Patios are returning to downtown Peterborough for the summer beginning Monday (May 13), with Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets once again temporarily reconfigured into a one-lane and one-way westbound street.
As part of the reconfiguration of this section of Hunter Street West, Chambers Street will also be temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will allow two-way traffic from its north end at Brock Street for the duration of the Hunter Street reconfiguration.
The temporary street changes during warm weather months are part of the City of Peterborough’s patio program, which allows for the installation of expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space in the Hunter Street café district between George and Alymer streets.
While the city first established the patio program in 1997 to allow businesses to have bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to their building facades, the temporary changes to the downtown area originally began during the pandemic summer of 2020 to support physical distancing as well as more outdoor dining spaces for restaurants.
Under the city’s patio program, businesses without widened sidewalks will be alllowed to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations. Expanded patios are also being planned for George, Water, Simcoe, and Charlotte streets.
City staff will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved permits under the program.
According to a media release, the city has received around 20 patio permit applications to date, which is five less than the same time last year. The city expects to continue to install decorative fencing and planter installations for patios throughout May and June to accommodate later rounds of patio permit applications.
“I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city,” says Town Ward councillor Alex Bierk in the release.
During patio season, reduced speed limits will be in place on streets with patios for pedestrian and customer safety. Parking spaces — including accessible spaces, loading zones, and designated waste pick-up areas — may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses.
The city will accept patio permit applications — which are required for all patios on city-owned property — until Friday, May 31st. More information is available on the City of Peterborough website.
As in previous years, businesses operating patios under the program are required to have a minimum of $2 million in general liability insurance. A recommendation by city staff to increase the minimum to $5 million was rejected by city council in February, with city staff directed to report back to council with options for the 2025 patio season.
There is no word from the city on whether the Renaissance on Hunter public art project will return for a fourth year. Last summer, the project saw road mural and artists’ gardens projects installed on Hunter Street between George and Aylmer streets.
This story has been updated to correct the start of patio installation from May 14 to May 13 due to an error in a media release from the City of Peterborough.
