CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington township staff recommend approving a sidewalk patio, cafe and display policy as well as waiving associated fees for the upcoming season.
A report to Monday’s committee of the whole meeting says that an update to the sidewalk patio, cafe and display policy had been considered before 2020.
The pandemic accelerated the need for it to help support local businesses and the township allowed patios and sidewalk cafes to operate on public property with minimal rules.
This was paired with weekend street closures in downtown Elora and Fergus intended to promote local shopping in town.
“It was understood by all that this situation would be temporary and the township would be developing a process going forward that would allow patios and cafes to operate on a permit basis each year,” the report says.
The new process addresses location, season, liability, design and hours of operation among other firmed up rules.
Staff are asking the proposed fee of $250 for patios and cafes and the $100 fee for displays be waived to assist with pandemic economic recovery efforts.
The report also recommends allowing the sidewalk expansions to begin earlier than the start date of May 1, weather permitting.
This recommendation will be discussed at Monday’s Centre Wellington committee of the whole meeting.
