To keep local small businesses from closing in their community Council decided to waive fees.

At the council meeting last Monday (January 11), counsellors passed a motion to waive all business license fees for 2021 to assist small businesses in these difficult times said Mayor Lance Colby, " We all knew that people were having trouble so we discussed it in council and we felt that giving them the break on the licence fee is a way we could try and help them in a small way."

Usually, those funds would go to back into the community for things like light display but instead, the council decided that the funds were better spent being given back to local businesses. 

Colby says they are showing their appreciation as he has already received lots of positive feedback from business owners and even though it's something small it's one thing they could do to help out. He encourages all residents to do what they can to help out and most importantly that would be to continue to shop local.

He knows lots of businesses are hanging on by a thread "We haven't had any business shut down, there just sort grinding away, one day at a time and people in town are trying to support them." He's happy to see the shop local message getting across, "We're just pleased that residents are supporting the people and everyone needs support in this time whether you're in business or not, it's nice to be able to support it when you can."

Any business that has already purchased a license for 2021 will be receiving a refund and new 2021 business licenses will be mailed out to all 2020 registered businesses that have not yet renewed. New businesses must still register their business with the Town of Carstairs to receive a business license.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com