A Marine Drive restaurant owner whose idea for a St. Patrick’s Day event was rejected by White Rock council may get to host the celebration after all.
Following an appeal last week by Paul McDonough of Jimmy Flynn’s Celtic Snug, council voted unanimously to reconsider the application pending a report from staff on new information provided by McDonough.
The event was initially suggested to take place March 15-17 in the parking lot across from Jimmy Flynn’s, in the 15000-block of Marine Drive.
Last month, leisure services director Eric Stepura recommended rejecting it, citing concerns it could result in “considerable” loss of pay-parking revenue and have unintended consequences to nearby businesses that rely on proximity parking.
Monday, McDonough assured council that neighbouring businesses are fully supportive of his plans, as are the BIA and Tourism White Rock.
“I have letters from five of the six merchants in the 15000-block,” he said
BIA executive director Lyn Hellyar and TWR executive director Betina Albornoz both confirmed their organizations’ support.
McDonough noted the event is in keeping with council’s support for March as Irish month and that the popularity of St. Patrick’s Day brings a large number of people to the city during the typically slower off-season.
Council directed staff to report back in January.