Even with city council voting last week to keep waiving patio fees for restaurants, some Ottawa restaurant owners are preparing for business to chill when cold weather makes those patios untenable. Mayor Jim Watson said the plan was the city's way to give restaurants hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic "every fighting chance to survive during the cold weather." Uncertainty remains about future of restaurantsVettorel said his restaurant's patio, which seats between 18 to 20 people, will remain open as long as possible. Harriet Clunie poses for a picture at Das Lokal in May 2020. For now, Das Lokal is planning events that embrace the colder weather, like a "bring your own blanket" promotion and warmer cocktails, Clunie said.

Source: CBC News September 13, 2020 20:44 UTC