Restaurants, cafés, bars and other food service businesses in Sarnia can now apply to operate temporary sidewalk patios for the 2026 outdoor dining season.
The City of Sarnia’s Temporary Sidewalk Patio Program allows eligible businesses to enter into an encroachment agreement permitting the use of municipal space, including sidewalks directly in front of their storefronts, for seasonal patio seating. The program runs annually from March 1 to October 30.
Municipal officials say the initiative is intended to support local businesses while adding activity to commercial streets. Temporary patios were identified as one tool within the city’s Downtown and Mitton Village Neighbourhood Revitalization Project, which aims to strengthen the street environment and make the city’s commercial areas more inviting while maintaining safe and accessible pedestrian movement.
Two types of temporary sidewalk patios are permitted through the program.
The first option is a small-frontage temporary patio, which allows a limited seating area directly in front of the business. Operators using this option must maintain a minimum 1.5 metre barrier-free pedestrian pathway along the sidewalk to ensure people walking, pushing strollers or using mobility devices can continue to pass safely.
Small-frontage patios may include tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters and perimeter railings or barriers that comply with the city’s Streets By-law.
The second option is a sidewalk patio with a curb lane platform. In this configuration, the patio remains adjacent to the building frontage but includes a raised platform installed within the curb lane of the roadway. The platform creates a level, step-free extension of the sidewalk that aligns with accessibility standards under the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Curb lane patios may include additional elements such as string lighting and planters, along with seating and railings. Platforms must remain entirely within the curb lane and cannot extend into an active travel lane. They must also allow water to drain along the curb and include a continuous bottom rail barrier to help individuals with visual impairments navigate the area safely.
All temporary patio structures must be removable. The city retains the ability to require removal if access is needed for road maintenance, public events or other municipal activities.
Businesses applying for either patio type must provide a certificate of insurance with coverage of at least $2 million naming the City of Sarnia as an additional insured party. Railings or patio enclosures must not exceed 36 inches in height.
Operators are responsible for managing the space, including removing any litter associated with patio use.
Alcohol service is permitted only if the operator complies with requirements set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Businesses interested in participating must submit an online application and include a site plan showing the patio layout, railing design and the required 1.5 metre pedestrian path. Once the application is received, city engineering staff review the submission and may request additional details before finalizing the encroachment agreement.
The application fee for the 2026 season is $50.
City staff recommend businesses apply early to ensure approvals are completed before the busiest months of patio season begin.
For more information: City of Sarnia's Temporary Online Patio Application
