Oshawa approves plan to turn parking into patios

Downtown patio pilot. OSHAWA -- Darryl Koster, the owner of Buster Rhino's, approached the City of Oshawa last fall about converting on-street parking spaces in front of his restaurant into a patio in the summer. As a result, councillors are now considering a pilot project that would allow four restaurants to try it this summer. April 23, 2013 Jason Liebregts / Metroland

The project allows for four locations for summer patios: Buster Rhino's Southern BBQ and the Patty Shack on King Street East, Stuttering John's on Simcoe Street South, The Table by Carol on Simcoe Street South and the Malibu Grille at the corner of King Street East and Mary Street South. The patio for the Malibu Grill will be located on the sidewalk while the patios for the other three restaurants could be located on on-street parking spots.

The initial report from City staff recommended that Oshawa recoup lost revenue from the parking spots -- which ranged from $611 to $780 for the summer -- but Coun. Roger Bouma suggested waiving those fees for the first year of the program, given the expenses businesses will have to incur to get the project going.

Buster Rhino's president and pit boss Darryl Koster spoke at council in support of the project and estimated the cost for the patio for the first year could be as high as $9,000. Business owners who opt to use the on-street spots will be responsible for building a platform flush with the curb, and will pay for all inspections including the fire, health and police departments, and liquor licences.

Mr. Koster said he didn't go to council expecting the fees to be waived and applauded council's decision to move forward with the program.

"The Patty Shack and Buster Rhino's are incredibly satisfied with the outcome, it was more than we were looking for," he said.

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Oshawa approves plan to turn parking into patios