Sidewalk Patios

Latest News

Changes to Restaurant and Pub Patios Across the City

1. Downtown Sidewalk Patio Program

Council approved on May 19, 2020 changes to the Sidewalk Patio Design Guidelines and has authorized the Director of Development Services to approve sidewalk patio permits. The changes allow a third option for businesses to utilize on-street parking stalls to erect patio areas.  This is in addition to two current patio configurations which use sidewalk space.  More detail on this change can be found in the staff report linked here:

2. City-Wide Temporary Patios In Parking Lots

Across the City a second program has been introduced which allows any restaurant, fast-food restaurant or pub to use their parking lot area for patio space.  This program will run until November 1, 2021. Details on this change can be found here:

3. Temporary Expanded Service Area Authorization

The City has opted-in to a Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch program that provides pre-approval from the City for a temporary expansion of patio areas.  The intent of this program is to speed up the process.  It will not increase the capacity of licensed facilities but will allow the area covered but the license to be expanded to comply with physical distancing requirements.  This program runs until October 31, 2021 and is administered by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.  This program may be used in conjunction with option 1 or 2 above.

Are you currently a licensed facility that wants to expand your service area? 

Please contact Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch

General Information

Sidewalk cafes can play a role in activating streets and creating vibrancy. In 2015, Council approved a pilot project amending City of Courtenay bylaws to allow sidewalk cafes in the downtown core.

The first sidewalk cafe applications were received and approved by the City of Courtenay in 2016.

In May 2020, the sidewalk cafe program was expanded in downtown Courtenay.

If you are interested in opening a sidewalk cafe in downtown Courtenay, please review the following documents. For additional information and guidance, please contact Development Services at 250-334-4441 or email planning@courtenay.ca .

Application Information & Forms

Downtown Sidewalk Patio Program

If you are interested inn opening a sidewalk patio in downtown Courtenay, please review the following documents. For additional information and guidance, please contact the Planning Division at 250-703-4839 or email planning@courtenay.ca 

City-wide Temporary Patios in Parking Lots

If you are interested in constructing a Temporary Patio in your parking lot please contact the Planning Division at 250-703-4839 or email planning@courtenay.ca 

Find out more: