Guelph’s Seasonal Patio Program

Applications for the 2024 Seasonal Patio Program are expected to open on February 1.

About the program

The City thanks all operators and visitors of seasonal patios for making the program such a success during the pilot program. Temporary patios that were active during the 2021-2023 seasons must have all furnishings, decking, and built structures fully removed effective November 2, 2023. Any active encroachment agreements for the use of the public right of way are terminated effective October 31, 2023. Ten year encroachments for sidewalk space remain active per the terms of their agreement.

In July, Council approved Staff recommendations for the continuation of the program in 2024. Those recommendations will receive final approval during the City’s 2024-2027 multi-year budget process. If you would like to be added to our list of patio operators for updates on the 2024 patio season, please reach out to [email protected].

Feedback or concerns

We are always working to improve visitor experiences to participants in the Seasonal Patio Program and value your feedback. Comments can be sent to [email protected]. We will respond within two business days.

For concerns related to installed patios, please use the Report a problem map for follow up.

Guidelines

The guidelines for the 2024 season will be confirmed and finalized at Council through the 2024-2027 multi-year budget. Once approved they will be added to this section.

Expected changes to the program include:

  • Private property applications must go through the regular building permit and liquor licensing process while the Seasonal Patio Program will be for those looking to operate temporary patios on public land only;
  • Updated patio season from the first weekend in May to the last weekend in September;
  • Updated fees that include:
    • Application Fee: $171 +HST, charged once during the application period
    • Agreement Fee: $228 +HST, charged once at the start of the 10 year encroachment period
    • Seasonal Patio Inspection Fee (if applicable): $260 +HST, charged annually
    • On-Street Rental Fee: $10 per square meter, per month + HST, charged annually for five months total

It is the ongoing responsibility of Patio operators to monitor changing legal requirements and updates to these Seasonal Patio Guidelines, particularly but not limited to as they pertain to public health regulations, orders, and guidance from the Provincial Government, the Government of Canada and/or the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Public Health Unit.

Resources

For more information

City of Guelph Economic Development and Tourism
519-822-1260 extension 2533
[email protected]

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Public property patio applications are open to all business types. Patio design and aesthetic must meet the program guidelines.

For private property patios, please use the building permit and liquor licensing process. All patios on private property must comply with the City’s current Zoning By-law.

No, patio operators must receive an approved application by the City indicating when your patio can be installed.

The application process has been streamlined to meet business needs and only one application will be required for a ten year encroachment agreement. There will be no annual application required unless patio boundaries change over time. Approval of seasonal patio applications are on a first-come, first-served basis and are dependent on the quality of submissions. City staff are available to help businesses throughout the process.

Businesses planning to use public property for their patios have the option to use a pre-approved patio design to help speed up the application process. Below are the four pre-approved patio designs.

Patios on public land must be compliant with the Ontario Building Code and the Facility Accessibility Design Manual. Further information is available through the Seasonal Patio Program Guidelines.

Please reach out to us at [email protected].

All patios must be approved through the application process with a fully executed encroachment agreement prior to beginning to operate. For patios on the public right of way, water barriers must be in place around the patio before it can be used.