Plans are underway to move ahead with a patio pilot project that would see businesses able to expand into public spaces in downtown Sechelt.
Staff have met with the Sechelt Downtown Business Association, which initially requested the project, and have “started drafting a guide for applicants should merchants want to have a patio on our sidewalk,” said planning director Andrew Allen. They are also working on a template for a temporary licence of occupation.
One thing they aren’t doing is shutting down Cowrie Street to vehicle traffic. “There isn’t consideration to close Cowrie Street,” said Allen after Coun. Matt McLean asked whether the street would be shut down.
Instead, they would be looking at allowing patios on district property such as sidewalks or roads, said Allen.
The SDBA is also working on details of their proposal and district staff are expecting other proposals to be submitted as well, said Allen.
Sechelt council also agreed to pre-approve all liquor primary and manufacturer licensees applying for a new authorization from B.C.’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to expand their service areas.
The temporary change would be in effect until Oct. 31 and would allow “increased service area footprints” at these establishments to allow for physical distancing while COVID-19 public health restrictions are in place, according to a May 22 letter from the LCRB announcing the policy change.
The planning director would be given the authority to endorse establishment applications to the LCRB, if required. They could expand their patios onto their property, District of Sechelt sidewalks or “on very rare, special occasions, a road,” said Allen.
The change wouldn’t increase overall occupancy and licencees would still have to abide by any public health orders that would require reducing occupancy.
Food-primary licensed establishments don’t need local government approval to expand their service areas, so the LCRB will directly handle their requests for expanded service areas.
Allen said at least two manufacturer facilities want to expand on their own property and are waiting for the district to endorse those applications.
Bruinwood Estate Distillery, located in Area D of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, has also applied to expand its service area and the regional district said it had “no objection” to the expansion.
