The municipality of Summerland is giving business owners a break on business license fees by reducing the entire amount for 2021.
Summerland Mayor Toni Boot said businesses will still need to fill out the paperwork and complete the forms for a business license.
In addition, the fee does not apply to mobile business licenses, which allow the license holder to work in multiple communities in the region.
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Coun. Marty Van Alphen introduced the motion at the Summerland council meeting of Jan. 11. The motion was to waive business license fees to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our business community has definitely suffered through the past 10 months and they’ve incurred numerous amounts of additional costs,” he said.
Without waiving fees, the municipality would take in around $140,000 in business license fees.
Others council supported waiving the fees.
“I think our business community needs a break,” said Coun. Doug Patan.
Coun. Doug Holmes said there is still government support available for business owners. However, next year, when the support runs out, businesses will need assistance.
The motion was further discussed at a budget meeting on Jan. 13, where it received council approval
Boot said those who had paid their license fees will receive a refund.
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