NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AREA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
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The City of Orillia received a request for clarification on the use of “dining domes” (outdoor dining tents) as an ancillary use to a restaurant. The City of Orillia consulted with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and can provide the following clarification:
According to the SMDHU, patrons seated within an outdoor dining dome are counted as part of a restaurant’s indoor dining capacity limits (for example, where a maximum of 10 patrons are permitted for indoor dining, no more than 10 patrons can be permitted inside the restaurant and dining dome combined).
- Per correspondence provided by the SMDHU, they require the following additional requirements:
- Ensure that the capacity of each dining dome does not exceed the capacity of the current zone (Provincial Framework Zones) and the capacity for the entire dining establishment as per Ontario Regulation 364/20. Further, the dining domes should adhere to all requirements under Schedule 2 (Food and Drink) under Ontario Regulation 364/20.
- Disinfection of the dining dome takes place between seatings and the establishment permits sufficient time between seatings to allow disinfection to take place.
- There should be a means to allow fresh air to enter the dome (e.g. open flap or hole) to ensure adequate air exchange takes place.
- Face coverings are used at all times by servers including the use of a face shield.
- Any business considering adding dining domes requires SMDHU approval and potentially municipal approval, depending on the size, and therefore they should reach out to the SMDHU as a first step and then the City of Orillia Building Division for more information.
- The size of the dining domes may result in the requirement for a building permit from the City of Orillia Building Division (705-329-7258).
- If a heating element is being contemplated (electric, propane etc.) the City of Orillia Fire Department must also be consulted (705-325-5201).
- If your establishment is licensed to serve alcohol, you should confirm with the AGCO if your licence would apply to the dining dome structure(s).
Please note that the above noted recommendations are subject to change and business owners are encouraged to contact the SMDHU and the City of Orillia prior to erecting structures of this nature.
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