Councilors pan changes to sidewalk and patio policies in Huntsville
During Monday’s town council meeting in Huntsville, town staff presented an updated sidewalk and patio policy. This would include temporary use of tables, chairs, signage, clothing racks, and décor from April 15th to October 31st.
The Huntsville’s BIA had objections to the town’s policy. One provision in the new report was that any tables and chairs not be anchored, and be stored inside the businesses by 11:00 pm each night. Councillor Stone commented that the town is micromanaging the BIA. Councillor Alcock said that the report was not written in collaboration with the BIA, and that the policy should remain the way it was, except for an insurance provision.
Councillor Alcock suggested that staff should work over the next year in collaboration with the BIA, to establish a policy that works for everyone. Councillor Withey agreed with Councillor’s Stone and Alcock, as did Councillors Fitzgerald, Schumacher and Wiebe.
Also during the council meeting, Ian Smith from the Huntsville Brewhouse had presented a deputation to council asking for a seasonal sidewalk patio on the street in front of the restaurant.
In the end, the updated policies were not approved, except for the insurance provision.
