The City of Richmond is asking for residents’ thoughts about making temporary outdoor patios permanent.
The city is looking at developing a program that would allow local businesses to apply to have an outdoor patio on public space, such as a sidewalk or on-street parking area.
City council voted last month to extend the current temporary program to June 1, 2022 and asked staff to look at developing a permanent program for public property.
Currently, businesses can apply to the temporary outdoor patio program, which was launched in May 2020 in response to COVID-19.
It allows food and beverage establishments to expand outdoor seating areas on private or public property.
While businesses with temporary patios in Richmond can apply for a permanent expansion on private property through existing processes, there currently isnt’ any way for those with temporary patios on public property to do so.
Residents can learn about the program and complete a survey on LetsTalkRichmond.ca, available until Sunday, Dec. 5.
