In support of local businesses, for the third year running, the City of North Bay will waive all fees associated with the creation of new or expanded outdoor patio spaces for the upcoming season, running through the Thanksgiving weekend.
First implemented in 2020 and then again in 2021, setting the fees aside again for this year was unanimously approved by North Bay City Council, Tuesday. This includes any potential building permit fees, applicable parking fees under the existing Sidewalk Patio Program, and municipal alcohol licence approvals and extensions issued through the City Clerk’s Office.
See related: Council supports outdoor dining; City will waive patio-related fees
And: Businesses applaud council's decision to waive patio fees for 2020
Coun. Johanne Brousseau noted prior to Tuesday's approval, eight businesses had participated in 2020, with seven approved under the policy and taking part last year.
"As the province minimizes pandemic restrictions, it is important to support outdoor dining this year," said Brousseau, who is the chair of Council's community services committee under which the program falls. "I agree with staff. And, even though the ask is to waive all outdoor patio fees, a reminder that regulations still apply."
The existing Sidewalk Patio Program in the downtown area will also be expanded again this season to support the use of sidewalks for outdoor retail space.
Guidelines developed by the City to assist local businesses in the creation of new or expanded outdoor patio spaces, including information about when a permit may be required are available here.
Coun. Ed Valenti expressed his support for waiving the fees and suggested it might be worth making it a permanent measure.
"It reduces the barriers to a successful downtown core, which we are always in favour of," in conjunction with the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, he said.
