Coquitlam is encouraging businesses to take advantage of the supports and resources available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COQUITLAM, B.C., April 1, 2020 – Coquitlam is encouraging businesses to take advantage of the supports and resources available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong local economy, the City is inviting local businesses to contact its Economic Development Office for advice and referrals to programs that can help them during this uncertain time. Information is also posted at www.coquitlam.ca/ecdev.
Resources for Local Businesses
Although City Hall remains closed to the public, City staff are still hard at work supporting City operations, including services for the business community.
For example, the Planning & Development Department has created tools and processes – such as online plan submission – to enable development applications and construction projects to move forward. More information is available at www.coquitlam.ca/development.
The City’s Economic Development Office is also helping businesses access the latest regional, provincial and federal initiatives and resources, including:
- The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, which has launched a #SupportLocal campaign and developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page at www.tricitieschamber.com;
- Online resources from organizations such as the BC Chamber of Commerce (www.bcchamber.org), BC Economic Development Association (www.bceda.ca), Small Business BC (www.smallbusinessbc.ca) and others;
- Federal financial and economic support at www.canada.com/covid19 that includes wage subsidies of up to 75 per cent for small businesses, access to loans of up to $40,000 (interest-free for the first year), and deferrals for income taxes, GST and duty payments; and
- Provincial benefits at www.gov.bc.ca/covid19 that include tax deferrals, arts and culture grants and resources.
The City is also highlighting opportunities for local businesses, such as the federal government’s call for suppliers of medical supplies such as personal protective equipment, sanitizers and ventilators at www.buyandsell.gc.ca.
Other Support for Businesses
Recognizing the important role businesses play in providing jobs, services and investment to the community, the City is actively encouraging residents to choose local suppliers for goods and services and to support them during this challenging time by ordering online, buying gift cards and having meals delivered. Supporting local businesses is the topic of this week’s Message from the Mayor video, posted at bit.ly/C19-20200401.
The community will also see City signage paying tribute to workers of all types – including health care, store clerks, childcare workers, tradespeople and others – who continue to work and put themselves at risk to provide much-needed services to the community.
Other actions the City has taken to date to support businesses have included:
- Not enforcing the noise bylaw for an extra hour (until 9 p.m. weeknights and 8 p.m. Saturdays) to encourage continuing progress on key construction and housing projects;
- Not enforcing penalties for late utility payments until Sept. 30; and
- Taking action against unauthorized supply vendors operating without a business licence.
City Contacts
Coquitlam’s Economic Development Office can be reached at 604-927-3905 or email Economic Development.
Other contacts:
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.