City supporting restaurants to expand patios
Guelph, Ont., July 2, 2020 – The City is piloting a dining district in the downtown to allow restaurants and businesses to expand patios and outdoor seating areas into streets and parking spaces. Parts of Macdonell and Wyndham streets will be closed to vehicles from 8 a.m. Saturday, July 4 to 7 a.m. Monday, July 6 to support local economic recovery efforts.
“We’re working with the Downtown Guelph Business Association to create more outdoor dining space this patio season to support businesses recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Christine Chapman, acting manager of Economic Development with the City of Guelph. “Public safety remains our priority, and outdoor patios still need to comply with public health requirements and provincial orders.”
Restaurants and business in the closure area who are interested in participating need to apply for a dining district temporary patio permit and coordinate with the Downtown Guelph Business Association.
“We’re excited to be working with the City on our path towards economic recovery here in downtown Guelph,” says Marty Williams, executive director of the Downtown Guelph Business Association. “Expanding patios helps restaurants make room for people who want to come support our downtown businesses and enjoy our vibrant downtown culture, while supporting these businesses and keeping everyone safe.”
The City will assess this weekend’s pilot before confirming any future closures to allow for any needed adjustments. Future closures will be announced as plans are finalized.
Establishing dining districts in Guelph is a Council-directed enhancement to the City’s temporary patio program and is aligned with the economic recovery working table’s mandate to explore and implement municipal programs that contribute to the recovery of Guelph’s economy from COVID-19. This includes financial mechanisms and economic development activities to support the business community in re-establishing Guelph’s strong economic well-being.
Road closures and parking
The following streets will be closed to all vehicle traffic starting Saturday, July 4 at 8 a.m. and will reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 6:
- Wyndham Street between Carden and Cork streets
- Macdonell Street between the Macdonell parking lot and the West Parkade
During the closure, people can park in the Macdonell, Baker and Wyndham lots for free for up to two hours.
Cars parked on the street within the closure area will be towed.
Downtown shops and restaurants are open
All businesses in the closed area remain open and all sidewalks remain open and accessible. People on bikes are asked to walk their bicycles through the closed area.
Downtown visitors arriving by car are encouraged to take advantage of free two-hour parking in the Macdonell, Baker and Wyndham lots and walk to and through the closed area.
Waste collection
There will be no interruption to waste collection services during the road closures. Downtown waste will be collected as usual.
Guelph Transit
Guelph Transit routes 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 99, Community Bus North and Community Bus South will have temporary detours Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit the Guelph Transit website or follow our Twitter page for service advisories.
Resources
Council motion to allow temporary downtown road closures
For more information
Christine Chapman, Acting Manager, Economic Development
Business Development and Enterprise Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2823
[email protected]
Marty Williams, Executive Director
Downtown Guelph Business Association
519-836-6144
[email protected]