Richmond restaurant owners have been on a roller-coaster ride from closing their doors to moving to patio-service during the pandemic.
In order to help local restaurants, Tourism Richmond is offering grants to support additional costs restaurants need to upgrade and enhance existing patios or to establish a new temporary patio.
Through the Patio Enhancement Program, a total of 25 grants, each worth $1,000, are available on a first-come-first-serve basis for restaurant owners.
The grant is retroactive for patio expenses dating back to March 17, 2021 and for expenses that will be finalized before July 31.
Patio expenses include furniture, fencing, lighting, patio heaters, patio decorations, plexiglass dividers and more.
Operational costs such as rent, insurance and wages are not covered by the grant.
One application is allowed per business and funding is available to any Richmond food and beverage business with a valid business license and patio permit.
Eligible restaurants will receive the grant payment after their projects are completed and have submitted a completion form with supporting receipts no later than Sept. 15.
On March 29, B.C. Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a three-week ban on indoor dining until April 19, which was then extended through to May.
However, the new restrictions did not affect outdoor or patio dining.
Restaurants in Richmond and across the province began applying for temporary patio permits within their municipalities.
The City of Richmond had already approved 20 temporary patio licences as part of the city’s Expedited Temporary Patio Program and was working on 20 other applications as of May 10.
Also, the city recently extended the patio program allowing restaurants to offer patio and outdoor dining services until Oct. 31.
For more information and to apply for the Patio Enhancement Program grant, visit https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/patio-enhancement-program
- With files from Maria Rantanen
