A group of home-based entrepreneurs is asking Timmins to be declared a home-based business friendly community. That means people who sell things like Mary Kay, Avon, and Scentsy will have the support of city council during Small Business Week, which starts on October 18th. The city’s Director of Development, Mark Jensen, says for the proclamation to work, there would need to be some requirements.
He says the city doesn’t want industrial companies operating in residential areas. But he says if there is a provision in the resolution that says the home businesses are in compliance with the by-laws already in place, then there shouldn’t be an issue.
City councillor Pat Bamford brought up some of his concerns during the meeting. He says creating the proclamation could end up getting thrown in their face. He says people who own businesses, especially downtown, pay higher taxes and they may complain that council is supporting home businesses and not them.
Bamford also says council has heard concerns before on home-based businesses. That includes noise, parking, clutter, and traffic complaints.
Council voted to have the proclamation made by Mayor Steve Black next week.