Executive Summary:

N/A

Background:

City Council approved the following Council Resolution to support small businesses as they prepare for re-opening, and to facilitate measures to allow for physical distancing:

CR289/2020

That the results of the email poll authorized by Mayor Drew Dilkens on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, approving the following resolution BE CONFIRMED AND RATIFIED:

In an effort to support restaurants and small businesses during Covid-19 and to promote proper physical distancing,

THAT City Council APPROVES the following:

• 1. That fees for sidewalk cafe permits be waived for the remainder of 2020;
• 2. That fees for outdoor cafes located on the public right of way be waived for the remainder of 2020;
• 3. That fees for the rental of Lanspeary Park be waived to allow for a pilot project for an outdoor food hall, the details and content of which are subject to the satisfaction of City Administration;
• 4. That Business Improvement Areas (BIA) within the City of Windsor be requested to submit plans forthwith for any temporary closure of roads and/or sidewalks to facilitate proper physical distancing while encouraging patrons to support local businesses within a BIA.
• 5. That City Council request an expedited response from the Special Events Resource Team to plans submitted by BIA’s;
• 6. That City Council waive fees for the closing of the public right of way for approvals granted to BIA’s in (5) above;
• 7. That all plans approved be subject to the satisfaction of City Administration and that City Administration be authorized to take all steps necessary in relation to the foregoing;
• 8. That a report be submitted to City Council outlining the approvals granted under this initiative.

Discussion:

Administration has received proposals and applications in two primary categories: 1) Temporary Road Closures and 2) Sidewalk Cafes and Extended Patios. Administration is currently processing these applications in consultation with the Special Events Resource Team (SERT) and the applicants. In addition, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has provided updates on changes to the legislation regarding the requirements for temporary or extended licensed areas. A copy of the Communication, received by Council at its June 15, 2020 meeting, is attached as