Many Haligonians will raise a glass to kick-off the official start of patio season on Wednesday.
Restaurants and pubs can now open their outdoor seating areas as part of Phase 1 of the provinces re-opening plan.
It’s welcomed news for many local businesses and weary residents of the HRM after going through three separate lockdowns related to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Meantime, the city is making room for more patio seating on Bedford Row and Grafton Street.
These areas will either be temporarily closed or converted to one-way streets to make room for more seating.
We are so excited to welcome you back!!
Re-opening Wednesday June 2 at 11:30 for patio dining & takeout..pic.twitter.com/yTam3sD8yz
— Seamus Davids Pub (@SeamusDavid) June 1, 2021
Bedford Row
Bedford Row, between the Founders Square parking garage and Prince Street, will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic to allow for additional patio space.
The area between the Founders Square parking garage and Sackville Street will be converted from one-way to two-way traffic. To accommodate this adjustment, the east side of Bedford Row will be converted to a No Stopping/Tow-away zone. The two parking spaces on the west side of Bedford Row will be converted into loading spaces and an additional loading space will be added on Prince Street, at the Bedford Row intersection. This is to support access to the parking garage and businesses in the area, which will be maintained at all times.
Cyclist access will not be permitted in this area, however, Bedford Row will remain fully open to pedestrians.
Grafton Street
Grafton Street, between Carmichael and Prince streets, will be temporarily converted into a one-way, southbound street also to allow for additional patio space.
Sidewalks will remain open on both sides of the road. Parking and loading spaces will not be impacted while this adjustment is in place.
The following changes will go into effect by end of business day on Wednesday, June 2 and will be in place until the end of September.
The province announced patios could re-open last week as long as tables were safely distanced and a max of 10 people per group.
