Many local restaurants jumped at the chance when Tourism Richmond announced they were offering financial support for establishments offering patio service last week.
Tourism Richmond was offering 25 grants, each worth $1,000, to be provided through the Patio Enhancement Program for restaurants to upgrade and enhance existing patios or to establish a new temporary patio.
Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond, said they received 14 applications within the first 24 hours and had to close the applications on May 31 when all 25 grants were applied for.
“The need for the grant is really across the board in the hospitality and restaurant industry,” said Small, adding that she was excited to see the quick and positive responses from local restaurant owners.
“We wanted to make it easy for small business owners to get the support they need.
“Hopefully our program can help these entrepreneurs do different things and get some new business.”
The City of Richmond has had temporary patio applications flooding in since the B.C. Ministry of Health ordered an indoor dining ban in March.
According to the city, a total of 80 establishments have submitted an application for patio permits.
Of the 80 applications, 36 temporary outdoor patio permits were issued, 29 are still under review, 13 require more information and two do not require a review as they have an existing patio.
