Comox Valley Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF)

Background

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) initiated the establishment of the Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) in May, 2020, to develop and direct implementation of an Economic Development Recovery Plan to mitigate the potential economic impact to local businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ERTF is a collaborative initiative representing the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, K’ómoks First Nation, and CFB 19 Wing Comox.  Mayor Bob Wells, City of Courtenay is the chair of the Comox Valley ERTF.

Over 30 industry leaders, business organizations, and sector association members, are participating as Industry Advisors in a Technical Advisory Sub-Committee. Industry Advisors have been submitting Business Case Action Plans containing recommendations for consideration of the ERTF, after facilitating small working-group meetings within their sector/organization, for a total of over 900 engagements to date.

The ERTF efforts have focused on the review of those submissions, including evaluation of recommended actions that have the greatest consensus, will have the most meaningful impact, and are viewed to be realistically achievable from a local government perspective. The recommendations have also been provided to the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO) of local government for review and consideration.

After reviewing the StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan, the following were identified as key priority projects for economic recovery:

• Shop local / arts
• Agriculture
• Tech / digital support for businesses
• Childcare
• Transportation and regional connectivity
• Streamline permitting process for businesses

COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Response Projects & Resources

Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

• Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Program Info Sheet – January 11, 2021
• COVID – 19 Supports for Non-Profit Organizations – January 12, 2021

Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Competitiveness Presentation to the ERTF – November 26, 2020

• Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Program
  BC’s Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Program is open for applications. Grants of $10K to $40K are available, +$2K in professional services to help develop a recovery plan.
  • Video Presentation
  • Powerpoint
• Skills Training for Economic Recovery – Community Workforce Response Grant
  B.C.’s Skills Training for Economic Recovery stream provides funding to training providers for the delivery of short-term skills training to help people impacted by COVID-19 prepare for job opportunities while the economy recovers.
  • More Information

Comox Valley Regional District

• COVID-19 Response
• Rethink Comox Valley

Town of Comox

• Information and Updates
• Development Services Response to COVID-19
• Temporary Patio & Parklet Program Guide

City of Courtenay

• COVID-19 Updates
• Sidewalk Patios

Village of Cumberland

• COVID-19 Response Updates
• Business and Employment Resources

K’ómoks First Nation

• COVID-19 and KFN Returning to Safe Operations
• Message from KFN – March 17, 2020

Support Local BC

• Online Gift Certificate Purchasing Platform
• Support Comox
• Support Courtenay

Economic Recovery Task Force Steering Committee Members

• Mayor Bob Wells, City of Courtenay, ERTF Chair
• Mayor Ken Grant, Town of Comox, ERTF Member
• Mayor Leslie Baird, Village of Cumberland, ERTF Member
• Jesse Ketler, Comox Valley Regional District Chair, ERTF Member
• Edwin Grieve, Comox Valley Regional District EASC Chair, ERTF Member
• Andrea Dawe, CFB 19 Wing Comox, ERTF Member
• Deana Simkin, Comox Valley Economic Development Society, ERTF Member and TAC Chair

Additional Resources

Press Releases

ERTF Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

ERTF Documents

Small Business Supports