After a lengthy discussion Tuesday night, Niagara-on-the-Lake council’s decision to end the temporary patio program at the end of this year remains solid.
Council unanimously voted to end the program back in March, but the issue was brought up during the April 29 council meeting by Coun. Wendy Cheropita for reconsideration.
During the vote, only Cheropita and Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa voted against ending the program.
Cheropita emphasized that she wants to keep the patio program in place simply because council does not have a plan for the existing temporary patios on Queen Street once it ends.
“For me, it’s not about temporary or COVID, it’s something that all municipalities have turned into a permanent program,” she said.
“When we don’t have a plan, we might want to consider continuing something that allows patios to exist.”
Gina Angelakopoulos, co-owner of the Epicurean restaurant, pleaded with council to end the program, citing her concerns about compliance, enforcement and public trust.
“The program was implemented during an emergency that is now over. Now, several businesses continue to benefit from public land at no additional cost,” Angelakopoulos said.
“What we’re witnessing isn’t just inequality, isn’t just inequality, it’s favouritism.”
Zalepa interjected, saying comments like hers were unfair and asked Angelakopoulos to continue without such claims.
“This program was supposed to be temporary. It’s time to end it before the damage to public trust becomes permanent,” Angelakopoulos said.
Several other business owners made presentations during the meeting, urging councillors to vote in favour of keeping the program in place.
Kim and Scott Gauld, owners of Sunset Grill, said the vast majority of residents are in favour of the program and outdoor patios.
“Patios add a vibrancy and life to our community,” Scott Gauld said.
Gauld said he is more than willing to pay a fair fee for the use of parking spaces for the patio.
Sheila Wilcox from Bistro Six One said there is no issue of overseating with the temporary patios.
“Our numbers are stagnant; they do not change,” she said.
Wilcox also doesn’t believe the program to be costing the town, she said.
“The patio program has been accused of taking parking spaces and offsetting the income from the parking spaces to the patio allotment.”
“I do not fully believe that it is costing the town money to have those.”
Adam Brooker, co-owner of the Irish Harp, said the European ambience of the patios adds to the town’s charm.
“Temporary patios offer inclusive space for a range of community members. Offering a safe and welcoming environment to individuals with health concerns and creates more (options) for people with pets,” he said.
Coun. Andrew Niven agreed with Cheropita’s claims, saying the town needs a plan for the continuation of the existing temporary patios.
“That’s what I thought we were discussing tonight,” he said.
Niven said Queen Street is the heart of NOTL’s tourism area and a cohesive plan should be enacted.
“My only concern about this is the timing aspect,” he said.
Niven urged staff to move a new plan forward as soon as possible.
Coun. Sandra O’Connor suggested looking at a more widespread solution.
“We should be looking at the seasonal patio program in a more holistic way. In the context of all the Queen Street area,” she said.
“I’ve wanted to have a more thorough review.”
Zalepa said he sensed there is a consensus around wanting to find a fair solution.
Coun. Maria Mavridis made a speech at the beginning of the meeting, stating that she would be voting on the patio program.
“My integrity was recently called into question by a fellow Queen Street business owner regarding my involvement in the temporary patio program. Two separate commissioners have reviewed the matter and independently concluded that I do not have a conflict of interest,” she said.
“Despite these findings, the matter is now being challenged in Superior Court.”
Mavridis voted in favour of concluding the program in December.
