Travellers urged to be cautious as B.C. wildfires rage on
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. That’s the message from tourism officials as fires burn in the Okanagan and beyond.
In the South Okanagan, it appears would-be vacationers are being careful.
“We’re experiencing what I call a tidal wave of cancellations,” says Howard Rensler, manager of the Westridge Motor Inn in Osoyoos. Rensler says over the past week, he’s had hundreds of people calling the motel to cancel their reservations or ask just how bad the air quality is in Osoyoos.
“They had planned to come to Osoyoos for recreational, vacation-type experiences, and those are likely compromised by the fires and smoke and everything else.”
For Rensler, the cancellations are concerning. The motel makes 90 per cent of its money in the summer months. Pandemic losses now coupled with wildfires has the motel manager wondering what the future holds.
“I’m expecting locusts next,” Rensler says jokingly.
At least two other Osoyoos accommodations tell CTV News they’re dealing with an influx of cancelled bookings as well. Local attractions in the area are also taking a hit, largely because of the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire burning east of the city.
“It’s definitely impacting our wineries and tourism,” says Sarah Lefebvre, president of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. “If you’re coming to this area, we want you to be prepared. We want you to plan ahead. We want you to be flexible with what may come.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Sue McKortoff, the mayor of Osyoos.
“It’s pretty grey here right now. We don’t know how long it’s going to last. So, my suggestion is please do your homework before you venture up here.”
The Tourism Industry Association of B.C. (TIABC) is urging prospective travellers not to cancel plans, but to find the places in B.C. that aren’t currently dealing with wildfires.
“We have large areas of land in this province that people can visit,” says Vivek Sharma, TIABC chair. “We’re encouraging all visitors to go to the Destination BC website to get the latest update of what is happening with wildfires.”
Despite the smoky skies above Osoyoos, Rensler’s motel and many more are open for business. But, he admits now might not be the best time to visit.
“If you’re coming because you want to experience all of the outdoor activities that can be done in Osoyoos, you might want to wait a week or two.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Slovak interior minister says 'lone wolf' has been charged with shooting prime minister
The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a 'lone wolf' has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico.
There's a new workers' rights treaty in Canada, but will it actually protect you?
Although a global workers' treaty has been in force in Canada since January, an employment lawyer believes it won't do anything more to protect employees from violence and harassment.
Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story
A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts
Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Shifting winds mean smokier skies in some parts of Canada, snow in other areas
Air quality warnings are still in place for some areas of Western Canada, according to the latest forecasts.
The Saskatchewan RCMP says it's safe to use your points at the McDonald's drive-thru
The Saskatchewan RCMP wants you to know it’s not targeting drive-thrus to ticket people for using their fast food reward apps.
DEVELOPING Latest updates on the major wildfires currently burning in Canada
Thousands of Canadians have been displaced as fires burn in Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. Here are the latest updates.
Will jurors believe Michael Cohen? Defense keys on witness' credibility at Trump's hush money trial
With prosecutors' hush money case against Donald Trump barreling toward its end, their star witness will be back in the hot seat Thursday as defense lawyers try to chip away at Michael Cohen's crucial testimony implicating the former president.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.