To support restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, the Town has launched the 'Al Fresco in the Hills' initiative. It provides opportunities for additional dining space to help reduce revenue losses caused by necessary compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
Indoor and Outdoor Dining Guidelines and Regulations
To ensure public safety, restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments located in Halton Hills are reminded to follow all applicable requirements for outdoor dining, including:
- Adhering to provincial and regional public health guidelines
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if an outdoor area of the business or place is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the entire outdoor area are open to the outdoors and are not substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers
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if an outdoor area at the business or place is equipped with a retractable roof and the roof is retracted, at least one full side of the outdoor area is open to the outdoors and is not substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers
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Any proposed tent must comply with applicable provisions of the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, and Zoning By-law
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Heaters must not be located inside of a tent or under a canopy
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Dining domes with an area of less than 10m2 do not require a building permit
Please contact the Town of Halton Hills Building Services for information on the Building Code requirements for tents (including building permits, clearance to other buildings or structures, design of tent supporting system, etc.). For inquiries on heaters, please contact the Town of Halton Hills Fire Department at 905-877-1133.
Private and Public Patios Program
Subject to the application process and temporary patio proposal review and approval, eligible restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments will be permitted to set-up temporary patios on their private property or in a public parking space or sidewalk in front of or beside their existing business. Approvals issued are non-renewable.
Guidelines: Temporary Patio Guidelines
Tents: Appendix 1 - Tents General Notes
Apply Now
Applications for 2022 are now being accepted!
If you are interested in operating a Temporary Patio, please email the Clerk of Halton Hills, Valerie Petryniak. Complete submission requirements will be confirmed upon contacting the Clerk.
Additional Resources
For additional resources and guidance, please visit Halton Region's COVID-19 Information and Guidance webpage.