Annual General Meeting POSTPONED

The Oaklands Community Association is closed until further notice in keeping with the direction from the City of Victoria and the BC Centre for Disease Control.  

If you have booked a space for an event at OCA - we will provide a full refund of your fees. Refunds for missed recreation programs will be issued in the form of household credit for future registration. Refunds for cancelled programs will be issued via credit card or household credit. 

The City of Victoria will be doing a daily Facebook livestream at 2:30pm. Tune. in for important updates and information.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

• THE LIST - Thank you to Community Micro Lending for putting together this amazing community document! 
• Seniors: bc211 line has created a Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program. Either call 211 or visit this webpage for more info. 
• Post requests for assistance on the COVID-19 Coming Together Facebook Page. (Here is the Oaklands pod)
• Submit a request in this google form: Victoria QT2SBIPOC Community Mutual Aid Intake
• FOOD: Some of the Living Edge Neighbourhood Markets (free produce and groceries) are still on! See their Facebook or website for updates.
• FOOD: Access the Mustard Seed's food bank
• Visit Our Place for meals, toiletries, clothing, or outreach support
• Contact us directly at community@oaklandsca.com.

ACCESSING EI, CERB, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• Federal Government Economic Response Plan  (Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Response Benefit)
• Provincial Government Economic Response Plan 
• Specific info about Tax Relief for Province of BC here.
• Subscribe here for any Tax Benefit changes (Province of BC). 
• Accessing EI in BC Fact Sheet
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to qualify you must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the year before their application from employment, self employment and be without income for at least 14 consecutive days in a four-week period because of COVID-19. Learn more here.
• Google document about accessing financial support. 
• Contact TAPS for help with Employment Standards claims and EI matters: employment@tapsbc.ca

CITY OF VICTORIA UPDATES AND INFORMATION

• City. ofVictoria service updates and information for residents and businesses. 
• March 23, 2020: The City announced that in collaboration with BC Housing, Island Health, the Coalition to End Homelessness, and the Dandelion Society, temporary services will be made available at Beacon Hill Park, Topaz Park, and Royal Athletic Park. There will be on site healthcare professionals, food service, washrooms and handwashing stations, up to date health information. 938 Mason Street will be a temporary test and triage site for Victoria’s homeless and street involved populations. This action represents Phase 1 of the City’s plan to care for the homeless population.  Phase 2 includes working with BC Housing and Island Health to find indoor accommodations and supports for homeless individuals, including spaces appropriate for self-isolation.

OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT

• Offer your support by filling out this form.
• Check in on seniors in the community by phone. Schedule regular check ins with seniors, and ask if they are in need of groceries, prescriptions, or conversation. 
• Sign up here to be matched with a senior. 
• Drop off food, or make a financial donation to the Mustard Seed. 
• Make a donation to Our Place. They are in need of men's clothing, warm layers, socks, underwear, and toiletries.
• The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness has created a webpage to collect information about supporting vulnerable populations, such as Victoria's homeless and street involved community members.
• Offer assistance, or respond to specific requests on the COVID-19 Coming Together Facebook Page. (Here is the Oaklands Pod.)
• Email community@oaklandsca.com to add your name to the list of community members who can be called on to provide support.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Wash your hands often with soap and water,
• cough or sneeze into your elbow,
• avoid others who are unwell, and stay home when you are sick,
• avoid touching your face,
• Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should contact their health-care provider, or call 8-1-1.
• You can also call 1-888-COVID-19 or text 604-630-0300 for details, advice, and further information on the virus.
• BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
• More information: BC Centre for Disease Control, Island Health.