Burlington, Ont. — Nov. 3, 2020 — At a Special Virtual Meeting of Burlington City Council on Monday, Nov. 2, Council approved the extension and amendments of the temporary patio bylaws to Oct. 31, 2021. Council also approved amendments to make sure winterized temporary covered patios or tents on private property are safe to protect both restaurant customers and staff. Bylaw, fire, snow clearance and zoning requirements need to be met to protect public health and safety in the event of heavy snowfall, ice or the need to evacuate a tent or building.

The City of Burlington is also offering a grant program to reimburse the costs of Building permit fees in the estimated total amount of $5000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund for outdoor patios and tent structures when a building permit is required, with an expiry date of Oct. 31, 2021. This will save applicants the $280 application fee for a zoning permit for such tents.

Restaurants that have existing outdoor patio agreements with the City of Burlington and would like to operate a patio throughout the winter must inform the City of Burlington by Nov. 8, 2020.

Through a Winter Patio Task Force, a restaurant that expresses interest in operating their patio throughout the winter season on public land will be evaluated to ensure health and safety measures are upheld, including provincial regulations such as the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, maintenance obligations under the Municipal Act, 2001 and minimum maintenance standards on public right of ways, public health regulations and relevant local bylaws. The overall safety of the public on the City’s rights of way, such as sidewalks, will also be considered.

The City’s Zoning Bylaw would be amended to remove the current time limitations of temporary structures and tents up to 60 m² to instead permit temporary structures until Oct. 31, 2021. While temporary structures of this size will be subject to the guidelines contained within the temporary use bylaw, this amendment will provide increased flexibility to restaurants.

City staff are committed to reviewing applications and granting approvals and agreements as fast as possible to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the winter season.

Updated guidelines for temporary patios and tents can be found on the City’s website atburlington.ca/patios. Contact the City’s Special Business Area Coordinator: Robert.Catherall@burlington.ca or 905-335-7600, ext. 7445 for more information.
This is part of the City of Burlington’s reopening response to the COVID-19 virus while protecting its staff and residents.

Earlier this year, Council approved bylaw amendments to allow temporary patios on private property to Jan 1, 2021. The temporary bylaw was passed to help local businesses operate during these unprecedented times and protect public health and safety.

Burlington is ranked as Canada’s best community and best place to raise a family. It is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington atBurlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.

Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“These initiatives will continue to help some of our restaurants and retail businesses across the city stay open as we continue to face COVID-19 in Burlington. Council, staff and local businesses are continuing to work together to cut red tape and adapt to this new normal. We must continue to follow public health guidelines, including social distancing. Winterized patios will help give local businesses that extra space to continue serving their customers in the safest way possible.”

Executive Director, Community Planning, Heather MacDonald
“Allowing businesses to winterize their patios and outdoor spaces brings a new dynamic to keeping everyone safe. City staff is committed to working with interested businesses on a case-by-case basis to consider how their outdoor patios and tent structures can operate through the winter and beyond while maintaining public safety and achieving legislative compliance. I encourage businesses to contact us so that we can provide them with the information they will need before making investment decisions.”

Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/patios

COVID-19

• For more COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public Health www.halton.ca/coronavirus
• Community questions and requests regarding City of Burlington services can be directed toServiceBurlington by phone at 905-335-7777, by email at city@burlington.ca or online
• Residents can stay informed at www.burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
• Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
• Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: www.who.int
• Joseph Brant Hospital: www.josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
• Team Burlington (Burlington’s business organizations)

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Communications contact:
Suzanne Vukosavljevic
Manager of Communications
Office: 905-335-7600, ext. 7841
suzanne.vukosavljevic@burlington.ca