The policies and priorities committee has passed a motion directing administration to bring its sidewalk café and sales bylaw to a regular council meeting for first reading.
There's work to be done yet before residents enjoy meals outdoors in the Uptowne area. The town wants to circulate it and do some public engagement.
"I think this is a wonderful idea. We want people to go Uptowne. We want to promote Uptowne and I think if we can get those restaurants on board with having some of these sidewalk cafes, I think it's going to make it a much more enjoyable (experience)," said Coun. Mary Anne Overwater.
"You can stroll Uptowne, you can sit down and have a sandwich or a glass of wine and I think it will bring a lot more people to our community."
The proposed bylaw comes in response to requests from the business community and activities that are already happening in town. Its intent is to better monitor and regulate the use of municipal roads and sidewalks for the purpose of sidewalk cafes and sales.
Sidewalk cafes and sales would only be allowed in commercial and industrial land use districts, said development officer officer Carey Keleman.
A yearly permit would be required, costing $50-150 depending on the type.
Keleman said the bylaw would not apply to outdoor patios set up on private property. That would fall under the land use bylaw.
"This is only when they're using the municipal road right-of-way, which includes the sidewalk, a boulevard potentially and the parking area or any part of the road."
Some of the other regulations highlighted during the committee meeting include:
* All fixtures and enclosures must be temporary.
* Sidewalk clearance for pedestrians must be at least 1.5 metres wide.
* Shade devices must only be 2.5 metres high.
* Outdoor heating devices are allowed.
* When not open for business, furniture must be secured.
Keleman said one part of the bylaw that will need further work is Section 5.20, which allows the applicant to use a maximum of three parking spaces in front of the business for a cafe, sales or boardwalk.
"I think this is a wonderful idea. We want people to go Uptowne. We want to promote Uptowne and I think if we can get those restaurants on board with having some of these sidewalk cafes, I think it's going to make it a much more enjoyable (experience)." COUN. MARY ANNE OVERWATER
