-for-profits, interest-free for one year. A portion may be forgivable. Available mid-April.
—– Loan Guarantee: Operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to SMEs. Available mid-April.
—–Co-Lending Program: Co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements. Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million through the program. Available mid-April.
🍁Speak with your financial institution. Learn more.
🧾 Federal income tax
Payments owed are deferred until after August 31.
🍁
🧾 BC business taxes
Payments for Employer health tax (EHT), provincial sales tax (PST), municipal and regional district tax, tobacco tax, motor fuel tax, and carbon tax are deferred until after Sept 30. Scheduled April 1 increases to provincial carbon tax and PST are deferred.
🧾 School Tax
Cut of 50% for business and industry property classes, to be passed onto tenants on triple-net leases.
🧾 GST/HST
Payments owed deferred to June 30.
🍁
🧾 Customs duties & taxes
Payments owed deferred to June 30.
🍁
⚠️ See more re: Businesses.
⚠️ Click here: BC Government Small Business Support List
BUSINESSES (BY SECTOR)
🧸 Child care sector
Emergency funding is available for child care providers that stay open and that close.
Learn more.
🎭 Arts & Culture sector
$3-million Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement to give operating and eligible project clients a supplement of up to $15,000. Clients will receive a 50% advance on 2020-21 funding.
Via BC Arts Council.
📰 Publishing and news sectors
Simplified process for Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund. Journalism Tax Measures.
🍁
🎥 Broadcasting sector
CRTC Part I licence fees waived.
🍁
🏞️ Tourism businesses in national parks and historic sites
Tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas will have payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation deferred without interest until September 1.
🍁Wait to be contacted by Parks Canada.
🐚 Seafood sector
Seafood growers, shellfish farmers, and processors, will have access to the $5 billion Farm Credit Canada loan program.
🍁Via FCC.
🚜 Farmers and Agri-Food sector
Access to the $5 billion Farm Credit Canada loan program.
🍁Via FCC.
✈️Airports
Rents paid on ground leases waived.
🍁
⚠️ See more re: Businesses.
FUNDING BOOSTS TO CHARITIES FOR PROGRAM DELIVERY
🥫 Food Banks BC
Funding boost to Food Banks British Columbia, who will distribute the money among food banks province wide.
🧒🏼 Kids Help Phone
Funding boost to Kids Help Phone, which provides young people with mental health support. 🍁
👵 United Way Canada
Funding boost to United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors, such as: Delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. 🍁
Ahousaht Emergency Response Facebook Page - All updates relating to COVID outbreak will be posted on this page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640786029488365/
Province of BC Support:
Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0048-000561
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports
Access Income & Disability Assistance Serviceshttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/access-services
Government of Canada COVID-19 Support:
$2000/month EI, mortgage support, Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment, Canada Child Benefit
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
CRA website - Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html .
Government of Canada website - Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Canada Emergency Response Benefit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html
COVID Non-health related information and services, 7:30am-8pm PST:
Call: 1-888-COVID19
Text: 1-604-630-0300
General Health Questions: Call: 8-1-1
West Coast
TOFINO GENERAL HOSPITAL – Open 7 days week/24hrs a day
Nursing and/or physician assessment is dependent on clinical scenario
TONQUIN MEDICAL CLINIC – Monday to Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm
Call: 250-725-3282
Physician telephone consult only, except in medically essential cases
UCLUELET MEDICAL CENTER – Tuesday to Friday, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Call: 250-726-4443
Physician telephone consult only, except in medically essential cases
AHOUSAHT MEDICAL CLINIC – closed
FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES - NTC Nursing Hotline, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Call: 250-735-0416 (Francine Gascoyne) or 250-720-1763 (Catherine Gislason)
VULNERABLE PATIENTS – Existing Home & Community Care patients will continue to be followed in community by VIHA or NTC Nursing, community dependent. If you are concerned about your own vulnerability or a family member (ie elderly, multiple medical comorbidities), self refer by calling 250-725-4007
VIHA PUBLIC HEALTH – Newborn and vaccinations (Karyn Bernard), Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm
Call: 250-725-4020
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
VIHA
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE - Counselling support via phone, 8:30am-4:30pm
Call: 250 726 1282
KUU-US Crisis Line – Counselling support via phone, 24hrs/day
Call: 1-800-588-8717
General Mental Health
Vancouver Island Crisis line – 24hrs/day
Call: 1-888-494-3888
BC Hydro announces bill help for customers affected by COVID-19
BC Hydro introduced a COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program to help customers experiencing financial hardship during the Coronavirus outbreak. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro's customer team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options.
