By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Restaurant patios are here to stay after Council approved making the temporary test program a permanent option.
The project first came to life after the Economic Development and Tourism Division began receiving an influx of inquiries regarding the use of municipal property for seasonal patios. In June of 2018, a pilot project was greenlit by Council and implemented by staff.
“Currently, as restaurants are only permitted to offer curbside pickup or delivery, the patio program is not a feasible option,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism for Haldimand County. “However, once the Province lifts further restrictions and moves towards allowing restaurants to reopen their dining facilities, the patio program may assist restaurants in providing more seating to accommodate social distancing requirements that will likely remain in effect.”