Considering the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we want to reiterate our commitment to work in collaboration with all of our stakeholders and trusted partners to support immediate economic transition and recovery in addition to longer-term economic diversification. Through these challenging times, our focus programs remain in place, as does our full engagement to support our recipients and partners through nimble and responsive emergency, adaptation and recovery readiness support.
We recognize the need for urgent response. We are currently finalizing targeted emergency support service agreements with trusted regional partners. These will ensure that much-needed services are delivered by expert resources to support small and medium sized businesses with immediate needs. We will also ensure that, in the short-term, opportunities to adapt business models, adopt digital tools and implement new technology are all made possible as we prepare for economic recovery. More details will be shared in the coming days.
For those communities and organizations with the capacity to continue planning and developing economic infrastructure, innovation and recovery initiatives, we encourage you to carry on.  Your community will need the stimulus these projects will provide – both construction phase and long-term – as soon as it becomes safe to resume activity in support of economic recovery.
As we navigate through the foreseeable future, our operations proceed as normal and we will continue to provide the following:

Full project lifecycle development and implementation support
Timely reimbursement for all approved projects and initiatives
Regular response and review of all applicant proposals during our current intake period
Encouragement for initiatives that provide innovative and adaptive solutions to our evolving “new world order”
Clear and consistent communication throughout and timely announcement of changes to deadlines and programs

We remain, first and foremost, focused on our region’s public health and well-being. We encourage safe practices in all engagements with residents, communities, partners and their families.
The Trust is following provincial and federal government best practices and doing everything it can to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We have moved to digital communication platforms to ensure safe support for all during this period of physical distancing.
We welcome your ideas, thoughts and feedback to support a more effective transition and recovery period for our region. If you have any questions or concerns about how your community, project or initiative may be impacted during this time, please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@islandcoastaltrust.ca or by phone at 250-871-7797.  Important announcements will also be shared on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and partnership.
Line Robert CEO Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)