May 29, 2020
After being cooped up for a while now, the prospect of being able to safely dine out, get a haircut and visit our local shops again is quite exciting.
Many of us are eager to support our local businesses, and we’re getting more opportunities each week as we get further into B.C.’s Restart Plan. Another way we can help is to spread the word on social media. A lot of people – myself included – are posting when they shop or eat locally. It’s a great way to remind others about the many amazing businesses available right here in Coquitlam that are open or are beginning to open.
The City of Coquitlam is also doing our part to support businesses. From the start, we’ve been a strong advocate of the #SupportLocal campaign organized by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Heights Business Improvement Association. Asking people to shop locally is not a new concept, but it’s more important now than ever before as businesses struggle to make ends meet.
The City is also moving forward with a multi-phased action plan to support businesses during the pandemic. Some of this work has already begun, such as our new business support portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business, the online tools and streamlined processes we’ve introduced for the construction sector, and the opportunities for businesses we’ve added to our civic events. Watch for more in the coming weeks and months.
By the way, did you know it’s Tourism Week in B.C.? We’ll all be vacationing closer to home this year, and that’s good! Lucky for us, Coquitlam has plenty to see, do and discover. Go to the Tourism Coquitlam website at www.visitcoquitlam.ca to get started on exploring our city – and don’t forget to check out the listing of 150+ Coquitlam restaurants offering take-out, delivery and dine-in.
Let me also to remind everyone that there will be a learning curve as businesses here, and everywhere, adapt to the new requirements. Mistakes will be made, and when they do, please don’t shame a local business on social media. If you must, speak directly to the manager. Like all of us, they’re doing their best to adjust to the new reality, and a little kindness and patience – and help - can go a long way.
Let’s focus on businesses for this week’s shout-outs.
I’ll begin with a shout-out to the local restaurants that have been donating food for front-line workers, such as Me-n-Ed’s Pizza, La Ruota and Woking Dragon, just to name a few. One of these restaurants, Jamila Kitchen and Grill, has a long-standing program they’ve had for a couple of years called “no money, no worries” where homeless people or those who are down on their luck, can come in and get a free meal. We have lots of great local restaurants to choose from.
Kudos to Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, which reopened its course with a strong plan for physical distancing in place, along with restaurant take-out service. So congratulations golfers, get some exercise.
And let me wrap up our kudos with journalism. Journalists and the media – yes, they are businesses and many are struggling too. From our local publications, such as the Tri-City News, which we count on a lot, to the national news, thank you for keeping us informed, and also for bringing us the stories that make us smile – here in B.C. it’s really important to have credible and professional local journalism delivering the realities that experts give us so we can achieve the incredible response we’ve been able to achieve here in B.C.
But the stories that make us smile are important, too. So shout out to those who do that, like CTV’s Nafeesa Karim, who grew up in Coquitlam, right in my neighbourhood, and often covers uplifting stories about our city and what the people are doing to put a smile on the faces of others.
If you hear about something that’s worthy of a shout-out, please share it on social media and make sure to tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.
Remember Coquitlam, we’re in this together. Let’s work together to flatten the curve and keep others in mind, because kindness will go a long way in getting us all through this.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocal
The City of Coquitlam has joined the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign to assist local businesses, many of which are struggling at this time. Coquitlam also strongly encourages residents to #SupportLocal for their shopping and meals; view business listings at www.wegotthistricities.com and www.visitcoquitlam.ca for a directory of 150+ Coquitlam restaurants offering takeout, delivery and delivery. Watch our video to learn more about how you can support local.
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.