Newmarket outdoor patios set to reopen beginning April 9

Applications for bars and restaurants are open

Yorkregion.com
March 8, 2021
Aileen Zangouei

Temporary patio applications for bars and restaurants in Newmarket, which are set to open April 9, are now available.

“We are very happy to once again be working with our local business community to get the 2021 patio program off the ground, bigger, better and earlier than ever,” said Mayor John Taylor.

"It was important for us to get this program up and running as soon as possible to support our local restaurants as they continue to face very challenging times. The health and safety of patrons and our community as a whole continues to be our primary driving force. I look forward to visiting many of these patios and strongly encourage our community to continue to Choose Newmarket and support our homegrown businesses," Taylor said.

At the beginning of the new year, the town surveyed local residents and the business community to get feedback on the 2020 patio program and help to shape this year's program.

Over 500 responses were received with "overwhelming" support for continuing with an expanded patio program. According to the town, an overview of the survey revealed that 97 per cent of people support a 2021 patio program.

The 2020 patio program ran from July to November, and provided new or expanded patio space on town lands for 14 restaurants. This program expanded patios onto town lands including sidewalks, streetside parking spots, laneways, parking lots, and urban park space.

Also, the town approved 24 permits for new or expanded temporary patios for private property.