Six weeks ago the city launched a community market at Battle of Beaverdams Park. The event has been a resounding success, growing larger in size every week.
To keep building on momentum, the city is hoping to implement a licensed patio in the coming weeks.
“The success of the market and the feedback received has prompted the implementation of a licensed patio area to highlight local wineries, breweries and distillers while serving alcoholic beverages,” reads a new City Hall report on the matter.
The Thorold Community Market was initially conceived as a six-week pilot project but due to the success the city has decided to extend it into July and August.
During a special council meeting on June 29, councillors declared the market a municipally significant event to allow for the application of a special occasion liquor permit.
“Our goal is to provide a patio area where Thoroldites who are visiting the market can sit and enjoy a glass of local wine or beer or apple cider,” Councillor Tim O’Hare told his fellow councillors. “There will be a small patio area. This isn’t a large venture. This is just something to add on top of what is already being offered at present.”
The installation of the licensed patio will cost the city an additional $9,841.00 plus HST, a one time cost that would provide materials — such as fencing and a tent — that are able to be used next year and beyond.
“This is something that the city will invest in because we see this as an ongoing market here in Thorold,” said Councillor O’Hare.
The licensed patio is expected to be added to the market in the very near future. Keep an eye on the city's social media pages for the latest market updates.
