Hello my friends, my neighbours, and colleagues,
It has been a busy time for our Chamber and our advocacy committee has been busy working for our members and community. This past month we met with Carla Qualtrough, Member of Parliament and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, who sought our input for the upcoming budget cycle. We shared our member’s chief concerns and the needs of the Communities of Cloverdale, Clayton and Campbell heights – specifically the need for economic survival tools for business, support for our infrastructure, education, housing and food security as well as other topics.
As per our plan, the Chamber has compiled a report on the challenges and needs for our business community in Campbell Heights. This is one of the fastest growing business and industrial area in the lower mainland, it is part of the Cloverdale District business area and yet is beset by transit, transportation and infrastructure issues. As the voice for business in this area it is vitally important that we present these issues and fight for the solutions necessary for our members’ success. We will be presenting position papers on these issues through our website, the papers and other media.
Although progress is slower than desired, we are still moving forward with road improvements for the intersection of 177B street and Highway #10. Costs and the multiple jurisdictions involved have slowed but not stopped our resolve to address the safety issues at this intersection. We have also been discussing possible changes to truck routes and other traffic concerns which are arising from the pending hospital development on 180th street. Safety, and efficient transportation routes are of vital concern to our Chamber and Committee. Please connect with us if you wish to have input or comment on this topic.
Despite the fact that proposals to rename the square have not met with success, there are still plans to move forward with improvements to Hawthorne Square. The Chamber along with the Cloverdale BIA, support efforts to further enhance the area with story boards, landscaping and lighting in order to attract more visitors and customers to businesses in the downtown core of Cloverdale. We are also creating a Business Development Committee which will work with the community and stakeholders in order to attract and recruit businesses to Cloverdale & District as we grow.
Though 2021 has brought some good news and the vaccine roll-out, we still need your help in ensuring that we continue to weather the COVID19 storm. Many businesses are still struggling to survive through containment measures that have changed our lives and economy. So, please, remember to shop local; visit local restaurants and call for local services. Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and follow the guidelines put forth by the Provincial Health Officer. Remember, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce is here to work for and with you! I am here to stand with you! Together – we will build a better future for all! As always, it is my pleasure to live in, work for and serve my hometown – Cloverdale.
Submitted by Rebecca Smith, Advocacy Committee Chair
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