There will be more opportunities to eat and drink outside in Coquitlam this summer.
Restaurants and bars are now allowed to construct patios and outdoor seating areas on city sidewalks and parking stalls to help businesses struggling with reduced capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The potential for these new spaces ranges from a simple patio space such as a few bistro chairs and tables, to a more elaborate parklet-style space with platforms, planter boxes, lights and other features,” the city said in a statement.
The expansion of Coquitlam patios comes amid the identification of COVID-19 clusters at two restaurants in the Tri-Cities, one at the Brown’s Social House in Port Moody, where one worker is in isolation after testing positive for the virus, and another at the Earl’s in Port Coquitlam, where three staff have been sent home sick.
Last month, council approved new rules expediting the licensing process for establishments looking to expand outdoor areas on private property. The latest announcement broadens the program to include public rights-of-way.
Several businesses — including Doppios Zero Pizza, Kooks Cooks, Me-n-Ed’s Pizza, Polito’s Latin Cafe and Woody’s Pub — have taken advantage of the loosened patio restrictions since the program was first launched last month. The streamlined application process means businesses can get their approvals in two days, according to Jim Bontempo, Coquitlam’s manager of building permits.
“I don’t need to mention just how severe the pandemic has been on local business, in particular the food and beverage industry,” he said during a council meeting when the program was first approved. “Obviously, the food and beverage industry on a good day depends on patrons being inside the establishments and now we are faced with a situation where due to social distancing and occupant load restraints, there’s just no way a business can operate with one-third or one-quarter of the patrons inside the space. So we need to be creative here.”
Many of the usual requirements for patios are being temporarily suspended.
Building permits for outdoor seating areas, tents and canopies have been eliminated, according to the city, and changes to liquor licenses for the spaces are being pre-approved. Parking requirements are also being relaxed and all applications can be filed electronically, Bontempo said, noting the permits are expected to be valid until Oct. 31.
City staff are also considering a third phase, that could include “special events and activations on city-controlled property such as parklets, street closures and temporary markets.”
“The outdoor space expansion program is an example of the flexible, reasonable approach Coquitlam is taking to adapt bylaws and policies during the pandemic,” the city said. “To support businesses, the city has been considering ways to streamline and relax regulations that do not negatively affect public health or community wellbeing.”
Coquitlam is not the first city to look at increasing patio and outdoor areas for businesses coping with the current public health crisis.
Port Moody approved a similar patio expansion process in May, while Port Coquitlam has been offering free carpentry work to help businesses construct new seating areas.
For a complete list of businesses with outdoor seating areas go to visitcoquitlam.ca/eat-drink.
