Vancouver's temporary pandemic patios to become annual summer fixture
The temporary patios that helped many Vancouver bars and restaurants survive the pandemic are becoming an annual summer fixture – though not every patio will be allowed to return next year.
Under a new program approved by city council this week, eligible establishments will be able to open seasonal patio space on either public or private property between April 1 and Oct. 31.
Mayor Kennedy Stewart said the temporary patio program created in response to the COVID-19 crisis launched a "new and vibrant patio culture" in Vancouver that the city is intent on maintaining.
"We're building on that success with a new annual summer patio program and ensuring residents and visitors can look forward to this new summer tradition for years to come,” Stewart said in a news release.
The city permitted nearly 700 temporary patios during the pandemic, but those permits are set to expire at the end of October.
When the seasonal program launches, there will be an application website to guide bars and restaurants through the process, with staff approving patios on a case-by-case basis.
In a news release, the City of Vancouver said it "may no longer be able to support some of the existing temporary patios," such as those attached to limited food establishments that don't have public restrooms.
It also said patios on "some arterial streets may not be viable as traffic volumes resume."
More details on the program, including the requirements bars and restaurants will have to meet in order to be eligible for seasonal patios, are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.