A new policy put forward by the City of Moose Jaw will allow businesses to extend beyond the sidewalk for pop-up patios and boardwalks. 

During executive committee, a motion was passed unanimously to repeal the Extension of Business Policy and replace it with the Extension of Business for Sidewalk, Boulevard, and Parking Stall Policy. 

The previous policy only allowed businesses to extend to the sidewalk for events such as sidewalk sales and sidewalk patios with a business extension permit. 

Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development services, said they already have support from the downtown businesses. 

“It has been reviewed and passed through the Downtown Moose Jaw Business Association. We haven't received any feedback, so we're assuming that there are no objections on that part,” she said. 

The new policy would allow businesses to rent parking spaces for events like pop-up patios and seasonal boardwalks.

This new policy was based on the existing city policy as well as policies from Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Canmore. Councillor Jamey Logan was in favour of the new policy

“Boy, if you've ever been to a city that does this, you're excited about this because this is going to be fun for the city and fun for tourists."  

“We’re a tourist destination and they're going to come and enjoy it," continued Logan. "It's going to be a lot of fun downtown when patios are set up all over the place and you can go from patio to patio just having a great time.” 

The business extension permits only operate in the summer season from April 1 to Oct. 31 and the winter season runs from Nov. 1 to March 31. Parking stall patios would not be allowed during the winter season. 

Rental fees for parking stalls will be waived for 2021, as the city wants to promote the new policy and help businesses with start-up costs. 

In 2022, the daily rental fees will be $7.50 for a parking space and $3.40 for each additional space. 

A seasonal rate will also be offered of $1,100 for one space and $500 for each additional space. 

Sanson said the rental rates are on par with the contractor rates the city has for construction work.