Hello everyone, isn’t it great to see all the PATIOS thriving with this beautiful weather!

This message is to all our loyal customers, friends and business associates.

Most of you know that the Town of Newmarket declined our application/proposal for an outdoor patio. The town did offer us 2 parking spaces south of the back entrance. Unfortunately, this option is just not a viable solution.

The proposal we gave to the town checked all the boxes, AND we decreased the size of our patio by over 1/3, and the plan creates parking. 

As we all know, this is a need in the Main Street area. We are asking for 3 parking spots, creating 5 new parking spaces on the north end of the proposed patio. We will also be creating 7-10 new jobs in the community.

We have asked the Town of Newmarket to reconsider our proposal but have yet to be successful.

If enough people support this, we hope the town will reconsider our original patio plan. 

The following is a report from the Town of Newmarket from 2021:

In January, the Town surveyed local residents and the business community to seek feedback on the 2020 patio program and help to shape the 2021 program. The Town received over 500 responses with overwhelming support for continuing with an expanded patio program in Newmarket.

Here is a snapshot of what we heard:

• 97 per cent of people support a 2021 patio program
• 98 per cent of those in favour of the patio program support an expanded patio program
• On a scale of 1-100, the average enjoyment level of the patio program in 2020 was 91
• On the same scale, the average score was 90, when asked if this was a safe way to support local businesses

The City of Toronto shows the overwhelming support of patios and the many benefits they bring to the surrounding area. Here is a link to the article: City of Toronto proposes CaféTO program changes for 2023 and beyond – City of Toronto

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support.

Al Cockburn - The Olde Village Free House