The City of Grande Prairie has opened up applications for local businesses for the Sidewalk Patio Program.
The program was greenlit weeks ago in council chambers and aims to enable local businesses to expand their outdoor seating areas onto public sidewalks and roadways to bolster community connection in the city’s downtown core.
City planner Zeel Patel describes the initiative as a way to support local businesses and enhance the pedestrian experience while passing through downtown.
“We aim to streamline the process and invigorate our downtown, boosting the economy and creating vibrant public spaces for everyone to enjoy,” she says.
Along with small businesses, restaurants, bars, and cafes with valid business licenses and compliance with AGLC standards can also participate in the program.
Businesses have four options to choose from, all of which require a $100 fee. Option one allows businesses to operate a small sidewalk patio, option two opens up the chance for businesses to operate a patio in a parklet in front of their business, option three includes a full sidewalk patio with a re-routed sidewalk, and option four includes partial sidewalk patios with no boardwalk sidewalk.
Interested businesses can find specific information, application details, and the application form on the city’s website.
