On the agenda at tonight's council meeting, a motion was presented in an effort to help local businesses in Airdrie (January 18)

This was not the first time the city council had discussed helping out those businesses in Airdrie that were really struggling due to the pandemic. They have looked at the idea of having subsidies of some kind for those businesses that might not be able to afford their business licence fees a number of times, first during last year's budget meetings and again in December. It was brought up again yesterday and due to the fact that a good majority of businesses in Airdrie have already paid their fees and that very few have reached out to the city to ask for help in this area, The motion was subsequently withdrawn.

It was clear all of the council members are aware that the business community is hurting and very challenged due to the pandemic but in the end, it was ultimately withdrawn due to a lack of support and the council decided that they would keep the status quo. 

There were a couple of councillors who acknowledged that even though the fees might not be waived, that they are willing to work with businesses who need extra time or may need to set up different payment arrangements. To date, about 1500 local business have already paid their fees for this year and 924 of those are home-based which makes up about 60% of those who have paid. They will continue to monitor it and if it needs to be revisited next year and the council is open to the discussion. 

Mayor Peter Brown asks "Have you called our staff, they are empowered to help you. So they can work deals out." there are many options and they can work with businesses to find the best solution for them. 

Counsellor Al Jones noted that Calgary based business licence fees are significantly higher. He said he didn't see a way where they could really do anything effective, that would be of any significant help to the business community with businesses licencing without it costing just as much if not more than just leaving the status quo. 

Councilwoman Tina Petrow said she thinks communication is the best thing they could do for Airdronians. 

Mayor Peter Brown said the outcome would probably have been zero support, so withdrawing it was what would be most appropriate at this time. 

Councillor Candice Kolson also wanted to reiterate that some business owners such as home-based businesses and MLM's aren't aware that they require a business licence to operate in the city. She also commented that no matter if the price is fifty percent lower or 75 percent higher, that businesses should all have a licence to operate in Airdrie. 

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