July 3, 2020
Last week, Premier Horgan announced that our province was ready to begin a cautious and gradual transition into Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan. While this does not mean a return to “regular programming,” it means we will start to have a broader reopening of parks and campsites, select entertainment options such as movie theatres, and increased access to services like hair salons and restaurants. Safe and respectful inter-provincial travel is also permitted once again, and BC will begin welcoming out-of-province visitors in time for summer.
It is important to note that Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan still prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people, and safety measures such as social distancing are still in effect. Wearing masks is recommended whenever social distancing is not possible.
A reminder that the Brightside office is still closed to walk-in guests, and will remain so until further notice. We are meeting with residents in the office by appointment only. To schedule an appointment please email info@brightsidehomes.ca or call
604-684-3515.
FAQ – The “New Normal” and the Brightside Community
We are making great strides forward together. And while it may still seem far off, each day gets us one step closer to emerging from our present situation to adopting a “new normal.” At Brightside, the way we work has changed. COVID-19 has accelerated the need for us to adopt online “virtual” work solutions. Big and small organizations are embracing work from home as the new norm. As many businesses (and the city) continue to reopen and welcome back their customers, we wanted to take a deeper look at what Brightside’s ‘new normal’ might look like and how it will affect the interactions with our residents. We have prepared the following FAQ to help address and communicate our way forward together:
In consideration of the ongoing vulnerability and risk of infection to our residents, Brightside has elected to remain closed to walk-in guests. Brightside will invite and welcome residents into our office as needed, and by appointment only until further notice.
Please call our main line at 604-684-3515 and leave a message indicating who you would like an appointment with or what you would like to talk to us about. A member of our staff will return your call within 24 hours or the next business day to book your appointment. Alternatively, you may also email us at info@brightsidehomes.ca.
All guests/residents will be asked to follow a series of strict safety protocols while in our offices to ensure the health and safety of you, our staff and future guests.
Several members of the Brightside staff have returned to working at the office a few days a week; many other members of staff continue to manage business operations from off site. When possible, we are working on a rotating, staggered schedule to allow social distancing and to minimize exposure. Brightside staff continue to work hard to maintain our optimum levels of service.
For all service repairs, our Field Technicians will come equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure both their and your personal health and safety. They will follow strict protocols including minimizing surface contact and offering residents gloves and masks upon arrival to reduce the spread of the virus. In some cases, we may require residents to leave their unit or to stay in another room (bedroom) while repairs take place to minimize contact and keep safe distance. If external contractors are required for the repair, they may have their own protocols in place and we ask for your cooperation to comply accordingly.
Please call our main line at 604-684-3515 and leave a message with your full name, contact details and your request to sign up for Pre-Authorized Debit. A member of our staff will return your call within 24 hours or the next business day to get a bit more information and send you the necessary forms. Alternatively, you may also email your request to info@brightsidehomes.ca.
COVID-19 Brief #13 & #14 will be the final two COVID-19-specific briefings. As we move forward together, Brightside plans to bring you a new and refreshed resident newsletter to help communicate important matters. Stay tuned!
In our final COVID-19 Briefing (#14), you will find a detachable feedback form. Please provide your comments and deposit the form into the drop box located in the lobby of your building.
Pre-Authorized Debit
We understand that the closure of the Brightside office has presented an inconvenience for many residents that prefer to drop cash or cheques at the office.
As an alternative to cash or post-dated cheques, Brightside has a simple, safe and secure Pre-Authorized Debit option available for those wishing to have their rent conveniently deducted automatically. We encourage all residents to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) program for paying monthly rent. The PAD program saves time and helps ensure rent payments are not late or missed, and there are no fees to sign up.
The information exchanged between the bank and Brightside will use secure data transfer channels as required by the bank. Only authorized staff at Brightside will have limited access to your account information. Brightside is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you would like to sign up for Pre-Authorized Debit, you can contact the office to have a Pre-Authorized Debit application form sent to you by email or by Canada Post, or you can check the lobby/foyer of your building.
1. Fill out the Pre-Authorized Debit application form
2. Attach a blank/void cheque
3. Make sure document is signed and initialed
4. Mail or email your application to Brightside
Pro Tip – VOID Cheques: If you already have cheques, simply draw a line on the cheque and write “VOID” across it. If you do not use cheques, one can be attained from your banking institution.
We want to remind everyone that in light of BC’s transition into Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan and consistent progress in “flattening the curve,” Brightside will be discontinuing the COVID-19 Brief as of July 17th, 2020. In the event of a resurgence or “second wave” of COVID-19 we will resume distribution of the COVID-19 Brief. In the meantime, we will communicate with the Brightside resident community only as relevant information arises.
As always, 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 as 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.