Patio Season Launches in the Downtown District

Downtown Belleville has a fantastic new look. Construction has been underway all week preparing for this weekend’s launch of a series of patios and parklets throughout the downtown, enticing diners and those who are looking for a place to relax while shopping in the Downtown District.

The City of Belleville, in partnership with the BIA, is pleased to be launching the Pop-up Patio Program in the Downtown District. This project received a non-repayable contribution of $621,447 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The objectives of the patio program are to:

• Uphold and enhance universal accessibility and public safety.
• Encourage inclusive use & enjoyment of local businesses and community spaces.
• Create and enhance patios and parklets that provide new public spaces for small businesses and patrons in the Downtown District.

“The installation of these patio and parklet systems in the Downtown District provides great advantages to the city and will enhance outdoor experiences,” says Mayor Neil Ellis. “I look forward to seeing these spaces filled with visitors and residents enjoying food, shopping, and everything our downtown has to offer this season.”

Twenty-five street patios and parklets will create new community spaces for small businesses and patrons. The patio enhancements include wooden decking, railings and decorative planter boxes.

“This program is helping the DBIA achieve our strategic goals to increase open spaces, support beautification through consistent and natural features, increase foot traffic and prosperity downtown,” says Danielle Hanoman. “The look created by these patios and parklets in the Downtown District really defines the downtown as a culinary and entertainment destination.”