BC Government News Release: Emergency Order Frees Up Accommodation for Evacuees, Emergency Personnel

*Last Updated on August 22, 2023

Details from the BC Government news release and the latest information:

To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Okanagan.

The Province has introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, effective August 19, 2023 until end of day on September 4, 2023, people may not stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.

This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:

• Kelowna-West Kelowna;
• Kamloops;
• Oliver;
• Osoyoos;
• Penticton; and
• Vernon.

The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Government of BC is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the Okanagan and Shuswap areas of province to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC before heading out and for the latest information.

Essential travel includes:

• providing emergency or critical services;
• travelling for health or medical reasons;
• transporting essential goods and supplies;
• attending court or complying with a court order;
• attending a funeral service;
• avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;
• exercising parental responsibilities;
• attending classes or training; and
• exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.

Read the full release here.

Media Contacts

Jimmy Smith
Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
jimmy.smith@gov.bc.ca

Krystal Thomson
Communications Director
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
250 888-0263
Krystal.Thomson@gov.bc.ca