Internet is free of charge for April 2020
Please note that Netflix and other streaming services have downgraded their resolution so as to reduce the overall usage on the telecommunications in Canada. This may also be the case for gaming streaming sites. So bad resolution may not be the fault of our internet provider.
Ahousaht Emergency Operations Centre Update Links are now on this sites Twitter feed near the bottom of this page.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
(CLICK ON UNDERLINED LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION)
HOUSING
⚡ BC Hydro
Bill deferral, payment plans, as well as crisis funding is available.
Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO or apply online.
🏦 Freeze on rental rates
No rent increases are allowed in BC, effective April 1.
No action needed. Contact RTB with questions.
🏦 Rental supplement
Provides up to $500/month towards rent, paid directly to landlords.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0050-000669
https://bchousing.org/bctrs
🏘️ Mortgages (CMHC-insured)
Mortgage payment deferrals available for CMHC-insured loans.
🍁Check with your lender.
🏘️ Mortgages (non-CMHC)
Check with your lender about payment deferral options.
🍁Check with your lender.
🛏️ Emergency Housing
Existing shelters still active and additional emergency options may be available.
Call 2-1-1 or search online.
⚠️ See more re: Housing.
PERSONAL INCOME – WORKFORCE
💵 Employment Insurance (EI)
Existing EI benefit continues to be available. Provides up to $573/week to people who have lost income.
🍁Apply online.
💵 EI Sickness Benefit
One-week waiting period has been waived.
🍁Call 1-833-381-2725 or apply online.
💵 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Call Toll Free 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. These two lines are automated. You will be asked to enter your Social Insurance Number and press the keypad to answer some basic questions. If the lines are busy keep trying, particularly after 4pm Pacific time. This service provides $2000/month to workers who lose income due to COVID-19, including contractors and self-employed people.
(Note: Previous description implied only those who do not qualify for EI are eligible for CERB. However, CERB may actually take the place of EI for new applicants when available. In the meantime, those who qualify for EI should continue to submit for EI, as it is a benefit that lasts up to 45 weeks and can continue after the CERB benefit ends on Oct 3.)
🍁Check back early April for application instructions. More info here.
💵 BC Emergency Benefit
One-time additional tax-free payment of $1000 to those on EI or CERB.
Check back for application instructions.
INCOME SUPPLEMENTS FOR PEOPLE
💵 GST-credit
One-time boost of up to $600 per eligible couple, $400 for eligible individuals in May.
🍁Benefit is paid out according to your income tax return. More info here.
💵 Climate Action Tax Credit
One-time boost of up to $564 for eligible families of 4 and $218 for eligible individuals in an enhanced payment in July.
Children under 18 years old must be registered for the CCB to qualify. No other action is needed; benefit is paid out according to your income tax return. More info here.
👪 Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
One-time boost of $300 per child in May.
🍁No action if you are already registered for CCB. Otherwise, apply online.
🤸 Youth in Care
Youth in care will not age out of services during the pandemic. Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program payments will continue despite school closures and training interruptions.
🧘 Young Adults Program (AYA)
Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program payments will continue to former youth-in-care despite school closures and training interruptions.
💵 Income Assistance
Existing Income Assistance program continues to be available for those in need with no other resources.
