City expands patios, supports local businesses
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COVID-19 Updates
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Mayor Bevilacqua issues first directive of Emergency Measures By-law
Today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued
a first-ever directive under the City’s Emergency Measures By-law to allow local eating
establishments and banquet halls to temporarily expand or establish patios,
while maintaining physical distancing. This marks the latest in a series of
measures championed by Vaughan City Council to support the business community
during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses can begin
the process by completing an online registration form. Further information and eligibility are available on
the City’s website.
Inquiries can be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
In
addition to the Mayor’s directive, a separate Temporary Outdoor Patio By-law as well as a
city-wide Temporary Use By-law to amend the City’s Zoning By-law have been
proposed. A meeting of the Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing) has been
scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m., followed by a Council meeting on
Monday, June 29. If approved, the by-laws will be subject to a 20-day appeal
period. Should there be no appeals, business owners will be permitted to
continue the operation of the temporary outdoor patio in accordance with the
provisions of the By-laws.
For details about
submitting a communication or making a live deputation via
electronic-participation, visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay. Citizens can tune in to the meetings by watching the live
broadcast available at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil.
If an establishment is operating a patio, it must take appropriate
measures as per provincial and regional guidelines to ensure
physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons, including:
- taking reservations.
- limiting the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time.
- ensuring enough space between tables to allow for movement.
- ensuring access to facilities is limited to patio/outdoor dining area access, food pickup, payment, washrooms or other health and safety purposes.
Throughout the pandemic, stay up to date with
the latest response efforts by frequently checking vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s
eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news as it is released.
QUOTE
“During these unprecedented times, we must continue
to do everything in our power to ensure we reduce the impacts of COVID-19 in
our city. As part of our response efforts, we have launched a series of
initiatives to safeguard Vaughan’s economy and protect businesses, consumers
and all citizens. Small businesses remain the backbone of our thriving economy
and make up more than 80 per cent of our local workforce. I enacted the Emergency
Measures By-law to take immediate action to help these entrepreneurs innovate,
compete and increase service offerings by expanding patio opportunities. This
will help to welcome back customers and attract new ones. I want to remind all residents and business owners that we are in this
together, and we will emerge stronger.”
- Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- On March 17, the City launched the Vaughan Business Action Plan, which includes a series of temporary measures to support businesses, consumers and all citizens.
- Residents looking to do their part to support the local economy can do so by shopping remotely with local businesses and restaurants with #ShopVaughanLocal.
- The City is committed to supporting businesses, consumers and all citizens and has developed the Open for Business portal of local businesses that are open during the current state of emergency. This voluntary listing includes both essential services and businesses that have modified operations and provide goods and services by phone, online, take out or delivery.
- A grace period of 90 days has also been established for business licence renewals, which defers renewal of existing business licences up to 90 days past the expiry date. New businesses are still required to be licensed. Applications may be submitted by email to bylaw@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation. Payments can be made by cheque and mailed to Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON, L6A 1T1.
- The City’s Emergency Measures By-law provides further authority, subject to the Municipal Act, to the Mayor and City of Vaughan staff to issue responsive, timely and effective orders during this state of emergency. It was approved on April 8.
LEARN MORE
- The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department is available to support local businesses and entrepreneurs online or by phone to help access resources from the governments of Canada and Ontario. Learn more at vaughanbusiness.ca.
- By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services website
- visitvaughan.ca
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