Mild winter means an early downtown patio season

Thanks to a relatively mild winter, patio season in the Sault can officially start a week early.

A news release issued today by the City of Sault Ste. Marie states that the opening date for downtown sidewalk patios has been changed from May 15 to May 6, "the earliest possible date that outdoor patios can operate under current provincial requirements."

Downtown establishments that wish to operate an outdoor patio this summer are encouraged to apply early as "lead-time and unexpected issues can delay an application."

Full text of the news release follows:

The city welcomes applications for sidewalk patios in the downtown area. Due to mild weather this past winter, the city has advanced the opening date for downtown sidewalk patios from May 15 to May 6. This is the earliest possible date that outdoor patios can operate under current provincial requirements.

Municipal approval is only required for patios on city property. Commercial patios on private property do not require municipal approval provided they are not in a yard that abuts a residential zone.

Lead-time and unexpected issues can delay an application so proponents are asked to apply early to take full advantage of the patio season.

As COVID regulations are continuously evolving, conformity with municipal regulations will not exempt restaurants and bars from also complying with Provincial and other relevant agency regulations. As well, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) requirements under the Liquor Licence Act must be met.

For further information, contact Jonathan Kircal at 705-759-6227 or [email protected]  for further information.