![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978852.1722008165!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Calgary's seasonal patios pop back up, bringing 'vibrancy' and 'whimsy'
![Calgary seasonal patio program Lulu The City of Calgary says 110 restaurants are taking part in the seasonal patio program. (City of Calgary handout)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/5/25/calgary-seasonal-patio-program-lulu-1-6413231-1685038381588.jpg)
Calgary will once again see dozens of popup patios throughout the city this summer as eateries expanded their outdoor dining areas – or create new ones altogether.
Extended outdoor patios and popup patios were granted throughout the city in 2020 as a way to help restaurants cope with restrictive pandemic-related public health measures that placed limitations on indoor service.
In 2022, the seasonal patio program became a permanent fixture, with permits effective for three years.
This year, the city says more than 110 eateries are taking part in the program and constructing temporary patios on both public and private land.
Like last year, restaurants can either locate their temporary patios (those on public property) on the road in the parking lane, or install a continuous boardwalk for pedestrians.
Erin Chrusch, the city's leader of business and local economy, says permit fees were once again waived, as they had been for the previous two years.
"We know businesses have appreciated that support in past years and we are happy we could offer it in 2023," she said.
"Since the seasonal patio program was introduced, the city has worked with businesses and other interested parties to assess and adjust the permit process.
"We keep incorporating that feedback and believe we are at a place where the process is clear and understood."
Annie MacInnis, executive director for the Kensington Business Improvement Area, says visitors and residents to the area have embraced the opportunity to be outdoors.
"Patios bring vibrancy to our streets, and the decorated concrete barricades and flowers in planters provide safety and beauty and whimsy to Kensington," MacInnis said.
"We love our patios."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978852.1722008165!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
LIVE NOW 30% of town structures destroyed in Jasper wildfire: officials
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to tour the resort town of Jasper to see firsthand the devastation caused by wildfires.
At least 4 buildings burned at Jasper Park Lodge, others damaged: Fairmont memo
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge said Thursday afternoon most of its structures are 'standing and intact,' including its iconic main lodge.
'He was just gone': Police ramp up search for vulnerable 3-year-old boy in Mississauga, Ont.
Police in Mississauga are conducting a full-scale search of the city’s biggest park for a non-verbal toddler who went missing Thursday evening. Sgt. Jennifer Trimble told reporters Friday morning that there has been no trace of three-year-old Zaid Abdullah since 6:20 p.m., when he was last seen with his parents in Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.
B.C.'s top doctor ends four-year COVID-19 public health emergency
After four years of mask mandates, gathering restrictions, vaccinations and hospitalizations, British Columbia’s provincial health officer has ended the province's public-health emergency for COVID-19.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Canada's Christine Sinclair: 'We were never shown drone footage'
Canada soccer great Christine Sinclair said on Friday national team players were never shown drone footage during the more than two decades she was on the team, following a spying scandal that cast a shadow over the Canadians at the Paris Games.
Sask. appeal court says anti-trans group cannot join constitutional dispute over pronoun law
Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal has denied a political group that opposes so-called “gender ideology” intervener status in a legal dispute over the province’s controversial pronoun law.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn $146,000 for water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six figure water bill.