The City of Grande Prairie’s new Sidewalk Patio Program is launching this year to stimulate economic growth in the city’s downtown core.
The program enables local businesses to expand their outdoor dining and seating areas onto public sidewalks and roadways, similar to those seen in strong tourism areas like Banff and Jasper in the summer, and according to the city, the program will transform downtown into a more vibrant and inviting space for residents looking for social interaction and activities.
Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the initiative aligns with city council’s goals of developing a stronger quality of life through fostering relationships between the city and it’s communities.
“By introducing a formal sidewalk patio program, we’re not only creating opportunities for businesses to thrive but also providing residents and visitors with dynamic spaces to connect and enjoy our city,” she says.
Additionally, officials say the program is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by attracting more visitors to the city’s downtown, leading to additional revenue for small businesses.
Interested businesses can find specific information on the city’s website soon; however, Access GP remains open to answer any questions for business owners.