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Coquitlam businesses reeling from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic are being urged to contact the city’s economic development office for referrals to programs that could help them keep their doors open.
Supports and resources are available, according to the city, which said in a release it will do what it can to connect owners with supports and resources available during the crisis.
“This is a challenging time for businesses,” said Mayor Richard Stewart in a weekly message he has been issuing since the pandemic began. “Many are struggling and some fear they won’t survive the COVID-19 crisis.”
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Private enterprise provides jobs and income to Coquitlam residents, he added, noting that the community “simply can’t thrive without it.”
He urged residents to do what they can to support the more than 7,000 businesses in Coquitlam so people will be able to get back to work once the crisis has passed.
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has initiated its #SupportLocal campaign, asking people to buy gift certificates from their favourite shops and restaurants, and to continue to patronize businesses that remain open.
“Our businesses provide jobs and income that many Coquitlam households rely on, along with goods and services we use every day,” Stewart said in his statement. “The taxes and fees they pay are a critical source of revenue for the city, protecting homeowners from the full brunt of the cost of services. And their investment in Coquitlam makes it a better place for all of us.”
While city hall remains closed due to the pandemic, business owners can still contact the economic development office for advice at 604-927-3905 or economicdevelopment@coquitlam.ca. The city is also posting information at www.coquitlam.ca/ecdev.
For general information about Coquitlam's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, call 604-927-4383, email covid19@coquitlam.ca or visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19.
Read more of our COVID-19 coverage here.
