Ontario Construction News staff writer
To support London businesses in the next phase of the Provinceโs 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 businessโ requests associated with reopening.
โThe City recognized a need to assist the local business community in a timely manner through tactical, on-the-ground changes that support reopening,โ said City Manager Lynne Livingstone. โThere 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 ย City as they reopen.โ
The City has initiated an open dialogue with BIAs to better understand their membersโ recovery needs. Requests for space allowance for curbside pick-up and sidewalk customer queues are anticipated, especially in the Cityโs most dense urban areas, as well temporary measures using public space for expanded outdoor patios.
โLondonโs business community has experienced tremendous strain as a result of the pandemic, and its ability to safely reopen will be vital to our cityโs economic recovery,โ said Mayor Ed Holder. โWe must help make the transition as smooth as possible for businesses as they implement measures to serve their customers in a safe manner.โ
The Back to Business initiative brings together city staff from permitting, bylaw enforcement, parking, roads and transportation, business relations, planning, and the Clerkโs office, among others. Businesses throughout the City with requests related to reopening can submit them via email atย b2*@****on.ca.
The City continues to support long term economic recovery through a wide range of community relief measures and programs. In addition, The Mayorโs Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force has been established to address the economic impact on local businesses, residents, organizations, as well as The Mayorโs Social Impact and Recovery Task Force, which is designed to support Londonโs most vulnerable.