City of Hamilton amends bylaw to make way for more patios
- Michael Kras
- 10 Jul 2020
Hamilton city council has voted in favour of amending the recent bylaw intended to allow the city’s restaurants and bars to open extended patios amid COVID-19.
The bylaw was the result of a motion introduced by Ward 2 councillor Jason Farr, who proposed the creation of ‘outdoor dining districts’ that would allow restaurants to created extended outdoor seating and accommodate more visitors safely and distantly during the pandemic.
This is intended as a means of keeping Hamilton’s restaurants and small businesses afloat, especially as many had been reduced to simply offering takeout and were taking the hit of a considerable financial loss.
With 117 total applications and 80 approved so far for the extended patio program, Hamilton has already seen numerous extended patios and dining districts pop up; most notably, the extensive outdoor district established for the restaurants lining King William Street.
However, due to restrictive zoning bylaws already in place that prevent commercial patio spaces from extending into residential areas, not all restaurants and bars found they were able to take advantage of the opportunity. In fact, 10 applications have already been rejected.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, Ward 4 councillor Sam Merulla proposed a motion to temporarily remove some applicable zoning bylaw restrictions, thereby allowing those rejected restaurants and bars to open their extended patios after all.
This new motion passed 13 to 2, with the bylaw amendment officially in effect as of August 21st – though, enforcement of the current bylaws is to be suspended until then. Restaurants previously rejected for the extended patio will have to reapply.
Lead image courtesy of @jasonthorne_rpp
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