Project Overview
The purpose of the Sidewalk Patio Expansion Program consultation is to get input on a new permitting system and guidelines for food and beverage businesses to make use of public space (sidewalks and parking spaces) in the District of Oak Bay. This project will include the following steps:

January 2023 - Public and business survey (available online and in-person)
February 2023 - Stakeholder consultation and Community Forum
March 2023 - Draft report and recommendations to Council for consideration
Spring 2023 - New Program Implementation

The information gathered from this survey, and the survey for members of the public, will be used by Staff and Council to help shape the new permitting process and design standards, with a focus on accessibility and safety.

Project Background
In May 2020, the Province introduced a Temporary Expansion Service Area (TESA) to allow licensed “food primary” establishments to serve customers on public property while complying with pandemic-related health orders and requiring local government approval.

To support the Province’s initiative, the District developed Temporary Sidewalk and Parking Stall Patio Street Occupancy Permits to let food and liquor establishments expand onto sidewalks and roads.

The TESA permits and the current Oak Bay approvals will expire on March 31, 2023. To permit new patios, as well as consider the continued use of existing patios that were permitted under the Temporary Sidewalk and Parking Stall Patio Street Occupancy Permits, Oak Bay is exploring its own permanent sidewalk patio permitting process to start April 1, 2023.