Winter operation of temporary patios will be available with additional operating requirements
Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is making temporary patio registration available to eligible businesses through the winter with new operating requirements. Current temporary patio registrations submitted for the summer patio season will extend until October 31, 2020. New winter patio registrations will be accepted as of October 14, 2020 and will be in effect from November 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
“The immediate extension of outdoor patios to October 31 and the creation of a winter program is one more step the City has been able to take in order to create more flexible conditions for the hospitality industry,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “With added restrictions due to the pandemic, the hospitality industry is struggling right now and I am hopeful this winter patio program will help create more opportunities for business owners.”
“As restaurants are forced to navigate the many challenges caused by the pandemic, it is important that the City continues to work with business owners on finding ways for them to safely participate in the province’s reopening strategy,” said Cindy Gilroy, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage and Downtown Development. “I know there were many restaurants that participated in the temporary patio program this past summer and I look forward to seeing how restaurants are able to continue patio service over the winter months.”
Businesses that wish to participate in the temporary patio registration program over winter will need to submit a new registration form and supporting documentation for review and approval prior to winter operation. More information about the application process is available online at winnipeg.ca/temporarypatio.
Requirements added for winter operation include permitted heating sources, size and material restrictions for tents or shelters, and requirements for snow removal. All winter safety requirements can be viewed at Temporary Patio – General Safety Requirements.
In response to the Province of Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services plan, the City of Winnipeg offered the temporary patio registration program as a way for qualified businesses to participate in the first phase of the reopening plan by registering a temporary patio through an expedited registration process. The City was able to grant approved temporary patios on the basis that restaurants followed the City’s General Safety Guidelines, while respecting the public health orders issued by the Province. There are currently 64 restaurants and taprooms with a registered temporary patio.
City officials will evaluate the temporary patio program on an ongoing basis to ensure the approvals continue to align with public health orders.