Sudbury business owners embrace new outdoor patios

Despite the cool summer weather, several business owners in downtown Sudbury say they’re pleased to have patios available for their customers.

Earlier this summer, Sudbury city councillors voted in favour of approving more outdoor patios as part of the Downtown Sudbury Patio Pilot Program.

Points North5:03New patios popping up around Sudbury

It seems like every restaurant, bar, and cafe in downtown Sudbury now have a patio out front. The CBC's Hilary Duff paid a visit to two of the newest ones.

Several eating establishments have been adding the structures to their businesses, including the Laughing Buddha.

Even through the restaurant has a patio, the demand was there for more outdoor seating, owner Bernie Desjardins said.

“Our [current] patio was full all the time when the weather was good,” he said.

“It’s weird, I think, for people in Sudbury, because they’re not used to patio culture. But, as more of them pop up, they are embracing them.”

Further down the street, a patio has popped up in front of 84 Station.

“I think we just wanted to have places for people to sit and enjoy the beauty we have here outside,” David Hunt, one of the co-owners said.

That patio didn’t need city approval, as it’s on the property the coffee shop is located.

“We’re lucky that we have a big space out in front of our shop,” he said.