County modifies sidewalk patio bylaws
Administrator | Jun 17, 2020 | Comments 4
The County has made temporary changes to the sidewalk patio bylaw to help food and drink establishments explore innovative ways to serve their customers during the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the Province of Ontario’s Stage 2 reopening, restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments can open for dining in outdoor areas only, such as patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent premises.
The County has removed application and program fees associated with the sidewalk patio program and extended the sidewalk patio program to Nov. 30, from Oct. 15.
Hours businesses are allowed to operate a sidewalk patio are now extended from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Fencing requirements are eliminated unless required by the Alcohol and Gaming Corporation of Ontario (AGCO) for licensed establishments.
Applications are to be fast-tracked by the municipality to ensure timely approvals with the intention of approving all applications.
Restaurants will be allowed to build patios on sidewalk space not immediately in front of their business.
Since 2013 the County has allowed seasonal outdoor patios on municipal property within all commercial zones in settlement areas.
Council has requested a review of the program, which is to take place once the 2020 season has come to an end.
Staff will get public feedback and input from local businesses and associations to inform that discussion that will look at the viability, accessibility, and effectiveness of the program.
For details about the sidewalk patio program. If you have questions or concerns, please call 613.476.2148 or email operations@pecounty.on.ca
Filed Under: Local News
Dennis, the “solution” is making masks and hand sanitizing mandatory. That, however, means store keepers have to enforce the rules which I’m sure public officials are reluctant to put upon them. Sanitize when you go in and sanitize when you leave – working your hands for 30 seconds – and you should be good to go.
I was at Cdn. Tire yesterday – they have a hand sanitizing station as you enter. (So good for them!) As I was using it, a group of 4 young men (30ish) came in right behind me – they were going to go straight into the store without stopping. When I reminded them to use it, they just rolled their eyes and went into the store. I don’t know if they were local or not – it really doesn’t matter – all I know is that 4 potential germ carriers didn’t think twice about their carelessness or care who they might infect or possibly even kill. So what is the solution? With this kind of behaviour out there – it destroys the efforts of the other 99%.
The crowding in town today with many tourists is of concern. We fought hard locally for 12 weeks and were careful, and it seems now we are wide open. Hoping it works out.
The town is literally packed with tourists. We will have to wait and see the covid impact.