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 additional operating requirements. Current temporary patio registrations submitted for the summer patio season will extend until October 31, 2021. New winter patio registrations will be accepted as of October 1, 2021 and will be in effect from November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
“Business owners in the hospitality industry have experienced enormously challenging circumstances throughout the pandemic,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The winter temporary patio program is one way the City is working with the industry to try and create opportunities to increase business and welcome back customers. Due to changing restrictions, restaurants weren’t able to take advantage of the temporary patio program last winter. But it’s our hope this year that we will see many residents supporting our restaurants and enjoying their patios from November to March.”
"Many of our restaurant owners have been working very hard to safely welcome back customers and bring some normalcy back to people who have been missing the opportunity to dine out or gather together," said Cindy Gilroy, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage and Downtown Development. “I am hopeful this winter patio program will help create more opportunities to increase business in a way that complies with current public health restrictions and offers a unique and enticing experience for customers."
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. The City is waiving the processing fee for the temporary patio program registration. 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 restaurants and licensed manufacturers with tasting rooms 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 businesses followed the City’s General Safety Guidelines, while respecting the public health orders issued by the Province. There are currently 113 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.