Claudette Lambert is excited to receive customers again.
The Aline's Tea Shop owner is one of eight downtown Timmins businesses taking part in a new patio initiative that will see up to 10 temporary areas set up this summer.
“We’re sure hoping that it’s going to help a lot. I’m very positive that it will. It’s what you put out that you will receive and I’m putting out all the energy that needs to be brought in,” she said, adding she's hoping to see customer's smiles again, since they can't hug right now.
The initiative is the work of the Downtown Timmins BIA, Newmont Porcupine and the City of Timmins.
Newmont stepped up with $35,000 to cover the cost of the patio rentals this year.
When the units are packed up for the season in October, they will be stored on Newmont's property.
Next year, BIA executive director Noella Rinaldo said she hopes businesses will be able to take on the extra expense of the patios themselves.
The patios will be set up in the parking spaces in front of businesses.
Rinaldo said the initative will help restaurants that have limited use of the space inside.
“It also helps bring some energy to the downtown because we won’t be doing the Urban Park this year,” she said.
The City of Timmins has waived permitting fees for the patios.
“We all are working together to make sure that the downtown survives COVID,” said Rinaldo.
The patios are expected to arrive Tuesday, and will take a few days to set up.
When the initiative is up and running the units will be located at: Aline's Tea Shop, Northern Lights Faumagerie, Lady Luck Restaurant, Golden Dragon, Pine Dairy Bar, Osaka Sushi, Pita Pit and the Sushi Shop.
