Here’s how long patio season will officially last in Mississauga
Published September 11, 2020 at 4:14 pm
With the cooler weather already here (what happened to summer?), many bar and restaurant owners are feeling nervous about getting customers through the door at a time when they’re not allowed to pack their indoor dining rooms to full capacity.
Fortunately for business owners and patio lovers, the city announced that it’s extending its temporary patio program until Nov. 15, 2020.
“I have some good news for our bar and restaurant owners. We’ve officially extended patio season right here in Mississauga,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said at a recent press conference.
“We recognize the impact COVID-19 has had on local restauranteurs and bar owners, and we’re doing what we can to keep customers coming through their doors.”
The temporary zoning bylaw, which was implemented in June, allows strip mall-based restaurants to use parking areas to accommodate patios where mall management permits. It also allows restaurants that want to expand a patio onto a city sidewalk or public street to seek city approval and obtain a modified minor encroachment permit.
At the press conference, Crombie said the extension applies to businesses that are already participating in the city’s temporary patio program.
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Crombie’s announcement came just days before the City of Toronto announced that restaurants participating in the municipality’s CafeTO program can also extend their patio season through the use of portable heaters.
“I’m sure we will see patios transform into a winter wonderland this year with blankets and seasonal drinks to keep customers cozy and warm,” Crombie said.
When asked if Mississauga will also allow more heat lamps to be used, a spokesperson told insauga.com that an enclosed CSA-certified propane patio heater (with a maximum 20 lb tank) is permitted on local patios.
The city says the heaters must be located at least 3.0 m (9.8 ft) away from tree branches and not stored on the road right-of-way when not in use.
With files from The Canadian Press
Editor’s note: This article has been updated from its previous version to reflect new information on patio heaters.
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