The city’s Business in the Park pilot project is slated to start on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and municipal staff are hard at work dotting the i's and crossing the t’s on permits so participating businesses can operate safely.
According to Stephannie Schlichter, the city's director of economic and creative development, approximately 10 local businesses have signed up for the pilot project, with more expected in the coming weeks.
“Inquiries have been steady. They’re working their way through the permit process now,” Schlichter told BarrieToday. “So far, there is breathing room, which I think is great.
"As this is a pilot, it allows us to work through all the pieces to make sure we’ve got it right.”
The new pilot program will see local commercial operators of businesses such as private dance classes, art workshops, fitness classes or music classes permitted to use either Meridian Place downtown or the Kiwanis Pavilion at Southshore Park to conduct classes.
The idea behind the program is to aid the businesses in attaining proper physical distancing and other health protocols put forward by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit due to COVID-19.
“There are a lot of creative businesses coming through, so we’re pretty excited to see where everyone lands,” said Schlichter.
Commercial operators will be required to pay a fee for a permit to use the parks and must obtain a permit at least two weeks prior to any class taking place. To be eligible, they must charge a fee to the participants in the activity and exclude the general public from accessing the area while a booking is taking place. Fees would be set at $75 for half-day rentals and $100 for full-day rentals.
The pilot project will run from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31.
Hours of operation for any business will be between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. with one hour prior and following each booking for set-up and take-down.
In deciding on locations for the pilot, Schlichter says specific criteria was considered.
“Parks are meant for residents, and we took that into consideration when we were looking at what opportunities there would be, and we looked at limiting it to only those two sites and specific sites that had more park space around them,” she said.
Participating businesses are also responsible for ensuring their patrons are following health protocols put out by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
For more information on the Business in the Park pilot project and how to apply for space for your business, click here.
