By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is now accepting applications for the 2023 temporary patio program.
Patio takes up parking spaces – restaurant pays for that space
Business owner/operators that would like to install a temporary patio on municipal property in the downtown during the 2023 patio season are encouraged to apply online at burlington.ca/patios as soon as possible.
Application fees for the 2023 temporary patio program are being waived once again this year.
City staff are committed to reviewing temporary patio program applications and working collaboratively with applicants to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the 2023 patio season.
At Council on Tuesday, March 21, a start date of April 15, 2023 for the continuation of the temporary patio program in 2023 was approved. The temporary patio season for 2023 will run from April 15 to Oct. 31, 2023.
The unfortunate part about his decision is that there was zip public engagement. The city and the hospitality sector could have benefited from the views of those people who get out and enjoy the restaurants. There are some that don’t think city property should be made available – but our guess is that most are pleased to see more in the way of activity on city streets.
A lost opportunity.
Jamie Tellier, Acting Director, Community Planning said: “We are happy to once again offer local restaurant owners and business operators a way to expand their outdoor dining space on public or private lands for the 2023 spring and summer season. This initiative is a great way to support our local businesses and bring customers unique outdoor dining experience that add to the vibrancy of our city.
“Whether you are a returning participant from last year’s program or a new applicant, please apply for a temporary patio permit and we will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.”
In 2021, City Council approved an expedited approval process for previous temporary patio permit holders that allows for past permits to be renewed based on previous approvals.
Grahame, totally agree with you.
This year there will be 3 active construction sites on Lakeshore between Martha and Brant. Loosing yet another lane of traffic on Lakeshore ( one is already gone between Martha/Pearl) and then from Elizabeth to Locust will be a nightmare.
This area was a total mess last year with only 1 active construction site. Not to mention the absolutely ugly orange barriers that were used to cordon off the area. I guess these barriers are there to prevent the cars from hitting the pedestrians as they try to get through this traffic bottleneck.
I really do not think it is a good idea to add more patio space on Lakeshore between Brant and Locust .Someone is going to get hurt there!