City of Kelowna to extend the temporary outdoor patio program through this fall

Photo: Colin Dacre

It appears as if the City of Kelowna will give businesses across the city the chance to again expand their business footprint outside.

In response to seating and customer limits in businesses due to COVID-19, food and liquor primary businesses and those with manufacturing licenses were afforded the opportunity by the province to expand service areas through the end of October last year.

The province has notified local governments that program will be in place again this year.

In a report for council, it's recommended council give the director of planning the authority to review, and approve applications for expanded patio areas on private property, at no cost, through the end of October.

The program is for businesses with access to private property only, and does not include access to public sidewalks or, in the case of downtown, utilizing part of Bernard Avenue.

Planning director Ryan Smith says about 40 businesses took part in the special program last year.