West Broadway BIA Vancouver, BC
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COVID-19 Update & Resources

COVID-19 Update & Resources

We are working diligently to advocate and assist West Broadway’s small business neighbourhood, and collectively, businesses throughout the city.

We hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during the COVID-19 health pandemic. Please see below for advocacy and resources to provide support, and stay connected through our social media @kitsonbroadway for local initiatives and updates.

We understand that all levels of government must take necessary precautions for the public’s safety and well-being. We support measures that will help to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We are in this together, and it’s encouraging to see how communities are connecting, collaborating, taking positive action and providing hope.  We will continue to update this information, and we wish you good health.

 

 

Key Considerations:

    • Health:
      • B.C.’s Ministry of Health has released a new app for info and alerts on the COVID-19 pandemic, including a self-check tool, recommendations from B.C. Centre for Disease Control, guides on handwashing and social, or physical, distancing.
      • Infographic and Llinks and signage to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
    • Support for Employees:
    • Financial Implications and Business preparedness:
      • The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as well as Business Development Canada, has developed helpful and comprehensive guides to help you with planning and preparedness.  Please see business resources below.
    • Business Travel and Event:
      • Canada has several active travel health notices for COVID-19 for countries around the world. These are updated regularly based on ongoing risk assessments.
    • Read here for more details on the above.

 

Checking for Symptoms:

    • If you or someone you know is experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, call your local primary care provider or 8-1-1.
    • Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 7-1-1.
    • You can also conduct an initial self-diagnosis at the provincial government’s HealthLinkBC page.

 

Resources:

  • Updates, Information and Planning Sources
  • Business Resources
  • Dedicated Number for Immediate Access to Employment Insurance Benefits
    • 1-833-381-2725

 

Announcements of Municipal and Provincial Support:

 

Announcements of Federal Support:

 

Advocacy:

We are actively working with other business organizations to track the economic impact of COVID-19, and advocating for support for businesses and their staff. We greatly appreciate the assistance and collaboration with all levels of government to support our local businesses and communities.

 

  • Save Small Business Petition:

    • A grassroots coalition of small businesses across Canada. Sign the petition to support small businesses, and submit your story about how COVID-19 is impacting your business.

  • Advocacy for Municipal Support: 

    • The Vancouver BIA partnership, representing 22 BIAs across the city, have requested immediate relief for businesses and a municipal recovery strategy, and we are being heard.  Requests are being implemented, including deferral of property taxes and other fees.
    • Vancouver BIA Partnership follow-up letter for measures to support small businesses in the near and long-term, noting priority issues and proposed solutions.
    • West Broadway BIA letter advocating for flexible, innovative and expedited patio permitting that will remove impediments to business operations, and facilitate social connections and spaces while maintaining safety protocols.
    • Vancouver BIA partnership letter for supportive measures and policies for Vancouver’s retail sector.
    • Vancouver BIA partnership letter regarding BIAs and City to work together to identify the needs and opportunities within business areas for public space interventions to expand and support commercial activity, and enhance the comfort and safety of customers.

  • Advocacy for Provincial and Federal Support:

    • We area also advocating through BIABC, representing over 60 BIAs across the province, for support at the provincial level.
    • BIABC letter to Premier Horgan with 8 key requests for small business support.
    • BIABC letter to Premier Horgan with key areas of assistance needed including commercial rent relief, financial aid not debt deferral, technology development funding, and involvement in the provincial economic recovery task force.
    • BIABC letter to Minister Mike Farnworth advocating for safety and security measures for small businesses and law enforcement.
    • BIABC letter advocating for 4 key areas of support, including commercial rent relief, financial aid and not debt deferral, technology development funding, and involvement in the economic recovery task force.
    • West Broadway BIA letter to Ministers and MLAs to implement the hospitality pricing model, which will help to reduce costs for restaurants in BC and aid in their survival.
    • Vancouver BIA partnership letter sent to provincial and federal ministers regarding our recommendations for the financial assistance programs.
      • Key points include: introducing mechanism to allow tenants to directly access funding via CECRA; increase loan/grant amounts for financial assistance programs, including forgivable portion of CEBA (50%); decrease the eligibility thresholds to maximize number of businesses that can access funding (70% too high for CECRA); expand the timeframe for all funding programs past June.

  • COVID-19 Cabinet

    • Established by the BC business community, to address the significant impacts on our economy, collectively  share information and provide a point of contact for government as it creates policies, programs and measures to support business and workers.

 

On March 18, 2020   /   Blog  

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West Broadway BIA

c/o Suite 238 - 2912 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V6K 0E9
Tel 778-384–6377
Fax 604-739-8511