Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Seasonal Patios

Dunlop St. Barrie, Ontario
There's been some discussion about possibly making Red River Road one way in the Entertainment District to facilitate patio space in front of some of the restaurants.

Thunder Bay is very  seasonal with a bulk of its year being not so patio friendly.  But in the few months of summer we do get  - patios would be awesome.





But does it warrant some significant permanent construction?  Will it work?  And if it doesn't?  Do we undo it at great expense?

My suggestion- go Seasonal.  Cities with similar populations that are in relatively the same climate zone as Thunder Bay have a hybrid temporary or seasonal approach.  

Barrie a Ontario for example have their main strip on Dunlop setup with temporary boardwalks that allow all the restaurants and bars on the street to have seasonal patios.  When the summer is over, the patios fencing, furniture and city's boardwalks are put away and the street returns to normal in time for when the snow flies.

Kenora has also experimented with seasonal patios.

I think Thunder Bay should consider this option - even as a test pilot.  If it looks to be successful - then perhaps do something more permanent.  The restaurants could pay a bit more tax for the extra space and be responsible for their fences and furniture - the city would be on the hook for the board walks.

What do you think?

Here's the article pertaining to this: http://tbnewswatch.com/news/291977/Ga 

5 comments:

  1. we need more out door eating places and if this is what it takes , go for it .. we need to be out doors as much as we can since our summers are short...good idea !

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  2. I think this is a great idea!

    The north side of the street is two lanes already... could take over a lane and still have on-street parking...

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  3. I like it! Our time outside is too short. Let's celebrate while we can.

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  4. AN EXCELLENT IDEA FOR RED RIVER ROAD!!

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Seasonal Patios

Dunlop St. Barrie, Ontario There's been some discussion about possibly making Red River Road one way in the Entertainment District t...