Walkerville restaurants cleared for parking lot patios, curbside cafes

Windsor city council approved a pilot project Thursday that will allow Walkerville businesses to set up curbside cafes, and use parking spaces to establish customer dining areas.

The pilot project was passed about 10 days after Ward 4 Coun. Chris Holt asked administration for a report that would look into establishing curbside and "parklet" cafes.

It also comes the same day the city moves into Stage 2 of reopening. 

The Walkerville BIA has been pushing for the project after months of losses hit businesses in the area heavily during the pandemic. City administration looked to 11 restaurants that expressed interest in undertaking "temporary extended patio construction," according to a city report.

Ward 6 Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac said she'd like the plan adopted in other areas of the city. 

"Restaurant and bar owners in my end of the city got wind of this and are wondering if it can go beyond the pilot project," she said. 

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens suggested other places in the city interested in testing out a similar pilot should do so long as space can be "properly operationalized and it's OK for public safety."

"I think this is a summer of flexibility," Dilkens said.

Councillors later voted unanimously to approve a different motion — proposed by Ward 3 Coun. Rino Bortolin — that will waive some restrictions for patio extensions for both businesses with and without a license. 

On Friday, Downtown Windsor BIA chair Brian Yeomans told media he was happy about council's decision. 

"We are thrilled as the Downtown Windsor BIA to announce that council has approved almost all of the requests that we have asked for for extended patios and taking over some of the sidewalks," said Yeomans, adding that his organization is still working on ironing out details regarding street closures. 

Business owner Renaldo Agostino of Element Entertainment was also thrilled about the new rules. 

"A year ago, forget about it, somebody sitting out there with a drink? I'm going to jail," he said. 

"Now we're encouraging it."