City Council approves creation of permanent on-street patio program

HAMILTON, ON - March 10, 2017 – This week, City of Hamilton Council approved the creation of a permanent on-street patio program. The program allows local businesses, who follow specific criteria, to establish temporary seasonal patios and seating areas (from May 1 to October 31) utilizing on-street parking spaces within Business Improvement Areas and Community Improvement Plan Areas.

About the On-Street Patio Program

Find more information about the On-Street Patio Program by visiting www.hamilton.ca/onstreetpatios. The 2017 submission deadline is April 1 at 4:30 pm. After the deadline, applications will continue to be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

The on-street patio program fits with the City’s philosophy of being “Open for Business” and was introduced as a pilot program in 2016. After last season, City staff met with eight business operators who participated in the pilot. All eight operators felt that the pilot was a success and fully supported a permanent program.

In addition, 350 patio patrons were surveyed. Of the 113 responses, 97% were in support of the patio program and staff received no negative feedback about the pilot program. View the staff report for more background information.

"In keeping with the City’s Open for Business focus, we're so pleased to be able to give our local businesses the opportunity to now offer their customers an on-street patio experience on a permanent basis," said Jason Thorne, General Manager of Planning and Economic Development. “The on-street Patio Program really enhances place-making within the BIAs and some Merchant Association areas and provides businesses with more flexibility and ways to interact with, and serve, their customers."