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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.