St. Catharines City Council voted to change it from temporary
Two temporary seasonal patio programs in St. Catharines will be made into one permanent program.
City council voted this week for a motion that also kept liability insurance for the program at $5-million.
At one point there was debate to drop it to $2-million, or 3-million, which Councillor Stevens was against.
"I'm all in favour of businesses and saving them money. We are giving them a break on the fees, and there is some money there for them to look into getting insurances. Also, listening to the solicitor saying we have to look out for the city as a whole," he says.
Council was advised by city staff to keep it at $5-million, pointing out some businesses sell alcohol, therefore raising risk.
Mayor Siscoe sided with the majority. "I think it should be noted that the $5-million liability insurance has been an on-going requirement of this program, so I think if there are businesses that did not believe they should be taking out five, they would not have engaged in the program up to this point."
Councillor Townsend pointed out many other cities such as Oakville and Burlington offer $2-million, and Councillor Garcia argued $2-million would be easier for smaller businesses.
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