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Patio policy gives restauranteurs food for thought

City Council approve new policy for DIA restaurants and cafés to set up sidewalk patios this summer
tiny-italy-1-turl
Based on the success of Tiny Italy’s sidewalk patio pilot project last year, City Council have approved a policy allowing others to take part. Photo by Jeff Turl

Not only is the city encouraging downtown restaurants and cafés to set up sidewalk patios this summer, but they’re going to help make is easier for them to do so. 

In an attempt to cut red tape and lower the barrier to entry, City Council unanimously approved a new-look, permanent Sidewalk Patio Policy on Monday night that will waive the application fees and contribute some cash for those looking to build a temporary patio. 

Successful applicants could be eligible to receive up to $1,000 from the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP) towards construction costs and an additional $1,000 towards architect and engineer design fees. 

The bylaw will allow Downtown Improvement Area businesses to set up their sidewalk patio from Victoria Day long weekend in May until the Thanksgiving long weekend in October, which they hope will enhance the ambiance of the downtown core and attract visitors and increased spending.

Last summer, the city allowed a pilot project at Tiny Italy on Wyld Street, which city staff deemed a success in creating an attractive and vibrant space. 

Based on that, they suggested that there be a standard application for DIA businesses at a cost of $400 plus an additional $100 rental fee for each on-street parking spot being taken up by a pop-out sidewalk. 

But last week, they unanimously forwarded Coun. Mike Anthony’s motion to simplify the process. Anthony and Coun. Daryl Vaillancourt also added an amendment to the policy on Monday that would make the the application process one-time only for the business involved. 

“The less obstacles I can, as a city councillor sitting in my ivory tower […], put in place and make it easier for more and more people to make downtown awesome, I want to do that,” said Vaillancourt. 

“We have an opportunity as a council to make a statement,” he added. “We have an opportunity to show the entrepreneurs in the community that we hear what they’re saying and we can do something about it without putting up roadblocks.” 

The city will still recover the costs for the registration fees required by the province for encroaching the parking spaces, at $100 rental fee per month for each on-street parking spot being occupied. 

By using the DCIP, businesses will be able to tap into an already-existing resource that provides financial assistance for feasibility studies, facade/signage improvements and the revitalization/redevelopment of buildings. 

Part of this year’s budget included the city putting $850,000 into that improvement plan over three years, which will help offset some of the design and construction costs that could reach as high as $5,000, according to some local engineers. 

“To use a few of those dollars […], to me, is good use of those Downtown Community Improvement funds,” said Anthony. “They’re there to help improve the downtown and, to me, these patios are an improvement.” 

All designs will have to be temporary in nature and must feature fencing and be designed so that there is no change in grade between the sidewalk and pop-out. 

If approved, the applicants will enter into an annual sidewalk patio agreement with the city and will require the business to maintain public liability insurance of $5 million. 

However, restaurants outside of the DIA, such as Greco’s Pizza and Pasta, The Kabuki House, and Urban Cafe, would be ineligible for the patios under the current bylaw. 

Other businesses have also been left out of the equation for the time being, but it could be something that council considers in the future. 

“Quite frankly, I would like to see them spring up all over the city,” said Vaillancourt. “It’s maybe another story for another day, but I’ve got no problem with other businesses using the sidewalks to create a vibrant scene, particularly in the downtown."


Liam Berti

About the Author: Liam Berti

Liam Berti is a University of Ottawa journalism graduate who has since worked for BayToday as the City Council and North Bay Battalion reporter.
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