Apply online, by phone at 1-866-866-0800, or visit your local office.
♿ People with Disabilities
Existing Disability Assistance program continues to be available. See also full list of additional supports here.
Apply online, by phone at 1-866-866-0800, or visit your local office.
👵 Seniors
Existing programs continue to be available, including:
—–Old Age Security (OAS): $614/mo (max)
—–Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): $916/mo (max)
—–Allowance/Allowance for Survivor: $1389/mo (max)
$300 supplement for seniors. If you are a low-income senior and receive:
Old Age Security (OAS) Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) allowances
You may be able to get a monthly payment from the B.C. government to top-up your federal income. You might also be eligible for this payment if you’re age 60 – 65 and receive the federal spouse’s allowance.
The B.C. government calculates the payment based on how much financial assistance you get from OAS and GIS. These amounts depend on the income you reported on your income tax the previous year. If you’re eligible, you’ll start to get the Senior’s Supplement one month after your first OAS/GIS payment. You don't need to apply. Payment is automatic.
Rates
Depending on your OAS/GIS monthly amounts, you could receive:
$1.00 – $49.30 for single seniors
$1.00 – $120.50 for senior couples
$1.00 – $49.83 as a spouse receiving the federal OAS allowance
Payment is automatic. It will be sent to you each month in the same way you receive OAS/GIS.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/income-security-programs/seniors-supplement
OTHER SUPPORTS FOR PEOPLE
Affordable desktop ($100) and laptop ($120) computers
https://www.reusetechbc.ca/telus-internet-for-good.html
🚘 Hospital parking
Parking is free of charge at all health authority owned/operated health care sites.
🚗 ICBC
Monthly payment deferral for up to 90 days with no penalty.
Call 1-800-665-6442 or apply online.
👪 Emergency Child Care Funding
Child care providers receiving emergency government funding cannot charge parent fees for any periods of closure or for vacant spaces and must reserve spaces for families, starting April.
Check with your provider to see if they are in this program.
🏫 BC Student Loans
Six-month interest-free moratorium on repayment, starting April.
Repayment will be paused automatically.
🏫 Canada Student Loans
Six-month interest-free moratorium on repayment, starting April.
🍁Repayment will be paused automatically.
🚌 BC Transit & TransLink
Fare-free boarding on all buses. Enter through rear of the bus, unless accessible loading is required.
👵 Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs)
Minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) has been reduced by 25% for 2020.
🍁Learn more here.
✈️ Emergency Travel Loan
Emergency loan of $5000 available to Canadians travelling abroad.
🍁Dial +1 613-996-8885 or send an email.
🧾 Income tax return
Filing due date is deferred to June 1. Payments owed are deferred until after August 31.
BUSINESSES (GENERAL)
⚡ BC Hydro
Bill deferral and payment plans.
Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO.
💵 Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Covers up to 75% of wages for businesses, charities, and non-profits that have lost more than 30% of their revenue. Max subsidy of $847 per week per employee, backdated to March 15.
🍁Check back for application instructions.
💵 Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Financing support for small and medium-sized businesses. Available mid-April.
—–Canada Emergency Business Account: Loans of up to $40,000 for small businesses and not-for-profits, interest-free for one year. A portion may be forgivable. Available mid-April.
—– Loan Guarantee: Operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to SMEs. Available mid-April.
—–Co-Lending Program: Co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements. Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million through the program. Available mid-April.
🍁Speak with your financial institution. Learn more.
🧾 Federal income tax
Payments owed are deferred until after August 31.
🍁
🧾 BC business taxes
Payments for Employer health tax (EHT), provincial sales tax (PST), municipal and regional district tax, tobacco tax, motor fuel tax, and carbon tax are deferred until after Sept 30. Scheduled April 1 increases to provincial carbon tax and PST are deferred.
🧾 School Tax
Cut of 50% for business and industry property classes, to be passed onto tenants on triple-net leases.
