THAT Report 21-247(CRE) Economic Recovery – Financial Assistance for Cambridge’s Three (3) Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)-Banners, Holiday Decorations, and Associated Electrical Costs be received;
AND THAT Council supports the continued Economic Recovery of Cambridge’s BIAs by hereby approving the following:
1. The City of Cambridge exempting all three (3) BIAs from City of Cambridge permit fees relating directly to the installation and removal of banners and holiday decorations for 2021/2022 holiday season;
2. The City of Cambridge provides additional funding in the amount of $12,792 in 2021 (Downtown $7,291, Preston $3,636, Hespeler $1,865) to the BIA’s to assist in offsetting the costs of installation and removal of decorations to be paid from the Transportation street lighting cost centre and from the Economic Development Reserve Fund for the 2021/2022 holiday season;
3. The City pay for the electrical costs associated with the operating of holiday lights in the three BIA Areas for the 2021/2022 holiday season;
AND THAT Council approve a transfer from the Economic Development Reserve Fund in the amount of $13,624 to cover the additional costs as outlined in this report;
AND THAT Council direct the Director of Economic Development to enter into a dialogue with the Region of Waterloo to discuss the possible waiving of any proposed future Regional fees for permits regarding the installation of banners and holiday decorations for Cambridge’s three (3) BIAs;
AND FURTHER THAT Council direct the Director of Economic Development to work with the three BIA’s to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each BIA with respect to the holiday decoration and banner programs and associated fees and costs, as well as other items such as flower baskets, plantings, street maintenance, snow removal, etc. in the core areas.