Fees for 2023 patio season waived by Oakville Town Council

Oakville | Halton | Business | Latest News |

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Published March 6, 2023 at 10:53 am

Downtown Oakville's outdoor patios and sidewalks are jammed during weekends, but unfortunately that means attracting good people and bad people. TOWN OF OAKILLE PHOTO

Patio season is right around the corner and Oakville businesses are getting a financial break to celebrate getting outdoors.

Town Council has waived fees for the 2023 patio season, which begins on May 1. Patio permit applications will be accepted by the Town beginning March 15.

In an effort to support local businesses and add vibrancy to Oakville commercial districts, Council has also approved the 2023 Commercial Patio Initiative.

The program permits patios, bistros and merchandising on public and private lands from May 1 to Nov. 1, 2023.

“We are excited to bring back the popular patio program that makes our streets and shopping areas more vibrant with many outdoor dining opportunities,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

“With an added safety focus this year, we know our community will make the most of the season and continue to support local eating and drinking establishments and enjoy our town.”

Also new this year for the program is the requirement of safety barriers for all patios located within on-street parking spaces, in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Council’s recommendations.

With this being a new measure, the town has decided to supply and install safety barriers for approved patios during the 2023 season.

All businesses are required to obtain a permit to set up patio dinning or sell merchandise on sidewalks, on-street parking spaces and on private lands within parking spaces, walkways and landscaped areas.

Information on how to apply for a patio permit, required online forms and other details are available on the Patio Applications page at oakville.ca.

Those needing help filling out the application form can email [email protected].

Oakville staff are currently working to turn the pilot initiative aimed at helping businesses into a permanent seasonal patio program for launch in 2024.

Stakeholder consultation is expected to begin in mid-2023 with a final report to be brought to Council this fall.

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