Category: Preparedness

July Community Awareness Message

Dear Neighbours;

BC Phase 3 Restart
As BC begins to loosen the COVID 19 restrictions and thankfully moves us all into Phase 3, we still need to be vigilant about managing our personal bubbles and space.  Please review the link below outlining Phase 3 and the recommendations Dr. Bonnie Henry has laid out for us all.  PRCEMC would like to thank all our residents for their diligence and support in keeping our community safe and helping BC flatten the curve. 
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/phase-3

Emergency Management
This year’s BC wildfires have thus far been reduced by the cooler weather, leaving our current fire rating as low.  However, that rating could change quickly once we move into warmer summer temperatures.  Due to our location we need to be mindful of the wildfire status in our area and surrounding areas. Take the time now to review the “Resident Emergency Handbook”, and make sure you have your plan and evacuation kit(s) updated and ready.
https://prcemc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PRCEMC-Resident-Emergency-Handbook-Update-May-19.pdf

FireSmart
This cooler weather is also the perfect time to continue the good work that all of us have been doing to FireSmart our properties.  We have already had over 22 residents who have cleaned their own properties and/or replaced bark mulch with rocks – some spending 15-25 hours and others 30-40+ hours.  We are so lucky to have so many residents committed to the FireSmart Program and making our community safer.If you would like a member of the FireSmart Committee to visit your property or provide you with some feedback and tips on how to FireSmart your property please contact: https://prcemc.ca/contact-firesmart/
To report a wildfire or irresponsible wildfire risk behaviour call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.

Block Watch is a program of neighbours helping neighbours. They make a commitment to watch out for each other’s homes, and report suspicious activities to the police and to each other. 

Block Watch
In the Predator Ridge Community, we have 20 Block Watch neighbourhoods each with its own co-captains. The co-captains (42 in all) fall under the direction of the Predator Ridge Block Watch Organization and  report to the City of Vernon Protective Services Division – Regan Borisenko. With the opening up of travel and the possibility of increased tourism within BC, we may start to see an increase in activity within our community.  Be diligent, be aware, and report anything suspicious.  The Non-Emergency Police line is: 250-545-7171. 
https://prcemc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Block-Watch-Map-sm-01.jpg

Commonage Road Improvement Committee (CRIC)
The Commonage Road Improvement Committee is continuing to work on the improvements to Commonage and Bailey Roads.  We are hoping to see the additional white lines painted on the road shoulders, as well as an increase in delineators installed on select corners this year.

Please note the speed limit on Commonage and Bailey Roads is 60km/h.  Friends and family cyclists are out enjoying the summer, please remember to share the road, slow down, and allow for everyone to have safe passage. 

Commonage Road-BCHydro Pole Replacement Project Update
This project is scheduled to replace 150 poles along this corridor and had expected to be completed by late summer; however, due to COVID-19 challenges, the project completion date has been rescheduled to early December 2020.

The BCHydro Community Relations Department has advised us that there will be no further blips or outages due to this project for the next month or so.  When the blips resume they will be 20 sec to 1 minute in duration, once in the morning and once in early evening.  We have asked for advanced notice as to when the cutovers and blips will resume.  BCHydro will be issuing a project update notice in the next few weeks.

If you think that your computer or any household appliances have been damaged due to the numerous power interruptions you can submit a claim to BCHydro. The email address for claims for damaged equipment due to outages: bchydro.claims@bchydro.com

BCHydro website for outage updates: www.bchydro.com      Outage Inquiries: 1888-769-3766

BEAR Wise
As we move into the summer months and are hiking and walking the trails, be aware that bears are now fully out of hibernation and foraging the area for food.  To avoid confrontations with bears or drawing them further into the community follow the bear wise information. Limit bird feeders, safely store garbage, and don’t leave pet food outside. Be aware of your surroundings, hike in groups, talk, make noise, and carry a safety whistle.   Please review this excellent educational post from the BC Conservation Foundation on Bears.
https://wildsafebc.com/black-bear/

A new brochure Who’s Who: Know your Bears is now available and highlights the differences and similarities between Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. Take the quiz and see if YOU know your bears!
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/conservation-officer-service/whoswhobears.pdf

Golf Cart Safety
For everyone’s safety we remind residents of Predator Ridge’s request that all golf cart drivers access and use the paths that are provided. Please try and avoid using the larger main roadways with heavier traffic such as Predator Ridge Drive, Birdie Lake Drive etc. Please be mindful of pedestrians, pets and cyclists, all of whom have the right of way. http://homeowners.predatorridge.com/golf-cart-usage-at-predator-ridge/

Using the connector paths within the community help reduce the use of the streets and roadways. 

