Welland Council waives restaurant patio fees for 2022

Knowing that restaurants are probably the industry that’s been most punished financially through this pandemic, Welland is going big to alleviate their hardship.

City Council just waived all business license fees (except fire inspection) and will continue to permit
temporary patios and outdoor displays for 2022.

“We acknowledge that the food service industry has been hit hard, and they’re not alone, as many of
our businesses in Welland have felt the effects of COVID-19,” said Mayor Frank Campion.

“As a council, we need to find ways to help businesses in our city. Waiving these fees keeps more money in the
pockets of our businesses while they try to recover, and we’re proud to continue with creative and
effective ways to help them do that.”

Campion said council realizes that for restaurants, though indoor dining has resumed, and proof of vaccination is required for those sitting down to meals, patios have proven to be a significant lifeboat for establishments to remain open and serve more customers.

While licensing fees are waived for 2022, businesses are still have to have a valid license and all
required inspections and applications still need to be completed.

Here’s a look at Welland’s business licences by the numbers:

• 300 – approximate number of businesses licences issued yearly
• 23 approvals for new or expanded outdoor patios between 2020 and 2021 and of those;
• 4 approvals were for outdoor patios on public lands in front of a restaurant
• 19 approvals were for patios on private property.
• 24 hours or less – most approvals were issued
• 150 – in dollars, fee waived for road occupancy permit
• 4,688 – in dollars, fee waived for site plan exemption for outdoor patios

Applications for 2022 patio and outdoor display licensing will be available in early 2022