DAWSON CREEK -- The vaccination rate in British Columbia continues to climb meaning provincial health officials will be moving forward with the restart plan.
Phase two of the plan is set to begin no earlier than Tuesday, June 15 meaning Dawson Creek could see an increase in visitors and events by the end of the month.
Outdoor and indoor gatherings will be able to have up to 50 people, provincial travel restrictions will be lifted, and people can start making the transition back to their workplaces if they have not done so already.
Banquet halls can also start booking events such as weddings with limited capactiy while still having COVID-19 health guidelines in place.
Hotels are benefiting from the decreased restricitons in many ways. Their restaurants could be busier, fitness facilities can be utilized by more people, pool area capacities are increasing, and bookings are filling up.
"It literally is a heartbeat throughout the hotel, we talk about it every morning. People are coming up to get away, to get out, to start exploring again and we couldn't be happier," said Eleanor Ryan, General Manager of the Pomeroy Inn & Suites.
Restaurants are looking forward to phase two as well. Right now, they can only serve liquor until 10 p.m. but with eased restrictions coming next week, restaurant goers can have alcohol until midnight.
"It's probably going to be so busy," said Ginger Dumais, Manager of Browns Socialhouse. "It's just so nice for all of our staff, everybody's just so much happier."
Phase two also allows for indoor games and group exercise to run with COVID restrictions in place.
Outdoor games and practices can have up to 50 people in attendance as well.
Phase three is expected to start on Canada Day as long as at least 70 per cent of people in B.C. who are eligible have been vaccinated.