Halifax council passed two motions to help small businesses. The mayor and councilors want to support them.

The mayor introduced two motions. One is about reducing patio fees for restaurants. The other is about creating a portal for businesses to report problems.

Some businesses don't open patios because of the high permit cost.

The motions aim to help small businesses with economic pressures.

The portal will help the council understand businesses' problems and make changes to support them.

Patio fees range from $350 to $1,270, depending on size and type.

The municipality made $70,000 from patio fees last year.

Reducing patio fees can help small businesses. It might be done every year.

Some councilors are concerned about removing fees and the next budget.

One councilor supports the motion but thinks it might conflict with a previous decision to increase fees.

Some question if a red tape portal will really help current projects.

Red tape is not just a problem with the municipality.

It's a problem between different levels of government.

Get the facts.

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