Central Area Patio Permit Applications are now open for the 2024 patio season

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Downtown Peterborough at sunset

Peterborough, ON – Planning for the 2024 Patio Season is underway with the City of Peterborough opening the application period for expanded patios in designated Central Area corridors.

The City’s annual expanded patio program has been in place for the last four years, creating the opportunity for more patio and pedestrian spaces in the downtown.

“The vibrant downtown patio scene has become a mainstay for Peterborough each summer. Supporting our local businesses contributes to the economic and social wellbeing of Peterborough. We’re looking forward to another great season of shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of the City,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

The program includes: 

  • Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.
  • Maintaining the existing two vehicular travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water streets. 
  • Reducing Hunter Street West between George Street and Aylmer Street to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas.
  • Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street, while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process.
  • The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes.
  • The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the City sidewalks.
  • A non-refundable $320 Application fee.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage  at www.peterborough.ca/licences for more information on the application process. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

Patio licence holders must put in place measures that are feasible to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may reach out to the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 2, 2024. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 31, 2024.

Businesses interested in receiving a patio permit should apply as early as possible to facilitate a timely response.

Fencing and planters for expanded patio spaces associated with applications received after April 2 will be installed based on staffing availability. The City will aim to install the patios within two weeks of an executed permit agreement. Installation dates are subject to change at the discretion of the City.

An enforcement process using the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System will be applied for businesses that are not in compliance with their patio permit requirements 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 or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654.