West Vancouver council is looking to make a little more elbow room for people dining and shopping outside during this summer of physical distancing.
Council unanimously approved some temporary rule changes that will make it easier for restaurants and retailers to make use of sidewalks and parking lots in a bid to help business survive COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Businesses who apply may be permitted an expansion of an existing patio or creation of a new one on the sidewalk, or curbside parking or private parking lots could be turned into patio or retail space, said Stephen Mikicich, the district’s manager of economic development.
"We have to take into account pedestrian safety and movement and separation of patios from the traffic,” he said. “We are still dotting the i's and crossing the t's on the paperwork side, but it does allow us to be more nimble working with local businesses to consider their proposals.”
Under the new rules, which are in place until the end of October, the district will not enforce its rules on parking minimums, and businesses will not be required to get standard development permits or pay fees if they are eligible. The district will automatically recommend applications from restaurants and pubs be given the OK by the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Where physical constraints may not provide any option using the sidewalk or nearby parking outside, some businesses will be able share other available spots, Mikicich told council.
Although the district isn’t yet formally accepting applications, 13 businesses have already expressed interested, including three who submitted detailed proposals, Mikicich said.
Council has also struck an economic recovery task force to see how the district can assist in the recovery of local businesses over the next 18 months. Mayor Mary-Ann Booth will represent council on the task force.
“I do want to send a very strong message that as a leader of council … I take this very seriously, and I want to hear from businesses and do whatever we can to support them,” she told council Monday night.
The City of North Vancouver was the first on the North Shore to begin trading parking for patio space two weeks ago. District of North Vancouver council has a similar proposal on their agenda for Monday night.