  1. Connector down from Chicopee to Hockey Cabin
  2. Cabins at the end of Chicopee over to Hockey Cabin
  3. Longspoon over to Dormie
  4. Dormie down to Whitetail
  5. The Commonage to Predator Tunnel
  6. Whitetail over to Ridge Hole #4

Home Owner Intranet Site
Our Homeowner Intranet Site has undergone some major upgrades over the past few months.  The site has many new categories with useful information regarding our community and surrounding area and is especially useful for newcomers to Predator Ridge.  If you do not have an account or have lost your username and password please email: predatorridge@predatorridge.com

If you have suggestions or feedback for the continued success of the site please forward them to pridgecommunity@gmail.com

Sincerely
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jim Popowich
Jane Toppozini
Colleen Scott
Gord Wilson
Kathy Pedersen
Luiz Araujo


COVID-19 Community Awareness

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:

  1. Who may or may not be carrying the virus;
  2. Where people have been;
  3. What they have touched; or
  4. 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.

As a reminder to residents who have been travelling outside Canada, the Canadian Government has directed that all returning travellers undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation,  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/self-monitoring-self-isolation-isolation-for-covid-19.html.  

Even after your period of self-isolation is over, continued social distancing is important,  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/public-health-measures-mitigate-covid-19.html#cbm

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.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AT PREDATOR RIDGE

Dear Homeowner,

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 on recent announcements from Dr. Bonnie Henry, our Provincial Health Officer, please visit:https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0077-000484

For recommendations on protecting yourself and our community, please visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

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.

Sincerely,

Brad Pelletier
Senior Vice-President, Okanagan
Wesbild Holdings Ltd.
Jim Popowich
Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! AN IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL UPDATE FROM PREDATOR RIDGE.

To our valued residents,

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. 

You can reach Kirsten by email at:  kwilkinson@predatorridge.com

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.  

Sincerely,

Brad Pelletier

Brad Pelletier
Senior Vice-President, Okanagan
Wesbild Holdings Ltd.

CONGRATULATIONS – Mark Goode

Mark Goode (left) accepting the Emergency Preparedness Kit from PRCEMC coordinator, Jim Popowich

Way to Go Mark Goode for not only correctly answering all the questions in the Emergency Preparedness Quiz but for being the lucky winner in the PRCEMC draw for completing the quiz.

Discussing emergency preparedness in the Vernon area with Mark he said:

as a “part-time” resident now, I would like to ensure the bag goes to a full-time home owner whose risk of exposure to wildfire may be higher and to do so via a route that allows for further opportunity to communicate the need for emergency preparedness. As such, I wanted to let you know I plan to donate the bag as a prize at the next silent auction fundraising event at the Kal Tire office (along with copies of the Evacuation Preparedness Guide). This seems like a good opportunity to raise awareness with 350 more people in the wider Vernon community. 
Thank you then for allowing me the opportunity to build on the great work the PRCEMC is doing.

Once again…. Congratulations Mark.

Get the NEW Wildfire Preparedness Guide

PreparedBC has released a new Wildfire Preparedness Guide to ensure British Columbians are ready for what will likely be another busy wildfire season. 

Created in partnership with FireSmart BC and the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the new guide provides information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire, including advice on mitigating risk, managing stress and coping with smoke. 

It’s currently available for download from the PreparedBC website.

Heading Outdoors? … Leave a Plan

How many of us have left the house on a day or weekend trip, biking, camping or some other fun activity without leaving a plan with someone on your whereabouts or trip details.

Preparedness also extends to activities we are doing and there is a great website called AdventureSmart that has excellent information and resources for the outdoor enthusiast. Let’s face it, NO ONE EVER expects to get into trouble outdoors. But, a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall can quickly change any recreational outing into a crisis. Does anyone know where you have gone and when you expect to return? When things go wrong, you’ll be happy you took the time to properly prepare.

AdventureSmart also has an app that is available  for free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for Android devices, and can also be accessed from any web browser.

Click to learn about the AdventureSmart trip plan app