Mike Shepherd, who owns Big Fat Burrito and Trinity Common in Kensington Market — both with 30-square-metre patios — says the fee hikes could drive smaller establishments out of business Rick Madonik / Toronto Star ) Order this photoYou could call it a war on fun in Toronto. Toronto has a history of “that puritan, no-fun culture, unfortunately,” and these proposed fee hikes continue in that tradition, says Richard Pope, owner of Northwood on Bloor St. W., near Christie St. His $1,400-a-year patio permit fee would jump to about $14,000 annually under the proposal. The proposed fee structure — involving hikes, in some cases, of more than 1,000 per cent for the use of public property — varies depending on where the patio is located in the city. “We also recognize these fee increases are sensitive.” A final report will go to council’s licensing and standards committee in April. Councillor Joe Cressy, whose downtown Trinity-Spadina ward includes Kensington Market, said rising property values are already making it harder for small businesses to stay afloat.

Source: thestar February 02, 2017 01:03 UTC