THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay will spend at least two more years developing and expanding its Pop-Up Patio pilot project.
The project allows restaurants to set up temporary, seasonal outdoor dining areas in front of their buildings.
It was started in 2018, and will now operate at least through 2020.
The city gathered feedback from businesses and the public on how to improve the program in 2019.
Joel DePeuter, manager of Realty Services for the city, says the city is acting on numerous suggestions that the patio areas be removed from sidewalks to the parking stalls.
"A number of comments point us in that direction. Folks will no longer have to detour around the patio.There are cases where the sidewalk surface is uneven, so tables and chairs are rocking," DePeuter told Tbnewswatch, adding that other municipalities have adopted this format.
The city will also increase the maximum number of patios from four per business area to ten per business area.
DePeuter said he expects more restaurants will participate than the three that took part last year.
"The goal of this pilot was to create pedestrian-friendly environments and welcoming street atmospheres throughout the city, and we have received positive comments from businesses in favour of the program."
More than Over 1,000 responses were received to requests for feedback, of which 95 per cent were in support.
Interested businesses must submit an application, along with the endorsement of their local Business Improvement Area or business Association, by April 17.
The BIAs and BAs originally requested the pilot project, believing pop-up patios contribute to the overall attractiveness and vibrancy of their areas, resulting in increased traffic and increased spending.
