Council passes changes to guidelines for operating pop-up patios in the city.
City council has passed a motion to waive fees for pop-up patios.
Previously, businesses were charged $300 for erecting a new patio and $50 for renewals.
Officials say pop-up patios have helped businesses make ends meet during the pandemic.
Restaurants and cafés have had to rely on patios the past two years to keep their businesses afloat. The changes that council approved will make it easier to operate a pop-up patio in Port Colborne," said Mayor Bill Steele.
Other changes include extending operating season from April 1st to November 15th, and approving patios of up to two (or any space within) parking stalls per business.
As well, no more than three pop-up patios per block will be allowed on West Street.
Patios cannot extend beyond the frontage of the sponsoring business without permission from the city and any neighbours impacted by the spillover.
Neighbouring establishments can also jointly sponsor and share a patio platform spanning multiple storefronts.
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