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Press Release - Cornwall City Council Approves Motion to Pause Business Licensing Bylaw

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall City Council Approves Motion to Pause Business Licensing Bylaw

Cornwall, ON - December 10, 2024 - In a decisive move demonstrating its commitment to collaboration with the business community, the Cornwall City Council has voted to pause the implementation of the Business Licensing Bylaw 2024-33. This decision follows a formal request from the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce, representing over 400 local businesses, advocating for a review of the bylaw's impact. This request stemmed from a meeting held between the Chamber and City representatives on November 6th, where concerns over the bylaw's fee structure and its potential impact on local businesses were discussed.

The motion to pause the bylaw was presented by Mayor Towndale and received unanimous support from the Council. This action reflects the City's commitment to fostering a positive working relationship with local businesses and ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce expresses its gratitude for the Council's prompt action and its willingness to engage in a comprehensive review of the bylaw. Angela Bero, General Manager of the Chamber, stated, "We are pleased that the City Council has recognized the concerns of our members and has taken this important step. The City's commitment to a full review of the by-law, following our November 6th meeting, is crucial to addressing the concerns of the business community. We look forward to working closely with the City to ensure that the bylaw is both effective and supportive of local businesses."    

The Chamber also extends its thanks to Councillor Sarah Good for putting forward the motion to review the by-law at the November 26th meeting. Councillor Good's initiative in addressing this matter demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the local business community and ensuring their concerns are given due consideration in the Council's decision-making process.

Key points of the Chamber's position include:

  • A temporary pause on the new fees for the current year to provide immediate financial relief to businesses and event organizers.
  • A re-evaluation of the fee increases to ensure they are reasonable and do not disproportionately impact small businesses, non-profits, and event organizers.
  • A simplification of licensing and permitting requirements to reduce administrative burdens on businesses and event organizers.
  • Improved communication and collaboration with the business community throughout the review process and beyond.

The Chamber is confident that this collaborative effort will result in a revised bylaw that balances regulatory needs with the imperative to support a thriving business community in Cornwall.

About the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce:

The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership-based organization representing over 400 businesses in Cornwall, Akwesasne, and Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting economic prosperity and providing leadership and advocacy on behalf of its members.

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