City of Brampton will allow local restaurants and bars to expand outdoor spaces to support economic recovery when reopening permitted

The Voice of Canada News:

BRAMPTON, ON – Brampton City Council approved plans to support local restaurants and bars as they prepare for their eventual reopening when permitted by the Province.

Regional Councillor Pat Fortini brought forward a motion to Council requesting that local restaurants and bars be allowed to expand outdoor spaces to spur business recovery, after speaking with local restaurants Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill and Oscar’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill. The motion was passed unanimously by Council.

Restaurants in Brampton will be allowed to expand their patios onto sidewalks and private parking areas to accommodate more outdoor seating space, once permission is received from the Province to reopen outdoor dine-in services. At this time, the Ontario Government has not permitted restaurants, bars and other establishments in the Region of Peel to reopen.

Outdoor patio and sidewalk permit fees will also be waived for 2020 to help local restaurants and small businesses in their recovery.

As planning for the City’s safe and gradual reopening continues, Council and staff will work closely with restaurants and businesses to identify ways to expand low-risk operations while adhering to public health’s guidelines and physical distancing rules.

Economic Recovery Strategy
Local businesses play a key role in Brampton’s economy. Last month, Brampton City Council approved Brampton’s Economic Recovery Strategy, which includes actions to support small businesses, restaurants and tourism. As part of this, the City launched its “Support Local” campaign encouraging residents to explore, select and buy local during COVID-19 and beyond.

Quotes

“We are committed to working closely with our local businesses on helpful solutions as they make the necessary adjustments to safely reopen. My family has been enjoying our local restaurants every Takeout Wednesday and I am very much looking forward to dining in outdoors and continuing to support local once it is permitted and safe to so.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“We have heard firsthand from our local restaurants how hard they’ve been hit as a result of COVID-19. As work continues on our gradual reopening, we will look at all avenues to help support our local businesses’ full and safe recovery.” – Gurpreet Dhillon, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development and Culture; City of Brampton

“The welfare of Brampton’s small businesses is top of mind for us. Allowing businesses to plan for these changes to their outdoor spaces now, will help ensure they are ready to go when we receive the green light from the Province and Peel Public Health.”- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development and Culture; City of Brampton

“Our staff and Council have listened to the needs of our local businesses and stakeholders and we are taking action where possible to help support them in their reopening. As a City, our role is to support our community’s collective recovery and safety and I know the expansion of outdoor spaces will help do just that.” – David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association applauds the City of Brampton in passing a motion to open outdoor patios and in allowing expansion of these areas. Restaurants have been hurting and this allows a gradual progression to create trust with consumers to visit their operations for the flavoursome food being offered” – Tony Elenis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA)

“As a long-time established and anchor business in the downtown Brampton, we are so grateful for the support our community and the City have shown us during these very difficult times. These welcome changes announced by the City will allow us to accommodate more of our valued and missed customers in the safest way possible once we are allowed to reopen. I look forward to seeing everyone on our patio as soon as it’s safe to do so.” – Sabena Coulter, Owner, Fanzorelli’s Restaurant & Wine Bar