Catalyzed by the pandemic, the Town’s 2020 patio program aimed to support local businesses by allowing temporary patio space in the public realm.
Stouffville sourced more attractive temporary patios for the 2021 program which improved aesthetics, boosted pedestrian traffic, and helped increase patio use over 2020.
While still successful, the 2022 program faced some early vendor challenges and three vehicular strikes were attributed to poor patio designs. Thankfully, no injuries occurred.
These successes came at minimal expense thanks to various grants and COVID relief funding, costing the Town a total of $25,000 over three seasons.
With rising food costs, hiring challenges, and pandemic supports drying up, local restaurants continue to be extremely grateful for the program’s supports.
“Business is still down 30% since COVID, and the patio program kept Fickle Pickle alive,” owner Beth-Lee Paraskevakos told Bullet Point News. “It was a lifeline for us, and the Town has been great.”
With hopes that a grant will be covering the 2023 program’s $30,000 budget, Staff are working with the Stouffville Chamber of Commerce to plan for this year.
