The first semi-permanent sidewalk was built in the 200-block of Victoria Street next to Mittz Kitchen (Image Credit: Carl DeSantis)

By Chad Klassen

EXTENDED PATIOS

Extended patios back for another season, being built sooner with new health orders

Mar 31, 2021 | 5:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — Following Monday’s announcement banning indoor dining, the City of Kamloops has pushed up the timeline for extended patios to be built.

The work on the patio extensions started on Wednesday (Mar. 31), a few days before construction of the semi-permanent sidewalks were to begin. The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) talked with the city and said the patio extensions needed to happen sooner than later with the sudden new orders implemented on Monday.

“With the announcement just made by Dr. Henry two days ago, now there’s an accelerated need to introduce extended patios. It was already approved, so that hasn’t changed. What has changed are the timelines. Right behind you and right behind me, there’s projects that are going on right now to get them installed,” said KCBIA Executive Director Carl DeSantis.

DeSantis says the extended patios were a saving grace for some restaurants, who are hanging on during the pandemic to stay open.

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“It was significant last year. The difference it made for revenue, in many cases, determined their survival into the fall. It’s necessary. It had to happen or we would’ve seen some of the businesses fail. It’s that close,” he noted. “This year, right now, with that announcement, with 11-hours notice, that’s unacceptable to be perfectly blunt.”

The crews will continue constructing the sidewalks along Victoria Street before moving onto the North Shore.

The semi-permanent sidewalks are constructed with brick to allow for salting and snow clearing in colder conditions next fall and winter. Last year, the temporary structures were made out of wood.