Sidewalk Patios to Open Soon
Posted: Friday, June 8th 2007
Sidewalk patios will open at three different downtown locations thanks to a partnership between the Downtown Business Association (DBA) and The City of Red Deer.
While downtown restaurateurs have long taken their wares outside, this pilot project involves extending the sidewalks through the use of temporary wooden platforms, allowing businesses to expand their outdoor restaurant area.
"The Greater Downtown Action Plan encourages the creative use of sidewalks and pedestrian areas in order to add to the vibrancy of our downtown." said Laura Turner, DBA Executive Director. "Other downtowns have had similar sidewalk patios for many years, it was natural that Red Deer would introduce such a program. We're pleased that downtown businesses were eager to be involved," she added.
The City will allow temporary sidewalk patios to open from June to September and although a pilot program, there are hopes that downtown restaurants will take part on a permanent basis.
City of Red Deer Inspections & Licensing Parking Liaison, Fred Dieno indicated, "our department originally saw this concept very successfully implemented in Halifax. We approached the DBA in hope that there would be interest in trying a similar project in Red Deer. If this is successful we will look at making this a yearly opportunity for businesses."
