Chris Fox, CP24.com Published Wednesday, May 13, 2020 7:13AM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, May 13, 2020 6:19PM EDT

Expanded restaurant patios that would allow patrons to properly physical distance themselves could be a part of the citys reopening plans, Mayor John Tory says.

The province still hasnt indicated when restaurants and bars will be permitted to reopen but in an interview with CP24 on Wednesday morning Tory said that he has asked staff to provide him with a list of possible locations where patios could be expanded into the street in order to help struggling businesses that will need as much of a boost as possible once they can resume dining service.

Torys comments come as Hamilton city council gets set to debate a motion that calls on staff to work with BIAs and restaurant owners to identify locations that could be transformed into outdoor dining districts.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also told CP24 on Tuesday that he is looking into enacting a temporary bylaw in his community that would eliminate a cap on the number of patio seats a restaurant can have, which is based on their indoor seating capacity.

I think not only could it provide us with a source of more enjoyment this summer after all we have been through this winter and spring but also I think that it could be a lifeline for some of the restaurants, especially in light of the fact that they will probably be required to have tables further apart inside and outside, Tory said of expanded patios.

So I have asked them (staff) to come back to me with some possible locations and I expect we will have some news on that fairly soon.

It remains unclear what regulations restaurants may have to face once they eventually reopen, though a number of U.S. states have slashed their capacities and made reservations mandatory.

Speaking with CP24, Tory said that the city has allowed restaurants to expand their patios into the street before, most notably as part of the King Street Transit Priority Corridor.

He said that he sees the effort as part of a wider plan to reimagine the way in which we are using public space in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think we can sweep away some of the red tape and get this done as a way of making the city friendly for everybody but also our friends in the restaurant business, he said.

Restaurants across Ontario have been limited to take-out service only since March 24 under a provincial order.

Helping our restaurant industry survive and reopen is an important role the city government can play," Tory said.

New tool to help restaurants and food services

The city also announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with Toronto startup Ritual to launch an ordering tool that will provide businesses with an easy way to accept digital orders online and onsite.

Tory said the new service called Ritual One will help minimize the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy by supporting restaurants and food services.

This partnership with Ritual as part of our short-term economic support and recovery plan for Toronto, Tory said.

He said businesses that will sign up for Ritual One before June 1 will receive the service free for life and will not pay any commission or monthly subscription fees.

The shift to digital has been growing as we all know in recent years, but COVID-19 has accelerated this transition beyond what we possibly could have imagined, Tory said.

Businesses can sign up at https://ritual.co/partners.

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'It could be a lifeline:' City may allow some restaurants to expand patios once they are permitted to reopen - CP24 Toronto's Breaking News

This pop-up parklet sprang to life in the community of Marda Loop as a result of the work done by the local BIA. LIVEWIRE CALGARY FILE PHOTO

Restaurants and bars around Calgary will be able to open patio areas into public spaces to increase capacity in anticipation of Calgarys stage one coronavirus re-opening on May 14.

Councillors approved the proposal Monday during a Strategic Meeting of Council, where they reviewed an administration proposal on the openings of local restaurants and bars.

Documents released during council meeting outlined what local business can expect with opening patio spaces.

A temporary permission will be issued at no cost for temporary patios. Existing patios on public lands will not be charged for the 2020 season, the documents read.

Most Calgary restaurants and bars are available to re-open on May 14 with a temporary patio to accommodate social distancing and health regulations. Thats when the provinces Stage one relaunch begins.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said even though restaurants can open, theyre to do so at 50 per cent capacity.

It might be hard to make some money, he said

And so this allows you to have more capacity, while adhering to physical distancing moving to outdoors, which might be a bit safer.

Calgary city roads representative John Bolger said that patios could be extending into the public parking and community spaces to better accommodate businesses with reduced space.

Business will apply for approval and we will determine whether or not they can extend into public right of way spaces, he said

Applicants are required to provide the number of tables and chairs they will be using and delineate how this space will be used.

Bolger added that business that require public space will need to outline how the they will protect public accessibility and satisfy Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (ALGC) requirements.

From then, applications will be submitted to AGLC for approval before any temporary patio can be established.

Bolger also commented that audio and televisions will not be allowed on temporary patio spaces.

Our existing rules, I believe dont allow for audio on patios, he said

Coun. Druh Farrell said parking should be there to service businesses, not the other way around.

