Long weekend in Mississauga also signals unofficial start to patio season

The May long weekend signals the unofficial beginning of summer in Mississauga and beyond, and along with the warm weather comes patio season at dozens of restaurants and bars across the city.

Staff at the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office are reminding establishment owners and the public that the City’s Temporary Patio Program is still in effect.

The program, which was extended by two years until the end of 2023, allows restaurants and bars in Mississauga to set up temporary patios to help them recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City is considering making the patio allowances permanent, and will likely revisit the matter before the current program expires on Dec. 31, 2023.

Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko, whose lakefront ward is home to many restaurant and bar patios, said earlier that Port Credit establishments have told him the additional seating is a huge benefit to them. 

#Mississauga Restaurants and Bars 📢#DYK – The Temporary Patio Program allows restaurants and bars with a valid 2022 or 2023 business licence can expand outdoor seating and dining areas 🏬

Learn more➡️ https://t.co/tQhTzwWjL2@citymississauga @MBOTOntario @IDEAmississauga pic.twitter.com/vI2wDp317w

— Invest Mississauga (@MississaugaEDO) May 18, 2022

Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish said earlier that allowing the patios has brought many compliments from people who describe the subsequent atmosphere in the city as “really exciting.”

The additional outdoor seating, which in many cases is set up right by the street, has created more of a buzz. 

She added that in her previous travels, she noticed “…all the old cities in Europe, the streets are full all the time, even in rain and snow…” and that if Mississauga “wants to be an exciting city, we have to relax these rules.” 

In his report last fall recommending that the City allow the patios to remain longer, Mississauga planning and building commissioner Andrew Whittemore said the bylaws for outdoor patios and outdoor businesses “need to be extended to continue to support Mississauga’s businesses…” as they recover from the pandemic. 

Beyond 2023, staff is “considering options for the long-term regulation of patios and/or outdoor recreational/entertainment establishments,” the report reads. 

Many Lakeshore Rd. and nearby restaurants have taken advantage of the temporary allowing of patios. In fact, numerous businesses across Mississauga have done so. 

In his report, Whittemore noted that, as of last fall, 24 patio permits have been approved to allow temporary patios on a public right-of-way.  

But interest among business owners is likely much greater than that. 

“Since temporary patios on private lands do not require a patio permit, it is difficult to determine the total number of temporary patios across the city,” the report reads. “However, approximately 100 inquiries were received regarding the temporary patio program, which indicates significant interest and success with the program.” 

Under the City’s Temporary Use Bylaw, restaurants are also permitted to install temporary tents/covered areas and heating devices as part of their patios, in accordance with provincial and City regulations, to allow outdoor dining through the winter.