Options for enjoying a refreshing drink and a meal at your favourite place in Okotoks have expanded to open air spaces.

Local businesses have plenty of guidelines to follow when opening to customers and kick starting after being closed due to COVID-19.

Following safety procedures and mapping out available space to allow for physical distancing has proved a challenge for business owners and the Town of Okotoks has come up with a plan to help businesses expand their available space.

The Town of Okotoks is providing increased flexibility for businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 by allowing for temporary patios and retail spaces in existing parking spaces and on public sidewalks.

Development planner with the Town, Colton Nickel says the Town appreciates the challenges that businesses are facing with the requirements for social distancing and they have been looking at ways to ease the burden.

"This is one way that they can expand their space temporarily so they can serve more customers while still following Alberta Health Services directives." explained Nickel.

Although there is no permit or formal approval required business owners are required to comply with the Temporary Outdoor Patio & Retail Space Guidelines. After reviewing the guidelines business owners then submit an executed Declaration Form to the Town.

There is no fee for the application and once the Declaration form has been submitted, businesses can proceed to create their patios in line with all of the requirements in the guidelines.

Other steps the business owner must take include providing a plan or drawing of the intended space to the Town prior to creating the space and provide proof of insurance.

Approval from the Town will also be needed if sidewalks, public parks, municipally owned parcels, or reserve parcels are being used for the additional space.

"The Town has made this process as simple and quick as possible," said Nickel, adding "We want to ensure our local businesses can be using this extra space as soon as possible."

According to information provided by the Town, temporary patios and retail spaces will be allowed to operate until November 4, 2020.

Those interested can get information about the forms and guidelines at okotoks.ca/patios.

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