Dear Neighbour,

My name is Sarah Baxter and I own Chadwick’s Craft Kitchen & Bar at 268 Howland Ave.  I have owned and operated this restaurant for 10 years (5 years as Fanny Chadwick’s and 5 years as Chadwick’s).  My family and I live just down the street and have been part of this community for 20 years.

I am writing to you in the hope that you can help me with a building permit application that I have submitted for a retractable awning on my back patio. The city has denied my application.  

The issues stems from the fact that the building is zoned residential and the business is therefore legal non conforming. As such the building code examiner has applied residential zoning set backs which does not allow me to install a retractable awning on the back patio.  

I know you are very aware of the immensely difficult time restaurants have had over this past year.  I won’t get into all that here.  I would like to point out the added challenges we face with regards to weather.  With having to make it through the winter relying only on takeout, I was really looking forward to opening the patio.  Last year, without rain protection, we lost almost all of our business on rainy days.  Even days that threatened rain were dramatically impacted as people did not want to risk dining outside.  Not only did this impact sales but it made it very difficult to schedule staff and maintain inventory. 

I never imagined that the awning would be a problem as I see them installed on restaurant patios all over the city.  I have already paid a deposit on the awning and it is ready to be installed.  I was absolutely devastated when I received the the denial from the city.  

Our city councillor, Mike Layton, has suggested I gather letters of support from my neighbours.  I have attached a petition in hopes that you will sign to show your support.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.   

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me anytime. 

Sincerely,

Sarah Baxter