Niagara-on-the-Lake extends outdoor patio program another year

Diners in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NotL) will be able to enjoy their meals in the summer sun for at least another year after town council extended their patio program.

The Town passed the Temporary Use By-law extension back in April allowing the variances until February 28, 2023. The patios had been permitted under Ontario law through Regulation 345/20 was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the Province revoked the measure shortly before council extended passed the by-law. The regulation lifted alongside 16 other COVID-19 safety provisions at the end of April.

The patios will remain and no other changes are coming to the programs. Restaurants can continue to apply for patio permits for free. Owners already have a permit and aren’t changing the layout don’t have to reapply, but do need to send an updated insurance certificate to [email protected].

If the business owner wants to change the layout of their patio, they need to get a new permit. The application requires a detailed and scaled site plan, a summary of the patio’s use and safety, as well as a signed letter of endorsement from the owner and a certificate of insurance.

“The Town remains committed to streamlining patio permit processes and supporting economic recovery while minimizing impact to the heritage district and ensuring all health and safety requirements are met,” said NotL.

Lord Mayor Betty Disero concurred saying, “Extending this program supports the re-stimulation of the local economy following the economic hardships caused by COVID-19.”

“As we have now transitioned into a recovery stage post-pandemic, I hope that this extension of the patio program can assist patio operators in garnering increased revenue by attracting additional patrons,” she continued.

“It is our hope that this extension will prove to be beneficial in supporting restaurant owners’ efforts to provide a safe outdoor dining space for customers to connect, enjoy delicious local food and drinks, and experience all that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer,” said CAO Marnie Cluckie.