A reminder to residents that your best four legged friend must be on leash when you head out for some exercise or to walk the pooch. Particularly during these times when social distancing is of the utmost importance. Also, if for no other reason to protect your neighbours and their pets from getting into an unwanted altercation.
I ran across this letter in the Bark and thought it says it all. Please read on…
An Open Letter to People Who Walk Their Dog Without a Leash
Dear neighbours who walk their dog unleashed, Hi! I’m the guy with the tan pit bull mix named Rufus. I want to take a moment and ask you to walk your dog with a leash.
No, I get it. Your dog is amazing and well-trained. You’ve been through extensive training and your dog knows a slew of verbal commands. Your dog is a service animal and visits children’s cancer wards and retirement communities and is the best-behaved dog you’ve ever had. I get that.
The truth is, I don’t care about your dog. When I’m walking Rufus leashed and you’re walking your dog unleashed, my concern is for my dog, not yours.
While I understand you’re 100% convinced that your dog won’t do anything spontaneous, I get it. Neighbor, the truth is that your dog is an animal and any claim that you’re 100% certain your dog won’t do anything is incorrect. They MAY not, but you can’t be certain. It’s simple; dogs are animals and react instinctively.
Yes, I’m personally invested because Rufus wasn’t socialized prior to arriving with me. So, he’s not good with other dogs, he loves people, tolerates children but doesn’t like other dogs … and squirrels, he hates squirrels. You’ve probably noticed we cross the street when we notice another dog.
While I’ve trained Rufus to ignore other dogs, if your dog starts barking, he’ll respond. If you’re dog isn’t leashed and decides to act instinctively (again, they’re dogs) and runs towards us, Rufus will react. My fear is that would be bad.
Despite my efforts to avoid your unleashed dog and the fact that your dog ran towards my dog and he defends himself, rest assured, we would be considered at fault.
Yes, I’m hyper aware of the many stigmas around the pit bull. I find breed specific bias, and legislation, deplorable and don’t think they can, or should, be universally applied. But yea, I’m aware. It’s why I’ve trained Rufus to be a responsible canine citizen and I’m a responsible canine owner and use a leash. I’m unwilling to put my dog, or yours, in a position where he may feel threatened and call upon his instincts.
To be fair, I was once like you. I used to have a dog that I walked without a leash. When confronted, I defended my dog like you do, saying “He won’t do anything” “He’s friendly” and my personal favorite “Relax” (when has anything good ever come from someone saying “Relax” in a heated situation?). When I think back now, I’m ashamed of my behavior. I was wrong.
Please take this letter under consideration. The advantages to keeping your dog on a leash far outweigh the potential consequences of not. It’s also considerate of your neighbors. If you’re still unconvinced, it’s safe to presume your community has some type of leash law.
Dear Neighbour, Although Mother Nature has taken her time bringing spring, the forecast indicates that warm weather is right around the corner.
These have been very unsettling times, but please recognize that what our health officials have been asking us to do is helping to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Officials are also reminding us that COVID-19 has not yet peaked in our British Columbia or Canada. However if we stay the course, keep our distance, and stay close to home, there is hope that we will flatten the curve sooner rather than later. PHYSICAL DISTANCING is incredibly important; we need to be vigilant about our personal safety (and that of others) and do our part to slow down the spread of this virus.
Predator Ridge has made the cart paths available for getting some fresh air, as long as we follow the guidelines from health officials (e.g., staying home for 14 days after out-of-country travel, maintaining 6 feet of physical distance and not gathering in groups). We also note that guidelines continue to evolve, so it’s important for us to pay attention to those changes, such as recent health recommendations for increased use of masks.
For those who are in quarantine, we understand how difficult this time is, especially with the warm weather coming. If you need help, please reach out to your friends and neighbours. For those of you who have completed your quarantine, we thank you for your vigilance.
