CITY OPENS OUTDOOR SPACES TO HELP SUPPORT BUSINESS RECOVERY

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – May 14, 2020… Port Coquitlam offers more supports to local businesses by opening up streets and sidewalks for patios, lineups or display space and offering in-kind services.

These were among the changes approved by City Council Tuesday to help local businesses take advantage of B.C.’s phased restart plan, which will allow some businesses to reopen soon with appropriate public health protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This is a challenging and stressful time for our local businesses as they rethink how they operate,” said Mayor Brad West. “We wanted to act swiftly to make it easier for businesses to meet the requirements and get up and running as soon as possible. We also know the community is eager to do more to support local businesses and to resume some normal activities as long as it is safe to do so.”

The changes adopted Tuesday will:

  • Open up public rights-of-way such as streets, sidewalks and parking lots around businesses for commercial activities such as patios, lineups and product displays,
  • Support these uses by offering in-kind services such as construction of temporary platforms or mobile structures, reconfigured lane markings, revised parking restrictions or relocated infrastructure such as signs, planters, benches, waste containers, and
  • Streamline processes and provide a “one-stop shop” for right-of-way encroachment permits,
  • Waive the related application, security and other permit fees for 2020,
  • Temporarily eliminate late fees for business licences.

The city is also surveying businesses about how they have been impacted by the pandemic and what supports they need to recover. The survey is at www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizhub. 

“Businesses drive the local economy, provide jobs and are essential to our community’s recovery,” added West. “We want them to know we appreciate all they do and the work they’re doing to protect the health and safety of our residents. We would love to hear from them through our survey about how they have been affected by the health crisis.”

City staff will work with businesses to provide advice about how they can meet the regulatory and insurance requirements. Interested businesses should contact the City’s Property Use Coordinator at gabled@portcoquitlam.ca or by phone at 604-927-5266.

The changes are the latest measures Port Coquitlam has taken to support local businesses and assist with the community’s recovery. Last month, the city extended the due dates for property taxes and utility bills to the end of September.

Additional Resources for Businesses

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca