Patios will be popping up around the city this summer.
The Patios Everywhere Program was approved by city council at their meeting on Monday night with no discussion. The program would see fees for restaurant patios waived until Oct. 15, and would allow patios to expand into parking lots.
Staff are hoping the move will make it easier for local eateries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic to bounce back once they’re allowed to re-open their doors, while still creating a safe, socially distanced space for their patrons.
The program also includes waiving fees for food trucks until Oct. 15, allowing them to use a dedicated location in the Chase McEachern Way parking lot.
The staff report considered by council estimates about 20 to 30 previously issued patio licences for this summer (total ranging between $4,725 and $7,088) will need to be refunded.
The actual cost to the municipality would depend on the uptake, but the normal fees for the services per restaurant are:
- full site-plan approval: $1,058.58
- the cost of a patio licence: $236.25
- Refreshment vehicles – motorized: $236.25
- New LCBO application fee: $50
Restaurants owners who want to have a patio this summer would still need to apply to the program with proper plans in place.
If you own a local eatery and have questions or would like help with the application process, email [email protected].
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