(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Supporting local establishments

City moves to accommodate patios

Apr 9, 2021 | 5:56 PM

Following this week’s provincially-mandated closure of indoor dining in Alberta, The City of Red Deer is working with local establishments when it comes to outdoor patios.

Patios installed on private property within the city require a development permit and may require a building permit. In an effort to offer immediate assistance to businesses, The City is modifying these processes to allow for installation of patios prior to permits being issued, following discussions with the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce.

“We know local business owners are struggling to adapt to changing restrictions and wanted to find a way to expedite the application process so these businesses see minimal impact to their operations as a result of closure of indoor dining,” said Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing Manager. “The health and safety of Red Deerians is of utmost importance, and participating businesses must ensure that public health orders and provincial restrictions continue to be followed.”

A signed waiver is required by the business owner, allowing for the immediate installation of the patio. The business owner will be responsible for submitting a complete application, including a site plan outlining the location and measurements of the patio and the number of seats, within two weeks of the signed waiver being submitted. The permit will continue to be processed, ensuring safety and legislative requirements are met, and will be valid until September 30, 2021.

For patios within the downtown core, business owners are required to apply for a Seasonal Downtown Patio. Businesses within the downtown core require a boardwalk to be installed around the perimeter of the patio to provide a safe, accessible walkway for pedestrians (this excludes businesses located within Ross Street Patio). The City will build, install, remove and store these boardwalks at no cost to participating businesses.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

13h ago

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

Interested business owners can visit www.reddeer.ca/seasonalpatios for more information and to begin the application process.