Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasper Municipal Council maintained fees for sidewalk seating at $100 per permit plus $25 per seat during its regular meeting on April 6.
The initial proposal recommended that council eliminate the $100 sidewalk seating permit fee and increase the sidewalk seating per seat fee to $50.
鈥淎dministration鈥檚 recommendation here is a reflection of what we believe is a reasonable market rate for the use of space based on a per seat calculation,鈥� said Bill Given, chief administrative officer.
To provide more space for businesses to operate within COVID-19 regulations, the municipality is allowing businesses to expand their sidewalk seating or retail displays this summer.
Last year, 16 food-and-beverage establishments participated in the sidewalk seating program, while $9,680 was generated in fee revenue.
Given noted that fees for this program ensured businesses contributed to the cost of public spaces, which were funded by ratepayers.
Removing the $100 permit fee, meanwhile, would simplify the fee structure.
No fee adjustments were proposed for retail usage due to a low uptake last year and the expectation that there would only be modest revenue increases.
Coun. Jenna McGrath began the April 6 discussion by moving that council should eliminate the permit fee.
In addition, she moved that council eliminate the per seat fee for the 2021 season.
鈥淚 believe that it is very important to support our businesses," McGrath said.
鈥淚 believe that our residents want more outdoor dining and safer opportunities to dine in Jasper National Park.鈥�
These motions were ultimately defeated.
鈥淚 cannot support the motion of no revenue,鈥� said Coun. Helen Kelleher-Empey.
鈥淚 think we should just keep the same fee schedule that we have.鈥�
Coun. Rico Damota said having a fee ensured equity for all businesses, noting how some restaurants couldn鈥檛 participate in the program, but he didn鈥檛 feel an increase was appropriate.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 know where the province is going with restrictions,鈥� Damota said.
鈥淔or many places, this might be the only opportunity. And yes, it might be an unfair advantage to a certain degree. I think maintaining (fees) is a happy medium.鈥�
The program is scheduled to run from May 1 to Oct. 20.
Dos and don鈥檛s
Want to know the dos and don鈥檛s of sidewalk seating and retail area extension? The Municipality of Jasper released guidelines last week for businesses to consult.
Businesses are allowed to use the whole sidewalk in front of the property for customer seating or retail displays and divert the sidewalk into the parking lane, or they can use the parking lane for customer seating or displaying products.
Businesses must ensure a clear and unimpeded pedestrian pathway with no less than 2.44 metres of clearance, while ensuring this pathway does not present or create additional barriers for persons with limited mobility.
Among other dos, sidewalk seating and retail displays must advance the mountain town character and setting of Jasper by conforming to the intent of the Parks Canada Architectural Motif through use of natural materials and muted colours as much as possible, while limiting the use of plastic.
When it comes to the don鈥檛s, sidewalk seating and retail areas cannot hinder government employees, damage or impede municipal infrastructure or intrude into the frontage of neighbouring businesses without written consent.
These areas must also be in compliance with federal and provincial regulations, including those of Alberta Health Services as well as Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis.
The application itself requires a detailed site plan, a $5-million liability insurance with the Municipality of Jasper listed as an additional insured party and proof of neighbours鈥� and property owner鈥檚 acceptance and a detailed site plan.
After the application is approved, the applicant will receive a permit to sign, return a copy to the bylaw enforcement service and pay the fee.
They can then commence installation upon the agreed upon start date.
A final inspection will have to be scheduled before the sidewalk seating/retail area can open to the public.
Sidewalk seating and retail areas must be removed by Oct. 20 and the bylaw enforcement services need to be contacted so they can conduct a follow-up street inspection.
Links to the permit application and the guide are available
