INNISFAIL – To show support for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the town is introducing a Park Use Pilot Program that will allow local companies to use parks for organized recreation or leisure activities.
The initiative was brought to town council on Jan. 25 by Meghan Jenkins, the town’s director of community services, following the Community Service Standing Committee recommendation to town council on Jan. 19 that it approve the pilot project.
Jenkins told council the town’s Parks Bylaw currently prohibits the use of a park space to conduct a business or commercial venture.
Jenkins said that utilizing park spaces for private business uses has been identified as a potential opportunity to support businesses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added businesses such as fitness classes, bootcamps, yoga classes, dog obedience classes or other organized programs can now request approval from the town to operate in the parks.
The program requires submitting an application form, stating times and desired space in any of the town-owned parks, a business license and copy of insurance.
“They could apply for a permit for eight Tuesdays in a row at a certain spot to operate in the park,” she said, adding there was some public interest last spring during the beginning months of the pandemic for such an initiative. “It is something larger centres are more inclined to allow.
"I think it is a good opportunity for people to use the parks, and if it gives some of our small businesses an opportunity, especially if we end up in a situation where you are allowed to do things outside but you can’t have people in for fitness classes inside.”
Permits and approvals would be issued by the town at no charge for the duration of the pilot project. However, if the pilot project is successful the Parks Bylaw will be formally amended and an application fee may be included in subsequent years.
“For this year there will be no charge,” said Jenkins.
Following Jenkins’ brief report, council unanimously approved the pilot project to move it forward this year.