If a local neighbourhood is dying, and the local shops are dying then there really isnt a lot of parking revenue anyway, she said

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City of Calgary will allow temporary patios in first stage of coronavirus relaunch - LiveWire Calgary

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

May 13, 2020 - 3:01 PM

Kelowna is among the many cities across B.C. making plans to increase the outdoor footprint of its restaurants and pubs, as physical distancing becomes the summertime norm.

Mayor Colin Basran said earlier today, May 13, that it's too early, right now, to tell exactly how that will play out but they are looking at closing streets for some duration, allowing area restaurants to have some extra capacity.

This is something Ive been really passionate about and been having conversations about with our business organizations, Basran said.

Mark Burley with the Downtown Kelowna Association said the idea has been discussed for weeks and there have been ongoing meetings with the city working out whether restaurants and downtown businesses can spread into adjacent outdoor spaces or further onto the sidewalks.

There are so many logistics to work out, he said.

Next Tuesday is when some of the changes will become more apparent with downtown restaurants Kelly OBrians, the Train Station Pub and Doc Willoughbys expecting to open, he said. Retailers in the downtown will likely trail behind with opening dates due to questions about changerooms, and obtaining personal protection equipment

Everyone is operating on the best guess scenario We need answers from the government, he said.

Locally, already, there are more than 54 businesses participating in Kelowna's patio program, which is overseen by the citys Planning Department and is where applications have to be sent.

This program allows businesses located in the Downtown, South Pandosy and Rutland areas to apply for a sidewalk seating permit and is available to retail stores as well as restaurants and pubs.

Ian Tostenson, president of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association, is hoping municipalities will help struggling restaurants that need immediate help getting back on their feet andexpanding into public spaceswould provide more room to serve customers safely.

Specifically, he said in a letter to mayors, the association is asking cities to increase flexibility for patio types and sizes, expedited permitting including applications and renewals, as well as the number of patios allowed.

They want the city to increase the space use of existing patios or picnic areas to allow chairs to be spread out to meet distancing requirements and are requesting that cities allow pop-up outdoor dining and manufacture sampling spaces.

They'd like the city to allow and increase the use of parks and public space for dining and any increase in patio, picnic area or outdoor space be considered a continuation of an establishments existing approved alcohol service, or manufactures sampling area to provide samples and not require additional endorsements or authorizations.

More than 70 per cent of BCs hotels are closed, according to the restaurant lobby group.

The tourism sector has laid off 70 per cent of all employees totalling over 130,000 workers and all 197 craft brewery tasting rooms in BC are closed, reducing average brewery revenues by over 80 per cent.

B.C.'s 366 licensed wine tasting rooms are closed, reducing average revenues by over 50 per cent.

More than 250,000 hospitality and tourism workers have already been laid off in BC since the start of this COVID crisis.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaelsor call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroomand be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Outdoor spaces, patios to open in Kelowna; answers from government needed first - iNFOnews

Authorities say a woman found unresponsive outside of her home over the weekend died as a result of injuries sustained when she was attacked by her dog.

Fox Lake police were called to a home of a woman found unresponsive outside her home on May 9.

Upon arrival, police found 52-year-old Lisa Urso, of Ingleside, on the patio of her home.

Tuesday, officials revealed that a preliminary autopsy indicated she died as a result of injuries from a dog attack, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Police believe it was her French Bulldog that attacked her inside the residence. Urso was able to exit the home, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on the patio. Toxicology results are pending.

"The investigation into her death continues by our office and the Fox Lake Police Department, stated Dr. Howard Cooper, Lake County Coroner.

We have been in close contact with Ms. Ursos family and our deepest condolences go out to them during this difficult time. This is truly a tragedy, he added.

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Suburban Woman Found Unresponsive on Her Patio Was Killed by Her Dog: Autopsy - NBC Chicago

As restrictions for coronavirus loosen, more Dallas restaurants are reopening their doors.

The first batch opened as soon as they could on May 1, but others are slowly coming on board. All are observing COVID-19 precautions such as cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing practices with guests spaced 6 feet apart, and staff wearing masks and gloves.

Here is the latest round of reopenings:

Avanti Restaurant. New hours are Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays: from 5:30-9 pm, and Friday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 pm. Dinner menu and family size to-go menu are available for takeout order. Call 214 871 4955 for reservations.

Coolgreens. Both locations in Richardson, at 1251 State St. Ste. #850, and Southlake, at 2211 E. Southlake Blvd. Ste. #500, have reopened their dining rooms. Richardson is open Monday-Friday 10:30 am-3:30 pm, closed Saturday-Sunday. Southlake is open 10:30 am-3 pm daily until May 18, then 10:30 am-9 pm Monday-Saturday and 10:30-3 pm Sunday. They're open with a big list of provisos including employees temperature-checked daily, replacing their gloves and washing their hands every 15 minutes, and staying home for seven days if they're sick. Cutlery, condiments, and menus have been moved behind the counter, and floor markings specify social distancing. Cash payments are discouraged.

