Dear editor:

I ran my campaign on transparency, fairness, and preserving the past while planning for the future.

Lately, there’s been a great deal of conversation — much of it filled with misinformation — on social media regarding the temporary patio program in Niagara-on-the-Lake, particularly on Queen Street.

To clarify: this program began during COVID-19 when indoor dining was prohibited. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario introduced a temporary measure to allow licensed food and beverage establishments to expand their operations onto outdoor municipal lands.

Fast forward to 2025 — COVID is behind us, the AGCO has ended its temporary patio program, yet some businesses are now advocating to keep these patios permanently.

Understandably, additional seating increases revenue. And when there’s no requirement to pay for permits, planning or property taxes on that space, it’s an appealing proposition for any business.

But these patios come at a cost to the broader community. Each business has occupied two municipal parking spaces over the last five years. Each of these spots brings in approximately $12,250 annually to the town.

With three businesses participating, that’s a loss of $73,500 per year in parking revenues — or $367,500 over five years. And that is a dollar amount on just the spots that presently have temporary patios on parking spots. That figure alone equates to a three per cent tax increase over that period.

And the issue isn’t just financial. Other Queen Street businesses pay commercial taxes on every inch of space they operate. They pay significant rent, averaging $3,000–$4,000 per month, and contribute to municipal revenue fairly. Continuing with temporary patios would mean a business receives an additional $5,000 a month value without the same level of contribution.

We’ve heard different responses: some are open to paying, but only during peak months. Others are willing to pay year-round but don’t want the program expanded to all businesses. And many residents have said it changes the character of our historic downtown.

Let’s remember: this was a temporary solution for a temporary crisis.

If there’s now a desire to make patios permanent, then we must follow a proper planning process, which is why council passed a motion to begin a Queen Street secondary plan — something every other village in NOTL already has.

Without a vision, we can’t piecemeal permanent changes into our most historically significant street.

Our heritage district matters. There are 38 businesses that could potentially qualify for patios. If fairness is our guiding principle, we must include them all — or none. And if food establishments are granted expansion, why not retail?

Some have suggested my opposition is personal because my family owns a restaurant. Sunset Grill has reported me to the integrity commissioner twice.

Sunset Grill operates from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves a breakfast and lunch clientele. Corks, for example, opens later and serves a different market entirely.

This isn’t about competition — it’s about community integrity.

My participation in the patio discussion has been reviewed by two independent integrity commissioners, both of whom found no conflict and confirmed my actions were in the public interest.

While their findings are currently being challenged in court, the town’s legal counsel is confident and expects the matter will be addressed in September in the courts.

Seven councillors voted to end the temporary program and begin proper planning for Queen Street. Why? Because the infrastructure is outdated. Crumbling clay pipes are causing flooding. Sidewalks are too narrow.

We need a long-term solution — not short-term band-aids.

Additionally, some businesses using patios on private property are violating their approved site plans by taking up parking spots meant for second-floor short-term rental guests, who are now being redirected to municipal spaces. This, too, undermines planning fairness.

There is far more to this conversation than a few patio tables. I encourage residents to reach out to councillors, ask questions, and get the full picture rather than take to Facebook and post false information.

And for those who love patios, good news: there are over 23 permanent patios already operating in the heritage district.

Let’s preserve what makes Queen Street special while planning for a future that’s fair, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed.

Coun. Maria Mavridis
NOTL