🧾 GST/HST
Payments owed deferred to June 30.
🍁
🧾 Customs duties & taxes
Payments owed deferred to June 30.
🍁
⚠️ See more re: Businesses.
⚠️ Click here: BC Government Small Business Support List
BUSINESSES (BY SECTOR)
🧸 Child care sector
Emergency funding is available for child care providers that stay open and that close.
Learn more.
🎭 Arts & Culture sector
$3-million Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement to give operating and eligible project clients a supplement of up to $15,000. Clients will receive a 50% advance on 2020-21 funding.
Via BC Arts Council.
📰 Publishing and news sectors
Simplified process for Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund. Journalism Tax Measures.
🍁
🎥 Broadcasting sector
CRTC Part I licence fees waived.
🍁
🏞️ Tourism businesses in national parks and historic sites
Tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas will have payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation deferred without interest until September 1.
🍁Wait to be contacted by Parks Canada.
🐚 Seafood sector
Seafood growers, shellfish farmers, and processors, will have access to the $5 billion Farm Credit Canada loan program.
🍁Via FCC.
🚜 Farmers and Agri-Food sector
Access to the $5 billion Farm Credit Canada loan program.
🍁Via FCC.
✈️Airports
Rents paid on ground leases waived.
🍁
⚠️ See more re: Businesses.
FUNDING BOOSTS TO CHARITIES FOR PROGRAM DELIVERY
🥫 Food Banks BC
Funding boost to Food Banks British Columbia, who will distribute the money among food banks province wide.
🧒🏼 Kids Help Phone
Funding boost to Kids Help Phone, which provides young people with mental health support. 🍁
👵 United Way Canada
Funding boost to United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors, such as: Delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. 🍁
Ahousaht Emergency Response Facebook Page - All updates relating to COVID outbreak will be posted on this page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640786029488365/
Province of BC Support:
Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0048-000561
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports
Access Income & Disability Assistance Serviceshttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/access-services
Government of Canada COVID-19 Support:
$2000/month EI, mortgage support, Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment, Canada Child Benefit
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
CRA website - Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html .
Government of Canada website - Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Canada Emergency Response Benefit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html
COVID Non-health related information and services, 7:30am-8pm PST:
Call: 1-888-COVID19
Text: 1-604-630-0300
General Health Questions: Call: 8-1-1
West Coast
TOFINO GENERAL HOSPITAL – Open 7 days week/24hrs a day
Nursing and/or physician assessment is dependent on clinical scenario
TONQUIN MEDICAL CLINIC – Monday to Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm
Call: 250-725-3282
Physician telephone consult only, except in medically essential cases
UCLUELET MEDICAL CENTER – Tuesday to Friday, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Call: 250-726-4443
Physician telephone consult only, except in medically essential cases
AHOUSAHT MEDICAL CLINIC – closed
FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES - NTC Nursing Hotline, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Call: 250-735-0416 (Francine Gascoyne) or 250-720-1763 (Catherine Gislason)
VULNERABLE PATIENTS – Existing Home & Community Care patients will continue to be followed in community by VIHA or NTC Nursing, community dependent. If you are concerned about your own vulnerability or a family member (ie elderly, multiple medical comorbidities), self refer by calling 250-725-4007
VIHA PUBLIC HEALTH – Newborn and vaccinations (Karyn Bernard), Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm
Call: 250-725-4020
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
VIHA
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE - Counselling support via phone, 8:30am-4:30pm
Call: 250 726 1282
KUU-US Crisis Line – Counselling support via phone, 24hrs/day
Call: 1-800-588-8717
General Mental Health
Vancouver Island Crisis line – 24hrs/day
Call: 1-888-494-3888
BC Hydro announces bill help for customers affected by COVID-19
BC Hydro introduced a COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program to help customers experiencing financial hardship during the Coronavirus outbreak. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro's customer team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options.
