City of Hamilton moves to amend bylaw to allow for more patios

By

Published July 2, 2020 at 12:09 pm

Hamilton Councillor Sam Merulla tabled a motion that would temporarily amend the outdoor patio bylaw—allowing more food and drink establishments to operate outdoor patios on sidewalks and parking s

Hamilton Councillor Sam Merulla tabled a motion that would temporarily amend the outdoor patio bylaw—allowing more food and drink establishments to operate outdoor patios on sidewalks and parking spaces.

The move comes as cafes and restaurants struggle to rebound as stringent COVID-19 lockdown measures get loosened by the Provincial Government.

Merulla posted the news on his Facebook page.

“I want to thank Jason Thorne, Mayor Eisenberger, Councillors Jason Farr, Chad Collins and Tom Jackson, as well as council, in its entirety, in assisting us, in finding a way to help a few more local restaurants, establish temporary patios in this COVID-19 era and assist in mitigating the significant losses to business,” said the Ward 4 councillor.

Restaurants and pubs like Corktown, Endzone, West Town shared their gratitude on Facebook after mounting frustration with the city.

A handful of businesses were unable to take advantage of the city’s original patio program due to the proximity to residentially zoned properties.

Councillor Merulla’s proposal, which would expire at the end of 2020, includes provisions that:

  • The patio is setback at least 5 metres from any residentially zoned property
  • The patio does not obstruct a driveway or parking aisle or fire route

Under the original bylaw, 68 patios were green-lit in Hamilton. That number is expected to grow in the coming weeks.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising