RECLAIMING OUR STREETS – Bringing downtown streets to life with sidewalk patios

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This article was published 31/08/2019 (2438 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Patios and sidewalk cafés are synonymous with summertime. They add vibrancy, interest and people to the streets. They support local businesses, create a sense of place, improve the aesthetic of the streetscape and create walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods.

Activating public spaces through the establishment of sidewalk patios helps us to reimagine the public realm as places for people and as spaces that foster a sense of belonging. Creating these kinds of outdoor spaces in downtowns lets people know that their city centre has life and vibrancy after 5 p.m.

As Manitobans, we live for the summer months. Many of us tend to buffer ourselves from the cold winter weather, and so it is imperative that we take advantage of the outdoor dining season — typically June to September — while it lasts. This gives us an opportunity to let our hair down and enjoy the company of friends and family while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of summer.

In downtown Brandon, we are fortunate to have patios in the heart of our city that help to animate our streets at all times of the day. Prairie Firehouse, The Dock on Princess, Fraser Sneath Coffee, Sabor Latino and Komfort Kitchen are some of the independently owned restaurants in our downtown that offer outdoor dining.

There are other downtown merchants, however, who yearn to establish sidewalk patios but who have run into challenges because the sidewalks in front of their businesses are simply too narrow.

The challenge is this — most of our downtown’s sidewalks are not wide enough to accommodate both a sidewalk patio and a pedestrian corridor (the building code requires a minimum 1.5-metre clearance). We want our downtown to be inclusive and accessible, so the well-being of pedestrians is paramount. This means that we have to be innovative and learn from other cities who have found creative solutions to similar challenges.

Fredericton, N.B., and Barrie, Ont., have had success with temporary sidewalks, which safely re-route pedestrians around restaurant-side patios. The idea is that a temporary sidewalk is created by converting part of the parking lane into an alternative walkway for pedestrians (usually constructed of lumber) to accommodate a patio on the regular sidewalk. The temporary sidewalk is the same height as the regular sidewalk to enable pedestrian traffic to flow smoothly around the patio. Come fall, the temporary sidewalk is removed and it’s business as usual.

Alternatively, Winnipeg has successfully established street patios in the Exchange District. The idea here is that a patio is created in the street space formerly devoted to parking. This too is often elevated to the same height as the sidewalk to ensure smooth egress for patrons. In each case, there is a temporary loss of a few parking spaces. However, I believe that the opportunity to create a unique destination that creates vibrancy and attracts people into downtown is well worth the tradeoff.

Back at home, city council has been steadfast in its support for downtown. Late last year, council approved a new policy that would allow downtown businesses to seek exemptions from licensing and encroachment fees associated with establishing and operating sidewalk patios. This was a progressive step forward in removing a barrier for private enterprise. When we make decisions that prioritize pedestrians, we make the downtown experience better for everyone.

Over the past few years, we have made considerable strides in our efforts to breathe new life into the heart of our city. We are experiencing momentum not seen in years. Despite this positive momentum, it is incumbent upon us to ask ourselves a critically important question: What more can we do to build a city that attracts young people and the jobs that follow them? A younger demographic craves walkable, dense and authentic downtowns. We want the heart of our city to be alive and energetic and to make it so, we must foster creativity and innovation, and support private businesses who wish to undertake projects and initiatives that align with our vision for downtown.

Whether it is the construction of temporary sidewalks or the establishment of patios in parking spaces, let us not be afraid to employ creative solutions to the challenges we face. Being innovative does not have to be complicated and it does not have to be cost prohibitive.

Downtown is well positioned to be a testing ground for new and creative ideas, so let’s be bold, let’s be brave and let’s not be afraid to take risks because it is with this mentality that we will be able to create a downtown that is alive, a downtown that is open for business, a downtown that is safe, and a downtown that truly has something to offer everyone.

» Elisabeth Saftiuk is executive director of the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation.