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A proposed policy to allow the encroachment of outdoor patios onto town right-of-ways will come in front of council Tuesday.

The pilot project suggests a timeframe between May 1 and Oct. 15 of each calendar year to allow local businesses to extend patio space onto sidewalks.

Applicants are required to submit a plan to the infrastructure and environmental services department for approval and enter into an encroachment agreement with the town.

So far, four businesses have submitted applications, two of which already have substantial patio space and may choose not to extend their dimensions.

Though the idea of outdoor dining is appealing to some, councillors expressed concern on behalf of residents worried about noise and traffic along the Yonge Street corridor.

Councillor Evelyn Buck says she has received calls from annoyed residents due to clients shouting and creating loud noises when leaving Aw Shucks, located downtown, at late hours of the night.

She believes the town is now faced with a tough decision.

Obviously we have conflict with this and, on the other hand, we have a policy of intensification and bringing people into the downtown core, she said. Im not sure how we can resolve it. Auroras downtown core isnt like the European lifestyle, where people sit along the streets at all hours of the day.

Councillor John Abel, on the other hand, thinks the policy would be a positive step forward for Aurora, encouraging growth and economic appeal.

Read more:
Aurora to address issue of restaurant patio space

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April 4, 2014 at 1:49 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Patios