Hamilton to waive some patio fees for businesses as pandemic recovery continues

Patio season is almost here, Hamilton.

And as the result of a motion passed at a recent general issues committee meeting, local restaurants looking to have on-street patios this year will see some of their costs waived by the city.

The motion, moved by Coun. Ted McMeekin, will see nearly $1,400 in fees waived, with those costs recovered through the city's economic development initiatives reserve.

The starting cost to set up a temporary outdoor patio in the city is around $2,913, but that can differ depending on how many parking spaces are taken up, according to the motion. However, the costs for businesses don't stop there.

As of last year, restaurants are also required to install added safety measures around their patios as a result of guidelines released by the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC). Those safety barriers would cost businesses an estimated $4,500 on top of the other fees, according to estimates from city staff.

Speaking at the meeting, McMeekin said as Hamilton continues its economic recovery from the pandemic, the city should stand in solidarity" with local businesses, particularly restaurants, which continue to struggle.

The hospitality sector was deeply impacted by the pandemic. Eateries and bars were periodically closed for indoor dining for long stretches of time.

On-street patios were one pivot that allowed businesses to continue operating and stay afloat.

McMeekin said the motion was spurred by concerns raised by the Waterdown Village BIA, with members feeling the fees related to temporary outdoor patios came out of the blue."

The city had waived fees for businesses amid the pandemic, however they were slated to return this year.

The motion passed almost unanimously, with Coun. Brad Clark casting the only vote against it.

In his remarks, Clark said that, as someone who frequently dines out, the city's restaurants are busy and he expects they'll be much busier" in the spring once patios return.

Clark said given the city's budget deliberations, he could not support the motion.

I have not seen empty restaurants, they appear to be doing well," said Clark. I don't think it's necessary any longer."

Several councillors took the time to thank McMeekin for the motion, which he also noted falls in line with the report that came out of the previous term of council's task force on economic recovery.

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter of support for the motion, with CEO Greg Dunnett calling it a significant and positive investment."

Dunnett noted that the waiving of the fees will not only help Hamilton's hospitality sector by cutting administrative red tape, but also to create economic opportunity and jobs."

Coun. Matt Francis said he worried that if the city charged all of the fees this year, the costs may end up being passed onto patrons.

We don't need to be making things more expensive for businesses and consumers right now," said Francis.

Coun. Nrinder Nann said the waiving of the fees for businesses is an easy win," noting that while restaurants have seen some bounce back, it hasn't been enough to support recovery substantively or sustainably."

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com