The municipality is lending a hand to restaurants that want to create a permanent outdoor patio.
Under the Downtown Community Improvement Plan, reinstated by council at the end of June, funding is being provided for property owners who want to build permanent outdoor cafes, patios, display areas, and court yards.
“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses such as restaurants and café’s to help create an expanded outdoor experience in our downtown cores across Chatham-Kent,” says Jamie Rainbird, Manager of Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “While the impact of COVID has been a struggle for many businesses, we are hoping that the lessons learned and pivots made over the past year and a half will bring about many constructive changes.”
Grants of up to 50% of construction costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per application, can be used to offset design and other costs, following the successful completion of approved work.
“When people are travelling, even within their own region, they are looking for a patio experience and as part of their summer plans. COVID has driven the need for patios and helped to prove that there is a demand,” Tourism Development Supervisor Shannon Paiva says. “The need for patios won’t be going away.”
This CIP is limited to downtown and main street areas as defined by the boundaries outlined in a document available on the www.investck.ca website. The corresponding application form is also available on the website listed in the Programs & Grants section.
