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Port Coquitlam pub seeks patio upgrade to take advantage of spectacular river views

More opportunities for outdoor dining eyed as Port Coquitlam pub grapples with changing restaurant market; Pub aims to turn more of its liquor-only seats to dining tables
0322 Gillnetter Pub renovation
The Gillnetter Pub in Port Coquitlam seeks approval to update patio and add more dining seats.

A Port Coquitlam pub located on the Mary Hill Bypass has plans for a make over that will add more restaurant seating and update a patio to take advantage of Pitt River views.

Tuesday, council will be asked to approve plans that would add 47 seats to the establishment, for a total of 187, and create a seating area with outdoor fire pits as well as more restaurant dining space.

The Gillnetter Pub has 118 liquor primary and 22 food primary (restaurant) seats for a total of 140 seats and includes a small liquor retail outlet. The proposed renovation will add 47 new seats but also proposes to redistribute those seats to 29 liquor primary and 158 food primary for a total of 187 seats, creating a larger dining area. 

The pub owners also want to build a 427 square foot addition to expand the kitchen and kitchen storage; replace the existing partially enclosed outdoor patio with an updated enclosure; add furniture and fire pits to the uncovered portion of the existing patio; add an enclosure to better screen garbage and recycling storage and enhance landscaping throughout the parking area with additional trees and shrubs.

“The proposed update to the outdoor seating area also responds to the changing restaurant environment providing greater opportunities for outdoor dining. The proposed renovation to the kitchen and patio will also address outstanding building code concerns at the site. Staff recommend approval,” a report to Port Coquitlam’s council in committee states.

The report also notes that more parking is required than allowed by bylaw, 57 compared to 48, and that a sign posted about the development permit application drew complaints about noise generated by the business, including overnight/early morning garbage and recycling pick up.

In response, the pub is switching to recycling and garbage pick up after 8 a.m. and Gillnetter staff have been directed to minimize late night noise.