May 22, 2020

This week marked the start of “Phase 2” of the BC Restart Plan. With select retailers and services already beginning to reopen, Vancouverites will be cautiously and gradually re-emerging.

If you decide to go out, expect things to be a little different. Social-distancing measures will be in place, and you may see Plexiglas barriers separating you from workers or other customers. Many services will also require appointments, even if they didn’t before. In addition to parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces, service sectors allowed to open this week include:

• Personal services like hair salons and barbers
• Restaurants and cafés
• Museums, art galleries, libraries
• In-person counselling
• Medical services, like chiropractors and massage therapists
• Child care

It is important to remember if you do choose to go out, that things are not “back to normal.” Maintaining social distancing and thorough, frequent handwashing are critical, and the Public Health Agency of Canada has encouraged all Canadians to wear a mask whenever possible/available, when we leave our homes. Above all, it is crucial to stay at home if you are sick, or if you are at greater risk of infection.

As we enter this phase, (we need to) continue to think about consideration and generosity and respect for others.
That is what will get us through

Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer

This pandemic has brought about great acts of kindness and generosity in our community, but it has also, unfortunately, come with an increase in phone, text, and email scams perpetrated by opportunistic fraudsters. While these fraudsters are resourceful, there are ways you can protect yourself and reduce your chances of falling victim to these scams. Refer to the resources page that follows for tips on how to stay safe from scams and fraud.

Unfortunately, we have also seen an increase in racist incidents in Vancouver. We are proud that the Brightside community is a diverse and resilient community, and we stand against any and all forms of racism and hate-motivated activity. We encourage you to report instances of hate crimes you see around town to the Vancouver Police.

Office Updates

As you are aware, the Brightside office remains closed. Staff continue to manage business operations remotely, from our individual homes. On occasion, you may receive a telephone call from us from a private, or undisclosed number. In an effort to maintain your safety and security, we understand that you may not wish to answer these unidentified calls. We ask that if a Brightside staff member calls and leaves you a message, that you call our office line at 604-684-3515 at your earliest opportunity, and leave a message indicating the best time to try you again. Alternatively, you can also send us an email at info@brightsidehomes.ca. We thank all residents for their continued patience and cooperation.

Operations

Residents are now able to submit repair requests for regular repairs. The signed repair request permits trades and Brightside staff to enter your unit. Residents will be offered gloves and masks while we are in your home for repairs to reduce the spread of the virus. Residents who have submitted repair requests are asked to call in to cancel repairs if you are exhibiting any signs of illness.

Some of our contractors have their own protocols in place that may require residents to leave their suite or to stay in another room (bedroom) while repairs take place. During this time, we ask all residents to be understanding and follow all of these special requests by trades to allow for repairs to take place.

As we expect an influx of repair requests they will be completed as received, on a priority basis. If you are comfortable with Brightside staff or tradespeople completing in-suite repairs, please submit your request in writing. If you are not yet comfortable with staff/trades entering your unit at this time, you may deny access to your home.

We continue to request that residents confirmed to have COVID-19 inform Brightside immediately. Your privacy is of paramount importance to Brightside and this information will be taken in confidence to help ensure protective measures are taken.

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 and we may be able to provide assistance. You can contact us by email at info@brightsidehomes.ca, or leaving a voicemail at 604-684-3515 for more information.

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