Smiths Falls council has agreed to continue waiving patio-related fees.
A report presented to the Committee of the Whole reviewed the current fee schedule.
The bylaw, adopted in December 2023, regulates temporary outdoor patios and merchandise displays on municipal land, including design standards, approvals, and associated fees.
When the bylaw first came into effect, council chose to waive application fees for outdoor patios until 2026, while still maintaining annual inspection fees and charges for bolt attachment installation.
Senior Planner Karl Grenke explained by the by-laws intent, which was to invite business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But since then life has kept coming, says Councillor Jennifer Miller.
Council ultimately chose to extend the fee waiver, meaning businesses will continue to be exempt from patio application fees for now, while other related charges remain in place.
Story by Grant Deme
