Vancouver mayor wants more patios, later hours

Darcy Wintonyk, CTV British Columbia Published Thursday, July 4, 2013 3:07PM PDT Last Updated Thursday, July 4, 2013 3:37PM PDT

You could soon be enjoying a drink on a Vancouver patio late into the night if Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson gets his way.

Robertson is pushing for extended patio hours in different areas across the city.

He told CTV News hell ask city staff to review how Vancouver can introduce new patio space and keep some patios open past 11 p.m., when city bylaws force them to close.

Weve been talking to a number of restaurant owners over the last couple of years about continuing to extend patio hours in areas around the city where it makes sense, not just downtown but city-wide, said Robertson.

The plan would include using available sidewalk or even street space to expand the number of available patio seats around the City of Glass. The city currently has 577 patios.

He added that expansion plans would best be laid in areas where there is less residential housing.

Whether its in Gastown or on Granville or in areas like Main Street, its important that the City works with local businesses and neighbourhoods to open up public space for public enjoyment, including for restaurants and cafes, Robertson said.

The mayors office has introduced a Facebook poll asking Vancouverites to give their input. At press time, 144 people had responded yes, one person said they needed more information and one person responded no.

An official motion will be tabled at a city council meeting next week.

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Vancouver mayor wants more patios, later hours