Port Colborne approves new changes to pop-up patio guidelines, including waiving fees

Port Colborne city council approved new changes to the guidelines for operating a pop-up patio in the city, which includes waiving of fees.

The staff report presented to council indicates that after engaging with the Downtown BIA and local business owners on West Street and Clarence street, pop-up patios have been a lifeline for businesses struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting up a patio on city-owned property, like parking stalls and sidewalks, is permitted under the city’s encroachment by-law.

“Restaurants and cafés have had to rely on patios the past two years to keep their businesses afloat. The changes that council approved will make it easier to operate a pop-up patio in Port Colborne,” said Mayor Bill Steele.

In previous years, the city charged $300 for erecting a new patio and $50 for renewal. Based on the report’s recommendations, council agreed that patio fees be waived for 2022.

The city said other important guideline changes include extending the operating season from April 1 to Nov. 15 and approving patios of up to two (or any space within) parking stalls per business and no more than three pop-up patios per block on West Street.

Stemming from feedback received during and after a council meeting on Feb. 22, the city says additional clarification was provided on where patios must be placed in relation to building frontage.

Patios are not to extend beyond the frontage of the sponsoring business without approval from the city and any neighbours affected by the spillover. The city says an agreement document between neighbours and the building owners will need to be signed and included with the sponsoring business’s application. Neighbouring businesses can also jointly sponsor and share a patio platform that spans multiple storefronts.

“Port Colborne’s small businesses have been through and overcome a lot during this pandemic, and the improvements endorsed by council will make for yet another successful patio season,” said Bram Cotton, economic development officer.

The city says Cotton’s consultations with the local business community uncovered a desire to have pop-up patios be a permanent option in the city. A future staff report will present this option for council’s consideration.