Port Coquitlam offering free construction for businesses expanding their patios – Globalnews.ca

The City of Port Coquitlam is paying for businesses to expand their patios.

The new program includes everything from restaurants to breweries.

Mayor Brad West says the city has $50,000 set aside for businesses to use.

It all comes from the citys preexisting budget, said West. So theres no impact on taxpayers.

He says theyre using the citys construction company to do the heavy lifting, creating jobs for city workers as well.

We may not have the ability to do beautiful works of art, but certainly nothing is off the table, said West.

Whether its constructing patios, a deck, tables, whatever it might look like.

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It comes as the province has made it easy for businesses to apply to make their liquor or food serving areas bigger, in an effort to promote physical distance.

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West says it just makes sense to invest in local businesses.

Its not only a way to make sure people can stay safe and the appropriate distancing requirements, its also a way to add to the long-term vibrancy of this community.

The city will also be waiving expansion fees at the municipal level.

West says several businesses have already taken advantage of the program, and hes hoping many more reach out.

If that $50,000 starts to run short, then well allocate more resources towards it, said West. What a great problem to have investing in businesses.

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Port Coquitlam offering free construction for businesses expanding their patios - Globalnews.ca