Are you ready for patio season?
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COVID-19 Updates
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Patio season is around the corner! In preparation for Vaughan moving into Step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, local restaurants, banquet halls and other eating establishments are exploring ways to expand or create a patio this season. The City of Vaughan is here to help.
A permit is required
Businesses can begin the patio expansion process by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application. Note: patios may not open until the Province gives them the green light.
Appropriate measures must be followed
If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, the following steps must be followed:
- Limit the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time to ensure required distancing is maintained at all times.
- Ensure there is enough space between tables to allow for movement and maintain a minimum of two metres between patrons who are seated.
If outdoor portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
- ensure the heater is officially certified with CSA Group/ULC Standards.
- designate the heater for outdoor use only.
- have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater.
- install the heater on a non-combustible solid surface, and avoid setting up on grass, uneven sidewalks or under fire escapes.
- follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel if using a propane or other fueled heating appliance.
In accordance with Ontario regulations, patios cannot be enclosed. However, they can be covered with the use of an awning or tent. If covering a patio area, here are some guidelines to follow:
- At least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open. These open patio sides must also not be substantially blocked by a physical barrier.
- Building permits are not required for tents covering less than 60 square metres of combined floor area and are not attached to a building.
Increase your consumer’s confidence
Vaughan businesses can assure local customers and future visitors that they can safely dine and shop in Vaughan through two consumer confidence identifiers: the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp. These nationally and internationally recognized identifiers provide businesses with a visual cue to show customers that it is working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public health measures and support a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department, inclusive of Tourism Vaughan.
How to apply:
- Make the POST Promise – a self-declaration for any type of business through a national not-for-profit corporation that was built specifically for this effort. Taking the POST Promise is a pre-requisite for the Safe Travels Stamp and the Vaughan Safe Travels Toolkit.
- Apply for the Safe Travels Stamp and Vaughan Toolkit – a nationally recognized program through the World Travel and Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for tourism businesses, including restaurants. To apply, complete the Safe Travels Stamp application form (PDF) and email it to info@tiaontario.ca with your POST Promise certificate, and copy tourism@vaughan.ca to receive the Safe Travels Vaughan Toolkit. This includes marketing assets to share the stamp on your business’ website, social media channels, e-newsletter among other external marketing materials, such as counter signs and window decals, shipped free of charge.
Businesses are reminded that a license is required to operate within Vaughan. For more information and to apply, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/ConsumerConfidence.
#DineVaughanLocal
The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining out safely, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.
Reporting violations
All outdoor dining and patio inquiries should be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All violations reported through the City’s contact centre will be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation.
Vaughan’s by-law team – in partnership with public health officials, York Regional Police and other levels of government – remains at the forefront in applying and enforcing new provincial regulations passed under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA), in addition to implementing directions of York Region’s Medical Officer of Health and the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law 037-2020 (PDF). To further assist in the fight against COVID-19, proactive public education efforts and increased enforcement have also been initiated across the city.
Stay up to date with the latest response efforts by frequently checking vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for news as it is released.
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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