Supporting local restaurants

Oct. 22, 2020 10:00 a.m.
​Patio season continues in Vaughan with extension of deadline to expand or establish outdoor eating options
 
As the provincial government moves Vaughan and York Region into modified Stage 2 restrictions, the City of Vaughan is standing up for its local restaurants and small business community. Vaughan Council has unanimously voted in favour of further extending the temporary permit deadline for eating establishments to create or expand an outdoor patio space until the end of the declared emergency.
As the pandemic evolves, the City continues to consider innovative options that will allow businesses to offer temporary alternatives that align with provincial and public health mandates. On June 19, Mayor Bevilacqua issued the first directive under the City’s Emergency Measures By-law to allow local eating establishments and banquet halls to temporarily expand or establish additional patios until Nov. 1, while maintaining physical distancing. Now, with this new measure, the by-law will remain in effect for 14 days beyond the termination of the emergency declaration in Vaughan.
 
Businesses can begin the process to do this by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. Only licensed eating establishments and banquet halls are eligible to receive an approval to operate a temporary outdoor patio, otherwise it will not be permitted. Upon completion of the application, the applicant must confirm the establishment meets all the requirements to set up a temporary outdoor patio. 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.
If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, these steps must be followed:
  • Taking reservations
  • Limiting the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time
  • Ensuring enough space between tables to allow for movement;minimum 2 meters (6 feet)
  • Ensuring access to facilities is limited to patio/outdoor dining area, food pickup, payment, washrooms or other health and safety purposes
If portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
  • be 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.
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 Vaughan’s 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 the York Region Medical Officer of Health and the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law. To further assist in the fight against COVID-19, proactive public education efforts and increased enforcement have also been initiated by By-law Officers across the city.
This new measure marks one of many initiatives championed by the City to support its business community during COVID-19. Learn more at vaughanbusiness.ca.

 
QUOTE
 
“During these challenging times, we must continue to do everything in our power to ensure we reduce the impacts of COVID-19 in our city. Small businesses remain the backbone of Vaughan’s thriving economy and make up more than 85 per cent of our local workforce. Now that the Province of Ontario has moved Vaughan and York Region to a Modified Stage 2, we must continue to support our small business community, especially our restauranteurs, because our strength lies in their success. I enacted the Emergency Measures By-law to expand patio opportunities back in June to take immediate action to help these entrepreneurs innovate, compete and increase their service offerings. This action has helped Vaughan businesses welcome back customers and attract new ones. As we continue to follow the advice of our Public Health experts, I encourage our residents to continue ordering delivery, take-out or safely dining outside at local patios while practising physical distancing. I want to remind all residents and business owners that we are in this together, and we will emerge stronger.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
  • On June 19, Mayor Bevilacqua issued the first directive under the City’s Emergency Measures By-law to allow local eating establishments and banquet halls to temporarily expand or establish additional patios until Nov. 1, while maintaining physical distancing. Now, with this new measure, the by-law will remain in effect 14 days beyond the termination of the emergency declaration in Vaughan.
  • On Oct. 21, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua reiterated his authorities under the Emergency Measures By-law and further extended the temporary permit deadline for Vaughan eating establishments to apply for or create an outdoor patio space until the end of the declared emergency.
  • 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 and Instagram 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 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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