Leamington Supports Local Business Community with Temporary Outdoor Patio Program

On Monday, July 6, the Province of Ontario announced that Leamington could move to Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan as of Tuesday, July 7. Last evening, Leamington Council acted swiftly to approve a temporary outdoor patio program in an effort to support the local business community through the COVID-19 economic recovery.

As part of the province’s framework for reopening under Stage 2, outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars, food trucks and other establishments, including temporary patio spaces are permitted to open with proper health and safety measures in place.

In anticipation of Leamington advancing to Stage 2, the Municipality developed temporary outdoor patio guidelines to assist business owners in extending existing or establishing new temporary patios on private and public property. In addition, a dedicated staff team has been assembled to streamline and expedite the review and inspection process.

“Leamington businesses have been hit hard by the extended COVID-19 restrictions,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We are optimistic that this program is a key first step forward in the road to economic recovery. It’s vital that we come together as a community and support our local businesses any way we can: dine on a patio, order takeout, purchase a gift card, and buy from our local stores and service shops – together we can make a big impact.”

To learn more about the Municipality’s temporary outdoor patios program, please visit: www.leamington.ca/patios