Council OKs expansion of outdoor eating areas

More restaurants now have the option to have outdoor eating areas.

City council voted Monday to allow outdoor eating and drinking areas in local commercial zones if they are by the street, that is, patios.

But they will considered on a case-by-case basis, have to be sensitive to surrounding residences, and can be subject to certain conditions.

The amendment arose as a result of residents’ concerns over Hill Caffe at 3414 Hill Ave. The owner had opened a patio out front and built a deck in the back, which butts against a laneway separating it from homes.

It’s the back deck that raised the ire of residents, who told councillors about their concerns over noise and traffic in the laneway. They didn’t take issue with the front patio.

Council agreed with residents, allowing the front patio and rejecting the back deck.

“At the end of the day, I understand their concerns,” said café owner Barry Wilkie, who chose not to attend the meeting. “I don’t think they’re warranted, but everyone has the right to their own opinion.”

Wilkie thinks the residents don’t “realize what kind of a little coffee shop business it is. We’re not a bar.”

He said he is considering applying for a building permit to extend his business to the rear.

CITY PREPS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES

Mayor Michael Fougere put forth a motion at the council meeting asking city administration to figure out how the municipality will “support the arrival, settlement and integration of Syrian refugees.”

We will do whatever we can to make sure that they’re comfortable, that they receive the proper services …

After a conference call Monday morning with several Canadian mayors and the federal minister of immigration, Fougere said he is still slim on details as to how the country’s Syrian refugee intake will affect Regina but wants people to know it will be prepared.

“This city welcomes people — the province as well — from all over the world, and those who are in desperate straights, in horrendous circumstances need our support,” he said.

“We will do whatever we can to make sure that they’re comfortable, that they receive the proper services, they’re taken care of, and they can be integrated in a positive sense into our community.”

Administration is expected to report back next week.

FROM RENTALS TO CONDOS

Tenants will be protected from their apartment being converted to a condominium for 24 months after approval thanks to revisions to the city’s condominium policy.

The Mayor’s Housing Commission had initially recommended only a 12-month tenant guarantee, but Coun. Shawn Fraser got an amendment passed Monday doubling that time frame.

He said 24 months was recommended after “robust” community consultation and that that approach deserves testing out.

Coun. Bob Hawkins said the commission found 24 months “excessive,” especially given the current housing market.

“It’s important there’s protection. There’s no doubt about that,” he said.

The revisions also mean that converting buildings of five units or more cannot drop a neighbourhood’s vacancy rate below three per cent, and the conversion of a building of three or four units cannot drop the city-wide vacancy rate below 2.5 per cent.