Want more outdoor patios in Edmonton? It could happen as soon as next spring

The City is hoping to make it easier for businesses to open outdoor patios, by streamlining the process for restaurants to obtain patio licences.

A report by City Councillors Don Iveson, Ben Henderson, and Kerry Diotte was released earlier this week, after questions were raised about the policies surrounding outdoor patios in Edmonton. The report outlines the city’s existing program and provides suggestions for improvement.

Councillor Iveson wrote the following on his website,

“I think we’re almost ready to be a big city. However, one of the things we still need to get right is patios: increasing opportunities to operate them, streamlining the rules for them, and working with the province to open up still more opportunities.”

Councillors are hoping to streamline the process of obtaining a licence by simplifying the review procedure and shortening processing timelines for those interested in operating a patio.

Right now it takes businesses six to eight weeks to go through the process of opening up a sidewalk café or patio. Under the report, the wait time for small businesses looking to operate a patio without alcohol could be cut down to just a few days. At this point there’s no estimate on how long the process would take for larger businesses who require more paperwork for things such as liquor licences.

“The more that we can do to streamline the process to allow businesses to have outdoor patios, I think that’s a good idea. But, within reason, obviously we don’t want them everywhere. There has to be some rules in place but, I think it makes sense to move forward with a streamline process,” said City Councillor Kim Krushell.

The Manager of Twist Ultra Lounge on Whyte Avenue thinks it’s a great idea. She says the patio at her lounge is crucial for business.

“A patio in Edmonton brings in tons of customers that we wouldn’t normally have. It kind of makes our business in the summer time,” said Brooke Babyak adding, “Without it, I think in the summer months we would definitely lose a lot of our clientele.”

Patrons agree. The more time they can spend outside soaking up the sun, the better.

“I’m a huge fan of patios in this city. I mean, people don’t even call it spring and summer, they call it patio season,” said Chad Mcgillivray.

With nice weather sometimes hard to come by in Edmonton, Mcgillivray says he tries to maximize the amount of time he spends outside.

“If you’re going out for dinner in the summer, spring it’s just nice to sit outside and get the fresh air while you can.”

“There’s nothing better than to sit and enjoy our lovely Alberta weather. Short or not, it’s fantastic and we need to be out and enjoying it,” said Barb Fontaine, who also enjoys sitting on an outdoor patio.

The report will be discussed at the October 10th Executive Committee meeting, and Iveson hopes the changes will be made by the time the next patio season rolls around.

With files from Quinn Ohler. 

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