By Stephen Vance, Staff
Downtown Meaford could soon feature sidewalk patios after council approved a pilot project at the June 8 meeting.
“The Municipality has received requests from various restaurants to permit outdoor licensed patios on municipally-owned properties. One request (Captain’s Corner Fish and Chips) is proposed on a paved boulevard between the sidewalk and the building. Another two (Leeky Canoe and George’s on Main) are proposing the patios on the sidewalk with the temporary construction of walkways into parking areas,” Director of Planning and Building Rob Armstrong told council. “The temporary use of parking spaces for walkways to facilitate patios has become common in many other downtowns such as Barrie, Collingwood, and Fort Erie.”
Armstrong said that the two potential sidewalk patios would occupy some road-side parking spots during the summer months, and the patios would be removed and stored over the winter by the restaurants.
For the pilot project, the municipality will have an application fee of $200, and if the project is successful, in future years the municipality will charge a lease rate for the street space as is done in other municipalities.
“Planning Staff are of the opinion that the introduction of licensed street patios adds vibrancy to the downtown area with the introduction of human activity and can enhance the economic growth of our downtown area. In this regard we believe that the use should be considered. There are however a number of matters that need to be considered and addressed with each proposal. As part of the Pilot Project, this can be done with an application and an implementing agreement to ensure compliance with the Municipality’s requirements,” said Armstrong in his report.
Members of council enthusiastically embraced the idea, though Councillor Mike Poetker, who has his office downtown, noted that it might take him longer to walk to the municipal building with the tempting patios en route.
“You don’t have to stop at them,” joked Mayor Barb Clumpus.
“Well, I like to support local business,” responded Poetker with a laugh.
Armstrong said that with council’s approval of the pilot project, the patios could be established as soon as the restaurants are ready.
