Opts out of consultation
City of Powell River council voted at its meeting on Thursday, July 20, to opt out of leading a public consultation process required by the provincial government to change a local establishment’s liquor licence. The Vault Venue and Restaurant owner Amy Sharp has applied to the province to have the restaurant’s food-primary liquor licence changed to allow for patron dancing. Sharp appeared before council earlier this month and requested that council opt out and allow the province to lead its own process, which will save the business a $2,000 charge from the city.
Amends bylaws for street vending
Council voted to amend its bylaws pertaining to street vending to reduce costs for operating on city-owned property and create a less expensive business licence specifically designed for street vending. The move is designed to encourage development of more vendors. According to a city staff report, on average only one vendor per year applies for a licence.
Increases festival grant
Council approved a $1,000 increase in its grants-in-aid for Blackberry Festival to return the event’s annual contribution back to $2,000. Council had voted to reduce funding levels across the board for its grant applications after the city received requests from community non-profits exceeding its annual budget of $25,000. After council allocated the money in June, $1,750 was left over in the grants-in-aid account. The remaining $750 went to Friends of Powell River to buy recreation passes for youth in poverty.
Supports Pride Week
Mayor Dave Formosa proclaimed the week of August 7 to 13 as Pride Week in the city. Council voted to allocate up to $2,000 to have city staff paint the crosswalk across Ash Street near the Patricia Theatre in Townsite in rainbow colours.
