News & Announcements March 2020

Though we were saddened to announce the cancellation of our 48^th Annual Conference & Trade Show (April 26-28) in light of the situation relating to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are thrilled to report that we are in the process of securing new dates to hold the event in the fall. The BCWWA team is currently working with our external event partners to determine all details for the fall iteration of our 48^th Annual Conference & Trade Show.

We will be sharing event dates, specifics and details regarding refunds and cancellations for those who require them, as soon as items are finalized throughout the coming weeks. We commit to keeping you updated and informed as quickly as possible and greatly appreciate your patience during this time.

Amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases in B.C., provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced new recommendations at a news conference on March 12th that will affect travelers, event organizers, and employers across the province.

Dr. Henry stated that the province is not allowing events with 250 or more people to be held, and are asking organizers to cancel such events.

In light of these new advisories, we will, unfortunately, be cancelling our Annual Conference & Trade Show that was scheduled to be held April 26-28 in Penticton, B.C. We are currently in the process of considering alternative options for the event and will release a full update, including information pertaining to cancellations, refunds and next steps for our delegates, speakers, volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors. This update will be released the week of March 16^th via email as well as on our website. 

We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. While we are saddened to be cancelling our 48^th Annual Conference & Trade Show, our mandate is to “safeguard public health”. We take this mandate very seriously and will always prioritize the health and safety of our water community.

Amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases in B.C., provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced new recommendations at a news conference yesterday (March 12) that will affect travelers, event organizers, and employers across the province.

Dr. Henry stated that the province is not allowing events with 250 or more people to be held, and are asking organizers to cancel such events.

Our management team, Board of Directors and staff are currently assessing what these recent advisories will mean for our Annual Conference & Trade Show. We are in the process of considering options for the event and will release an update as soon as we have further information.

At BCWWA, we take our role in protecting public health seriously. We recognize the potential threat of COVID-19 and have gathered as much information as possible on the status and spread of this virus. We shall continue to update, provide information resources, and take all the precautions and measures necessary to help prevent the spread of this virus.

As you are aware, our Annual Conference and Trade Show takes place April 26-28 in Penticton, BC. At this time there are no plans to cancel this important event.

We continue to work with event partners to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. In addition, we are monitoring up-to-date guidance from health organizations such as Health Canada, the Provincial Health Officer, and the World Health Organization.

BCWWA recognizes and understands the situation surrounding COVID-19 changes on an daily basis. We commit to providing you with regular updates and information around the status of all future BCWWA events and programs.

If you have any questions, please visit our current COVID-19 resources page at bcwwa.org/resources/covid-19-resources/. You can also email us with your concerns and questions to contact@bcwwa.org. 

We are hopeful that this situation will be contained soon, and we look forward to putting on another great Conference & Trade Show.

Mike Seymour, President, BC Water & Waste Association

             Marian Hands, CEO, BC Water & Waste Association