November 11, 2020
Today, City Council extended Mississauga’s temporary patio program and amended the Temporary Use By-law to allow restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments to operate their temporary outdoor patios until December 31, 2021. As part of the extension, these businesses can also install temporary tents/covered areas and heating devices as part of their patios, in accordance with provincial and City regulations, to ensure they can continue to serve patrons during the winter months.
“This is a vital step to help our restaurants get through the next year,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know what a devastating impact COVID-19 has had on all our restaurants and small businesses. By permitting businesses to continue to operate their temporary outdoor patios, and allowing temporary outdoor tents and heating devices, restaurants can continue to serve customers through all types of weather while also adhering to all COVID-19 health and safety protocols.”
On July 8, 2020, Council passed the Temporary Use By-law to permit outdoor patios accessory to restaurants, convenience restaurants and take-out restaurants on private and public property until December 31, 2020. A temporary patio program was also endorsed to help restaurants meet City conditions when developing their patios on public lands. As of today, temporary outdoor patios on both private and public land are permitted until December 31, 2021.
“We have a dedicated team who are working directly with restaurant owners to help them understand the steps they need to take if they want to install a temporary outdoor patio, extend their existing permit or put in a temporary tent, covering or heating device,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building. “This is an important initiative, and our team is working hard to ensure all applications are reviewed and processed in a timely manner.”
Temporary Outdoor Patios
Restaurants with temporary patios on public land can submit a request to extend their permit. Applications to extend existing permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the temporary patio and surrounding area meets the requirements.
An establishment looking to install a new temporary patio on public land can also still apply for a permit.
Temporary Tents/Covered Areas
Restaurants that wish to install a temporary tent or covered area on their temporary patio on public land will require written permission from the City. Restaurants will be able to indicate whether they’d like to set up a temporary tent or covered area when requesting to extend or obtain their temporary patio permit.
Temporary tents or covered areas installed on public and private land must adhere to all provincial and City regulations.
Outdoor Heating Devices
Restaurants that wish to install a heating device on their temporary patio on public land will require written permission from the City. Restaurants will be able to indicate whether they’d like to set up a heating device when requesting to extend or obtain their temporary patio permit.
Restaurants are permitted to use a heating device on their outdoor patio so long as it adheres to the Patio Heater Safety Guidelines as outlined by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services will inspect all outdoor patios with heating devices to ensure conditions are met.
Restaurants with existing temporary patios will be contacted directly by the City in regards to extending their patio and installing a temporary tent or heating device. More information about the City’s temporary patio program can also be found online at mississauga.ca/temporary-patio-program.
Businesses can also access additional recovery support and resources from thefutureisunlimited.ca/covid-19/.
To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311.
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