Kenora is Trying Temporary Outdoor Patios

From CBC Megan Thomas

Guess I'm not the only one who thinks this a good way to test pilot seasonal patios.  Kenora is giving it a go by the looks of it.  As you may recall i did a rant about this a few years ago for Thunder Bay when it was proposed to permanently expand the sidewalk area on Red River Road.

CBC's article mentions the patio's importance to tourism industry.

Of interest also is the fees the city would charge the restaurants based on the size and seating capacity.



The article from cbc is here: Kenora-looks-to-expand-outdoor-patio-spaces-for-restaurants-1.3137693

My original rant for Thunder Bay to do this is here:  seasonal-patios

 Comment below if you have any thoughts on this - good or bad.   Summer here is half spent but this is still something to consider next year.

Zen Garden

If you are of the mind that you can intend every day to be a surprise, than its no surprise that you get to experience new and exciting things - all the time.


 Today I got adventurous and took a walk with a co-worker to the Bay and Algoma area for lunch.

We hit Bean Fiend - a place i haven't been to in a while.  I ordered an iced latte.  As I waited i noticed a sign at the back door "New Zen Garden Outside".  Intrigued i opened the door and was very surprised to see a full on landscaped and secluded eating area.

It was a very zen like experience just sitting in the sun looking at all the details and obvious effort that went into building this little paradise just meters from the busy traffic.

Of real interest to me was the explanation for what i thought was a shelf against the fence.  The waiter informed me that its actually a stage on its side and their intention is to have live music.  Fantastic!