Local businesses are getting support from North Bay City Council after it voted unanimously in favour of waiving fees connected to creating or expanding outdoor patio spaces for the 2020 season.
See: City waives patio fees for local businesses
This includes “any potential building permit fees, applicable parking fees under the existing Sidewalk Patio Program and municipal alcohol license approvals and extensions issued through the City Clerk’s Office.”
Chris White co-owner of the Moose Cookhouse on Main St. North Bay complimented city council for “stepping up.”
“I think it is crawl, walk, run. I think it is nice for us to start serving again, to get used to serving with social distancing, following the proper guidelines, and get back to what we do, which is hospitality,” said White who called it is a progressive move by the city.
“It is needed to serve customers to get some revenue coming into the restaurants and bars which will be great considering we have taxes due. We all have bills we need to start paying. We have unemployed staff. We need to generate some income so I think it is a terrific step by the city.”
White plans on expanding his outdoor patio space.
“We already have our patios here so we’ll extend it. We’re going to take up two more spots so we can remain six feet apart for social distancing. There will be a cleaning station too so we can wipe down the tables. We’ll just be a little bit bigger.”
John Lechlitner, owner of Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen is encouraged by the decision moving forward.
“They (council) have obviously taken the approach that they want to do everything they can to help business. We’ve got to work within the guidelines the province has given us. And I think the city is doing everything it can do to facilitate it,” said Lechlitner.
“Every little bit helps. Certainly, we have the advantage that we have enough property that we are expanding our patio out into our parking lot for now. I am glad the provincial government has given different parts of the province different priorities when it comes to reopening. Hopefully that will continue. And hopefully this is the first step to getting the doors reopened.”
Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch said the decision to waive the fees was made soon after the province announced plans for Stage 2 re-openings.
“We have taken some of the bureaucracy out of it and some of the fees. It is very minimal in terms of the fees that it would generate. They had to pay a permit fee of $190. They also had to cover the cost of lost parking revenue if they went into parking spots. We have had this in the past,” said Vrebosch.
“Because of COVID-19 this is something that will allow business owners to be able to do that without the fees to help expedite it. They will still have to get an engineered patio constructed so that it is safe.”
The deputy mayor says council saw it as an opportunity to support local business.
“Because we want to restart our economy. We’ve all taken a hit during this, and this is someway that if we can move fast to get a business going, then that is something we definitely need to do. It creates jobs, it keeps people employed which benefits everybody.”
Councillor Dave Mendicino credited staff and city council with being “proactive.”
“We’re creating an environment here where restaurants can actually create outdoor dining and retail experiences and I am anxious to see what some of the restaurants come up with,” said Mendicino.
“I really like the fact we’re expanding the existing sidewalk patio program in the downtown to support outdoor retail space. That will give retail spaces in the downtown an opportunity to also create some sort of patio outdoors.”
If some storefronts have accessible parking in front, part of the plan then is to provide temporary parking spots nearby.
Mendicino encourages the community to get behind the initiative.
“I would encourage everyone, please, as we move into Stage 2 to support local business. They need the support more now than ever.”
Council will re-evaluate the situation at the end of the season which goes until Thanksgiving weekend.
