PORT ALBERNI – The City of Port Alberni recognizes that the new Provincial Health Orders will continue to present challenges to local businesses. We acknowledge this hardship and express our support.
Throughout the pandemic, the City has modified its municipal regulations and helped develop initiatives to assist small business owners during this challenging time and we will continue to support previously implemented programs of the City and its partners including:
- The City adopted a Temporary Sidewalk Use program to provide business owners with options to expand their operating space. All restaurants and retail stores are eligible to apply. For further information, please contact the Director of Corporate Services, Twyla Slonski at 250.720.2823 or twyla_slonski@portalberni.ca.
- Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot Consulting Hive is available to offer assistance to new owners and existing businesses at no cost. For more information, visit www.theconsultinghive.ca(link is external).
- The Better Buy Port Alberni initiative developed by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce with financial support from the City provides a centralized online store making it easy for residents to support local businesses by buying gift certificates. To learn more, visit www.betterbuyportalberni.ca(link is external).
- Two Small Business Support Specialists are being hired by the Chamber to provide outreach support to all businesses, social enterprises and non-profits. This was made possible through a City application to the Rural Business and Community Recovery Program funded by the Province of BC and administered by the Island Coastal Economic Trust.
- The Port Alberni Port Authority has established the infrastructure for a Food Truck and Market Pod at Clutesi Haven Marina. For more information please contact David McCormick, Director of PR & Business Development at 250.720.4705 or DMcCormick@alberniport.ca.
“These are challenging times and I would like to acknowledge our local businesses who have continued to adapt and become increasingly innovative in their response to the fluctuating Provincial Health Orders. The support we show now can help small businesses weather this storm and emerge to continue serving our community,” said Mayor Sharie Minions.
Businesses have shown incredible resiliency, resourcefulness and adaptability to the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape. We thank the business owners for their tenacity during changing restrictions and their diligence to follow health and safety regulations.
