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Soak in the sun longer as Burnaby extends patio program until summer's end

Businesses can apply to add more outdoor space
outdoor-patio
Photo: Outdoor patio / Getty Images

Burnaby businesses will be able to take advantage of spring and summer weather by adding outdoor seating or expanding into adjacent outdoor spaces as part of the City of Burnaby’s Active Sidewalks, Open Businesses program, which has been extended to Oct. 31, 2021.

The program was created in 2020 to assist local businesses with reopening safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra outdoor space provides more room for patrons to maintain physical distancing, and allows restaurants to add patio seating while remaining in compliance with the current provincial health orders.

“Burnaby businesses have gone above and beyond to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important that we continue to support them during this time,” said Mayor Mike Hurley, in a news release. “The temporary outdoor retail spaces and patios are a great way to keep customers safe, with the added benefit of making our streets even more vibrant and lively.”

Businesses can apply to extend onto private property, such as on-site parking, or apply to use adjacent city-owned space. The city has created an expedited system to process applications as quickly as possible. Learn more at burnaby.ca/ActiveSidewalks.

Businesses may apply to use adjacent city space or extend into their own private property for:

  • restaurant seating; 
  • merchant displays (e.g. clothing racks, outdoor tables, etc.); 
  • a pick-up/drop-off kiosk or customer queuing; or
  • other uses (applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis).