Patio Season Returns to Downtown Peterborough

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

While some on-street patios have already been installed, the bulk of the patio installations will begin Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The City will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses with approved patio permits. 

Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of the establishment will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of the business for patio operations. 

Patio season changes include the reconfiguration of Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to facilitate more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios along with the temporary lane reconfigurations will create additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces. This year, Chambers Street will remain as a regular one-way road and will not be closed 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. 

Patio Permit applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Patio Permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing 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 Patio Licences webpage for more information on the application process. 

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.

The Sidewalk Patio Program began in 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 sixth 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.