Details On Patios and Other Businesses Set to Open Friday

June 12, 2020
Category: 
Business Buzz, Council
Patios

On Monday, June 8, the Government announced restrictions are being eased in communities where it is safe to do so. Included in the list of public health units allowed to move into Stage 2 are Simcoe Muskoka and Grey Bruce. More than 10 different sectors have been permitted to open or expand operations in Collingwood, and limits on social gatherings have been increased from five to 10 people. Full details on Stage 2 are available here.

While the Town of Collingwood continues to make every effort to accommodate patios, and other business sectors re-opening in Stage 2, there are some by-laws and regulations that need to be reviewed. In the meantime, we are able to provide the following:

Health Guidance for Re-Opening a Food Premise for Outdoor Dining
Please review Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit information in the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Re-Opening a Food Premise for Outdoor Dining. This includes Patios, Curbside, Parking Lots, & adjacent premises.

Patios within the Downtown BIA District located on a public sidewalk:
Applications submitted with a valid insurance certificate where the patio was existing in 2019 and its layout has not changed from 2019 may be able to proceed with installations starting Friday, June 12, 2020. Those businesses who have submitted a renewal application will be contacted by the Clerk’s office to make arrangements for the required inspections prior to being open to the public.

If you are thinking about expanding your patio, please submit your proposals to the Clerk’s Department by email at rdahl@collingwood.ca.

Patios located outside the Downtown BIA District located on private property:
Existing patios located on private property are also permitted to open as of Friday, June 12, 2020. If you are wanting to expand your patio, please submit your proposals to rdahl@collingwood.ca. The Town hopes to be able to accommodate any requests for patio expansions as best we can in the very near future.

Retail establishment within the Downtown BIA District wishing to use the public sidewalk for display of merchandise:
Retail stores within the Downtown will be permitted to display items on the public sidewalk within the two (2) foot area immediately outside of their business. Please ensure that hand sanitization is available for anyone wanting to browse your merchandise, and you are abiding by all Provincial and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit COVD-19 requirements.   

Tourism & Hospitality Business Support
Many of the sectors that have been permitted to open starting Friday, June 12, 2020 are associated with Tourism and Hospitality. The South Georgian Bay Tourism Association is working closely with the regional municipalities to provide safety protocols and can provide advice and resources on best practices. More specifics available here.

Re-opening of the Downtown
During the Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee Meeting held June 3, recommendations were brought forward from the Economic Support & Recovery Task Force and Staff to assist in re-opening our economy and supporting our local businesses including, but not limited to, creating a destination to encourage people to come out and re-activate shopping, in a way that supports continued physical distancing, and potentially provides space to expand restaurants outside. Recommendations included investigating street closures to provide additional physical distancing space and creation of pedestrian street ways on a pilot basis; and, removing angled parking from certain areas along Hurontario Street to allow for the expansion of pedestrian and patio space.

A staff report is anticipated to come to Council for consideration on June 22 that explores this recommendation. Should you wish to submit comments, please direct them to clerk@collingwood.ca

Other Resources

COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources