Spring on the way as patio applications now open in St. Catharines

Niagara | St Catharines | Business |

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Published March 27, 2023 at 10:40 am

It's only a matter of time before patrons start filling the patios out front of St. Catharines restaurants, such as Kully's Original Sports Bar (shown here) on St. Paul St. (Photo: St. Catharines)

There’s always a few signs that spring is coming: the first sighting of a Robin, spring training for Major League Baseball, hanging up the snow shovel in the garage.

But in St. Catharines, the surest sign is the issuing of extended patio licences to the city’s many eateries. That truly means spring is on its way.

What was initially a COVID-19 recovery program – the city allowing restaurants to extend patios onto the sidewalks – has become an annual business practice for St. Catharines now.

“Permitting temporary extensions of commercial patios in St. Catharines has been vital to the increased operation and overall survival of businesses across St. Catharines,” says Brian York, St. Catharines Director of Economic Development and Government Relations.

“The STCPatio (Seasonal Temporary Commercial Patio) Program is an exciting addition to programming and attractions across St. Catharines while supporting locally owned businesses through expanded service areas during patio season.”

However, restaurants still need to apply for the patio okay and subsequently stay within the guidelines of the city’s program found HERE.

Approved STCPatios will be permitted to operate from this coming Saturday (April 1) to October 31. Applications will remain open throughout the entire season.

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