City of Thunder Bay release
THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay will be launching a two-year Pop-Up Patio Pilot beginning this summer to allow local businesses to build temporary, seasonal patios and seating areas using sidewalks and on-street parking spaces.
This pilot has been requested by businesses within the Business Improvement Areas and Business Association areas who believe the establishment of pop-up patios would contribute to the attractiveness and vibrancy of the areas, attracting additional visitors and increased spending.
“We have been approached by several businesses in our organized districts that say they are interested in building pop-up patios in front of their businesses,” said Joel DePeuter, Manager of Realty Services.
“The goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and welcoming street atmosphere provided that operational impacts and risk and liability to the City can be managed.”
He added that the locations of these outdoor spaces would not interfere with the flow of pedestrians or vehicles.
The scope of the pilot is to permit a limited number of patios in each of the BIA and BA areas. The City will be seeking input from the public and successful applicants around the success of the pilot after the first summer season.
Interested restaurants are invited to submit an application with the endorsement of the relevant BIA or BA for consideration. Businesses will be given approval for their applications early-to-mid June, and patios will be installed in late June/early July.
Completed applications can be submitted to the Realty Services Division until May 30 at 4 p.m.
City Council will receive an update at the end of the two-year pilot.
For more information, and to download the application package, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/sidewalkpatio
