Friday, March 26, 2021

Supporting local economy with extended patio program and small business help

MARKHAM, ON – March 26, 2021 – The City of Markham has extended its Temporary Use Zoning Bylaw to allow temporary extended patios until December 31, 2021. This supports the local economy through Summer and Fall as businesses, artists and entrepreneurs continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

This program was introduced during the first wave of the global pandemic to provide a no fee, simplified process for businesses, artists and entrepreneurs to temporarily work outdoors to keep staff and patrons safe and support the local economy.

For 2021, the extended program application requirements are as follows:

All existing temporary extended patios located on private property can continue to operate without having to re-apply
Permits for temporary extended patios located on City boulevards or on City property expired on November 1, 2020 and a new application must be submitted for 2021
Applications are now being accepted for new temporary patios, including patios on private property, and on City boulevards or on City property

All tents and canopies used in these areas must be in compliance with the Ontario Building Code and require a separate permit.

More information about the program, complete requirements and regulations, and how to apply is available at markham.ca/patios.

“Building on the success of the patio program in 2020, we are delighted to once again offer this exciting opportunity this year for Markham restaurants and businesses,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Understanding that recovery will not be business as usual, we want to give restaurants, bars, cafes and other businesses the flexibility to expand into extra outdoor spaces. Expanding patios will also allow them to meet physical distancing and hygiene guidelines. We want to give businesses every possible opportunity to rebuild.”

Businesses must ensure that they follow public health guidelines, provincial COVID-19 regulations, as well as licensing requirements under the amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA).

We are here to help. Businesses looking to better understand COVID-19 health and safety regulations can visit markham.ca/CovidEnforcement.

Public health inspectors and municipal bylaw officers are able to enforce COVID-19 regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act. Businesses that fail to comply with COVID-19 safety measures will be ticketed and subject to fines, and repeat offenders could face temporary closures.

All local restaurants, retailers and artisans are encouraged to join Destination Markham’s online business listing at visitmarkham.ca. Be found quickly by a community eager to support local and enjoy free promotions by completing a short entry form.

Finance, tax and legal workshops, as well as pre-recorded webinars, continue to be available via the Markham Small Business Centre.

Related links:

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

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