Fewer downtown Guelph businesses participating in patio program
Patio season is set to return to downtown Guelph this weekend, but less than half of the businesses are taking part in the seasonal patio program compared to last year.
Arun Kashyap, the owner of Wimpy’s Diner, said aside from some spots out front, much of his focus this summer will be on filling seats inside the restaurant.
“We are putting two more tables outside so that people can sit out on the pathway, not on the road. But I think this is more than enough,” he explained.
Wimpy’s was one of the many restaurants that participated in last year’s patio pilot project, which saw businesses move tables onto the street to help counter pandemic-related closures. Since the program is now a permanent fixture, it comes with an increased price tag.
Participating businesses have to pay $659 for the application and inspection fees, plus an on-street fee of $10 per square metre every month. That’s up from only $3 per square metre last year. In subsequent years, the city said there will be a $260 inspection fee, plus the monthly $10 per square metre cost.
“I think, including me, other restaurants are not opting for this option at this time,” Kashyap explained. “Now, the labour prices are going up and I need to put at least three people out there. If I have a bigger patio, it’s not working in my favour.”
He’s not alone. While it’s unclear if the price point is a factor in other restaurants’ decisions, there are fewer businesses participating this year.
In 2023, 33 businesses took part in the seasonal patio program. This year, the city approved 14 public property applications and the application period is now closed.
“Given the fact that I have to pay them monthly this much, plus delivery, plus the suppliers supplying me the food – everything is up,” Kashyap explained.
While patio sizes vary, the city estimates that the average business will pay around $3,000 during the five-month program.
Even so, the team over at Brothers Brewing Company is on board with the increase.
“I just think the patio, especially, increases a lot more foot traffic. It really fosters a sense of community,” said server Tya Milne.
Plus, she added, patios and pints pair quite nicely with their business model.
“Beer in the sunshine. There’s nothing better than that.”
Despite a dip in participation, city staff are also looking forward to another year of expanded patios.
“We’re committed to working with businesses and we’re excited to see downtown streets animated with patios again,” a city spokesperson told CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
Newly mapped lost branch of the Nile could help solve long-standing pyramid mystery
Egypt’s Great Pyramid and other ancient monuments at Giza exist on an isolated strip of land at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Ontario sees first measles death in more than a decade after young child dies
A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills
As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.
'Another pair of eyes watching over me:' How a B.C. woman's guide dog saved her from drowning
A B.C. woman says her guide dog pulled her from a lake moments before she had a seizure, saving her life.
Vatican revamps norms to evaluate visions of Mary as it adapts to internet age and combats hoaxers
The Vatican on Friday radically reformed its process for evaluating alleged visions of the Virgin Mary, weeping statues and other seemingly supernatural phenomena, insisting on having the final say in whether the events are worthy of popular devotion.