Haldimand County is proud to announce the return of its Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio Program. Applications are now being accepted for patios on both public and private property. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions Haldimand County has extended the patio season for both public and private patios from March 15, 2021 until January 1st 2022 to allow for more outdoor dining as weather permits.

Extending the patio season has a direct benefit for restaurants, cafes, breweries and other food establishments as it will allow establishments to host additional patrons while maintaining social distancing requirements. Food and drink establishments have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 with restrictions significantly reducing seating capacity in these establishments. Extending the 2021 patio season will support businesses in allowing them to serve additional customers outside of what may be acceptable indoors throughout 2021.

“The effects of COVID-19 have impacted businesses significantly, especially in the restaurant and service sector,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division. “Haldimand County continues to support businesses by removing as many barriers as we can at this time. Simultaneously, our hope is to come up with more creative solutions that encourage residents to support local businesses”.

In addition to the Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio program on public property, Haldimand County will also be extending the temporary private patio program that was established in 2020 to support the restaurant sector through COVID-19 restrictions. This program permits establishments to open a temporary seasonal patio on private property without proceeding through the planning approval process.

Businesses wishing to apply for a Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio permit must complete an application. More information and the application form can be downloaded at  BusinessHaldimand.ca/business/seasonalpatioprogram. Business owners are also encouraged to contact Economic Development and Tourism Division (EDT) staff to review their patio concept and application prior to submission. The EDT team can be reached at 905-318-5932 or opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca.