We’ve had some good news recently about how B.C. is flattening the curve, and many of us are excited about the prospect of getting back to some of our normal activities.But as we approach the May long weekend, let’s not forget the key takeaways from Dr. Bonnie Henry. One is that we’re not quite there yet: the gradual reopening begins after the long weekend, not before it. And the other important takeaway is that all the progress we’ve made could easily be lost. If we don’t do this right, it’s going to be a long hot summer, and you’re going to experience it from the window. Nobody wants that.So here’s how to do it right this May long weekend. Stay in your home community, as Dr. Henry has asked us to do. Support local businesses with your shopping and dining dollars. Get out and enjoy our parks – but do so responsibly, by physically distancing and cleaning up your trash. And show your CoquitlamSPIRIT: help a neighbour, connect with others online, or find a way to give back to your community.None of us can predict the future, and no one has all the answers. But we do know we will have to adapt, like we’ve been doing over the past two months. Every week we’ve learned something new. First it was about washing our hands, and then it was about physical distancing – for most of us, those things come naturally now. There will be more to learn as we figure out how to safely get a haircut, shop for clothes, or get a meal at our favourite restaurant.As a City we’re adapting as well, as we plan for a gradual reopening of some services in a way that ensures the safety of our staff and residents. We’ll have more details for you soon, but as always, anything we do will be in lock-step with the Province, health officials and recreation associations.We’ve trusted the experts in B.C. so far – and with great success. Let’s continue to follow the science and ignore all the noise on social media. And let’s earn back a bit more freedom by doing the right thing in the days ahead.Now for this week’s shout-outs to those who are making a difference in our City.I’d like to applaud Coquitlam Search and Rescue for helping a local mom get safely off Eagle Ridge after hurting her ankle when hiking with her daughter on Mother’s Day. There are no days off for our emergency responders.Thanks as well to Coquitlam Public Library, which has started using its mobile Library Link for curbside deliveries to book enthusiasts across the City.And then there are the people who just put a smile on everyone’s face. I’m talking about the pink unicorn who was spotted at Pipeline and David carrying a sign that said, “Stay safe.” And there’s also local senior Bernie Heeb, who is quite a sight to behold – and to hear – when he plays his massive alphorn at Como Lake Park.We keep hearing great stories like these, but we know there are many more out there. Please share your heartwarming stories and shout-outs on social media, and make sure to tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT to let us know about them.We’re almost there. We’re going to start to see the benefits of some of the work we’ve done in the last few months. Stick with it Coquitlam, we can do this together.Richard Stewart
MayorBringing the Community TogetherThe underlying goals of CoquitlamSPIRIT include supporting community well-being during the pandemic, and building lasting civic spirit and pride from the new bonds created during this time of crisis.New content is continually added, with activities and content centering around the program’s themes of caring, connection and community to support residents through these difficult times. Find out more at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit .Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocalThe 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 and delivery.Local businesses and organizations are invited to visit www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday to learn about paid opportunities to participate in Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, and to visit the new Business Support Portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business for up-to-date news, resources and opportunities.Supporting Our Community During the PandemicThe City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
MayorBringing the Community TogetherThe underlying goals of CoquitlamSPIRIT include supporting community well-being during the pandemic, and building lasting civic spirit and pride from the new bonds created during this time of crisis.New content is continually added, with activities and content centering around the program’s themes of caring, connection and community to support residents through these difficult times. Find out more at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit .Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocalThe 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 and delivery.Local businesses and organizations are invited to visit www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday to learn about paid opportunities to participate in Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, and to visit the new Business Support Portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business for up-to-date news, resources and opportunities.Supporting Our Community During the PandemicThe 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.
