Collingwood council’s decision to move the downtown patios to the curb stands.
A councillor’s attempt to change things has failed.
Councillor Mike Edwards’ motion was to put the patios back against the buildings after council voted 5 to 4 two weeks ago to move the patios.
This motion has been defeated, again by a vote of 5 to 4.
Councillor Edwards says he’s very disappointed with the vote and thinks this decision will be a factor in determining how many people come downtown.
Edwards says he put the motion forward because of the concerns many restaurant owners have about the safety of their staff and customers while hot food is being carried across a busy sidewalk as well as the added licensing fees and other costs.
Councillor Kathy Jeffery is a BIA representative and she says this decision sends a clear message council wants to move forward with the downtown revitalization plan which includes moving the patios curbside.
Jeffery says the Business Improvement Association, along with town staff and a few restaurant owners are holding meetings to try to address the owners’ concerns.
She says the first meeting held last week focused on possibly asking the town to waive the 150 dollar permit fee and the BIA giving owners a credit to the equivalent of the money they’ve already shelled out for liquor licensing.
The BIA is also looking at sourcing out the cost of umbrellas with uniform colours and the possibility of propane mini bars to solve the power source issue.
Jeffery says another meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 5th.