By Leah Murray

More businesses building patios to draw in customers

May 6, 2017 | 4:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Hot weather has many Hatters already seeking out local restaurants, cafes and pubs that provide a patio for customers to soak in the sun.

Local has already opened its patio extension for the third summer and has had several customers looking to get a seat outside the downtown hotspot.

“I think that it brings people outside more so,” said Amanda Bianchi, general manager of Local. “Honestly, it’s beautiful downtown and I don’t think there’s enough businesses that do have the patio atmosphere.”

Station Coffee has also added extra patio space to give more coffee lovers a chance to enjoy the warm weather with their iced coffee.

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Patios mean big business in the Hat.

With some of the most sunshine in the entire country Medicine Hat is prime patio territory.

Despite the abundance of usually nice weather, it’s only been in recent years where businesses have really started getting on board with the trend.

“We’ve had some inquiries so it is getting more popular,” said Erin Onoferychuk with the city.

The Medicine Hat Brewing Company opened its doors last year.

“I think anyone who works in the service industry or even anyone looking to go for a bite to eat or a drink out thinks ‘patio’ as soon as the sun is out,” said Chantelle Adams with the Medicine Hat Brewing Company.

This spring it is also putting in a patio space in hopes of enticing more customers through their doors.

“I think that it absolutely brings business in which is of course something we would like to see happen here,” said Adams.

They hope to have the patio up and running by the May long weekend.

The City says it’s supportive of the increasing desire among businesses to provide an outdoor dining experience.

“Part of the reason why we are supportive of sidewalk patios is to enhance the vibrancy and excitement,” said Onoferychuk.

It does require some permitting and approvals from the city, but businesses say it’s not bogged down in red tape.

“Yeah it’s been great it’s very simple to put it out,” said Bianchi.

It appears Hatters will have more choices than ever to kick back, and enjoy the warm days and nights on the patios at their favourite local spots.