2023 Downtown Patio Season

Peterborough, ON - Patio season is ramping up with the installation of expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space for people visiting the downtown.

The City will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets that have signed up for the expanded patios this year, using on-street parking in front of their businesses.

The patio season changes also include the reconfiguration of Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to add more patio and pedestrian space. That area of Hunter Street, which is part of what is known as the Café District with expanded sidewalk space for patios, will have even more space for people to enjoy businesses and restaurants in outdoor space thanks to the temporary lane reconfiguration. As part of the reconfiguration of the section of Hunter Street, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street the duration of the closure at Hunter Street.

This is the fourth summer that the City is putting in place temporary changes to downtown public space to allow for more patio and pedestrian area. This year’s design is similar to last year’s successful design. Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios. Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses.

The installation will begin on Tuesday, May 15, 2023 with the Hunter Street West lane reduction. Installations are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate applicants that did not meet the initial application deadline. Currently the City has received about 25 patio permit applications.

Providing additional outdoor space for downtown businesses and visitors is another way to add vibrancy to the Central Area.

For a third year, the City will also coordinate the installation of public art works along a section of Hunter Street as part of the Renaissance on Hunter public art project. The Road Mural and Artists' Gardens projects are expected to be in place by end of June, weather permitting.

The City is accepting Patio permit applications until June 1, 2023. Patio Licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio on City-owned property. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applicants are now able to submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

To ensure compliance with the patio permits and limit the City’s risk related to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit.

For general inquiries relating to outdoor patios on City-owned lands please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor by email at nhuculiak@peterbrough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext: 1654.

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