More Oshawa restaurants and bars have been able to enjoy the warm weather this summer with the help of the Oshawa’s expedited temporary patio programs.
The programs allow food and drink establishments to expand outside of their four walls, or their existing patio, to reintroduce out-of-home dining to the city’s residents.
To date, almost 30 new patios have been approved city-wide through the programs, which were an action item from the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force and approved by Council. Additional applications are currently under review and their timely approval will only continue to support local Covid-19 recovery, said a city statement.
Approved temporary patios could be located on roadways, sidewalks, private parking lots, on-street parking stalls and other usable outdoor spaces. Each patio option has different requirements that the applying establishment have to meet, including accessibility, insurance, etc., while also complying with Provincial Orders and Durham Region Health Guidelines, it said.
Restaurants and bars throughout Oshawa can now submit an application for a temporary patio on public and/or private property. All application fees are being waived, it added.
Temporary Patios on Downtown Public Property
Restaurants and bars that propose to establish patios on public property in downtown Oshawa can apply for a small sidewalk patio, a large sidewalk patio or a curbside patio. Approved patios on public property will be supported by the city through necessary traffic calming measures.
Once approved, an establishment can make use of its temporary patio until October 31, 2020.
The public property temporary patio application as well as details on temporary patio requirements are available on the Temporary Expedited Sidewalk Patio Program webpage.
Temporary Patios on Private Property
Restaurants and bars that propose new or extended outdoor patios on private property can apply for a temporary outdoor patio.
Once approved, temporary outdoor patios on private property can operate until October 31, 2020.
“The City is thrilled to see businesses taking advantage of this expedited process with patios already open in our downtown core and beyond. We are committed to doing whatever we can to help our local restaurants and businesses get back on their feet,” said Oshawa Mayor, Dan Carter. “It’s more important now than ever to shop and support local. If you’re able, consider enjoying a meal on a local patio or ordering takeout from your favourite restaurant.”
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