City and Downtown Sudbury Ready for Restaurant Patio Season

The City of Greater Sudbury is again offering local restaurants a streamlined application process for rapid approval of new or expanded outdoor dining patios. The provincial reopening plan allows outdoor dining with up to four people per table starting Friday, June 11.

“We’re very pleased with the provincial announcement that will allow our local business owners to begin to recoup the losses they’ve experienced throughout the pandemic,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “Improving processes to encourage economic growth and development is a strategic goal of the City and of our partners. Creation of a one-stop shop for patio permits is an example of how we are enabling local businesses to hit the ground running as restrictions are lifted.”

The City of Greater Sudbury has assembled a review team of municipal and external agencies, including Public Health Sudbury & Districts, to provide rapid response to applicants for restaurant patios.

The Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area (BIA) is working directly with its members to prepare and submit applications that maximize business investment. The BIA meets regularly with City staff to coordinate services for local business owners.

“We’re working closely with our members to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Rob Jones, Co-Chair of the Downtown Sudbury Board of Directors. “Patios have a positive domino effect. People sitting around a table gain an appreciation and awareness not only of the restaurant, but of all businesses in the area.”

Businesses outside of the downtown are encouraged to submit applications and obtain information online at www.greatersudbury.ca/patios to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety and permit requirements. Restaurants with existing built-in patios under licence with the City and the Liquor Licence Act can open without additional approvals.

To assist with economic recovery, the City has waived the $1.50 per square metre monthly permit fee associated with the set-up of outdoor dining spaces on public properties.

All businesses must follow Public Health requirements for employees and clients to operate a COVID-safe establishment, including physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection protocols.

The City of Greater Sudbury offers assistance to all businesses through its dedicated Business Support Hotline at 705-690-9937. A comprehensive listing of business resources for economic support and recovery is available at www.greatersudbury.ca/COVID.

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