Al Fresco in the Hills Program Supports Patio Dining

HALTON HILLS, ON - On June 18, the Town of Halton Hills launched ‘Al Fresco in the Hills,’ an outdoor dining initiative designed to support local restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments. To date, the program has seen take up by over a dozen businesses. Developed by the Town, in collaboration with the Economic Support and Recovery Task Force, Al Fresco in the Hills provides eligible establishments the opportunity to create additional temporary outdoor dining capacity while operations are adjusted in response to COVID-19 to keep public health as the top priority. A new, streamlined and expedited process has been put in place to implement Al Fresco in the Hills. Interested businesses are encouraged to apply. “As businesses slowly begin to re-open, the focus of the Town and the Economic Support and Recovery Task Force has shifted to supporting an economic restart while recognizing public health as the top priority,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. “Al Fresco in the Hills is one of many initiatives that the Town is implementing to help businesses adjust to the new normal and is another example of how we continue to provide proactive and meaningful support to our local business community during these unprecedented times.” Al Fresco in the Hills is taking a two-phased approach to allow time for businesses to adjust their operations in response to COVID-19. Phase One was a temporary patio program launched in June; temporary patios will be permitted until October 31, 2020. To apply, please contact the Town’s Deputy Clerk. Phase Two of the Town’s Al Fresco in the Hills program will provide additional outdoor dining opportunities in larger public spaces, and accommodate take-out patrons by encouraging them to dine downtown in a safe manner. On June 19, 2020, Halton Region entered Stage Two of recovery as per Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province. Under Stage Two, restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments can open for dining in outdoor areas only, such as patios, curbside, parking lots, and adjacent premises. For more information, visit Invest Halton Hills