Chatham-Kent will see its seasonal patio program on public property become permanent.
There was no debate on Monday night, as council members decided that the program was an asset to businesses and ended its temporary status.
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Story written April 27, 2024
Chatham-Kent could soon see its seasonal patio program on public properties become permanent.
At their meeting Monday night, Chatham-Kent Council will vote on a staff recommendation to make the program permanent between April 1 and November 1 each year starting this summer.
The pilot that allowed businesses to set up outdoor patios on municipal sidewalks was launched in June of 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures that restricted food and beverage service to takeout and outdoor patios only. The patio program was later expanded to include on-street parking spaces in downtown areas.
"Chatham-Kent’s Temporary Seasonal Patio Program (TSPP) that began as a COVID-19 pandemic relief measure for businesses has become an asset for Chatham-Kent businesses," wrote CK's Director of Public Works Ryan Brown in his report to Council. "The recommendations in this report aim to shift the successful TSPP from a temporary emergency response initiative for the hospitality sector into a sustainable program that provides certainty to operators and supports economic opportunities while balancing the needs and expectations of the business community, residents, and visitors."
Fees were waived between 2020 and 2023, but staff is now recommending a $362.88 fee to partially offset administrative costs.
Currently, requests for temporary patio permits on the municipal right-of-way are emailed to ckpw@chatham-kent.ca and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and administration is now recommending a single application for a three-year term.
If the application is approved, owners and tenants will be required to enter into an encroachment agreement with the municipality before any patio is constructed.
Brown wrote program participation has varied over the years from 12 in 2021, to seven in 2022, and 13 last year.
"Most businesses that participated in the program experienced positive economic impact in sales and in the ability to hire and retain staff," he said. "Visitors to patios also indicated positive experiences with the program and a strong desire for it to continue."
If the permanent seasonal patio program is approved, insurance liability will also be reviewed by the municipality and could increase in the coming years.
Private property patios will not be included in the seasonal patio program. Businesses that wish to establish a permanent patio on private property should apply through the regular building permit and liquor licensing process.
Click here for the CK Patio Program guidelines.