Downtown patios | City of Kitchener

The DTK Patio Program is a downtown initiative that adds energy and vibrancy to our city by creating lively outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.

On this page:

Existing patios

If your patio is in downtown Kitchener and located on public property, you must submit the following documents to us by email by March 31 every year:

an updated insurance certificate completed by your insurance broker

a copy of your liquor license (if applicable)

Use our downtown districts map to find out if your business is in the downtown core.

View the map

If your patio is on private property or outside downtown Kitchener, renewal is not required.

New patios

If you want to apply for a new patio or change your existing patio, please:

review our patio guidelines.
fill out an outdoor patio application.
submit a site plan drawing marked up to show the location and boundary of the patio in relation to the property boundaries, building(s) and other site structures and features. Request a site plan using our online form.
submit a patio drawing that outlines the patio’s layout, including dimensions, furniture placement, barriers, and any other structures. Visit our permits and applications page for a drawing template.
send the application, site plan drawing and patio drawing to us by email.

If your restaurant serves or sells alcohol, you must have a certification to sell alcohol from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Visit the AGCO website for more information on getting this certification.

We can help with applications in downtown Kitchener.  Send us an email to schedule an appointment to talk about your application.

Insurance requirements

Approved patios must have insurance in the amount required for the patio type:

unlicensed patios (no alcohol services or sales) require a minimum of $2 million in liability coverage

licensed patios (serving or selling alcohol) require a minimum of $4 million in liability coverage

Ask your insurance broker to fill out the template linked below.

Download the Patio - Standard Certificate of Insurance template

Fees

If your downtown patio is on public property, the encroachment fees are:

first-time application fee: $620.71, including HST (includes patio encroachment agreement and processing fee, but excludes disbursements)

annual patio renewal fee for patio with 12 or fewer seats: $168.72, including HST

annual patio renewal fee for patios with 13 or more seats: $337.46, including HST

amendment to existing patio agreement: $168.72, including HST

If your patio is on private property, there are no encroachment fees.

Contact us

If you have any questions about patios, send us an email.