Welland is trying to support local restaurants by easing some requirements for patios.
During last night's council meeting, several initiatives were approved as the province will allow restaurants to offer outdoor dining options as part of the second phase of the recovery plan.
Welland will allow temporary patios on private property that comply with city guidelines, waive this year's road occupancy permit fees for patio installation, and set cash-in-lieu of parking requirements at $0 if a restaurant needs to covert parking spaces into a temporary patio.
Site plan exemption fees will also be waived for restaurants.
Owners who want to install or expand a patio will need to contact the city's Planning Division.
Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford says the decision to keep Niagara in phase one will be reviewed weekly.