Our Mental Wellbeing These times are difficult for everyone and some of us will struggle more than others with the uncertainty and isolation. The anxiety over stress, mental distress and depression, have no borders, and can hit any one. Predator Ridge has taken amazing measures to help support this by offering free access for 90 days to Akira By TELUS Health. Akira has many benefits including unlimited, unrestricted 24/7 mental health support. Tomorrow (April 8th) is the last day to register for this 90-day free service so register right away if this is of interest to you. PredatorRidge.com/Community-Resources/Virtual-HealthCare MentalHealthCommission.ca/English/covid19
Vernon Connect Earlier this year, the City of Vernon launched an app to allow residents to stay connected with the City of Vernon’s Emergency Alerts and Messaging. The “VernonConnect” app allows you to select important messaging from the City of Vernon direct to your phone. You can download this app for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Vernon.ca/homes-building/fire-safety/emergency-management/vernonconnect-app
Trails & Cart (Walking) Paths Due to snow and muddy conditions, Predator Ridge has closed the dirt trails until further notice. This is to prevent ruts on the trails, so residents are asked to stick to the paved cart paths. Please respect and follow all signage that is and will be placed at trailheads.
Golf Course We understand that we all want to get out on the golf course and we are all eagerly awaiting a message from Predator Ridge that will give us an opening date. Unfortunately an exact date is not possible at this time, but what we can assure you Predator Ridge is as anxious as you are to open, but will not do so until it is SAFE to do so.
FireSmart Your Yards While we are all self-distancing it may be a good time to get outside and look around your home to see what you can do now to FireSmart your own property. Click on the below link for FireSmart spring clean up 2020 tips and how to contact the FireSmart committee with any questions. The committee is here to help and is always happy to answer any questions you may have. PRCEMC.ca/2020/04/06/fire-smart-spring-clean-up-2020/
Support for Predator Ridge Staff Predator Ridge has 98 of its staff still employed, with many of these employees taking on alternate jobs from what they normally do (e.g. cleaning streets, golf course and landscaping maintenance, etc.). Also included in those numbers are the staff working at Commonage Market and Pallino’s and they need our help! Numbers at Pallino’s and Commonage Market have dropped off in the past weeks, making it difficult to justify opening. If everyone one of us here in the community ate one meal a week from Pallino’s or the Market it will definitely help keep the doors open and the staff employed.
Music On Our Patios Some fun stats regarding last Saturday’s inaugural Music on Your Patio event: • The event registered 3,200 views • 366 people engaged in the content (this includes likes, shares, & comments), • 32 people shared it including the BC Country Music Association! The next Music on Your Patio event will be happening this Saturday at 7:30pm with Gorden James. Full details at: PredatorRidge.com/Community-Resources/Music
Looking Ahead We all look forward to when we can gather with our neighbours again, get out on the golf course, and participate in all of the other great in-person classes and events we have in our community. Remember, we’re all in this together, and until that day arrives, we will continue to follow health guidelines, participate and support each other virtually or at a distance.
Keep The Faith • Be Strong • Physically Distance • Keep Us All Safe
Sincerely,
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jim Popowich; Colleen Scott; Kathy Pedersen; Gord Wilson; Luiz Araujo; Jane Toppozini
We should all pay attention to the first 10 meters around our homes and in particular:
Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 1.5 metres of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 10-metre distance around the home.
Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles or you can deliver the debris for free to the Vernon landfill.
Making sure roof and gutters are clean.
Sweeping porches and decks to clear them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement.
Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
The FireSmart Committee is here to assist you and if you have any questions for us, please contact us.
If you are not familiar with FireSmart, please watch this video for more information https://firesmartbc.ca/
As the weeks pass and we all continue to take steps to ensure the safety and well being of our community, we need to remind ourselves the importance of staying connected. Taking time to connect with each other even if by virtual means is vital and healthy for the soul as well as our community.
This week, I couldn’t help but notice a dynamic shift in language take place. The term “social distancing” has been replaced by “physical distancing”. You see, being physically isolated is so very different than social isolation.
Living in Predator Ridge with one another even if by virtual methods, means You Are Never Alone…. We are Community!
Stay connected with your family, friends and neighbours by whatever means are available to you. Just because we are all physically separated doesn’t mean we still can’t socialize!
QUALITY VIRTUAL CARE – ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. SIGN UP BY APRIL 8.
As a result of WESBILD’S strategic partnership with TELUS, sign up is now open to register for Akira, their newest Predator Ridge Homeowner benefit!
Akira by TELUS Health is a national on-demand virtual care solution. It gives members and their family direct access to secure medical consultants with friendly, knowledgeable clinicians 24/7 and across the country.
Although Akira is typically only available on a corporate level for employers to offer their employees, TELUS has exclusively extended a special offer to Predator Ridge Homeowners to try it free for 90 days!
After your 90 days, Akira is only $7/month. There is no commitment required. You can cancel anytime with 30-days notice.
WHAT DO YOU GET WITH AKIRA? AKIRA VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
We were so impressed by Akira, that we are now offering it as an employment benefit to all Predator Ridge employees. We encourage you to take some time to explore this powerful platform. We think you’ll be impressed as we are!
More information on Akira can be found in the video below or you can visit: TELUS.com/Health
THIS IS HEALTHCARE REIMAGINED.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL PREDATOR RIDGE HOMEOWNER OFFER BY APRIL 8, 2020 AND RECEIVE ACCESS TO AKIRA FREE FOR 90-DAYS AND ONLY $7/MONTH PER HOUSEHOLD MOVING FORWARD.
* plus applicable taxes. Monthly cost will be billed through Predator Ridge directly to your Homeowner account. Must be an active and current Predator Ridge resident. By signing up for 90-day free trial, you consent to sharing contact information provided in the Predator Ridge sign up form to TELUS for the purpose of registration. Signup requires a 30-day cancellation notice in writing to Predator Ridge before billing will be ceased. This program is administered through TELUS Health will require an app to be downloaded from the Apple or Google app store. Technical support is available through Akira directly.
The Open School BC site has suggestions for parents and caregivers to keep their children learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learning from Home
These are exceptional times and while it’s important for children to keep learning, there is no expectation that the pace and rigour of a normal school day be duplicated at home. Teachers will continue to provide instruction and parent/caregiver involvement will depend on the age and ability of the child and the time that parents/caregivers are able to give. Every family will determine what works best for them in discussion with their children’s teachers. Make use of what you have available and don’t worry that your child is missing out if you don’t have the latest technology. Simple everyday items and activities offer great learning opportunities.
Greetings to our Predator Ridge community, and welcome home to all of our residents who have been away. It is unfortunate that you are returning home under these difficult circumstances, but we want to assure you that our community here at Predator has rallied together to maximize emergency preparedness as best we can.
Let’s continue to work together to build on our Predator Ridge spirit where everyone cares for one another and looks out for their neighbours in the time of need – it is truly with your commitment and compassion to our community that will make us even stronger during this unprecedented time that changes daily and even hourly. We need to protect each other by following the rules and guidelines that the provincial and federal health agencies, as well as the World Health Organization have laid out for us.
We recognize the desire to gather and socialize with others in the way we have been accustomed to in the past; however, the new reality is that COVID-19 is on our doorstep. It cannot be stressed enough how extremely important it is to self isolate and practice social and physical distance, since we have no idea:
Who may or may not be carrying the virus;
Where people have been;
What they have touched; or
With whom they have been in contact.
There are actions we can all take to safely shorten the distance between our families, neighbours and friends without compromise. Face Time, Skype, Zoom, Messaging, Emailing, good old fashioned phone calls, or even a wave and a smile between balconies.
Should you require food or medical supplies, please order on line through the many options that are available, or ask for assistance from a neighbour or other community member. Predator Ridge (Wesbild) has also set up many local options to assist us: (https://www.predatorridge.com/community-resources).
Let’s protect ourselves, our neighbours, and our community.
Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee
Wishing all of our Predator Ridge friends and neighbours to stay healthy & safe. From the PRCEMC Team…. Jim Popowich, Randall Scott, Colleen Scott, Luiz Araujo, Kathy Pedersen, Gord Wilson & Jane Toppozini.
We felt it important to reach out to our homeowner base as conditions are changing day to day with the impacts of the COVID-19 virus. It is at times like this that the strength and unity of our community can play such a valuable role. With the support of the Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC), we wanted to inform you of some measures already in place, while also providing some important reminders to our community.
Like all of you, it has been the pace of developments that has caught us by surprise and with that pace comes so many sources of information. Predator Ridge has formed a separate committee to meet every morning and discuss the virus while implementing any necessary actions based on the recommendations of the Province and Health Officials. This week we have already implemented a number of actions throughout the property and with staff to ensure we are adhering to the highest standard recommended by the sources listed.
