Patios 101

​Everything you need to know about operating an outdoor dining patio in Vaughan

As the global COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the City of Vaughan continues to work with all levels of government to keep the community safe. As part of the Province’s response to the Omicron variant, Ontario transitioned into a modified Step 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen on Jan. 5. The new measures include the temporary closure of indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, with takeout, drive-thru, delivery and outdoor dining with restrictions permitted. Local restaurants, banquet halls and other eating establishments can explore ways to expand or create an outdoor patio, and the City 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 to qualified businesses within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application.

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.
• Ensure no more than 10 people are seated together at a table, unless from the same household. This can include one other person who lives alone or a caregiver required for a member of the household.

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.

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.

#DineVaughanLocal

The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining safely outdoors, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.

#ShopVaughanLocal

The City of Vaughan is also reminding residents to #ShopVaughanLocal and show support for local businesses by:

• shopping online or curbside at a local business or in-person within the permitted 50 per cent capacity and physical distancing requirements.
• buying gift cards from local stores.
• sharing the local love by using #ShopVaughanLocal on social media.

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 supporting a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic 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 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 licence is required to operate within Vaughan. For more information and to apply, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/ConsumerConfidence.

Stay up to date with the latest response efforts by frequently checking the City’s COVID-19 webpage at vaughan.ca/COVID19. For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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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