THUNDER BAY — Now that the first season of Thunder Bay's pop-up patio project has wrapped up, city officials are looking for feedback from the public on what the experience was like.
Officials are using an online survey to find out how the program worked, and if residents and the business sector feel it should be changed.
The city responded this year to requests from the business community by allowing downtown restaurants to build temporary, seasonal patios and seating areas using sidewalks and on-street parking spaces.
This summer, three north-side restaurants participated in the project: The Foundry on Red River Road, Red Lion Smokehouse on Park Avenue, and Apple Chipotle's on Court Street.
The goal, says city realty services manger Joel DePeuter, was "to create pedestrian-friendly environments and welcoming street atmospheres, where any operational impacts, risk and liability to the City can be managed."
According to DePeuter, feedback his department has received so far has been positive, especially from the participating restaurants which reported an increase in traffic and no operational issues.
Apple Chipotle's co-owner Jason Mackenzie called it "a great program," saying his restaurant appreciated the chance to participate.
One of the purposes of the survey, however, is to determine the impact the project had on the downtown area overall.
The city is asking residents, businesses and tourists to fill out a questionnaire that includes five yes/no questions and space to provide more detailed feedback.
The survey can be accessed during the month of November at www.thunderbay.ca/sidewalkpatio.
DePeuter said what happens with the pop-up patio program next will depend a great deal on what respondents say.
"This is a two-year pilot for the three businesses that participated. Depending on the feedback, it may be extended or it may become a permanent program."
He said if city administration decides to make it permanent, it will be open to other restaurants as well next year.
