News Flash

June 11, 2020

As more businesses and City amenities start to reopen, life is starting to feel just that little bit more normal. Families in particular are thrilled to be able to use playgrounds again – and soon, spray pads and outdoor pools.

The City’s gradual and modified reopening is based on a well thought-out framework that aligns with BC’s Restart Plan. In many respects, it relies on people continuing to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.

At playgrounds and spray pads, for example, the onus is on parents to make sure that they and their kids are following the rules. There will be many times when you arrive at a playground to find it packed, just like the old days. It will be tempting to join the fun.

But please consider that the virus spreads even when people don’t have symptoms. The goal with COVID-19 has always been two-fold – we don’t want to get the germ, and we don’t want to share the germ.

So rather than joining the fray, please use the same approach as you would at Playland or Disneyland. Go when it’s less busy, wait your turn, and leave the ride to let others on.

Our gradual return to normalcy in B.C. is the reward we are getting now for doing the right thing from March to May.

There is a certainly a balancing act. On the one hand, some people are a bit too relaxed now about the rules. And on the other hand, there are people who are concerned that we are opening up too quickly.

Let’s remember that we got here by following the health experts who are guiding the reopening now. So let’s continue to follow the science, and if we keep doing the right thing, we can look forward to more freedoms in July and August.

And above all, let’s continue to be patient and kind. You may be frustrated with the restrictions in place to keep everyone safe, but please don’t take it out on staff. We’re all learning as we go and doing the best that we can.

And now for this week’s shout-outs to those are showing their #CoquitlamSPIRIT.

I’ll start by highlighting Coquitlam Search & Rescue, a group that will drop everything to go help someone they don’t know. But they’re also a family that will do the same for one of their own. When a member needed a new kidney, for example, they stepped up as they always do and thankfully found a match.

Speaking of Search & Rescue, they’re also on the receiving end of support from Coquitlam’s own Mariner Brewing. A big thank you to Mariner for donating partial proceeds from your Search & Rescue beer to this worthy group, and also for offering a 20 per cent discount to front-line workers.

I’d also like to send a shout-out to the School District 43 teachers who recently sang their own version of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing and shared it on YouTube. It was a great way to encourage students as they returned to school, and it brightened up a lot of people’s days.

If you hear about something happening in Coquitlam that deserves a shout-out, please share it on social media and tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.

Richard Stewart

Mayor

See also Video Message (xxx)

Bringing the Community Together

CoquitlamSPIRIT, part of the City’s pandemic response, provides a free online library at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit to help residents of all ages have fun, learn something, work up a sweat, support local businesses, engage with others and connect to resources. New content and activities are continually added.

CoquitlamSPIRIT centres around the themes of caring, connections and community to support residents and businesses through these difficult times. The underlying goals are to support community well-being, create new bonds and build lasting civic spirit and pride.

Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic

The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:

• Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
• Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
• Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.

Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.