Downtown patio installation begins May 13, 2024

full bike rack

Sunshine on Hunter Street

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

The patio installations will start on Monday, May 13, 2024. The City will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved patio permits. Currently, expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of their establishment will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations.  

Decorative fencing and planter installations for patios are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate later rounds of patio permit applications. Currently the City has received about 20 patio permit applications. 

"I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city," said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk. 

"Our community has embraced the local patio scene and I'm always thrilled to see the remarkable support for our local businesses. They are the backbone of our community," said Town Ward Councillor Joy Lachica. 

The patio season changes include the reconfiguration of Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to create more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios provides additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces due to the temporary lane reconfigurations. As part of the reconfiguration of this section of Hunter Street West, 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.  

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios to further ensure pedestrian and customer safety.  

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 City is accepting Patio Permit applications for patios on city-owned lands until May 31, 2024. Patio permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio, including bistro style table and chairs, on City-owned lands. Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and temporary liquor licence extension. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applications, permit fees and supporting documents can be submitted online through the City’s website. 

To ensure compliance with patio permit requirements and respond 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. 

The City’s Patio Program dates back to 1997, which included bistro style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the fifth summer that the City is putting in place temporary changes to downtown public spaces to allow for more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.  

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.