More Oshawa restaurants and bars have been able to enjoy the warm weather this summer with the help of the City’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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions regarding temporary patios on public property can be directed to Economic Development by phone at 905-436-5617 or by email.
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 private property temporary patio application as well as details on temporary patio requirements are available on the Temporary Outdoor Patio on Private Property webpage.
Questions regarding temporary patios on private property can be directed to Planning Services by phone at 905-436-3853 or by email.
For more information about the work of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force, visit www.oshawa.ca/EconomicRecovery.
Oshawa businesses are encouraged to contact Oshawa Economic Development Services at [email protected]. For more information on Economic Development Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/business and follow @InvestOshawa on Twitter.
Additional information and resources for businesses are available on the Region of Durham’s website at www.investdurham.ca/covidresponse.
For updates on the City of Oshawa, visit www.oshawa.ca and sign up for news, alerts and e-newsletters. Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Connect Oshawa.
Quotes
“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.”
“As Chair of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force, I am excited to see the expedited patio process in progress and the great things that are coming out of it. It is wonderful to see patios open throughout our city, but it’s even better to see Oshawa residents out and enjoying themselves on those patios,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair, Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force & Chair, Development Services Committee. “I look forward to positive outcomes from other action items from the Task Force. We remain committed to providing opportunities, like this program, to assist and support COVID-19 recovery for Oshawa businesses.”
