Sechelt council has endorsed a pilot project that will result in more commercial sidewalk usage in the downtown core this summer.
The project allows business owners to occupy the public sidewalk for an outdoor terrace or patio where food is served or products are offered for sale.
"We're quite excited that it gives people options," said Sechelt Downtown Business Association president Katharine Trueman. "We are in agreement with it because it's a trial before they do some kind of a bylaw and this is what merchants wanted. They wanted to be able to have some space."
The sidewalk usage comes with stipulations that say no structures or decks are permitted, no liquor can be served, a walkway width of at least 1.75 metres must be kept and business owners must sign a liability waiver to use the sidewalk space.
Some roadways in downtown Sechelt won't be included in the pilot project because their size limits them from being able to keep the 1.75-metre walkway width.
Trueman said she would be hand-delivering letters this week to businesses with sidewalks that are suitable, explaining the project and what can be done within the limitations
"I think it's good that the District is listening and trying to work on these initiatives," Trueman said. "This is sort of a stop gap to let people experiment and see what works and what doesn't. They're trying to make the downtown more warm and inviting, which is our goal as well."
The pilot project will run until Oct. 30.
