The County of Brant has introduced a new Temporary Sales Event Program to assist local retail businesses. This program accompanies the existing Temporary Patio Allowance Program and Public Safety Community Improvement Program, allowing eligible County of Brant businesses opportunities to expand business operations.
“The business community has shown tremendous resiliency throughout the pandemic, and we are pleased to continue our support as we reopen,” said Russell Press, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the County of Brant. “The new Temporary Sales Event Program will provide an opportunity for eligible retail businesses to expand their operations and re-engage customers.”
The Temporary Sales Event Program will allow eligible retail businesses to apply for the use of outdoor and additional indoor spaces or “pop-ups”. Applicants will be able to make use of both private and public property provided program requirements around accessibility and winter maintenance are met.
Restaurants will once again be eligible to apply for the Temporary Patio Allowance Program. The free program allows restaurant establishments in the County of Brant to apply for outdoor patio extensions for temporary use on private property, as well as the use of public property beginning in the spring.
“Our culinary establishments have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Temporary Patio Allowance Program supports our restaurants by allowing additional opportunities to serve customers,” said Press.
The applicants will be required to adhere to all Brant County Health Unit and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario guidelines, as well as all relevant County of Brant By-laws. Portable heaters and winter maintenance requirements have also been added to ensure safe practices during colder weather.
Additionally, applications for the County of Brant Public Safety Community Improvement Program, with a renewed focus on improving ventilation, are open. This grant program offers eligible businesses up to $2,000 in grants as it relates to making public safety improvements to their place of business. Guidance from both the Federal and Provincial governments has suggested improved ventilation in enclosed spaces will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
