Port Coquitlam has struck a new committee to hang the open-for-business sign for anyone who's interested.

Mayor Greg Moore announced the creation of the new business development task force recently in an effort to attract and retain business in the city.

Chaired by Coun. Mike Forrest, the committee will also examine barriers and other challenges experienced by businesses currently in the city.

"We're going to get out there and do some investigative information gathering about whether our business function can be better and whether we can entice businesses to come and situate themselves here," Forrest said.

The task force will also include Couns. Brad West and Dean Washington, a handful of senior city staff members, reps from the TriCities Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement Association, developers and local businesses.

The group's inaugural meeting is set for Jan. 30.

"Getting that firsthandknowledge from the folks who have actually been through this and can share their experiences is going to be an important piece of the committee's work," West said. "But we also want to hear from others who aren't currently located in Port Coquitlam about what they look for when they choose where they're going to locate their business and what we as a city can do to be more attractive for economic development."

Forrest has spent the majority of his life doing business in and around PoCo, as co-owner of Forrest Marine.

His biggest frustration during that time? The taxman.

"Me being a small businessman, I would like to eliminate as much red tape as is possible . in the process of people setting up business," he said.

West has heard from the business community that time - as it relates to the permit process - is the biggest barrier businesses face in PoCo.

"The No. 1 thing I've heard has to do with the length of time it takes to get permits through the city, particularly as it relates to building and development," he said. "When you're building or developing, time is of the essence. It can be very expensive to be waiting for months on end for your applications to get the green light."

jkurucz@thenownews.com