Ontario Construction News staff writer
To support London businesses in the next phase of the Province’s reopening, the City of London has established a Back to Business action team and intake portal. The Back to Business initiative is designed to expedite the process of responding to business’ requests associated with reopening.
“The City recognized a need to assist the local business community in a timely manner through tactical, on-the-ground changes that support reopening,” said City Manager Lynne Livingstone. “There are many avenues and points of contact at City Hall. It was our goal to make the process as easy as possible. The Back to Business initiative provides a flexible one-window approach for businesses who are looking for support from the City as they reopen.”
The City has initiated an open dialogue with BIAs to better understand their members’ recovery needs. Requests for space allowance for curbside pick-up and sidewalk customer queues are anticipated, especially in the City’s most dense urban areas, as well temporary measures using public space for expanded outdoor patios.
“London’s business community has experienced tremendous strain as a result of the pandemic, and its ability to safely reopen will be vital to our city’s economic recovery,” said Mayor Ed Holder. “We must help make the transition as smooth as possible for businesses as they implement measures to serve their customers in a safe manner.”
The Back to Business initiative brings together city staff from permitting, bylaw enforcement, parking, roads and transportation, business relations, planning, and the Clerk’s office, among others. Businesses throughout the City with requests related to reopening can submit them via email at b2b@london.ca.
The City continues to support long term economic recovery through a wide range of community relief measures and programs. In addition, The Mayor’s Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force has been established to address the economic impact on local businesses, residents, organizations, as well as The Mayor’s Social Impact and Recovery Task Force, which is designed to support London’s most vulnerable.