Nearly a dozen downtown businesses in Kamloops have now applied to expand their patios.

Carl Desantis, executive director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, says the interest in expansion is growing.

“Who would’ve thought that out of the challenges faced by COVID-19, we would avail an opportunity like this for our restaurants and different businesses downtown. We’ve seen about 11 of them that are up and going right now, and the response has been very supportive from the community. Thank you for coming downtown and thank you for celebrating with us.”

The city has voted to allow businesses to expand patios to help expand their reach while maintaining social distancing during the pandemic, which be available until Oct. 31.

“There’s excitement that they may start making revenue again, but you just want to do things right, and do it right the first time. Which is what we’re doing with Opening With Care,” Desantis says.

“You don’t want to have to push rewind; it’s just about being respectful with your team and the people who are coming down to support your team.”