How are local governments going to support local business?
Dear (mayor and council/chair and board):
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to deal with the COVID-19 emergency. In times of crisis we rely on our local governments for support and leadership.
We felt compelled to get a message out there that we also want to know the same answers as our friends whose letter was received under this title “Local governments urged to focus attention on climate change” as the undersigned believe there must be a healthy balance in between the environment and business. Which is why our messaging and our asks are similar in nature.
In the face of COVID-19 our attention became focused on the heath and well being of our families, our friends and our neighbours and the potential implications that we did, and continue to, face as our numbers rise again.
In the face of this pandemic we cannot forget what it is that has kept our community pressing forward and thriving in its own way. Local businesses.
Our local businesses and those who own, operate, are employed and, most of all, those who support them, are what has kept the Cowichan strong.
We do not see an end to the pandemic anytime soon; but we are grateful to live, WORK and play in the Cowichan Valley. A place where local means something and supporting one another means something.
Many industries have remained strong through the past six months including agriculture, food producers, real estate, contractors, builders, and professions that support businesses. Many adapted to what was needed and, in some cases, even expanded, including hiring people.
Today we are writing to you to ask for your support. We want to ask the question: what is our local government doing or planning to do to ensure the success of our communities by enticing new business and supporting growth and development in our region? What is our local government doing or planning to do to keep the Cowichan Valley a leader in Economic Development on Vancouver Island?
We ask that the answers to our questions be in writing and shared publicly so that all local citizens can be both informed and educated about how our local government plans to support its business, agriculture, contractors and developers in the future.
We thank you for your leadership,
Jennifer & Ian Woike – Farmer Bens Eggs/ Running W Egg Farm Ltd *Co Chair Cowichan Works
Ann & Brian Danyliw – The Agency Cowichan *Co Chair Cowichan Works
Bruce Muir – Elmworth Construction Ltd.
Rob Winter
Cam Drew – Thermoproof
John Butler
Rafer Strandlund – President Transtide Kingsview Development Ltd.
Balbir Parhar – Parhar Group
Terry Pearson – Nicon Developments
Chris Clement
Brian Locher, P.Eng., LL.B.Senior Project Manager BV Developments Management Corp.
David & Carol Messier Maple Bay Marina and Modern Coastal Homes
Mike Cooper – Warm Valley Construction
Margo Young -My Accountant CPA Ltd.
Joanne & Keith de Lure – Retired Forestry Industry
Jas Bains
Konrad Louis – Coast Roofing
Marcel Stemkens – Most Project Management
Andrew Gudmundseth- Greencoast Electric Solar Installation Company
Keith Tennert – Nicon Development
Don Bahen – Island Fibre Ltd.
Blair Hebert – Owner/Broker Royal LePage Duncan Realty
Sequoia Management Group Inc.
Nick Woywitka – Nicon Developments
JBL Custom Homes
Brian Wallis – Retired Professional Forester
Sprott Road Business Park – Randy Young
Dr Rachelle Young
Mariya Young CPA
Wiersma Masonry
Donnay Developments
Roger & Vicki Walker
Gabor and Lisa Horvath – Seaside Computers
Holly Lalande – Tall Tree Lumber
Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Membership
Maria Rose
Can EcDev Corp.
Sonja & Art Milbury
Pieter Baljet – Discovery Honda
Doug Taylor
Julie Scurr, CPA CMA Coast Salish Insurance
Wally Smith Past President dairy Farmers of Canada
Doug Taylor
Shana Marie – Admin Neighbourhood Watch Cowichan
Rick Hogg – Licensed Mechanic
Kathryn Belsher – RMT
Wendy Wilson – Wilson Interior Design
Susan Plester – Quest Consulting
Deborah Powers – Manager Sherwood House
Hatton Insurance
Bruce Findlay – SureFire Properties Inc.
Lion Rampant Pub & Private Liquor Store
Savory Construction
Johnston Contracting
Joan Green
Jessica Castle – Real Estate Agent The Agency
Joe Kinrade
Pam Stover