Mississauga introducing temporary zoning bylaw to allow restaurants to expand or create new patios
Published June 17, 2020 at 10:19 pm
Although COVID-19 has hurt cities and many of their local businesses, it might lead to something many municipal leaders have always dreamed of–charming, spacious patios along busy streets and in bustling plazas.
Even though Mississauga is not yet permitted to enter stage 2 of the province’s three-phase reopening plan, it is preparing to allow restaurants to provide dine-in service by introducing a temporary zoning bylaw that will allow restaurants to create or expand their outdoor patios.
“I know many residents and businesses are frustrated by the province’s decision to keep Mississauga in Stage 1 for now. While Mississauga has made significant progress with an average of 13 new daily cases last week, there is still more to do in terms of a sustained decline across all cities in the Region of Peel,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie at a June 17 press conference.
“Every day our Medical Officers are reviewing the data, and if the trends continue positively, I’m confident we will reopen soon. I know that our businesses, especially our small businesses, including restaurants and bars are feeling this the most. Please get ready. Council continues to do what we can to help with recovery and voted today to allow businesses to easily expand their patios into public areas and parking lots. I know it’s hard but please stay patient, we are almost there.”
The temporary zoning bylaw will allow strip mall-based restaurants to use parking areas to accommodate patios, where mall management permits. Restaurants that want to expand a patio onto a city sidewalk or public street will need city approval and obtain a modified minor encroachment permit.
According to the city, a patio design guideline and minor encroachment permit application will be available soon.
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At a June 17 press conference, Mayor Bonnie Crombie urged landlords and property managers to work with restaurateurs to create patios where possible.
Restaurant owners should note that patios will only be permitted once the province gives the city the go-ahead to move into stage 2. At this juncture, the soonest the city will be able to enter stage 2 is June 26.
Fees with respect to temporary patios will be waived.
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