WATCH ABOVE: Two small business owners in downtown Halifax say an excessive amount of red tape to put signs above their stores is hurting their customers and their bottom line. Global’s Dave Squires reports.
HALIFAX – Two downtown business owners are running into roadblocks and red tape as they try to have signs installed above their store fronts.
Liam Hennessey, owner of Applehead Studio on Market Street, has been trying install his sign for months. His first application was denied because the sign is supposed to be 3.1 metres back from the curb. His wasn’t.
“We’ve run into issues with permits, encroachment issues, fees we have to pay, applications have to go out to neighbours and still no guarantee it will happen. It’s just been a ridiculous process,” said Hennessey.
Sailor Bup’s Barbershop is in the same building as Applehead Studio. Owner Mark Peyton has run into the same issues with the city, and said the process for approval is taking too long and is too strict. He said his business desperately needs a permanent sign.
“We have people that can’t find us and the loose their mind on us,” said Peyton.
Both business owners said other signs on the building don’t have to abide by the same rules. A city spokesperson told Global News that’s because the current bylaw was passed in 2009, and the existing signs were grandfathered in.
“There is an option for owners to apply for a variance of this bylaw regulation in which case they would submit a fee,” said Tiffany Chase, spokesperson for the City of Halifax.
That fee is $500 – with no guarantee Hennessey and Peyton will get the approval to put up the signs. Neighbouring businesses within 30 metres still have the option to appeal.
“This is a cash grab,” said Hennessey.
Hennessey and Peyton said their frustration is compounded by the ongoing construction at the nearby convention center. That construction and their lack of signage has caused numerous cancelled and missed appointments from customers not being able to find their businesses. Hennessey said delivery trucks have even missed deliveries.
“I’ve kinds thrown my hands in the air at this point,” said Hennessey.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage heard their frustrations and stopped by Applehead Studio on Tuesday. Savage told Hennessey he would work with both businesses to get the signs approved if they want to put forth another application.
Both business owners say they will submit another application.
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