The big patios are coming back this year.

The City of Thunder Bay is extending the program to allow restaurants, bars and some retailers to extend their business outside of it’s designated space.

Eligible businesses will be allowed to use a portion of the sidewalk, road, parking lots and public property.

Last year 63 temporary patios were approved across the city, which almost doubled from 2020.

Applicants that wish to use City land are required to meet certain specifications and enter into an agreement and be registered with the City.

Businesses can borrow barrier equipment to separate patio areas but there is a limited supply available from the City.

Patio opportunities include:

Patios in private parking lots, on other hard surfaces, or in municipal parking lots (no deadline)
Pop up patio structures in the parking lane (Application deadline is April 30, 2022)
Patio space in the parking lane directly on the asphalt where accessibility standards can be met (Application deadline is April 30, 2022)
Sidewalk patios (no deadline)
Possible street closures to enable dining areas on streets arranged through the local Business Improvement/ Business Associations

Details about the regulations, or to register can be found here.