Bradford West Gwillimbury Town Council held its first online Council meeting on Thursday night, streamed live on the town’s YouTube channel.
The special meeting of council was held primarily to pass a by-law, that deferred the due date for payment of property taxes by 60 days, and granted a 90-day grace period on late payment charges and interest, for overdue tax and water/wastewater bills.
But councillors also discussed the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, and asked staff to look at a “made in BWG” business relief plan.
Mayor Rob Keffer explained that the original plan was to vote on a relief package at the night’s meeting, but “unfortunately it appears to be more complicated than what we were hoping.”
Instead, he suggested that council vote on a motion, asking staff to put together options for providing assistance to the town’s small, independent businesses. He also proposed re-allocating $250,000 in Reserves, ear-marked for the Downtown Revitalization Community Improvement Plan, for a new Business relief program.
“It’s a significant amount,” Mayor Keffer said.
“It would show that we are serious” in efforts to support small businesses, he added. “They are the lifeblood of our community.”
Councillors, joining the discussion from their homes or offices, supported both the creation of a relief plan, and reallocation of funds.
“We have a lot of businesses out there that were forced to closed,” said Coun. Mark Contois, warning of the possibility of a recession, as the COVID-19 crisis continues. “Everybody’s going to be in the same boat… Any relief is good relief.”
“I think this is great that we’re leading the way, showing small business that they really do matter,” agreed Coun. Gary Baynes. He asked if the relief would only be available to businesses with storefronts, or also home-based or online businesses.
Mayor Keffer suggested that “number of employees” could be part of the equation – but left it to staff to work on details, and present their proposals at the next online meeting of council, on April 7.
Coun. Peter Dykie Jr., owner of a business in the downtown core, praised the plan, noting that businesses are struggling with overhead and reduced earnings.
Dykie warned that the permanent closure of businesses and loss of jobs would impact the town’s assessment and economy.
“This is such an impact on business. I hope we don’t get into a deeper recession,” he said, urging staff to come back with a plan that would be “equitable, fair for all business.”
“It’s a good start,” said Coun. Raj Sandhu. “I look forward to getting the report back from staff.”
Sandhu suggested that the town’s assistance should have two parts – not only financial help for small businesses, including home-based businesses some of which "have lost all their income," but resources provided the town's Office of Economic Development, to connect businesses with Provincial and federal support programs.
Coun. Gary Lamb agreed, but also proposed that the town suspend its purchasing policies, “and buy everything we can locally… at least for a few months.”
Council voted unanimously in favour of the motion asking for a staff report on a relief plan that would utilize the $250,000 Reserve.
Chief Administrative Officer Geoff McKnight promised to have something ready for April 7.
“We may not have the full program fleshed out at that point, but we will have a good understanding,” said McKnight.
He and council urged local businesses to participate in the Bradford Board of Trade online survey, echoing the words of BBT CAO Tricia Barrett-Butler, “The survey is important for us to understand the specific needs of our business community.”
The responses will be used by staff as it develops a relief package for small business, “over and above what federal and provincial help is out there,” said Mayor Keffer.
To access the survey, click here.