Internet is free of charge for April 2020
Please note that Netflix and other streaming services have downgraded their resolution so as to reduce the overall usage on the telecommunications in Canada. This may also be the case for gaming streaming sites. So bad resolution may not be the fault of our internet provider.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 2020
June 19, Ahousaht Day, Offices Closed
JULY 2020
July 1, Canada Day, Offices Closed
July 7, Chief and Council Meeting, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
AUGUST 2020
August 3, BC Day, Offices Closed
Summer Break - no Chief and Council Meeting scheduled.
SEPTEMBER 2020
September 7, Labour Day, Offices Closed
September 8-9, Chief and Council Meeting and AGM Planning Session, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
Annual General Meeting September 15-17, 2020 Ahousaht Thunderbird Hall
Available via streaming - details to come
OCTOBER 2020
October 6, Chief and Council Meeting, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
October 12, Thanksgiving Day, Offices Closed
NOVEMBER 2020
November 3, Chief and Council Meeting, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
November 11, Remembrance Day, Offices Closed
Third week of November, First Nations Leadership Gathering (Province of BC)
DECEMBER 2020
December 8, Chief and Council Meeting, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
December 25, Christmas Day, Offices Closed
December 26, Boxing Day, Offices Closed
JANUARY 2021
Second week of January, Gathering Wisdom, Vancouver
Third week of January, ISC/INAC Our Gathering, Vancouver
FEBRUARY 2021
FAMILY DAY
MARCH 2021
APRIL 2021
Chief and Council Meeting, Ahousaht Boardroom and/or Video Conference
April 2, Good Friday, Offices Closed
April 5, Easter Monday, Offices Closed
MAY 2021
DepartmentsAdministration
Manager of Administration - Anne Atleo Assistant Manager - Traci Swan 250-670-9563 or toll free 1-800-991-1433 Finance
Manager of Finance - Noreen John 250-670-9563 or toll free 1-800-991-1433 Housing
Manager of Housing - Caroline Atleo 250-670-2452 Chachumhyiip
Manager of Chachumhyiip - Julia Atleo Assistant Manager - Alice Atleo 250-670-9558 or toll free 1-855-670-9558 |
Fisheries
Manager of Fisheries - Micheal 'Luke' Swan 250-670-9535 Community Infrastructure
Manager of Community Infrastructure - Alec Dick Assistant Manager - Greg Hayes 250-670-9585 Social Development
Manager of Social Development - Robert Atleo Assistant Manager - Ivey Campbell 250-670-9558 or toll free 1-855-670-9558 Executive Director / Finance Director
Rob Bullock 250-670-9531 |
Ahousaht Projects
HOUSING
Sixplex 1, 2, & 3: ($3 million+)
The first of three six unit rental buildings was completed and moved in September 1, 2018. The project came in UNDER budget and provided safe, new living for 19 people. The second and third six-unit modular rental buildings are being shipped to Ahousaht (as of February 2019). These new sixplexes will feature a screw pile steel sub-structure, mold and water proof construction, built by a First Nation owned organization and paid workers from Ahousaht.
The 12 new units will consist of:
2 five bedrooms/two bath
3 four bedrooms/two bath
3 two bedroom/one bath
4 one bedroom/one bath
All units will be ground floor only (no second storey).
Location of the new six plexes will be beside and across the streets from the first six plex. Estimated completion May 2019.
Teacherage: ($750,000)
A four unit rental home complex was built and moved in summer 2018. This project also came in UNDER budget. These four units were built to provide housing for teachers working at the schools.
CMHC Houses ($1.1 million)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has approved four new houses to be built. Financing through All Nations Trust was finalized in January 2019. Home renters will be expected to maintain mortgage payments to Ahousaht, after which the home ownership will revert to the renter.
BC Housing Project ($10 million)
BC Housing approved Ahousaht's proposal to buy land and build a large multi family housing project in Port Alberni and Maaqtusiis. A budget of $10 million has been set aside for Ahousaht to begin the process of hiring a development consultant to work with BC Housing, Port Alberni, contractors, architects and Ahousaht.
