City of Windsor waives fees for sidewalk again

Last year’s on-street patio program will be in effect again this year, as the City of Windsor has waived the fees associated with opening an outdoor patio for restaurants and bars.

On Feb. 22, City Council announced that businesses intended to open curbside cafés and parklet cafés on April 1. Craft Heads Brewing Company, Terra Cotta Pizzeria and Queen Ashtar Restaurant operate a parklet café that occupies City of Windsor parking spaces.  

For Bryan Datoc, the owner of Craft Heads Brewing Company, the removal of fees associated with outdoor patios proved to be crucial last year.  

“It definitely gave us a lifeline last year with all the restrictions,” said Datoc. “The patio allows us to safely have patrons outside enjoying the sun and socially distanced from everyone else.” 

Before the on-street patio program was implemented last year, businesses had to pay a $212 permit fee, a $1,000 indemnity fee and $3 per square foot that the outdoor patio occupied. 

Debi Croucher is the executive director of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association. Croucher hopes to see the City of Windsor permanently remove these fees going forward. 

“If it were up to the DWBIA, we wouldn’t have the fees at all,” said Croucher. “We’ve always encouraged our members to extend their patios. Adding tables, umbrellas and people onto a sidewalk really contributes to the vibrancy of the street and the support of the business when you’ve got increased foot traffic and walkability.” 

There are three types of outdoor patios offered by the City of Windsor: the Standard Sidewalk Café, the Parklet Café and the Curbside Café. To find out more, visit https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/Property/Sidewalk-Cafe/Pages/2021-Sidewalk-Cafe-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx 

On April 7, Premier Doug Ford declared a province-wide state of emergency effective for the remainder of April, delaying opening plans. Outdoor patios will be closed until May 1 at least.