North Bay council is making it easier for other downtown restaurants to open outdoor patios. The move follows the successful pilot project last year by Tiny Italy. Councillor Mike Anthony says expanding the idea is a win-win for everyone. He says it gives people one more thing to enjoy and businesses can improve the look of their store fronts and add more customers to their business. Under the proposal, the City will waive a $400 dollar fee.
Also, restaurants can get up to $1,000 for construction and another maximum $1,000 for specialists to sign-off on the work, both available from a fund in the Downtown Improvement Area. The one thing merchants will be charged is a nominal fee for the City’s paperwork. Council approved the proposal at the committee stage and it’s expected to get approval at next Monday’s regular council meeting.