Community Safe Home ($200,000)
Funded mostly by USMA/NTC in partnership with Ahousaht, a community safe home will soon be constructed. Designed to house women and children in need, this home will be the centre piece for developing a larger children in care program in Ahousaht.
UTILITIES
Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) ($21 million)
The treatment plant design has been completed. Final approval for the $21 million project is due to be received from Ottawa ISC. Final construction bids are due February 28, 2019. Contractors will be building a mini camp of homes, cabins, trailers near the lodge. The camp is dry - no exceptions.
Solid Waste Inflow & Infiltration ($1 million)
As part of the WWTP a new outflow will be built into the waters east of the village.
Anderson Creek Water Line ($1 million)
Work began September 2018 on replacing the water line from the dam down to the estuary west of the village. This project was completed in January 2019 and UNDER budget.
Roads and Drainage ($1 million for phase one)
ISC has committed $1,010,000 to Ahousaht for fiscal year 2018/19 . This will fund the first phase of paved roads and improved drainage in the village. Once the additional funds have been received Ahousaht will work with Associated Engineering to begin phase one.
High Speed Internet ($1 million)
Cabling started in the fall of 2018 and finally completed with the subdivision getting hooked up in Februrary 2019.
Higher speeds were attained by fall 2018. Community will begin paying for service
Waste Transfer Station ($2 million)
Work started in January 2019 to redevelop the waste transfer station.
Main Dock Lease Sign Off and Repairs (est $500,000)
The Main Dock officially became Ahouaht's in January 2019. The lease allows Ahousaht to hire a Harbour Master funded through DFO, maintain the dock (top and bottom), and ensure it is clean and safe at all times.
Cell Towers (funding provided by Telus)
Site survey of Maaqtusiis took place in March 2019. The intent is to set up one to two micro cell towers to provide cell signal coverage in the village and in the water ways to and from Ahousaht.
COMMUNITY
Chachimhyiip Expansion and Seismic Update
FNHA has provided funding to NTC to begin work on retrofitting, upgrading and repairing Ahousaht's
medical and health centre to today's safety standards.
Chachimhyiip New Health Services Plan
updated details coming soon!
Youth Centre Upgrades and Staffing
Funds were recently committed by NTC/USMA to provide upgrades and repairs to Ahousaht's youth center
with potential funding for ongoing Youth workers including weekends and evenings
Community Clean Up
Several community clean up initiatives have taken place. Water front cleanup around the main dock, derelict abandoned boats are being dismantled.
Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP)
Phase 3 is now underway with Traci Swan working with elders, youth and the entire community.
Old Cemetery
Large boulders and rocks have been placed along the waters edge to slow down erosion.
New Cemetery
Work has begun to ready the new cemetery for use. Hazelwood worked to remove and pile wood into burnpiles. This readied the area for site survey that will help determine the costs of making this area ready for use. Erosion containment will be a key component for long term use.
Thunderbird Hall Upgrades
Two separate funding programs, roads & drainage and Ahouaht's O&M, have been tasked to shore up the flooring, reduce as best as possible the water ponding underneath, and all other needed repairs.
Volunteer help from the community would be appreciated.
Spiritual Place Church Site
The Catholic Diocese is in the process of raising the final amount required to provide Ahousaht a new church on the old site. May 4th - fundraiser hosted by Bishop Gary Gordon will take place in Victoria, BC
Community Resource and Adult Learning Centre
Plans are in the works with an architect and potential funders.
Donate to Ahousaht
Ahousaht appreciates all donations and guaranteed that 100% of your donation goes to Ahousaht programs.
Ahousaht is a qualified donee and is registered in Canada with CRA.
Charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $50 or more.
Ahousaht is a qualified donee and is registered in Canada with CRA.
Charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $50 or more.