(March 24/15) There will be no jump in patio fees for Winnipeg restaurants this year, thanks to an appeal by Restaurants Canada.

In its 2015 operating budget, city council had proposed raising the patio fee from $580 to $1160. Restaurants Canada argued before the mayor and city councillors that this would be yet another extra cost that would make it harder for our members to keep growing jobs for youth and first-time employees. We reminded councillors that restaurants are important for vibrant, safe and walkable communities.

After our presentation, the council unanimously voted to keep the patio fee at the current $580.