HB NEWS TEMPORARY RESTAURANT PATIO PROGRAM RETURNING THIS SPRING MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@metroland.com After years of hardship for restaurants, the Town of Halton Hills is striving to make things a bit easier: ie local dining es- tablishments in onths. The municipality's temporary outdoor patio program — Al Fresco in the Hills—. set to return, givin: tunity to set up outdoor dining areas from May 1 to Oct. 1 at minimal to no cost. The initiative was launched in 2020 to help reduce restaurant revenue losses caused by COVID-19 public health restric- tions, in particular, the closure of indoor Graham Paine/Torstar Local restaurants can apply to have temporary patios again this year. dining spaces, explains a report from Hal- n ager of economic develop- ment and innovation Erin Kaiser. “Recognizing the continued uncertain- ty being caused by COVID-19 and the need for a transition period, it is recommended that the Al Fresco in the Hills program continue for 2022," she noted. "Town staff will continue to assist food and drink es- tablishments and streamline the process wherever possible." Last year, the municipality approved 16 s temporary patios throughout Halton Hills. The application and approval process for 2022 will begin on April 1, with the pro- gram remaining free of charge for patios public right-of-way, and a $1 cash j in lieu of parking fee being charged for patios on private property. The Al Fresco in the Hills program will be sunset on Oct. 1. Restaurants that want to continue with their patios beyond then will have to submit the hecossary a applica- tions to the town for consideratio: HUNGRY HOLLOW BRIDGE REHABILITATION STARTING SOON MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@metroland.com Construction on the Mountainview Road bridge over Hungry Hollow is poised to get underway this spring. The project that will rehabilitate the bridge will see the stretch of Mountainvew Road between Eden Place and Resource Road reduced to one lane in each direction between April and December. The town has indicated that designated multi-use paths in each direction will be open to pedestrians for the duration of the work, and access to all homes in the area will be maintained. Rehabilitation work on the bridge — which was built in 1996 — will include re- pairs on sidewalks, veining walls and concrete curbs, replacement of outer and inner railing systems, and m« Culligan Walox For a Limited Time Save the Cudtigom. High Effificiency System. 6 months no payments, no interest. 5 Mountainview Rd N, Georgetown (905) 877-6242 www.culligan.com Schedule your Free Water Test *Some restrictions apply. Please ask your Culligan pete al oi eo limited time offer, dealer participation varies. Based on OAC ai Freshly Roasted Coffee BY-\invZ-1x-Yo Brom Colt] mm DYolo) a Premium 100% Specialty UNG] 0) [ete] Direct from the Roastery CKCREEKCOFFEE.COM Buy online at BL @zoz ‘Le YouRW ‘Aepsiny, | SIIIH UOWEH- dl OUL | € eordyouy