Mayor Darrin Canniff and the Municipality are altering some regulations to allow local restaurant owners to open their patios in an attempt to survive the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jay DeBuck, owner of The Stubby Goat, had his patio shut down because it didn’t meet proper regulations.
The Stubby Goat, located on Nelson Street in downtown Wallaceburg has no previous “patio” area and only has the sidewalk to create a potential space. Municipal representatives told DeBuck the area didn’t allow for proper and safe flow of foot traffic.
On Friday, DeBuck respectfully aired his concerns with Greg Hetherington on 99.1’s XS Mornings.
Shortly afterwards, Mayor Canniff visited The Stubby Goat AND Riverport Restaurant in Wallaceburg.
With limited foot traffic in the area, the mayor has opted to close the sidewalk, asking pedestrians to utilize the opposite side of the street if necessary.
“It’s a solution that we need to move to,” says Mayor Canniff. “This is the first time we’re doing this in Chatham-Kent. We’re looking at other locations to do the same thing. We want to see small business prosper.”
Canniff acknowledged that the municipality is colouring outside the lines with the set-up, but says the struggles of COVID-19 forces them to change the playbook.
“There are some issues with doing this, but looking forward we NEED to do this,” he says. “Small business is the backbone of our community and we want to see them get back to normal.”
A teary-eyed DeBuck thanked Mayor Canniff for the quick action.
“I’m happy,” says DeBuck. “I think other businesses will be happy with this decision. Thank you very much. You’ve helped save my restaurant.”
DeBuck and The Stubby Goat are working alongside local neighbours including Splash Pools, Glasses and Grapes, Foster’s Meats and McCarron Heating and Plumbing to also utilize their sidewalk space in an attempt to maximize and space out the outdoor seating area.
Moments later, Mayor Canniff also gave the green light to a patio set-up at The Riverport on James Street, who found themselves in the very same situation. Both local businesses have been asked to supply a drawing and dimensions of their set-up.
The Stubby Goat has already been given approval to open their patio, effective immediately. The Riverport is waiting for their final approval to join the local patio community.
On Friday the provincial government also made it easier for restaurants and bars to open their patios. The change will allow municipalities to open up outdoor dining areas much more quickly. The exemption basically cuts out the red tape and takes the length of time to create and pass the necessary bylaws from several weeks to 2 days. The area must be open to the outside with no blockages.
