PRINCE GEORGE, BC: In an effort to help local restaurants, cafes, and pubs as they transition to outdoor food services, the City of Prince George is waiving all fees associated with temporary permitting requirements for the use of outdoor patios as they relate to the recent Public Health Orders from the Province. In addition, the City is streamlining the approval process so that businesses can be up and running faster. This will be in effect until Monday, April 19, and will be re-assessed on that date based on Provincial guidelines.

Local restaurants that want to establish temporary patios on the sidewalk or street in front of their business are encouraged to contact transportationengineering@princegeorge.ca for support in applying for a temporary street occupancy permit, which is required to ensure the safety of business operators, staff, pedestrians and traffic.

The application can be found here.

In addition to the permit, applicants will still need to provide drawings of the temporary patio/sidewalk structure and any works that disrupt traffic (vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians) will require a traffic plan appropriate for the work in accordance with Worksafe BC. These plans will ensure that the safety and accessibility around their patio space will be maintained for all.

On March 29, the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced that restaurants were not allowed to provide service indoors for the next three weeks, however they can continue to serve customers outdoors on patios and by offering take-out. 

Written and released by City of Prince George