Patio’s return to downtown Barrie for the winter season

Downtown Barrie BIA brings back winter patios.

Although the weather is getting cooler, Barrie’s downtown continues to heat up as winter patios return for another season.

Craig Stevens, CEO for Downtown Barrie BIA said the program comes from their summer initiative in downtown Barrie.

“Literally started with two patios and grew to well over 20 and the success of that sort of led to the idea, what if we continue them into the winter season?” said Stevens.

The pilot program kicked off last year with council granting Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery to operate a patio at its downtown location throughout the winter months, weather permitting.

Council agreed the winter program would be capped at six businesses per year on a first-come, first-served basis and run from Nov. 16 to the second Thursday of April.

Participating businesses will be required to maintain a minimum sidewalk clearance of 1.5 meters for pedestrian access. All businesses are responsible for snow removal and patio maintenance.

The program comes with a $400 fee per year.

Stevens added businesses in downtown are ready for the winter. “It is completely embracing the season and it comes every year. You know it’s going to come and the way with all the technology heaters, weather barriers, it’s feasible,” said Stevens. “We’ve got so many patios in the summer that there’s enough interest that I think we can create a great program for the winter.”

Additional patios will continue to help the downtown core.

“We know that that any activity that’s inside that we can move to the outside, into the public space just helps the overall downtown,” said Stevens. “It just creates a safer downtown and more enjoyable downtown and something that you want to come and participate in.”