McLennan’s Cocktails & Cues to run patio pilot from April to October

Photo by Stan Ashbee

By Stan Ashbee
Sunny South News

If you build it, they will come! It’s true, especially when there are libations and great pub grub to be had.

As the spring and summer months draw nearer, Coaldale residents and visitors will be able to experience Main Street in a new way thanks to the town’s recentlyapproved temporary outdoor patio policy.

McLennan’s Cocktails & Cues, according to a recent media release, will be piloting the outdoor patio experience, as an exciting feature to complement their business front renovations.

“McLennan’s is thrilled to be able to offer outdoor seating to our patrons,” stated Tim McLennan, owner of the popular destination. “There is still some uncertainty as to how restaurants will be able to operate this summer during the pandemic, so having access to this additional space gives us a bit more breathing room to operate. We’ve been working closely with the town to consider all angles of the patio extension to make sure it contributes positively to the Main Street experience.”

From wings to tacos to other homemade deliciousness plus an assortment of brewed delights ontap, the patio policy will allow the restaurant to extend their business onto the sidewalk and permit the construction of a transportable sidewalk extension around the patio to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. The sidewalk extension will take up part of three parking stalls, leaving enough room for motorcycle parking, according to the media release.

It was stated in the media release, the town is seeking ways to provide additional parking space to make up for the temporarily repurposed parking stalls. It is also worth noting the four stalls just across the street currently reserved for the RCMP will be available for the general public – once the new RCMP building is completed.

“Coaldale is certainly not the first community to introduce temporary outdoor patios,” stated Spencer Croil, director of Planning and Community Development.

“Throughout the pandemic, cities across Canada have seen collective demand from the public for safe social settings and a desire to spend time outdoors. Outdoor patio space meets both of these demands, and just as importantly, gives local restaurants a boost by expanding their capacity.”

When surveyed in December 2020, 69 per cent of Main Street stakeholder respondents were in favour of instituting temporary outdoor patios on Main Street, it was pointed out.

“The town is committed to continually engaging with stakeholders throughout the pilot of this project to inform the decision on a future temporary seasonal patio policy, added Croil. “We are striving to maintain consistent dialogue with the community, as we continue to introduce innovative initiatives that encourage investment in Coaldale – particularly in our downtown core. Our goal is to continue thinking outside of the box on strategies that will ultimately grow our local business community.”

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