By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg could see outdoor patios at its restaurant locations as soon as next week, council decided this week.
The need for struggling restaurants to expand their patio season was a major component of last week’s presentation to council by the Downtown Business Improvement Area. This week, council modified the applicable bylaw provisions to make it happen, with a 2021 patio season that runs from March 1 through Nov. 30.
Manager of Legislative Services Brent Larmer said the idea was to provide more leeway and streamline the process for this business sector that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit very hard.
Provisions apply not only to restaurants downtown, but throughout town.
“We decided to make it as easy for them as possible,” Larmer said, listing the partners with whom the town worked on this project – the Cobourg Fire Department, the town’s building and planning departments, and the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As well, Larmer said, they have met with the restaurant owners for discussions.
“It was very well received,” he said.
Larmer also expressed appreciation to Chief Fire Prevention Officer Aaron Blair for coming up with patio heater safety guidelines that have been distributed to those restaurants who don’t want to wait until warmer weather comes.
“On behalf of council, I applaud the efforts of Legislative Services and the various departments,” Mayor John Henderson said.
“We want to work together to help these businesses prosper.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
