The program could have a larger impact this year, with city staff suggesting a second core business area may close a street to make way for uses like patios and market space.
City council voted unanimously on Monday night to facilitate street closures, waive patio fees for businesses, ease zoning rules like minimum parking requirements, and fund the estimated $55,000 cost for the patio program in 2021.
The program saw a one-way section of Red River Road closed to make way for a “StrEATery” offering common dining and retail display space last year.
Thirty-eight businesses participated in the program, which allows them to set up temporary patios in sidewalk and parking areas. The program had struggled to attract interest before the pandemic.
“This was spectacularly successful last year, and was one of the things as a council we were able to do to really support the sector through the pandemic,” said Mayor Bill Mauro.
Coun. Andrew Foulds also touted the program's role as a testing ground for new approaches to street design in its downtowns.
“This program we’re enabling is also allowing us to literally test drive a number of options to see what can work [and] what doesn’t work in terms of reimagining what the downtown core could be,” he said.
An upcoming revamp of key streetscapes in the north core represents a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to reshape the downtown area, city planners have said.
Despite the ramping up of COVID-19 vaccination programs, a memo from senior property agent Lisa Zawadzki warned businesses could still face a difficult season.
“Many of Thunder Bay’s businesses continue to be severely impacted by the pandemic and it is anticipated that local retailers and restaurants will not be able to operate at full capacity this spring,” the memo reads.
A large part of the program’s estimated $55,000 cost is associated with providing concrete barriers to ensure safety, said manager of realty services Joel DePeuter. The estimate does not include the foregone revenue from waived fees.
It will be up to Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) to apply for street closures. While only the Waterfront District BIA did so last year, DePeuter said he expected to get a second request in another area of the city this year.
