Fredericton Extends Sidewalk Patio Season To Help Restaurants And Cafés
FREDERICTON – Local restaurants and cafés have faced many difficulties during Covid-19, and they weren’t looking forward to losing their valued sidewalk patios by September 30, the last day they could leave them in place according to city rules.
But one Fredericton business approached the city government about extending the removal date to give businesses a little extra leeway.
“We got a note from 11th Mile restaurant on York Street and they indicated that it would be very helpful if the patio season could be extended because of all the challenges they faced with COVID,” said councillor Bruce Grandy, Chair of the City’s Development Committee.
“And so, we made a decision within 24 hours to say, ‘yep, you know what, we’re going to extend this into October.’”
The city extended the removal date for patios until October 15.
No additional fees will need to be paid for parking spaces used for the sidewalk cafes, but businesses will have to continue the necessary insurance coverage.
Grandy said he thinks September is a good month to sit outside while eating because it may not be as hot as the summer months. By extending the deadline, restaurants will have the full month of September plus a bit of October to take advantage of their outdoor seating.
“It’s my hope that these extended hours really, really translate into helping these businesses,” Grandy said.
The 11th Mile, the restaurant that originally suggested the idea, has a different patio than most local restaurants. The sitting areas are separated by “pods” so pedestrians can walk through the sidewalk with no disruption. They call this seating area, “The Sipping Container.”
Jennie Wilson, owner of 11th Mile, said having their outdoor patio makes up for a small portion of the lost indoor seats.
“It gives us two extra weeks of those seats,” she said.
Wilson also said the outdoor seating brings in a different crowd of people during Covid-19.
“It allows us to serve the population who are still not fully comfortable eating inside,” Wilson said.
“So it’s two extra weeks of getting that population out and about before we have to put our patios away.”
Grandy said the city is pleased to be able to support local restaurants and their sidewalk cafes especially during the economic challenges brought on by Covid-19.
He said he’s been keeping an eye on social media and restaurant owners and customers seem to be relieved with the extension.
Wilson said the summer has been too hot for some customers to even use the outdoor seating. She’s hopeful that customers will take advantage of their patio in the fall months when it’s a little bit cooler.
Grandy agrees, he thinks the cooler weather will incentivize customers to eat outside.
“I think there will be people taking advantage of this, some people love the fall rather than the humidity of the summer,” he said.
“And you know, they like to take advantage of bundling up in a sweater and having a few drinks or a meal outside.”