Patio Program

The Temporary Patio Program was introduced in the summer of 2020 to support hospitality sector businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its commencement, the Program has been approved to continue, on a yearly basis, by Town Council.

The Town’s Temporary Patio Program allows existing food and drink establishments to extend their operations by providing a patio on a temporary basis, subject to Town requirements.

The Town is now engaging with Niagara-on-the-Lake residents, visitors, business owners and patio operators in the review of this Program to determine if it should continue and, if so, what process improvements are needed.

The review of the Temporary Patio Program will inform recommendations to Council for the creation of a potential permanent Seasonal Patio Program. A permanent Program would continue to permit the establishment and operation of patios for up to 8 months of the year on an annual basis, allowing food and drink establishments to offer services outdoors, subject to Town requirements.

We want to hear from you!

As part of the Town's review of the Temporary Patio Program, we want to hear from you!

The public is invited to engage and provide feedback in the following ways:

• Complete the survey below until September 8
  • Residents, business owners and patio operators in Town can sign up to participate in a future focus group session at the end of the survey. Respondents will be randomly selected for this focus group. Town Staff will contact those individuals with more details.
    
• Attend the in-person Public Information Centre (PIC) at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse (26 Queen Street) on Monday, August 28, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. No registration is required to attend the PIC. The PIC will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to talk to Staff in person and learn more about and provide feedback on the Town’s current Temporary Patio Program.

Additionally, Staff are reviewing the existing application process, permit requirements, and minimum design standards for temporary patios.

Thank you for joining the conversation!