The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has launched the 2021 Temporary Patio Program with a new, streamlined online application, located at www.gotobwg.ca/patio.
The new temporary patio program, approved by BWG Council in February, allows patios from April 15 to November 1, 2021 on private property and public sidewalks in the downtown core (the launch date of the public program will be weather‐dependent). There is no cost to apply.
“After months of lockdowns, stay‐at‐home orders and significant limitations on public gatherings during the COVID pandemic, the BWG 2021 Temporary Patio Program should offer a welcome respite for weary families, as well as an economic lifeline to many of our merchants who continue to struggle under pandemic restrictions,” said Mayor Rob Keffer. “Last year, municipalities were quickly thrust into this situation, leaving mere days to put a temporary patio program into place. This year, our staff worked diligently to prepare in advance, giving our merchants a generous amount of time to apply and put their patios in place.”
The Temporary Patio Program began last summer when the province relaxed COVID business closures for restaurants offering patio dining. BWG was one of the first Ontario communities to approve a program, authorizing 21 temporary patios. The program was generously supported by local merchants Ontario Barrier Wall and Utilicon, who offered free or discounted prices for patio materials. Both companies are offering these savings again, as 2021 program sponsors.
The program has been widely embraced by restaurant owners and the public. The program will, again, feature downtown lane closures, as well as modestly‐relaxed insurance requirements.
For more information, please visit www.gotobwg.ca/patio.