City of Port Alberni Extends Licences to Occupy for Local Businesses

Friday, October 1, 2021

Port Alberni, BC – Council for the City of Port Alberni has endorsed the extension of the City’s Guidelines for Temporary Sidewalk Patios including the use of the City’s Licence to Occupy Agreement until June 1, 2022.  

One of City Council’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic was creating the opportunity for commercial operators to extend their operations onto public lands [City sidewalks]. This was achieved with Council’s establishment of guidelines associated with occupying public space as well as individual Licence to Occupy agreements. Since that time, five local businesses have entered into formal agreements with the City to extend their service areas.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has issued a new policy directive to extend [for a final time] authorizations until June 1, 2022 with the intent of providing local governments and commercial operators time to consider enabling these temporary occupancy's on a permanent basis.  

“The past year and a half has been filled with challenges for both residents and businesses. But through these difficult times, we have seen our local businesses rise to the challenge and respond with a passion and innovation that has made us incredibly proud. Council is committed to joining our local businesses in that innovation and providing assistance where possible to allow for the continued success of the small business sector,” said Mayor Sharie Minions. “COVID-19 has forced us as business owners to continually adapt and rethink both what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. On a personal note, while on a recent family excursion to Nelson, BC I was so impressed by the welcoming atmosphere of a main street filled with sidewalk patios. It is Council’s hope that in creating a path for permanent sidewalk patios in the City, that a patio culture similar to Nelson and other vibrant communities will emerge, adding vibrancy to our streets, and to the overall feel of our community,” concluded Mayor Minions.

City staff will be bringing forward a report outlining the criteria and requirements of permanent occupancy for Council’s consideration at a meeting in the near future.   

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For More Information

Tim Pley, Chief Administrative Officer

City of Port Alberni

250.720.2824

timothy_pley@portalberni.ca

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