Temporary patios set up in unconventional spots could be a game-changer for typically dine-in-only restaurants recently forced to close again.

On April 6, the Provincial Government hit rewind and brought back stricter restrictions. The changes gave one of the hardest-hit industries, restaurants and food service, another significant blow. With spring in the air, business owners have the opportunity to take their dine-in services outside. Some restaurants in town already have designated space for outdoor eating, but many do not. For those that fall into the “do not” category, there is a new option. Permits for temporary patios have always been possible locally, but with the new restrictions, the turnaround time has been sped up, and parking stalls are now available as useable space.

Director of Planning and Development for the Town of Whitecourt, Jennine Loberg, said that her department is ready to help restaurants keep cooking. She noted that Development Officer Stephanie Schaffner had drafted a set of conditions to help give business owners an idea of what to look for if they consider a temporary patio. The draft includes making a patio work within different spaces and safety measures such as dealing with extension cords, umbrellas, and table spacing. “Maybe you want a shade structure or an umbrella or a tent. We want to make sure that what they put up will not blow away in the wind and end up in the middle of the road. I think Stephanie did a really good job of thinking through most of the things that would come into play to really make this as easy as possible for business owners.”

They are not providing things like picnic benches, but Loberg said they would find out what the needs are as they speak with business owners. “Maybe they can’t move their indoor furniture outside, and that could be a need for them. We are in constant contact with our Economic Development Coordinator, so if we need to whip up a quick policy program to help them out, then I’m sure we could do something like that.” She added that the main point is for business owners to reach out to the Town office’s Planning and Development department. “That’s really what we want to get out there to the public is for them to call us and talk to us. The more we talk to the different business owners, the better we can understand their needs and if we need to make any tweaks or edits to the program moving forward.”

The turnaround for a temporary patio permit could be as quick as one to two days. Schaffner said she already had one permit issued. “We are trying to get them issued pretty quick. We know it’s important to restaurants since they’ve been forced to go patio-only.” She said the business owner that had called was eager to get things done as quickly as possible. “I think they were pleased that we were able to get their permit issued within two days of their initial inquiry. That is not even counting when the actual application was submitted, but from the first time they spoke to us. Before the end of the next day, after their initial call, we had their permit issued. We are trying to get things moving quickly for these restaurants.”

Loberg said there are a couple of other potential options for restaurants that do not have enough parking lot space to set aside a few for a patio. “If they do not have room on-site to use one or more parking stalls, then maybe they have additional space on the property, whether it be green space or unused space. We can issue temporary patios for landscaped areas. If they want to bring their patio out onto town-owned property, that is something we could also consider. It’s just a little bit more of a process and a bit more complex, but we can definitely work with them.”

Both hope that lots of business owners take them up on the permits and give it a try. “We want to work with people. We know it’s important for restaurants to be able to do that dine-in service, so we want to support them and help them to stay open,” said Schaffner.

Loberg said businesses might need an extension from AGLC if they want to serve alcohol on their temporary patios. “You need municipal approval first, so the faster you get your permit, then the faster you can get your AGLC license extended.” Knowing that business owners will need to take multiple steps to get open is another reason why the Planning and Development department staff are eager to get permits out as soon as possible.

Schaffer said that along with other conditions, temporary patios would need to be marked out in some way, whether by rope, railing, or even closely placed planters. “Someway to mark out where the patio is, especially if they have a liquor license, AGLC is going to want to see that separation as well. Then we would look at what the traffic flow is on the site and if there would still be some parking available. Will it flow? Is the patio protected from potential collisions and will obstruct driver views?”

Though it might sound like a lot of information, both Loberg and Schaffner said that they are keeping it as simple as possible to help the process be quick. “We don’t want to make it overly complex.” They will also be coordinating with the fire department to help people get fire inspections done for AGLC. “Obviously, restaurant owners and the fire department will have to find their own time that works to get together for an inspection, but we are keeping in contact with the fire department so that they know what’s going on and who’s getting these permits. We want to make sure everyone is on the same page and all moving forward together.”

Issued temporary patio permits will be effective until November 1, 2021. To speak with someone about opening a temporary patio, please call the Town office at 780-778-2273 and ask for the Planning and Development department.