Patios coming to Midland just in time for summer – OrilliaMatters.Com

Council agrees to waive the $1,200 encroachment fee so restaurants can set up patios to comply with social-distancing measures

The Town of Midland is hoping patios will be a way for both the public and restaurants to findsome joy during the pandemic.

Council opted to approve the move this week after staff presented a report created onthe province guidelines around phase two of reopening. The move will see the town waive the $1,200 encroachment feeas well as fees related to building and fire inspections. This provision is available to local food and beverage businessuntil October 15.

During discussions at Wednesday's meeting, Coun. Bill Gordon said he wondered if the same provision could be made available to retailers around town.

"This program is awesome," he said."I just request one modification that I want this made available to every business in Midland. This is a short program and it ends in October."

But that suggestion was quickly nixed by staff.

"Unfortunately, the regulation is pretty clear that it must be adjacent to the restaurant so that will not be feasible at this point," said municipal law enforcement officer Jim Reichheld.

Gordon, however, persisted.

"I just want to make sure we level the playing field," he said."I know this is in suggestion to the province's opening of patios for restaurants. Can we not just add on this and open it up to everybody and let sidewalk sales and whatnot happen?This could be the difference between them giving up and keeping going through the summer."

Coun. Cody Oschefski said he could see that being of benefit to some retailers downtown.

"I support the motion and I like councillor Gordon's idea as well," he said."I had a business owner reach out to me with their business next to a restaurant and they were wondering if they could offer their space to their next door neighbour for a patio.I'm just wondering if we canmake an avenue available to downtown businesses to offer their space."

From there, town solicitor Amanpreet Sidhu spoke up to explain the legalities of the matter.

"It's a really great suggestion," he said, addingperhaps council could give administrative staffa bit more time to take another look at the regulation.

"This policy is in direct response to phase two. We don't see similar changes to the retail side and we want to be cautious in trying to make changes so we don't run afoul of any other provisions."

Sidhu said that while he can understand that councilwants businesses to be successful and survive, he would bea little hesitant to say yes or no.

"When your admin looked at drafting this bylaw, it was specifically considering the provincial provisions," he said."We haven't considered other options. We don't wantto provide advice to council that may come back and harm us. (But) we will certainly look into it."

Mayor Stewart Strathearn agreed with staff.

"We could have a special meeting to allow for that if we can," he said. "Right now, we would be remiss to having put in all this effort and then go against the province and health unit."

Glen Canning, owner of The Elegant Gourmet, said he welcomed the move.

"I support that wholeheartedly," he said."I'm happy to see this change. It is a good move and it should make the town more enojyable regardless of circumstances."

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Patios coming to Midland just in time for summer - OrilliaMatters.Com