FAQs

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. These patios can be located adjacent to businesses/buildings, within municipal parking spaces, or on privately owned parking lots/areas. Food and drink establishments are required to apply for a Temporary Patio Permit under this Program annually.

The Town’s Temporary Patio Program allows only existing food and drink establishments to have a temporary patio. 

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) currently permits temporary patios for up to 8 months of the year on an annual basis.

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 that time, the temporary patios have continued to be permitted annually amid changing Provincial Regulations and circumstances.  

The minimum design standards, application process, and permit requirements have not been subject to a fulsome review since the Program’s commencement. The Town is reviewing the existing Temporary Patio Program to understand the challenges, constraints and opportunities to inform a permanent Seasonal Patio Program. Town Staff will consider all feedback provided to offer recommendations to Council should they wish to continue permitting patios for food and drink establishments on a temporary basis.

No, the review of the existing Temporary Patio Program does not consider the implementation or permission of patios on a permanent basis.

Feedback can be provided using the survey at the bottom of this project page. Additionally, the public is invited to attend an in-person Public Information Centre (PIC) at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse (26 Queen Street) on Wednesday, August 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to provide their feedback to Town Staff.