Town of Smiths Falls committee supports waiving patio fees for 2021

The waiving of patio fees in Smiths Falls has passed at the committee level, and now heads to town council for final approval.

The motion would see the $100 application fee removed, to ease the economic burden on businesses struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

It would also see the $30 fee for merchandise displays waived until December 31, 2021.

“With COVID cases still rising, we thought we'd get ahead of the game and have this passed now so applications or applicants, we can go through and prepare packages for them and go through the process with them for the 2021 season,” says Kerry Costello, town director of corporate services.

During the discussion, Town Councillor Chris McGuire broached the idea of making some permanent changes to expanded patio rules.

While fees are being looked at on a yearly basis due to provincial funding during the pandemic, councillor Peter McKenna says a more permanent solution would help businesses.

“If I were an owner of a business and wanted to invest in patios, am I doing a slap-up, take-down, quick-and-dirty for the summer or is this something in the long range I can invest in, really put on a beautiful patio and invest the money, knowing that this is going to be an option for me for years to come.” 

An agreement was made to consult with local business groups before moving forward on any permanent changes.