The uptake has been slow in Kamloops for businesses applying to expand their patios.

Council voted on May 26 to let businesses set up on sidewalks and in some parking lots, but only one business has applied to do so.

City staff have said the application to do so won’t cost businesses any money, that applications will be processed within a week, and council is covering the cost of let-down ramps that may need to be built.

Councillor Dale Bass it’s too early to get the full picture of how many businesses might apply.

“Perhaps we’ll see more happen also when we feel a little more confident about getting out in the world, because this is sort of a new thing for many of us… And I think it’s going to take time,” she says.

“Some of the places where you can go in, do your business and get out are going to see some reaction and some involvement from the public much more rapidly, than if you’re going to go sit somewhere for quite a while next to somebody, or within distance of someone.”

Bass says it may also take businesses longer to meet some requirements if they plan to expand their patio, like putting in fencing.

So far only The Vic Coffee Shop in downtown Kamloops has applied to expand its patio, which is owned by city councillor Denis Walsh.