Outdoor eating at restaurants is being made a permanent part of the Ottawa ordinance book. It was allowed last year to let restaurants stay in business while the customers could sit far enough apart to satisfy pandemic related restrictions. Mayor Dan Aussem says he wants things to look nicer though. He wants businesses to invest in nicer outdoor amenities than the temporary chairs and picnic tables used last year.
The city is also regulating food trucks, requiring fees and setting limits. A downtown business can sponsor a food truck up to six times per year in the C4 commercial district, and food trucks can be at four city parks.