Vancouver's temporary patios will stay open through the winter
Vancouver’s temporary patios that were put in place as part of the city’s response to the pandemic will now remain open throughout the winter.
The city confirmed the decision on Wednesday, noting that this extension will carry right through until October 31 of next year.
“We heard clearly from businesses that this is an urgent need, and the city made many operational and policy changes very quickly to make this happen and support businesses,” said Jessie Adcock, the city’s General Manager of Development Business and Licensing.
The city said this extension “will allow businesses to continue to repurpose existing indoor seating outside while maintaining physical distancing measures.”
Businesses looking to winterize and extend their existing patio can visit the city’s website for information on heating, lighting, shelter for their patio, and additional requirements.
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“The temporary patio program has enabled us to permit an unprecedented number of patios, using our streets and public spaces in new ways,” said Lon LaClaire, General Manager of Engineering Services. “Fall and winter will bring new complexities, and we will learn and adapt as we continue to support businesses recovery.”
Application requirements for businesses
- Businesses with patios on public property may submit their application to extend their patio online starting October 23.
- Businesses with patios on private properties will automatically have their permits extended;.
- While application fees for temporary patio permits will continue to be waived, businesses will be required to obtain and pay for any gas, electrical and awning permits required to winterize a temporary outdoor patio.
The temporary patio program was first launched this past June, and since then over 400 temporary patios on private and public property have been approved by city staff.
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