At least seven businesses in downtown Kamloops have now applied to extend their patios.
City councillor and owner of The Vic Coffee Shop Denis Walsh was the first to apply, after council approved the summer patio expansion last month.
Walsh says it has made a big difference already, as he’s been able to double capacity and still follow pandemic safety protocols.
“People just feel more comfortable outside and just having that option. We do get people filling up the inside too, but basically just having that option, because there are definitely people who would prefer not to go into a building if they don’t have to.”
Walsh says Peter’s Pasta, Pizza Pi, Mittz Kitchen, Caffe Motivo and Carlos O’Bryan’s are some of the businesses that have now applied.
“It’s really good just to have the options, and it’s good to have other people coming along on Victoria Street also, because that just brings more people downtown. It’s going to be really good for visitors.”
Businesses can apply for free to expand their patios onto sidewalks and into parking spots, and the city says applications will be processed within a week. The city will also pay for building let-down ramps on sidewalks if those are needed.
There’s more life in downtown #Kamloops today than in recent weeks/ months. Many restaurants and cafes are now taking the City up on expanding their patios to accommodate more customers during the pandemic. There are 5 (4 in progress) on Victoria St between 3rd and 5th Ave alone. pic.twitter.com/GcAxPB4XMk
— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) June 25, 2020