Sidewalk Use Program
(Also known as Sidewalk Patio Program)
The City of Grande Prairie's Sidewalk Patio Program enhances the vibrancy of our community by providing safe, inviting and enjoyable outdoor dining and shopping experiences for residents and visitors. Well-designed patios and displays contribute to the aesthetics of our city streets while maintaining pedestrian accessibility.
Restaurants, bars and cafés can expand their patios onto city streets and sidewalks, while retail businesses can create outdoor displays or attract customers with A-board signage. Business owners can choose from six available options to create a lively outdoor space for their customers.
Sidewalk Use/Patio Program Requirements
Sidewalk Patio Options
Requirements: Place tables and chairs on the sidewalk to expand seating while keeping a clear path for pedestrians.
- Patio furnishings (tables and chairs) must be taken in and out each business day.
- The Patio area cannot be enclosed by railings or barriers.
- No umbrellas, heaters or string lighting are permitted.
- Must maintain a clear and accessible 2m wide path on the sidewalk for pedestrians of all abilities.
- Can be operated as a seasonal Patio or a year-round Patio.
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Requirements: Place tables and chairs on the sidewalk to expand seating while keeping a clear path for pedestrians.
- Patios can be developed on a platform that is level with the sidewalk or placed directly on the street.
- Parklet Patios must include a guard around the perimeter in accordance with section 8 of the Sidewalk Patio Program Requirements and concrete barrier(s) for temporary traffic control.
- Businesses are responsible for ensuring the Parklet Patio is accessible which may include supplying curb ramps into the Patio area if it is directly on the street.
- The Patio can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters.
- In case of an Emergency all Patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours for maintenance, events, or other activities by the City and the utility providers.
- This type of Patio can be operated as a seasonal Patio or a year-round Patio.
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Requirements: Create a Patio on the sidewalk while pedestrians are accommodated on a re-routed sidewalk in the curb lane.
- Businesses are responsible for supplying a boardwalk sidewalk structure or a safe re-routed pedestrian walkway depending on the curb height for people of all accessibilities in the curb lane.
- Boardwalk structures/Re-Routed pedestrian walkways and the Patio area must include a guard and Patio railing around the perimeter in accordance with section 8 of the Sidewalk Patio Program Requirements and concrete barrier(s) for temporary traffic control.
- Patios can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters.
- In case of an Emergency all boardwalk structures and Patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours for maintenance, events or other activities by the City and the utility providers.
- This type of Patio can be operated as a seasonal or a year-round
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Requirements: Create a Patio on the sidewalk while pedestrians are accommodated on the sidewalk next to the Patio.
- Patios must include a Patio rail system around the perimeter in accordance with section 8 of the Sidewalk Patio Program Requirements .
- This option is only available where the sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate both the Patio and a 2m clear path for pedestrians.
- Patios can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters.
- In case of an Emergency all railings and Patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case the City requires maintenance, events or other activities.
This type of Patio can be operated as a seasonal or a year-round Patio.
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Sidewalk Display Options
Requirements: Showcase products outside the storefronts while maintaining pedestrian space on the sidewalk.
- Display of products must happen on the sidewalk directly in front of the business.
- The Sidewalk Display shall be located within 1 metre of the exterior front wall of the building for which a permit is issued provided a minimum of 2 metres clear of pedestrian path can be achieved.
- The Sidewalk Display must be in accordance with Section 22 of this Procedure.
- In case of an Emergency furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case the City requires maintenance, events or other activities.
Requirements: Place A-Board signs—classic sandwich board-style sidewalk signs—to attract customers while keeping pedestrian pathways clear and accessible.
- A-Board signs shall be located directly in front of the business.
- A-Board signs shall be placed in a way that they do not obstruct sight lines for pedestrians.
- A-Board signs must be in accordance with Section 15 of this Procedure.
- A-Board signs are only permitted on City property in the Central Commercial -CC District as identified in the Land Use Bylaw (C-1260).
- In case of an Emergency signs must be removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case the City requires maintenance, events or other activities.
- A-Board sign permits must be renewed annually.
Using Public Property for Sidewalk Patio, Display or A-Board Signs
When private property doesn't offer enough space for a patio or display, public property can be utilized. Eligible spaces include the curb lane of the street, along the sidewalk, or in alleyways.
Restaurants, bars, cafes and retail businesses with a valid business licence and compliance with AGLC standards are welcome to participate in this program. Enjoy expanding your outdoor dining and shopping areas while contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of our City.
Constructing, erecting, or placing an outdoor patio, tables, chairs, benches, display or sign on public (City‑owned) property requires approval from the City of Grande Prairie through the issuance of a Licence of Occupation or Permit Tags (for A-board signs). The licence of Occupation or Permit Tag must be renewed on an annual basis.
1. Fill out the Application Form. You will need to include:Patio Plan
- Area of patio in square metres and width and length of sidewalk occupied
- Location of all chairs, tables, and fencing
- Location of all surrounding objects fire hydrants, utility vaults, etc.
- Proposed patio must not be located in front of any business, other than that of the applicant.
- More information can be found in the Sidewalk Patio Program Requirements.
Confirm patio operation, seasonal versus year-round.
Provide photographs of the business frontage
Proof of insurance documents
- Patios on public property serving alcohol must have $5M liability insurance with the City of Grande Prairie listed as "Additional Insured."
- Patios on public property not serving alcohol must have $2M liability insurance with the City of Grande Prairie listed as "Additional Insured."
2. Work with the City during the review and evaluation process of your patio plan.
- The complete application will be circulated internally for comments.
- This phase may also include a site visit with the City.
- Make changes and adjustments to your Patio Plan, as necessary, to align with Sidewalk Patio Program Requirements
3. Once the City review is complete, you will receive your Licence of Occupation to review and sign.
4. Install your patio.
Placing an outdoor display or sign on public (City‑owned) property requires approval from the City of Grande Prairie through the issuance of a Licence of Occupation or Permit Tags (for A-board signs). The licence of Occupation or Permit Tag must be renewed on an annual basis.
Sidewalk Display
- Fill out the Application Form.
- Proof of liability insurance
- Sidewalk Displays on public property must have $2M liability insurance.
- Work with the city to review and adjust your application as needed.
- Obtain your Licence of Occupation upon approval.
- Install your Display.
A-board Signs
- Fill out the Application Form.
- Proof of liability insurance
- A-Board Signs on public property must have $2M liability insurance.
- Obtain your Permit Tag upon approval.
- Attach the Tag provided to your A-Board Signs.
