After hearing complaints from businesses about rising costs and delays, the City of Vancouver is planning to make big changes to its patio program.

Mayor Ken Sim, alongside city councillors, announced the planned overhaul Friday, saying patios have become “a lifeline for local businesses.”

“Vancouverites absolutely love them,” Sim said.

“That’s why council directed staff to do a full review of our patio program to make it clearer, more accessible, more consistent, and easier for businesses to work with.”

The package of updates includes: • A freeze on patio permit fees; • No patio fees for storefront seating; • Eliminating engineered drawings for simple designs; • A new low-cost design template to help operators set up quickly; • Expanded eligibility, allowing more businesses

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