The mayor of Halifax plans on tackling patio fees and red tape in Tuesday’s council meeting.
Andy Fillmore will table a motion that would either reduce or eliminate the fee for a sidewalk patio to support local businesses.
The motion’s report says businesses currently pay more than $1,000 for a closed, cafe permit. That does not include the labour and storage.
“The municipality has a role to play in reviewing the fees it charges the hospitality industry,” says the report.
Listed on the municipality’s website, fees range from $350 for a “seasonal enclosed cafe” to $1270 for an “annual sidewalk cafe”.
Business owners are encouraged to apply in January, February and March, with the season that runs between April 15 and November 15.
In addition, Fillmore will also request a staff report on an online survey to help combat red tape.
According to the report, it was in 2021 when the city launched its first Business Satisfaction and Red Tape Reduction Survey to identify challenges, but nothing has come from it.
“There is opportunity for HRM to renew its focus on regulatory modernization and strengthen engagement with the business community to improve the local business environment during a period of significant economic uncertainty,” says the report.
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