District to allow businesses to create and expand patios

District of Squamish will allow local businesses to create and expand patios on vacant lands, sidewalks or in parking stalls.

The district is issuing temporary expedited patio permits for a program which came into effect on May 29.

The district has created a streamlined process for local businesses who wish to apply.

The temporary permit requires that businesses retain, not increase, the same level of occupancy and follow existing bylaws and policies, such as the the Noise Bylaw.

District staff will review and approve these applications within five business days or less. The staff has developed a simple process, which includes a simple application form as well as guidelines for design of patio space and the time it will take staff to review and approve applications.

The district says it consulted with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Squamish and the BIA on the initiative to boost the local economy and help with recovery.

The district is also planning to open up municipal parks for local businesses. The program is expected to be launched on June 5.

The temporary park use program will allow local businesses to obtain a licence to book local parks for commercial use as part of the COVID-19 recovery.