PATIOS & CAFÉS SEATING PROGRAM

• Please review the City of Ottawa’s Patio By-law to ensure that you understand your obligations under this by-law.

• Please review the site map of the ByWard Market District Authority. All patios within the blue or red boundaries should apply with BMDA. Any patio applications outside of this area should apply through the City of Ottawa’s right of way patio permit system.

• Review the Right of Way Patios Accessibility Requirements

• Review the City of Ottawa’s Good Neighbours Patio Guide

Note: BMDA mandate is to prioritize market vending around the exterior of 55 ByWard Market which means that there is no capacity to extend full-season patios. As such, tenants at 55 ByWard, without a predefined patio space in their lease, will be provided with a Café Seating Permit at no cost. This permit will allow up to 4 bistro tables and six chairs directly out front of your unit. Please select “Café Seating” during the application process below.

BMDA requires proof of commercial general liability insurance ($ 5 Million for Patios / $2 Million for café seating) and broad form property insurance with BMDA and the City of Ottawa listed as additional insureds.

• Patio applications: A detailed plan/sketch [Example] of the proposed patio. The plan must include:

  • patio location;

  • pedestrian sidewalks;

  • distance from any structure in the ROW (ex: fire hydrants, pedestals, transit stops);

  • location to any traffic control devices; and

  • must indicate elevation relative to street level.

• A signed Property Owners Consent form (Français) indicating that the owner of the property understands their obligations under the ROW By-law.

• Your AGCO liquor licence number, if applicable.

• Please use the form below to submit your application for a ROW patio permit for the 2023 summer season.

• Applications received by March 24th (including payment of application fees) will be reviewed and processed for permits starting in April.

• Applications will be accepted after March 24th and processed on a case by case basis.

  • Applications must be submitted no later than 10 business days in advance of any use of the ROW.

  • Temporary patio extensions for special events are reviewed on a case by case basis. Contact us at patios@bmda.ca to learn more.

• Upon receipt of an application, BDMA will send an invoice for your application fee.

• The 2023 application fees are $71.00 plus HST.

• Fees should be paid as indicated on the invoice.

• BDMA will contact you if we require any additional details or clarifications.

• Successful applications received before March 24th shall receive their permits within 10 days.