Barrie is launching the Patios Everywhere Program in the city, after approval by Barrie City Council on June 1. This means restaurants, once allowed by the province to reopen for dine-in options, will be able to offer outdoor dining experiences while maintaining physical distancing.

This program is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will support local restaurants by providing flexibility to restaurant owners while at the same time ensuring safety standards and measures remain in place. The Patios Everywhere Program is intended to address patios that are outside of the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA).

"This program will support our efforts for local economic recovery," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. "The additional patio space across the city will provide options to create public spaces and to safely adapt during the pandemic."

Food and refreshment trucks could be another option for restaurants to operate safely during this time, as they distribute restaurant capacity while meeting physical distancing measures. City staff are currently exploring a dedicated location for these trucks, potentially using city parking lots, as part of the Patios Everywhere Program. All food/refreshment trucks would have to meet all required health and safety inspections required by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Businesses can apply for the Patios Everywhere program for both patios and food trucks through the City's APLI portal at barrie.ca/APLI. To further support local businesses, any applicable City of Barrie fees for this program will be waived.

Applications and design concepts will be reviewed to ensure universal accessibility, public safety and that the patio space will positively impact the existing streetscape environment. All applications are required to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Visit Patios Everywhere Program at barrie.ca/COVID19 for more information and FAQs. Business owners can email patioseverywhere@barrie.ca if they have questions.