The patio expansion at Peter's Pasta was completed July 3.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Barry Persaud

Kamloops residents can expect to see all kinds of new patios downtown this summer.

Although city council authorized the patio expansion project to facilitate physical distancing May 26, the uptake was a little slow.

However, over a dozen restaurants have now submitted applications to set up existing patios, build new ones or expand.

“The patio program has taken off,” business licence inspector Dave Jones said. "Everybody’s accepted it, and it’s been welcomed by the businesses downtown. I haven’t heard anything negative."

The Vic was the first business to build a patio extension, and other restaurants have followed suit.

The Vic was the first business downtown to expand their patio.

(BRIE WELTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Peter's Pasta finished a new patio on Friday, July 3, and while its success is weather dependant, owner Barry Persaud is hoping the project will continue next year.

"I’m hoping the City does continue this," Persaud said. "It’s a great option."

He has heard the same thing from other downtown business owners.

"Business owners are hoping that the City allows patio extensions to continue in the future, in order to offset the cost of patio construction this year," he said.

READ MORE: Kelowna restaurants adapt to the new normal as they move to patio service on this downtown street

Jones has heard from residents pleased with the patio expansions, and they're also wondering if the project will continue next year.

However, Jones said at this point, it's too early to say.

"We have to be very cautious about what it's costing," he said. "There will be a discussion between all the groups as to what was the final cost of it."

This year, council voted to foot the bill for the construction of walkways to allow for full patio expansion, in order to ease the financial burden for businesses.

"The discussion then is, if we allow it to happen next year, are any of those costs going to be shared by the business owners," Jones said.

Patio at Pizza Pi on Victoria Street.

(BRIE WELTON / iNFOnews.ca)

He added that in the meantime, the project will allow the downtown planning group to showcase some new options for the downtown core.

"The neat thing is to see… how (owners) designed (patios) and put their personal touch on them with flowers, trees, plants and different styles of railing," Jones said.

Here's a list of downtown businesses that have built — or will be building — sidewalk patios this summer. As businesses can apply for patios until Oct. 31, more may be popping up over the next couple months:

Peter's Pasta, 149 Victoria Street

Peter's Pasta built an all new patio, completed July 3. The patio seats twelve, with two tables of two and two tables of four.

Maurya's Indian Cuisine, 165 Victoria Street

Maurya's new patio construction is underway and will be opening soon.

Blenz Coffee, 210 Victoria Street

Blenz is in the design stage and planning to build a patio along the full length of their business. 

Mittz Kitchen, 227 Victoria Street

Mittz Kitchen expanded their pre-existing patio and construction is now complete.

Caffé Motivo, 229 Victoria Street

Caffé Motivo expanded their pre-existing patio and construction is now complete.

Kelly O'Bryans, 244 Victoria Street

Because of the terrain in front of the restaurant, Kelly O'Bryan's was unable to expand, but has opened its regular patio.

The Art We Are, 246 Victoria Street

Although they have not expanded, Art We Are has set up its pre-existing patio for the season.

Pizza Pi, 314 Victoria Street

Pizza Pi has expanded its patio onto the sidewalk and is now open to the public. 

Sushi Royal Tokyo, 324 Victoria Street

Sushi Royal Tokyo built a new patio and are welcoming customers.

Casa Azul Mexican Restaurant, 330 Victoria Street

Casa Azul will finish construction on its patio expansion by the end of this week. 

Carlos O'Bryan's patio, extension has not yet been completed.

(BRIE WELTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Carlos O'Bryan's, 357 Victoria Street

Carlos O'Bryan's is cleared to begin their sidewalk patio expansion. This will be in addition to their pre-existing rooftop patio. 

The Vic, 377 Victoria Street

The Vic has extended their pre-existing patio onto the sidewalk and was the first business downtown to do so.

Freshslice patio on Victoria Street.

(BRIE WELTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Freshslice Pizza, 402 Victoria Street

Freshlice Pizza has finished construction on its new patio, which extends onto the sidewalk.

The Plaza Hotel, 405 Victoria Street 

The Plaza has finished construction and expanded their patio, almost doubling the size of the space.

Hello Toast, 428 Victoria Street

Hello Toast will have a new patio extension by the end of this week. 

Dorian Greek House, 430 Victoria Street

Dorian Greek House is also extending their patio and construction will be complete by the end of this week.

Cordo Resto & Bar, 540 Victoria Street

Cordo has applied for a 75-seat long patio extension underneath their awning, which will be built over the coming weeks.

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