Edoko. Sushi restaurant at CityLine in Richardson has reopened.

Fernando's Mexican at CityLine in Richardson will reopen May 15.

Kai at Legacy West in Plano has reopened.

Knife at The Highland Dallas, now open for take-out, will begin dine-in on May 15, with limited seating and hours from ThursdaySaturday. Sunday-Wednesday will be open with a limited take-out menu only.

Maggiano's Little Italy. Two area locations have opened: 205 NorthPark Center, Dallas and 6001 W. Park Blvd. in Plano. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, and Sunday from 10:30 am-9 pm. Brunch will not be served for the time being. Make a reservation at maggianos.com or over the phone. If guests dont have a reservation or arrive early, they may be asked to wait outside. Restaurant have been sanitized, and social distancing wil be in place. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and guests are encouraged to wear masks into the restaurant as they are being seated. Curbside orders and delivery are still available.

Malibu Poke reopened their Oak Lawn dining room and patio with limited seating and extra safety precautions such as removing touch screen ordering, food served in to-go packaging, and diners throwing away their own trash to minimize employees' risk. McKinney & Olive location is temporarily closed. Curbside pickup and delivery via Doordash is still available at Oak Lawn.

Mi Dia From Scratch opened all three locations in Grapevine, Plano, and Flower Mound, with limited hours and menu in conjunction with the standards set by the CDC and the Texas Restaurant and National Restaurant Associations.

Ocean Prime will reopen for dine-in reservations on May 18. They're already doing carryout and curbside delivery, with a limited menu that includes family meals and meal kits.

Pie Five Pizzahas reopened with enhanced sanitation and safety processes for in-restaurant dining that include masks and gloves for staff, who must wash their hands at least every 30 minutes. To maintain social distancing, tables have been moved to reduce capacity. Floor decals have been added to maintain 6 feet distancing between guests going through the line. Drink stations are temporarily closed. Condiments are behind the counter, and dine-in orders are served in boxes, rather than on trays. Individually packaged sanitizer wipes will be provided with each order.

Ten50 BBQ has reopened their dining room and patio at 25 percent capacity with extra safety precautions in place including staff wearing masks and gloves, tables 6 feet apart, and an acrylic guard in front of the bbq pit.

Toulouse at Legacy West, in Plano has reopened.

Tricky Fish at CityLine in Richardson has reopened.

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These are the latest Dallas restaurants to reopen with COVID-19 precautions - culturemap.com

Whether you like to lounge on the balcony or share a drink with your loved ones on the patio, a well-shaded area can make your outdoor experience so much more pleasant. Covering the verandah or the balcony will not only protect your space from the natural elements like heat and rain, but they will also give you privacy. Outdoor curtains can be hung in balconies and patios for aesthetic pleasure as well. Discover the varieties of outdoor curtains you can buy for your home: Probably the most common method to provide a shield from the sun, screens or blinds made from natural bamboo will give a tropical look to any outdoor setting and would provide shade from the bright sun during peak hours efficiently. This thick bamboo screen is sized at 48 inches x 84 inches and is equipped with a thick fabric and bamboo to provide protection from sun rays, dust, rain and even hailstorms. This bamboo screen also comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer against mold development.'; var randomNumber = Math.random(); var isIndia = (window.geoinfo && window.geoinfo.CountryCode === 'IN') && (window.location.href.indexOf('outsideindia') === -1 ); //console.log(isIndia && randomNumber For people looking for a more aesthetic option, these sheer curtains in the shade of beige would be a great choice. These outdoor curtains are ideal for protection against sun as they provide upto eighty to eighty-five percent of sun-blockage. These summer curtains are designed and manufactured in full size and window size, and are ideal for balconies, patios, verandas or any other outdoor area in the house. The curtains also feature elastic strings at the bottom corners, to keep the curtain in shape in case of heavy winds or storms. This pair of waterproof curtains is made with 100% Polyester Yarn and PU coating for waterproofing and water repellency. This curtain is ideal for protection against sun, wind, rain and hail. Designed and manufactured for a full door and window size, these curtains are ideal for balconies, verandas, patios and any outdoor area that needs a shade. Fitted with elastic strings at the bottom corners, the curtains come accompanied with four hooks and nails for locking curtains. If you are looking for a smaller variety of the Bamboo curtain, this product would be perfect for it. This curtain comes threaded on wire and is attached to a wooden bar with 2 metal hanging hoops. This curtain will act as a perfect screen against the sun and would even prevent bugs and insects from entering the vicinity of your home. Crafted in bamboo, this curtain will also bring a natural element indoors and create a rustic vibe. Perfect for front porch, pergola, cabana, covered patio, gazebo, dock, beach home and other outdoor spaces, these curtains are waterproof and thermally insulated to impede 90% of the light. With its innovative triple-weave technology, the curtains can also lower outdoor noise up to 10%. The curtains are machine washable and can also be steamed from time to time to maintain their freshness.

