March 31, 2020

As some of you may have already seen, last week we sent out our first “Brightside COVID-19 Brief.” You can expect to receive a “package” from Brightside on a weekly basis with updates on actions that Brightside is taking at this time, as well as resources and other useful COVID-19 related information.

To help reduce the chances of COVID-19 transmission, we have enhanced our cleaning regime in all buildings and increased sanitization of all common areas and high-touch surfaces. In order to secure the health and safety of our residents, we are asking that all residents that are currently displaying symptoms, or have received a positive COVID-19 result, reach out to us as soon as possible. If we learn of a case of COVID-19 in one of our buildings, Brightside will promptly notify the residents of that building.

To ensure the health and safety of all of our residents, we ask that residents do not congregate in communal spaces (amenity rooms/spaces, lobbies, laundry rooms, etc.), and refrain from congregating in their suites as well. Visitors should be limited as much as possible (i.e. essential services). We also ask that residents refrain from approaching cleaners in the buildings. As they are working hard to maintain the cleanliness in the buildings, we want to ensure that their ability to continue their job is not compromised. Some residents have reached out to Brightside inquiring about mask availability. Unfortunately, at this time, the supply of masks available is extremely limited and we will most likely not be able to provide this to our residents.

Below you will find updates on Brightside’s actions during this time. We have organized this per department for your convenience.

Office Updates

• The office is currently closed. The best way to contact us is via email (info@brightsidehomes.ca), or by leaving a voicemail (604-684-3515). To help facilitate, our team has access to voicemails from home and will forward any voicemails to the appropriate team member.

Operations

• Daily operations have been scaled down and field staff are now responding to emergency repairs only. While repair requests will continue to be picked up on a bi-weekly basis (subject to staff availability), all other repair requests will be completed once normal operations resume. While in and around the buildings, field staff will be wearing protective equipment.
• Contractors have put in place new procedures when carrying out emergency repairs. This means residents will have to leave their suite for the duration of the repair to allow for proper social distancing compliance.
• Extra cleaning of common area high touch surfaces will be conducted by field staff bi-weekly at this time, in addition to scaling up regular cleaning services.
• As many residents are relying on extra sanitization and using products like wet wipes, etc., we are requesting that residents refrain from flushing any items other than toilet paper down the toilet.
• Some common area work will continue on a case by case basis. The interior painting project at Muir Manor will continue on schedule beginning Monday April 30th, and the Glynn Manor makeup air replacement is currently in progress and will continue moving forward.

Accounting

• We are recommending that residents that have yet to sign up for our pre-authorized debit plan for rent payments get in touch with us to allow for a simpler method of rent payment.
• Please be advised that if you regularly pay your rent in cash and are only able to continue doing so by this method, we ask that you call ahead to our office to coordinate. If a rent receipt is needed, a member of our office team will be able to facilitate. Please be advised that there are currently increased processing times.

Rent

• Please note that your rent is still due as scheduled and will remain owing until fully paid. If you are able to pay your rent on time, you are expected to do so. Remember that our head office is closed to all visitors, so rent must be paid by cheque (by deposit into the building manager’s drop-box). Residents currently set up for Pre-Authorized Debit will have their rent withdrawn on the first of every month, as per usual.
• To ensure residents do not worry about their housing security, we have suspended all evictions due to non-payment of rent, in accordance with BC Housing. Furthermore, if your employment income has stopped or decreased due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a rent adjustment. Residents wishing to discuss a rent adjustment as a result of a change in employment income should contact incomereview@brightsidehomes.ca, or by leaving a voicemail at 604-684-3515.

Community Development

• All community development activity has been suspended at this time (including hearing clinics advertised in our latest newsletter). We ask that residents refrain from organizing social activities/gatherings in and around the building.
• During these challenging times, we understand that it can take a toll on everyone’s mental health. Therefore, we have attached some resources and recommendations to help aid you while self-isolating. We encourage that you look over these recommendations and try to implement what you can.

If you are experiencing extraordinary hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite you to contact our office by phone or by email. At this time, there are community and local supports that are becoming available. Note that while we may not have an immediate solution to your concern, this is an effort to better understand how our residents are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are exploring ways we may be able to help.

These are unprecedented times, and the COVID-19 situation evolves often. Our aim is to provide residents with relevant updates and information – in the form of numbered briefs – on a weekly basis. You can also find information about our response to COVID-19 and other resources at brightsidehomes.ca.

Practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and stay safe.