Priorities, processes and short- and long-term plans.
Coquitlam is looking to solidify these fields in its proposed five-year action plan that hopes to create a community beneficial to everyone, while recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today (May 2), the city is launching a survey on that very subject for local residents, including youth and young adults, First Nations, businesses and community organizations.
The questionnaire seeks input on the city's current economic development strategy (EDS) and ask residents what they'd like to see prioritized in making life simpler, healthier and better for all that wish to call Coquitlam home.
Andre Isakov, manager for economic development, says it's up to the city to build a responsible future.
"As the backbone of local entrepreneurship and economic vitality, local businesses and residents are foundational to the city’s success and livability," he says in a news release.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of hardship and imbalances in the local economic system. While the pandemic recovery continues to present uncertainty, which is always challenging for business climate, it also provides potential opportunities to pivot, re-evaluate our focus, and reassess strategic directions for more resilient local economic development."
According to Coquitlam's strategic plan, there are five key areas in which the city is hoping to build a stronger community:
- Safe and complete neighbourhoods
- Local economy and local jobs
- Healthy community and active citizens
- Sustainable services, environment and infrastructure
- Excellence in city governance
The city says the areas were identified through research and public engagement, noting it's important the public brings forward challenges that need to be addressed.
"Ultimately, the success of the Strategic Plan will be measured in its ability to activate the vision for our city. We should be able to see positive change all around us, as Coquitlam continues to evolve as an energetic city that attracts people, jobs and opportunities. It will be a location of choice for people who want to live, work and play. It will be a city where people and businesses choose to be."
Interested participants have until June 15 to complete the survey.
After the deadline passes, the feedback will be reviewed and shared with city council in the fall with a finalized plan tentatively scheduled to be implemented in 2023.
The city says those who register for the survey will have a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards to a local restaurant.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the Let's Talk Coquitlam website.
