The City is extending the patio season well into the winter.

Winnipeggers enjoy hitting the patios when the weather warms, but this year locals could be in for a new experience. Starting tomorrow, restaurants can apply to create a temporary winterized patio. 

When permitted, patios will be allowed to operate a winterized version of their patios from November 1 to March 31.

"The sooner that they apply the better," Mayor Brian Bowman says. He adds that applicants can apply throughout the year. "Beginning next week they can start having that dialogue with the city"

These patios, however, will require more work to set up. The spaces and tents will need to be structurally sound, fire-safe, and have heating. Snow clearing will also be required. 

"I am looking forward to having a beer, in the snow, with a heater," Bowman says.

The idea was inspired by the hospitality industry looking to continue during the pandemic. The City says the application process will be separate from the ones in the spring for temporary patios. Bowman is expecting to see creativity from business owners this winter.

"There is going to be a few people that want to test the waters to start it out," Bowman says.

If the program is successful, they could be continuing to allow winter patios for the foreseeable future.

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