News Flash Home
The original item was published from 9/3/2020 2:17:00 PM to 6/15/2023 10:46:24 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: September 3, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Message From the Mayor - Sept. 3, 2020

Coquitlam

 

Sept. 3, 2020

We’re coming up on six months since the pandemic began, and bit by bit, we’ve been learning and adapting. At the beginning, we learned about washing our hands, and then we learned about staying home and keeping our distance.

More recently, we graduated to masks. It’s the new way to be polite. You stand back, you don’t shake hands and you wear a mask – not necessarily to protect yourself, but to protect others.

For those who are doing all the right things, it’s been disheartening to see the uptick in COVID-19 cases in our province. You may be worried about what will happen once students return to school. You may be questioning the experts, and getting angry at people you feel aren’t doing their part.

After the challenges this year, it’s understandable to feel some frustration. I suggest we all take a deep breath – after putting on a mask, of course – and remember that B.C. is still doing a great job dealing with COVID compared to many other places in the world.

We got here by trusting the experts and following their recommendations, and we need to continue to do that. We also need to focus on the other lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic, like the importance of being kind to others and supporting our community.

It’s heartening to see so many residents making an effort to shop and eat locally to support our struggling businesses. I encourage you to also think about the local artists and non-profit organizations that are also experiencing hard times.

If you have resources to spare, consider sharing some with the people and groups who bring arts, culture and important social services to our community. Some have adapted with online or physically distant programs and fundraisers, and would greatly welcome your support.

Certainly, being adaptable is another important lesson we’ve learned from the pandemic. Some of our seniors were among the first to figure out how to socialize at a distance, by setting up chairs six feet apart in the parking lot.

As a city, Coquitlam has also had to adapt. Early in the pandemic we closed down our facilities and many services, and then gradually and safely, we’ve been bringing back modified versions of them.

You can now go swimming, skating and work out at some recreation facilities, and starting next week, even more programs and facilities will open up.

Yes, things will be a bit different. We’ll have to register for all activities – even ones that used to be drop-in – and follow a variety of health protocols. But we’ll be able get back to some of the activities we’ve missed, and people we’ve missed doing them with. Sign up for our Parks, Rec and Culture e-newsletter, and keep an eye on our website and social media for updates as more City services and programs gradually return in the months ahead.

The storm may be over, but the weather is still lousy – and will remain unpredictable. The way forward will be easier if we all continue to trust the science, to adapt, to be kind to each other, and to support our community.

Richard Stewart
Mayor

PS: We’re always interested in hearing about people demonstrating their Coquitlam spirit. Please share your stories on social media and tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023
A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2023 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 23, 2023