Last week, Premier Doug Ford announced that most of the province would begin Stage 2 of Ontario's reopening.
As of June 12, all areas outside of the GTA, Hamilton and Niagara Region were allowed to reopen hair salons, nail spas, tattoo parlors, barber shops - and restaurant patios.
In Tuesday night’s Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury virtual council meeting, a Patio Expansion report was presented by Peter Loukes, Director of Development & Engineering Services. The report recommended allowing restaurants and retail stores to expand their existing outdoor patio and retail spaces, to accommodate more clients while still meeting physical distancing requirements.
For stores and restaurants in private plazas, that could mean expanding into parking lots, as long as the new patios and retail areas don't block access, fire routes or handicapped ramps.
For businesses in the downtown core, that could mean utilizing sidewalk space and even closing curb lanes along Holland St. near the Four Corners, and on Barrie Street and Simcoe Road, through an encroachment agreement with the town.
Most restaurants and retail stores have been shuttered to patrons since mid-March, and the town is looking at ways to support local businesses. The idea is to help them “get back on their feet,” Loukes said.
“The programs would allow businesses to use a space to increase their footprint and capacity to serve more customers,” he noted. “We are looking at businesses expanding out their front door and using asphalt for pedestrians."
The report acknowledged that closing the curb lanes to traffic in some areas of downtown will impact both the flow of traffic and onstreet parking, but suggested, "It is expected that traffic volumes will remain below normal for some time."
Staff also recommended reducing the speed limit on Holland Street from Dissette Street to Holland Court to 40 kmph, to provide greater safety. Accessible parking spaces would need to be maintained for all establishments.
“It’s a matter of trying to compromise and find a balance of space they need, to have open and sufficient parking,” said Loukes.
The program and expanded patio spaces would operate until Nov.1, unless there are further changes in government regulations.
Councillors agreed that the program was needed, but questioned both the details and the “red tape” surrounding the approval process.
Coun. Gary Baynes asked if there was a limit on the size of a patio. At one restaurant, he said, "It looks like their patio is going to be bigger than their restaurant ever was."
Loukes explained that patios are governed by regulations relating to liquor licences, and washroom capacity - as well as the need to maintain 2-metre physical distancing. "In order to maintain the same capacity, they would need a larger open space," he said.
Baynes also raised the issues of insurance and liability, if a patio is set up on a public right-of-way.
Director of Corporate Services Rebecca Murphy noted that the town is liable, when sidewalks and rights-of-ways are involved, which is why restaurants will be asked for a certificate of insurance, proving $5 million in coverage.
When asked if that was excessive, Murphy responded, "Five million dollars is pretty standard these days. We're not asking for additional insurance. Most businesses that are serving alcohol these days should have $5 million in insurance."
Restaurants would pay for any patio improvements, but all other costs - including the cost of encroachment agreements, signage and road barricades - would be covered by the town, Murphy noted. The cost is estimated at $30,000 to $50,000.
The biggest issue was the perceived delay in implementing the expansion program. Loukes had suggested that it could take two to three weeks, especially if an encroachment agreement is needed.
"The private property we can do much quicker than that - in the next couple of days," he said. "Just to make sure the property owners are in agreement. We're not trying to hold up the process. We're trying to make it go as quickly as possible."
He told council that one hold-up was an expected delivery delay of two to four weeks for the barricades needed to close the curb lanes - but several councillors suggested that alternatives could be found more quickly, even if it means moving jersey barriers from some local parks.
“Jesus Murphy, we got to get this open!” exclaimed Deputy Mayor James Leduc. “We have to step back as a community and take off the red tape.”
Leduc suggested as long as a business has submitted an application, they should be able to open right away.
"These businesses have to get open. This is ridiculous. As long as they have their insurance, as long as they have a letter from their landlord - get them open!" he said. "We've got to get these things going, they need to make money, we don't need this red tape, and the community wants to see them open."
Staff have had "well over a week to get this done," and prepare an online application form, Leduc said. "We don't need time, we don't need to stall, we need to get things open."
"Two to three weeks is unacceptable," agreed Coun. Mark Contois. "That is way too long. People have been suffering. It's ridiculous. We need action, and we need it as quickly as possible."
“The faster we can implement this the better,” said Coun. Ron Orr.
“We need to see our residents out there enjoying themselves while they can. We want them (business owners) out there doing their thing," added Leduc.
There was a suggestion that not all Holland St. businesses would want to use the sidewalk or public right-of-way. Some have property and parking at the rear of their buildings, and could be ready to go more quickly.
"I hear you loud and clear. We'll look at what we can do with the barriers," Loukes said. He noted that if the plan was approved by council that evening, staff would be able to accept applications as quickly as the next day.
"The barricades are at the top of the agenda tomorrow morning," he added, promising to find a quick solution.
Some Bradford restaurants, like St. Louis Bar & Grill, and La MexiCanada have already opened their existing patios. Others, including Poleiro’s BBQ and Chuck’s Roadhouse, have newly-constructed patios that are ready to go - and just awaiting a green light from council.
"This is the time businesses need to get going. People need to get out - they're going crazy," said Deputy Mayor Leduc. "We shouldn't be stepping in their way."
Coun. Baynes refused to support the proposal unless an amendment was made: He wanted heavy truck traffic to be restricted and moved off Holland St., in addition to the implementation of a reduced speed limit, for safety reasons.
Both the amendment, and the resolution to approve the patio expansion program, were passed unanimously. Coun. Gary Lamb declared conflict of interest as a previous employee of a downtown restaurant and did not vote.
Council was again assured that the online forms will be available Wednesday.
"Hopefully we can move forward as quickly as possible," said Mayor Rob Keffer.
