Downtown Burlington restos can continue to have live music for three more years

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Published June 27, 2022 at 12:36 pm

If you’re the type who enjoys a meal and a beverage on a downtown Burlington patio while enjoying live entertainment, the City has your back.

Set to expire next month, city council will likely pass another three-year extension to the zoning bylaw governing outdoor patios.

First adjusted on a trial period in 2016, the temporary bylaw allows for live, outdoor performances. Previously, any performers had to be inside.

Given the City’s goals of achieving a vibrant and lively downtown, the area was identified as a pilot area to test permitting live music and entertainment on patios.

The permissions of the bylaw were subject to the following conditions:

  • Prohibiting the operation of any electronic device intended to amplify sound
  • Permitting the outdoor entertainment uses between the hours of noon to 10 p.m.
  • Prohibiting the outdoor entertainment uses after 6 pm on Sundays and holidays
  • Limiting the outdoor entertainers to one performer (solo or group) at a time
  • The outdoor entertainment uses remain subject to the City’s nuisance and noise bylaw.

The new three-year extension, which would allow the entertainment until July, 2025, has removed the prohibition on electronic amplification.

According to the staff report recommending the extension, the program has been well received by surrounding businesses and residents.

When this bylaw extension expires, the City is likely to look at expanding it citywide and making it permanent.

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