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‘Shop local,’ business group urges as downtown Port Coquitlam emerges from pandemic

No vandalism during lockdown but challenges remain as pandemic takes a bite out of summer fun

Port Coquitlam businesses and services are open for customers and on a sunny day in July it looks like a lot of people are taking advantage.

But that wasn’t the way it looked just a few months ago when the city’s downtown was shut down due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

At the time, shopkeepers were staying out of sight, renovating or relocating while Jennifer McKinnon, executive director of the Downtown Port Coquitlam BIA, was busily making plans for a hopeful restart.

Now that the government’s plan to re-open is well underway, and shops, restaurants and services are back in business, life has returned to the downtown.

But there remain hints that the COVID-19 lockdown was a challenge for shopkeepers. For example, RCMP posters warning looters and vandals to stay away still grace some windows.

Posters were put up to discourage looters and vandals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Posters were put up to discourage looters and vandals during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Diane Strandberg

“It was just a precaution,” said McKinnon, but “thankfully we didn’t have any problems and didn’t have to board up windows like many businesses did in Vancouver.”

Still, according to the local business advocate, PoCo is not out of the woods yet.

It’s not just that there are worries about a second wave of the coronavirus and future lockdowns, but summer events that usually bring people downtown have had to cancelled.

“Last year we were so busy, it was so much fun,” recalls McKinnon who had just been hired to the post when summer activities were just getting started. 

Events such as the PoCo Grand Prix had to be cancelled and the popular downtown PoCo Car Cruise, which brings crowds into the city’s car to dine, shop and enjoy a good time.

There have been a number of virtual events such as Canada Day, and PoCo BIA has used its financial muscle to purchase gift cards from local businesses as prizes.

But what’s needed now, she said, is a commitment from people to shop local. To that end, PoCo BIA has teamed up with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce to offer lists of businesses that are open.

“Now more than ever, we need people to shop local,” she said.

Over the coming months, the PoCo BIA will be helping businesses with information about government programs and subsidies.

Meanwhile, downtown businesses will be asked to help out by renewing their annual levy.

A five-year plan for the business organization lays out its mandate and McKinnon hopes downtown property owners will see the value in having someone represent them and be their voice.

In one positive recent development, the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market has re-opened at Leigh Square, running Thursdays from 3-7.

More information about the Downtown PoCo BIA is available here.