Summer patio season gets boost as Vancouver issues 85 new permits – The Province

Vancouver has issued 85 patio permits in the three weeks since the launch of its expedited application process.

The citys Temporary Expedited Patio Program, which allows restaurants and bars to set up temporary patios on sidewalks and streets, opened at the beginning of June. Close to 150 applications have already been received and with summer patio season in full swing and little time to waste, more than half have already been approved.

In recent months, the city has prioritized freeing up additional space for temporary patios, so that physical distancing requirements can be followed at Vancouver businesses, and 73 of the newly issued permits are for patios on public lands, such as roads, on-street parking areas and sidewalks.

We realized right away that in order for our businesses to continue, they would need some extra space for physical distancing, said Neil Wyles, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area. We have been working closely with city staff as they navigate the new issues and realities of this pandemic and it has been rewarding to see applications make their way through the approval process.

On June 11, council also approved bylaw amendments to include patios on private property. Twelve private patios have already been approved, and another 16 private patio applicants are working with the city to complete their applications.

Ciy staff expect permits for private patios to be available by the end of the month. Patios that do not require construction can be approved within five business days.

As co-owner of three restaurants and a brewery in Vancouver, I can attest to the incredible hardship all restaurants in the city have endured during COVID-19 closures, said David Nicolay, co-owner of the Cascade Group and Main Street Brewing Co.

With the expansion of patio options in line with the provinces recommendations of safer outdoor space to gather, restaurants will have an amazing opportunity to capitalize on the summer patio season.

The city is also working to approve patios for breweries, wineries and distillers, and will be holding a public hearing on a proposed bylaw amendment on June 30.

hmooney@postmedia.com

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Summer patio season gets boost as Vancouver issues 85 new permits - The Province