These measures include:
An enhanced cleaning protocol throughout the property
Increased sanitization stations in 30+ locations, along with Work Safe recommendations
The implementation of strict travel policies for staff along with self-quarantine measures recommended by the BC Government
The initiation of social distancing practices
Cancellation of any large events of 250+ attendees, as recommended by Provincial Health Authorities
For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19, please follow the BC Centre for Disease Control and visit:http://www.bccdc.ca
It is critical at this time that we all follow and adapt to the recommendations of Provincial Health Officials. For those who have been travelling outside Canada this winter or for those returning from their winter residences we are confident you will take the recommended precautions and self-quarantine as recommended. We must ensure we are seeking accurate, reliable information about COVID-19 and use trusted sources such as IHA, the BC Ministry of Health, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Our planning for the upcoming transition of seasons continues as planned. Please be assured that we will continue to work closely with the PRCEMC and commit to monitoring the situation and adjusting policies in a timely and informed manner as provincial authorities implement.
While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Predator Ridge community, the health and safety of our residents and our valued employees is of utmost importance to our organization and destination.
As the situation changes daily and concerns continue to be heightened, our team has been meeting daily to extensively review current protocols and truly understand what we can do to help and protect our community through this challenging time.
It is with this in mind, Predator Ridge has decided to make some significant changes to our operations as part of our continuing efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put together the following communication to give you a look into what initiatives we will be launching over the week to help and protect you, our valued residents.
GROCERY & ESSENTIAL ITEMS
We realize the importance of our Commonage Market as a key amenity to service your essential needs at this time.
COMMONAGE MARKET HOURS OF OPERATION Open Daily. 7:00am – 8:00pm
WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY DOING…
We’re increasing our grocery product scope based on your anticipated needs.
We’re significantly stocking up on all of our in-house chef prepared meals & soups.
We’re still making your favourite Starbucks® beverages, all in takeaway format.
Our shelves are stocked with plenty of local and international wines & beers.
We’ve removed all tables and seating areas to support social distancing.
We’re abiding by the absolute strictest serving measures including enhanced cleaning protocols.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON…
We’re looking to implement a home delivery and curb-side pick up service within the Predator Ridge community.
To provide you with access to hard to get items, we’re leveraging our suppliers to help you. We’re strategically working with our existing partners, two of the largest food suppliers (Sysco & GFS), to build an order program to have product delivered to you on site, here at Predator Ridge. We have a dedicated team building a program that will allow you to order online fresh fruit boxes, fresh produce boxes, meats & BBQ boxes, toilet paper and more.
Stay tuned! You can expect to hear from us regularly on new products coming in, what’s fresh in our chef-prepared meals, as well as further details on our order program and home delivery service.
FOOD SERVICE
Based on the recent announcements and recommendations from BC’s Public Health officials, dine-in operations at both Range Lounge & Grill and Pallino’s have been ceased as of 4:00pm today.
WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY DOING…
We are offering takeout service from Pallino’s daily. HOURS OF OPERATION: 11:00am – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Items available include: pizzas, pastas, soups. + Click to view our current menu
If you would like to place your order in advance, please call us at: (250) 503-3405.
* please note that some items may not be available. Please call our team for full details.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON…
Stay tuned for details on our NEW enhanced program called RANGE ON THE RUN with some of your favourite selections from Range Lounge & Grill available for take-out or delivery. We currently have a team dedicated on building out this program and will get out with more information next week!
We’re working on a new delivery and curbside pickup program at Pallino’s
OVERALL RESORT & GOLF COURSE PLAN
Our number one goal is to get our golf courses open for you, our Members, as soon as we possibly can. However we must make changes to protect your wellbeing, as well as the health and welfare of our employees and our entire community. We have no official opening date, but we can assure you that we will be ready when the environment is safe to open.
WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY DOING…
Our teams are sharing staff across disciplines and all efforts are being made to have the golf courses, practice facility and golf shop open as soon as we can. We are focused on making sure when we open, the conditions are up to the high standard that you are used to playing and that we are ready to open as soon as the heightened risks of COVID-19 pass.
Our plan is to open the short game area of our practice facility in mid-April for members use only. We are now just working on the safest plan to do this.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON…
We are also working on releasing “personalized viewing events” where we will grant 30 minute access to our shop for members only. These events will have a limited amount of members per 30 minute session, all with the goal to keep our community healthy.
