Coquitlam’s Outdoor Business Expansion Program has now helped nearly 30 local businesses take their business outside.
COQUITLAM, B.C., May. 21, 2021 – Coquitlam’s Outdoor Business Expansion Program has now helped nearly 30 local businesses take their business outside.
To support the economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City created a new process in 2020 for businesses wanting to expand their dining or retail space into outdoor patio areas. The goal was to provide additional space for customers to maintain physical distancing, but the program became additionally important this spring with the provincial restrictions on indoor dining.
The program allowed businesses to extend their outdoor spaces onto adjacent private or public property, including sidewalks or curbside parking stalls.
Local Highlights
Several businesses have taken advantage of the program this spring including:
- Shio Japanese Kitchen (102-1168 High St.)
- Gooi Ga Korean BBQ (107-2922 Glen Dr.)
- Awesome Place Coffee and Dessert (138-1153 The High St.)
- Ethno Restaurant Vayat (1147 Austin Ave.)
- I am Pho (110-100 Schoolhouse St.)
- C Market Coffee (111-100 Schoolhouse St.)
Information on Outdoor Business Space Expansion Program
The program’s simplified application process fast-tracks the approval process and suspends a number of typical requirements, such as building permits, site review and business licence amendments. Applications are submitted and tracked online, with approval typically taking just a couple of business days for completed application packages with simple activation.
Opportunities for outdoor uses include simple patios with a few chairs and tables, check out kiosks, awnings to shelter products and customers, and more elaborate spaces with platforms, planter boxes, lights and other features.
Full details on the expanded program are available at www.coquitlam.ca/patios, including information on the application process for businesses.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining is a safe way to support our local restaurants while enjoying the beautiful weather. Coquitlam has a range of patios from long-established permanent structures to these new activations. Find a full list of patios using our interactive map at www.visitcoquitlam.ca/eat-drink.
Many other restaurants are offering take-out that is perfect to enjoy at home or in any of our local parks or outdoor spaces.
Coquitlam Restaurants Promoted Through Summer Events
To support the community and the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign, the City will be promoting participating Coquitlam restaurants on the event webpages, as well as on social media. This may include highlighting Canada Day specials your business may offer and other business highlights. The City will also purchase gift certificates from participating local restaurants for a Facebook contest giveaway.
Applications to festivalsandevents@coquitlam.ca will be accepted until May 30. Over 10 Coquitlam businesses will be selected. Learn how to apply at www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday and www.coquitlam.ca/summerconcerts.
Other Business Resources and Information
Media contact:
Andre Isakov
Manager, Economic Development
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3442
aisakov@coquitlam.ca