Innovation, hope, hard work and determination.
Those are the watchwords of Port Coquitlam businesses that became established, grew and flourished in 2021.
Whether it be new craft breweries, such as Boardwalk Brewing opening up in the Dominion Triangle, or established businesses such as Inno Foods, pivoting from making snacks to N95 masks, local entrepreneurs pushed ahead despite a global pandemic.
With the city posting more than $63 million in new commercial and industrial construction, 2021 will be heralded as a banner year for business.
Another notable businesses that got started this year was Hampton Home Living (formerly Art Knapp), owned by Rose Vander Zalm, while strong local e-bike businesses like Volt Bikes put the city on the map for electric bike enthusiasts.
There were some challenges, however, as pandemic restrictions early in 2021 made opening up a new restaurant more difficult. Still, Grelhados pushed ahead with its opening in January in Fremont Village in Port Coquitlam, while Take 5 Café opened up in the former Starbucks coffee shop next to city hall.
One of the most popular business stories on the Tri-City News’ website was the opening of Chipotle Mexican Grill on Ottawa Street, offering Canada’s first Chipotlane drive-thru service.
Meanwhile, Port Coquitlam craft breweries and distilleries were put on the BC Ale Trail, helping to put these local businesses on the radar of Metro Vancouver millennials.
Dairy giant Saputo also relocated to Port Coquitlam in 2021, bringing more than 400 jobs with it while Port Coquitlam council discussed with Metro Vancouver how it could become more of an urban centre with a SkyTrain stop.
B.C.'s unprecedented flood likely had an impact on many businesses but most weathered the challenging weather, and a run on gas and groceries.
Traffic concerns in some of the city's biggest shopping areas also drew public interest, with city council looking at ways to make driving safer in the Dominion Triangle.
While it may not have been an easy year for Port Coquitlam businesses, the year 2021 was definitely one to remember.
