More Port Coquitlam businesses may soon be granted public space for outdoor patios and tables.
This comes after Mayor Brad West and councillors asked city staff to formalize its temporary outdoor spaces program Tuesday night (Sept. 14) and make it permanent for companies that are still struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to West, the city is said to be the first among its neighbouring Metro Vancouver communities to fully implement the initiative year round.
"We’re pleased with the success of this program, and believe it will continue to benefit our restaurant and entertainment industry and add vitality to our commercial areas," West added in a statement today (Sept. 15), noting the program originally was created in May 2020 and is currently in expansion until October 2021.
"I know our residents and visitors have loved having more outdoor patios around Port Coquitlam. We look forward to seeing more in the future."
Additionally, B.C. restricted indoor dining from March 29 to May 25 — the day after the Victoria Day long weekend — with the virus and its rapid spring transmission causing concern for public health officials.
This forced other businesses to look for outdoor patio options at the time.
To date, PoCo says roughly 10 businesses have taken advantage of the outdoor spaces program since theirs was implemented in March 2020 when the pandemic was called, which allowed them to use "public rights-of-way" to expand its reach with patios, tables and product displays.
This includes:
- Streets
- Sidewalks
- Road lanes
- Parking lots
"We want to work with our Port Coquitlam businesses to help them not only survive, but thrive," said West, adding council hopes for a seamless transition.
"Our door is open and we invite more businesses to apply."
The mayor explained staff will be working with businesses to refine the use of public or outdoor spaces to support their needs and activities, while also ensuring the pedestrians and vehicles are not entirely impeded.
The city added that fees incurred for "encroaching on public lands" after the COVID-19 pandemic are set to be waived until 2023.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the BizHub page on the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