We encourage all members to take the time to work on their indoor short game. This is a perfect activity and our Academy team will attest, you can all be better at that aspect of your game! Our Academy team will be working on some special videos/tips to help you and your game progress during this break.
ACCOMODATIONS
As of today, we have effectively closed our accommodations at Predator Ridge, outside of existing long term rentals, until we deem it safe to reopen. All existing bookings for March & April have been cancelled and full refunds are currently being issued for all reservations and group bookings.
We are also moving to allow for more flexibility regarding upcoming travel with temporary adjustments to our policies to allow for maximum flexibility for our guests to help make the right decisions regarding travel at this time.
We will have some coverage on the front desk and will get out with further information shortly. If you have any questions regarding any reservations you or your guests have made, please contact our team at info@predatorridge.com.
FITNESS & LIFESTYLE
Although our Fitness Centre and the Commons Racquet Club facilities have been closed, we are making every effort within our 1,200 acres to ensure that you can get out with the right cautions and enjoy your backyard.
WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY DOING…
We have a team presently clearing the entire golf cart path network of snow & debris, so you can access them for walks & hikes.
We’re preparing the outdoor tennis courts and will have the nets up within the next few days (weather permitting). Both the Commons Racquet Club outdoor courts and PRCLA courts will be open for all who wish to get out to play, in an outdoor environment.
We are working on installing the sails on the Lavender yoga platform in the Commonage neighbourhood, as well as clearing the Chakra platform (off Ridge #11).
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON…
We’re working with our instructors to create a variety of at home fitness class workout videos for you to stream from the comforts of your home.
As soon as weather permits (and the trail is cleared & safe), we will also be opening the Namaste platform.
We’re working on some some fun self-guided activities including trail guides, walking courses and more. You will be encouraged during each activity to share your experience and post photos afterwards to share with your community!
LANDSCAPE…
We are moving as many of our existing staff throughout the resort to help our Landscape team get a head start on the maintenance of your individual properties, as well as our communities common land. As soon as weather permits we will shift our attention to your yards and ensure that we don’t fall behind on yard maintenance.
OTHER COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
TELUS HEALTH APP Through our strategic partnership with TELUS, we are currently working on deploying a 90-day free service of the Babylong by TELUS Health app, for Predator Ridge Homeowners in BC and Alberta. This easy-to-use virtual healthcare service app connects you with clinicians via phone or tablet, so you can receive care without potential exposure to a healthcare facility. More details on this offering will be released shortly.
PHARMACY DELIVERIES We have established a partnership with Nolan’s Pharmasave in Vernon to provide delivery service on prescription and other pharmacy items to Predator Ridge Homeowners. To use this service, you will need to contact Nolan’s pharmacy directly by phone a: (250) 542-2929 or by email at: pharmasave222@hotmail.com.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PAGE We are currently working on building a new community resource page on our website, with dedicated resources for our community. On this page you will find regular updates of any issues affecting our community or things you need to be aware of, as well as a wealth of free tools to help you in this time of social distancing.
DEDICATED POINT PERSON
We would like to introduce you to Kirsten Wilkinson, your new dedicated point person here at Predator Ridge during this period.
Kirsten is our amazing social media guru and one of our marketing team members who is the brains behind our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter presence.
She is here to help you! If you have any questions or feedback or any suggestions that we can to do make this challenging time easier, please let her know.
Through all of these initiatives, we want you to be assured that we are here to help. We are doing all we can to prevent COVID-19 from entering our community by adhering to the strictest measures throughout our operations, even down to the trades we work with to build our new homes. Rest assured, we’re doing the best we can with trying to adapt and always have your best interest in mind.
There is no playbook to follow. As things change daily, we are using the best of our abilities to put initiatives in place to accommodate your needs. We are here for you and you can expect to hear from us regularly. Tell us how we can help. And help us support you by utilizing the new programs we are launching to help lessen the challenges we are all facing right now.
Let’s rally together to get through this. Let’s try to enjoy the beauty of our property. Wave to your neighbours. Smile. It’s times like this that will make our community stronger. We’re known for having a strong community and we will surely get stronger through this period of uncertainty.
We thank you for your support and your loyalty. On behalf of the entire leadership team at Predator, you have our commitment to do the best preserve as many of our employees who have served you in the past, so that they can serve you in the future. Expect to see more thorough updates from each division in the coming weeks.
