Business fees cut for 2021

After nearly a year of dealing with COVID-19 challenges, local businesses have received welcome news – licence fees will be cut by 50 per cent for 2021.
The reduction will be in place until a new business bylaw comes into effect.
The recommendation for the fees cut came from the General Government Committee in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Jill Roy, chairperson of the General Government Committee, said it was working on the previous Council’s business bylaw and “tweaking a few things”.
“We are taking our time, we are trying to be fair,” said Councillor Roy at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. “We are looking at it. It’s a learning curve for everyone.”
Councillor Betty Abbott sought, and received, confirmation that the existing business bylaw and licence fees schedule were still in place.
After the meeting, Michelle McKenzie, the Mayor, said the business bylaw was being amended to make it more condensed, concise, and simpler to understand.
The aim was to ensure businesses knew which category they belonged to in a revised schedule. The changes would also help Town staff.
“One of the positives coming out of this is that people are being educated in what they need to do to operate a business in Maple Creek,” she said.
Last year, controversy erupted over a proposed new business licensing fees schedule.
The previous Council passed the first reading of a new bylaw. It is expected that this will be rescinded, clearing the way for a revamped version to be put on the table. The issue should be on the agenda at the February 23 meeting.

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