DISCLAIMER: The Times of India's journalists were not involved in the production of this article.

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Outdoor curtains for balconies, verandahs and patios - Times of India

The weather in south Louisiana has been absolutely gorgeous for the most part this spring. That has inspired Red Stick residents to grab their bikes or take a walk around the city

And now that restaurants are allowed to open up their patios for patrons to sit for a bit and eat takeoutfollowing necessary health precautions, of coursethat gives us all yet another reason to enjoy the outdoors while the nice weather lasts.

Baton Rouge restaurants have begun advertising their patio space on social media, and weve updated ourmaster list of restaurants open for takeout and deliveryto include information on which ones are opening up that coveted outdoor space as well.

Check out some options weve been eyeing below for this weekend, and click here for the full list. As always, let us know if your favorite restaurant should be added to the list!

Yes, please, to grilled cheese and tomato basil soup washed down with a draft beer. Mid City Beer Gardens gorgeous outdoor space is open again, and word has spread quickly. Keep in mind tables are placed further apart for the time being and capacity is limitedmeaning you cant pack the Beer Garden like you used to just yet.

Umami Japanese Bistro is a favorite for its beautifully crafted sushi, Japanese fare and a green tea crpe cake that the225 team is famous for swooning over. Its patio makes a great spot for an evening of fresh sushi and dessert.

Sure, mom would love some flowers for Mothers Day. But Anthonys Italian Deli is betting shed appreciate some lasagna, too. The patio is open, too, so you can enjoy all those homemade Italian favorites outside.

Mom wants lasagna for Mothers Day! (Its this Sunday ) Call to reserve yours for your mom, she deserves the best! 225-272-6817

Posted by Anthony's Italian Deli onTuesday, May 5, 2020

The parking lot at Parrains Seafood Restaurant is usually popping on the weekends. While COVID-19 may have changed things temporarily, you can still get Parrains enormous seafood platters and poboys for curbside pickup, or take your to-go boxes to the patio to get out of the house for the night.

This new-ish smoke house near Airline Highway and Greenwell Springs Road provides brisket, burgers, smoked chicken and more. And if you need a break from all the meat, the restaurant serves up fruit smoothies, too. And what better way to get your barbecue fix than at a picnic table, right?

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Check out these Baton Rouge restaurants for patio seating this weekend - 225 Baton Rouge

Memorial Day is just around the corner and that summer isn't far behind, so we had to jump on the opportunity to share this patio furniture sale going on now at Wayfair. Save upwards of 70% on patio tables, patio chairs, benches, loungers, and more across hundreds of styles and options

Parties, barbecues, and cookouts are coming, and you'll want to make sure you've got the right setup to host those awesome gatherings everyone is looking forward to. Picnic benches are always a great classic backyard gathering piece, but don't be afraid to check out the more modern styles and products you can find on sale today.

On top of picking up a sweet set of Philips Hue outdoor lights to set the perfect party mood, you can browse through the entire selection of patio furniture sales going on now at Wayfair.com:

We've put together a list of some of the best patio furniture deals you can find at Wayfair right now, with deals on classic backyard chairs to complete patio sets for full family gatherings. Read on to see T3's picks of some of the best patio furniture sales, where can save upwards of 70% off on select patio furniture deals!

Wayfair has thousands of items on sale from hundreds of shops and retailers around the world. You'll find deals on patio chairs, patio tables, loungers, benches, and more, all with unique designs and styles to suit any home.

If you're looking for garden furniture, head over to T3's guide to the best garden and patio furniture you'll want to keep an eye out for in 2020.

