Downtown Collingwood BIA Chair, Jeff Shearer, and Vice-Chair Michael Christie, have issued a press release to clear up any confusion surrounding the funding of patios and the use of designated public space throughout the revitalized downtown heritage district.

Here is the release:

The Collingwood BIA Sets The Record Straight On Patio Funding
-- Press Release, May 14, 2010

It is come to the attention of the BIA board that misleading and incorrect information is being communicated to BIA members regarding the funding of patios. To set the record straight we want to make it clear that the funds are being administered in exactly the same way as was done during the initial patio installations ten years ago. 

In order to facilitate the start of patios on the main street, the BIA undertook to coordinate a bulk buy of the fencing and worked with a local supplier to design and install.  The BIA paid for the entire cost of the infrastructure and allowed the individual business to pay back the amount over a designated timeframe.  The BIA did therefore not pay for the fencing, but simply fronted the cost to ease the transition. 

The same type of program is planned for this transition phase; with the BIA sourcing and paying for the upfront costs of the necessary infrastructure; with the business paying back the costs during an agreed upon timeframe.  This will ensure a standardized look and our plan is to make the same offer to other off street patio owners if they would like to take advantage of this program.

The issue of the merchandise tents will be handled in the same way; however they will be offered for either rental for occasional use (and other event use by the BIA) or outright purchase by the business owner.  This program would, of course, be offered to all BIA members.

The up-coming meeting on Monday May 17th is a Public meeting for Council to hear comments from the community regarding the proposed Draft licensing bylaw.  The meeting will deal with the proposed Town of Collingwood Licensing Bylaw which includes the licensing of the public space on the sidewalk as well as several other areas that will be governed under this bylaw.

By Monday we expect to have a draft of this available to be distributed electronically to our members and it will be downloadable from the town of Collingwood website by end of the day, Friday.

The Public Meeting is being held for input related to the policies in the bylaw only as the decision regarding patio location has already been determined by vote of Council. The BIA has been working with restaurant owners to assist them in the transition as previously outlined. The meeting is designed to hear input related to issues that the public has with the proposed changes, so that a final draft may be approved at Council – scheduled for the May 31 Council meeting. 

The BIA board has reviewed the issues that the changes propose and has reached a decision that the new format is the best compromise to ensure accessibility for all business owners regarding the use of the designated public space.

Signed, Chair, Jeff Shearer, Vice-Chair, Michael Christie
Contact Jeff Shearer at 705 734 8156