Fairness. Again.

Your job as an elected Municipal Councillor is to ensure fairness and equity for all resident and business tax payer.

I promised fairness and transparency for all.

For total transparency;

I do not have a conflict of interest on the Temporary Patio Program.

Prior to running for election I received legal advice on what I would have conflict on. Since being elected, an investigation in to the integrity commissioner was filed and I was cleared.

I am now being taken to the Superior Courts on the same issue. With a new notice of motion before council to reinstate the temporary patio program (will require 2/3 votes to reopen) I have retained a lawyer for the court hearing and have also reached out again to the integrity commissioner.

The motion reads;

My questions on this motion are;

1)WHEREAS discussions with staff, NOTL restaurants and residents have raised concerns that are worth consideration;

Which staff raised concerns?

Did you speak to all restaurants in NOTL?

Most importantly, did you speak to retail businesses as well as it affects their businesses too?

2)WHEREAS businesses currently enrolled in the temporary patio program have raised concerns over lack of clarity due to the decision of Council,

What is not clear? Temporary COVID program ends at the end of the year and business continues as usual.

3)and the serious potential implications imposed on the future of their businesses, as many have still not been able to repay their CEBA loans, have not come back to pre-COVID income levels,

CEBA loans were due March 2024 - last year and it was $40,000

That is a business management issue on owners part not a Council issue.

4) and the decision may limit their ability to deliver what customers want, like outdoor dining during the spring to fall period in 2026 and beyond; and

There are many outdoor patios all over NOTL that customers can enjoy.

If the business wants to “deliver more to their customer” then they can build that into their business model, apply for proper zoning and building permits and go through the proper process just like many have started the process in the last year with the Town.

5) WHEREAS given the monumental events that have taken place over the past 30 days that have led to tough economic times, uncertainty, and predictions of an imminent recession, loss of jobs and impact on tourism and visitation from Americans;

What will you do for the other businesses in our Town then? Wineries, hotels etc to assist with this to make it fair? Did you want to explore tax breaks? We have other resources in place for this including the new Tourism Board with funding to market our destination.

6) THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct staff to come back with a report and guidance for a potential pathway to extend the temporary patio program without impacting the previous direction of Council to explore a Heritage District (Queen St.)

Why are we just concerned about Queen street? There is an entire business community in this Town.

At the moment there are only 6 businesses with the advantage of temporary patios.

All have been free of fees for 5 years, reimbursed for all material and labour to build them (through the Provincial government in 2020) and are only on Queen st.

Residents can enjoy outdoor patios throughout the Town, including many on Queen St.

Treadwells, Q124, 11th Post, Shaw Cafe, The Epicurean, Irish Harp, Zees, Corks, Pillar & Post, Prince of Wales, Queens Landing, and many more!

Patios are a great addition to our community and enjoyed by both residents and visitors. Nobody is questioning this. It is our job as Municipal Council to ensure everything is done in a transparent and fair way for all.

Ending the temporary program to allow for proper planning and input is the responsible way.

Municipal councillors should make decisions based on a combination of legal responsibility, ethical consideration, and community interest with proper engagement, and studies not hearsay.

I will be participating in the discussions on this motion. No need to recuse myself, see below;