Selkirk Solid Wood Adirondack Chair | Was: $337 | Now: $124 | 63% off at Wayfair.comClassic style and design, Selkirk's Adirondack wood patio chair is perfect for lounging in the back yard on warm summer afternoons. Durable, weather-resistant sealed wood construction ensures this will be a family favorite chair for years to come.View Deal

Lancashire 4-Piece Rattan Sofa Seating Group w/ Cushions | Was: $949 | Now: $509 | 46% off at Wayfair.comA great conversational set for those seeking a more modern style for their patio set, this four piece set features two patio chairs, a patio sofa, and patio table. Durable, weather resistant frame and cushions provide a comfortable yet solid patio furniture set perfect for apartments, condos, and smaller homes.View Deal

Crispin Sun Lounger 2-Piece Set | Was: $2,268 | Now: $430 | 81% off at Wayfair.comThe perfect pool side pair, these sun loungers feature a durable woven resin wicker exterior and powder-coated iron frame for long lasting style. A classy, modern take on the pool side lounger that anyone looking to spruce up their patio with will love.View Deal

Jonathon 3-Piece Outdoor Dining Set | Was: $343 | Now: $225 | 34% off at Wayfair.comA summer classic, this three piece dining set offers a classic back yard barbecue feel and style that suits any home. Complete with table and benches, the solid wood construction is UV resistant to maintain color during those bright summer days.View Deal

Today's best Patio Ideas deals

Designers Fountain Ellington...

highwood Weatherly Garden...

Arcata Sunlounger Dark...

Safavieh Azuza Sun Lounger...

Today's best Firepits deals

Crosley Buckner Fire Pit in...

Memorial Day Sales 2020: T3's Top Memorial Day Sale Picks

For more news, reviews, and deals from the T3 team check out the articles below...

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Memorial Day sales are here with Wayfair's patio furniture sale save up to 70% on select pieces! - T3 US/CA

There could be a lot more al fresco dining in the City of North Vancouver this summer, as council moves to make it easier for restaurants to open up or expand patio spaces.

Mayor Linda Buchanan won councils support for a motion Monday night asking staff to start working on some rule changes that will help businesses survive the slow reopening process under the provinces COVID-19 guidelines.

The B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association is aiming to have its members opening by June 1, but restaurant capacity will likely be scaled back to help maintain physical distancing.

Adding more patio space was one of the top requests from city restaurant, pub and brewery owners who have met with Buchanan as part of the business advisory task force she convened to see how the city can best help them through the crisis.

They are really looking at the ability to have our staff develop simple, flexible and adaptable plans to be able to temporarily expand their patios as well as make sure that plan also allows for safe pedestrian movement of people past those businesses, she said.

In addition, Buchanan said she would like the plans to address possibly allowing consumption of alcohol in certain public spaces, so residents will have informal, safe outdoor places to socialize with their family and friends.

Coun. Holly Back, who also sits on the task force, said she was struck by how committed the business owners have been to ensuring their reopening doesnt put public health at risk.

These people have lost a lot of money over the last couple of months and so I was really pleasantly surprised at their attitudes about how they're going to get back into business. I truly feel, as a city, we need to help them as much as we possibly can.

Carving out some extra city space for people dining out will not only help the businesses get by, Coun. Tony Valente reasoned, but also help animate the streetscape.

Councils support for the motion was unanimous.

Lets all now pray for a beautiful summer, Buchanan added.

Read more here:
City of North Van looks to quickly expand patio space - North Shore News

Photo provided by Ornamental Mouldings & Millwork

Transform a dull room by putting exposed wooden beams onto ceilings. More companies are touting it as a more affordable and less cumbersome project that even do-it-yourselfers can perform.

Wooden beams can enhance high ceilings and add a decorative element to a space. Companies are offering faux beams made to resemble the real look of wood to cut the costs. These faux wooden beams are available in a variety of styles and textures.

Photo provided by Ornamental Mouldings & Millwork

Plus, theyre lightweight, which lends itself to a DIY job. Prices vary, but a 13-foot faux wood beam, for example, can cost between $130 to $185. (Google faux wood beams and mouldings for options).

Add them to dress up a family room, master bedroom, or bathroom or even to add a rustic look to a kitchen.

One company, Ornamental Moulding & Millwork, touts DIY options such as its ambrosia maple and prefinished gray, which are lightweight, eight-foot-long hollow, U-shaped beams. They come with mounting plates and hardware for installation.

Photo provided by Ornamental Mouldings & Millwork

Were seeing people attach our beams to ceilings in family rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms, says Keith Early, vice president of marketing and new product development at Ornamental Mouldings & Millwork. This definitely is a project a DIYer can tackle. Whether its adding straight beams to a ceiling, creating a center beam with cross beams or crafting a coffered ceiling, these beams provide the ideal way to enhance a familys living space.

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Wooden beams that dress up ceilings: A DIY project - STLtoday.com