Outdoor patio outside of Umami Shop. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Sarah Jones

Restaurants to receive supports from Lethbridge city council for outdoor patios

Apr 21, 2021 | 3:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – New COVID-19 restrictions have put many restaurant owners without a permanent patio out of luck, as in-person dining has not been permitted since April 9th.

This week, a motion was passed unanimously by Lethbridge City Council who approved $40,000 dollars in funding for aiding businesses extending their outdoor patios.

Funding will be coming from the Municipal Revenue Stabilization Reserve (MRSR) to allow for businesses city-wide to apply.

Restaurants can apply for grants up to $1,000 dollars, which will support upward of 40 businesses in town. Patio furniture like heaters, plants, and barriers will be included within the funding.

Councilor Mark Campbell, who brought the motion forward, hopes that this will alleviate the stress small businesses might be facing.

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“The recent provincial announcement of COVID-19 restrictions has again limited indoor seating capacities for businesses. Council believes increasing support for this program is an important decision to continue to support our business community.”

Since last Tuesday, more than 30 inquiries for support were made to the municipal government, which has since issued 27 outdoor patio permits. Some temporary permits are being turned over within 48 hours with the evaluation of safety concerns, such as extending patios to sidewalks and parking lots.

Typically, administration does not approve retroactive payments, but in this case, each restaurant applying for funding that has purchased items dating back to January 1st, 2021 will be granted funding based on the discretion of city staff.

Although patios are being extended for local businesses, the public is reminded that seating at restaurants is still limited to cohorts of 6 people from the same household as directed by AHS.

“It’s very important that we keep each other safe,” says Mayor Chris Spearman. “I think we want to give businesses the opportunity to provide additional services, but we also want to ask our residents and our businesses to respect the Alberta Health Services regulations.”

Spearman went on to say, “If you’re going out to socialize with your friends, this is the wrong time to do it. Let’s make sure we have COVID under control in the City of Lethbridge.”

A program status report will be provided to council by December 31st, 2021, or earlier if funding is depleted.