More New Patios Coming to Coquitlam

20 Jul 2020

COQUITLAM, B.C., July 20, 2020 – There will soon be more patios to enjoy this summer in Coquitlam as the City is expanding the new program to help businesses set up temporary patios and outdoor spaces on public property.

As part of its efforts to support business recovery from the pandemic, in June the City adopted a simple, expedited process that enabled Coquitlam businesses to quickly and easily expand their patio and business spaces outdoors on their own property.

Council has now approved the second phase of the program, which allows construction of patios and outdoor spaces on City rights-of-way including sidewalks and parking stalls, where it is safe and practical to do so.

The potential for these new spaces ranges from a simple patio space such as a few bistro chairs and tables, to a more elaborate parklet-style 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.

The City is also considering a future third phase of the program, which could potentially include special events and activations on City-controlled property such as parklets, street closures and temporary markets.

New Patios on Private Property

Following the initial announcement of the program on private property in June, several businesses set up temporary patios. This includes:

A list of these and other patios is available at www.visitcoquitlam.ca/eat-drink.

A Flexible Approach to Support Businesses

The outdoor space expansion program is an example of the flexible, reasonable approach Coquitlam is taking to adapt bylaws and policies during the pandemic. To support businesses, the City has been considering ways to streamline and relax regulations that do not negatively affect public health or community wellbeing.

For example, earlier this year the City introduced the use of digital signatures, and temporarily changed its development fee structures to allow developers to defer most of the costs of providing City services (such as water and sewer) on their sites to later in the application process.

Support for businesses is also being provided through the COVID-19 Economic Development Response and Recovery Action Plan and the City’s related multi-sector Community Support and Recovery Plan. A summary of business supports and resources is available through a new portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business .

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 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 and delivery.

The City has also posted a video at www.youtube.com/cityofcoquitlam to inspire the community to #SupportLocal.

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.

Media contact

Kathleen Vincent
Public Information Officer
Emergency Operations Centre
City of Coquitlam
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca

Categories: City of Coquitlam News