Patios

The concept of sidewalk seating was first developed in 1974 and the program was a huge success, however, cost effectiveness was an issue for many small business owners in managing the added expense of the permit. In an effort to support small business in the City, Council made significant changes to the Program in 1994 that enabled small business owners to take part. The Small Patio Program was developed which both encouraged and assisted small business owners to participate. The program to date has been a huge success as hundreds of small business' over the years have had the ability to offer sidewalk seating for their customers.

If you are the owner of a business and wish to provide tables and/or chairs on the sidewalk for your customers a permit through the Streets Administration Branch of Engineering Services is required. If you would like to install railings around the area or serve alcohol within your patio you will need to apply for the category of a "Large Patio". If you would like just a few tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of your business, you will need to apply for the "Small Patio" category. The designation between "large" and "small" has nothing to do with the actual size of the patio, but the requirements for each are quite different. Both are administered by Engineering Services which gives restaurants and Sidewalk cafes the option to have outdoor seating on city property. This adds interest, variety and attraction to the streetscape while enhancing the dining experience.

For full program details and requirements, please download the application form.

• Small patios permit application ( PDF 103kb)
• Large patios permit application ( PDF 312kb)

Contact information

Small Patio or Large Patio