Last week, The City of Windsor approved moving forward with WindsorEats’ outdoor food hall project to support local restaurants.
This Outdoor Food Hall project would allow multiple small, local restaurants the opportunity to expand into outdoor dining space within city parks under the coordination of WindsorEats. The location being considered for the first food hall is Lanspeary Park. If successful, the idea is to expand into parks located across the city.
“A huge and much deserved thanks and appreciation go out to Mayor Drew Dilkens, Councillors Fred Francis and Chris Holt and the rest of council for moving so quickly on this initiative and others that will provide much needed support for the hospitality” said Adriano Ciotoli, co-founder of WindsorEats.
The proposal has been gaining a lot of press. CTV Windsor recently did an story on the proposal and other ideas being discussed. Here is a rundown of what was included in the motion:
- That fees for sidewalk cafe permits be waived for the remainder of 2020
- That fees for outdoor cafes located on the public right of way be waived for the remainder of 2020
- That fees for the rental of Lanspeary Park be waived to allow for a pilot project for an outdoor food hall, the details and content of which are subject to the satisfaction of City Administration
- That Business Improvement Areas (BIA) within the City of Windsor be requested to submit plans forthwith for any temporary closure of roads and/or sidewalks to facilitate proper physical distancing while encouraging patrons to support local businesses within a BIA
- That City Council waive fees for the closing of the public right of way for approvals granted to BIA’s
The motion also includes the ability to close down roads in Business Improvement Areas, a proposal brought forward by Filip Rocca of Mezzo Restaurant, and the removal of fees for patios.
Ultimately, the project has the capacity to help spur economic activity within the hospitality industry in it’s region. It’s also a great – safe – way to provide people with a social outlet.
So what do you think Ontario?
Are outdoor food halls the future of dining in our big, BIG province?
