A fire relief fund has been set up by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association to help businesses rebuild from the devastating July 30 fire that destroyed several Shaughnessy Street store fronts.
And the message from chamber executive director Michael Hind is that Shaughnessy Street is open for business and the community is rallying.
"We are helping the businesses to come to a resolution as much as we are capable," said Hind, who said an account has been set up at Westminster Savings Credit Union and a task force, with chamber and BIA representation, will vet the expenses the fund will pay for.
Terms of reference are now being worked out for the task force and a staff member from the city of Port Coquitlam will also play an advisory and liaison role.
Advice on the fire relief plan is also being sought from the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, which has experience from a 2013 fire that ripped through half a block of Columbia Street, devastating several local businesses.
Meanwhile, businesses affected by the fire last month on Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam are slowly recovering.
Kayla Steele, PoCo BIA executive director, said only two of six businesses have been able to re-establish and all are in the midst of trying to find out what their insurance will cover, with several expecting their insurance payments won't cover all the loss.
"It's important for the community to come together at this time," said Steele.
Plywood hoardings have been placed over the doors and windows of the burned out building and an investigation found nothing suspicious in the fire, believed to have started in a towel warmer in the barbershop.
Donations to the Port Coquitlam Fire Relief Fund can be made at any Westminster Savings branch, reference account #461910202.
