City of Burnaby Expands Outdoor Business Use Program; BBOT Applauds City Initiative

Image: City of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby has announced an expansion to the “Active Sidewalks, Open Businesses” program to allow businesses to apply to use their own outdoor space, such as on-site parking, for business uses such as patio seating or retail space.

This is in addition to allowing businesses to apply to use adjacent public space, such as sidewalks, for similar business uses which was announced previously.

The Burnaby Board of Trade strongly supports this action by the City of Burnaby, and thanks Mayor, Council, and City Staff for moving quickly to create this new program, to expedite applications, and to waive application fees.

The new Active Sidewalks, Open Businesses program will permit local businesses to temporarily (until October 31, 2020) add outdoor seating or otherwise expand into outdoor spaces. This space can provide more room for patrons to maintain physical distancing, while reducing permanent business losses in the community.

Businesses may apply to use this space for:

  • restaurant seating;
  • merchant displays (e.g. racks, outdoor tables, etc.);
  • a pick-up/drop-off kiosk or customer queuing; or
  • other uses (applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

To take advantage of the Active Sidewalks, Open Businesses program, business operators will need to submit an application. The City has created an expedited system to process applications as quickly as possible. A detailed guide to submitting an application can be found online at burnaby.ca/ActiveSidewalks.

Learn More: burnaby.ca/ActiveSidewalks