City supporting local businesses through parklet programs

May 27, 2020 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is making it a little easier for local businesses to create outdoor patios, parklets and street vending setups.

In an effort to support businesses in their COVID-19 relaunch efforts, the City of Lethbridge says it’s expediting the permitting process for the use of sidewalks and streets to create venues such as parklets and outdoor patios.

A parklet is a temporary seating area that replaces one or two parking spaces by extending from the sidewalk in front of the business and into the street.

Last year, the City of Lethbridge piloted a parklet program – following in the lead of cities such as Fernie, BC and New York.

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“Opportunities for expanded outdoor seating will be vital in allowing businesses to serve customers while still following provincial health order and ensuring physical distancing,” read a release from the City of Lethbridge.

The Heart of Our City Committee has developed an Outdoor Patio and Parklet Support Program to help out downtown businesses.

The program includes a limited number of prefabricated parklet structures, planters, bistro-style tables and chairs that businesses can borrow.

The existing Main Street Incentive Program has also been expanded beyond façade and signage improvements to include patio and parklet improvements. The expansion will provide matching funding to businesses to help with initial costs of developing their own parklet or patio.

A handbook has been created for anyone interested in exploring a patio/parklet option for their business. More details can be found through the City of Lethbridge website.

by Justin Goulet