Outdoor dining setups in Bridgewater will face new accessibility and safety requirements this summer after town council approved updates to the municipality’s sidewalk café rules.
Bridgewater Council passed amendments to the Sidewalk Café By-law, bringing local regulations in line with Nova Scotia’s new Built Environment Accessibility Standard Regulations.
The updated rules apply to temporary sidewalk patios and outdoor dining areas built along streets and sidewalks.
Among the changes, traffic barriers such as planters must now be taller and include reflective elements facing traffic. Temporary decking used for sidewalk cafés must also provide a slip-resistant surface and be designed to better accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices.
The amendments also clarify requirements for cane-detectable barriers intended to help pedestrians with sight loss safely navigate around outdoor patio spaces.
Residents and business owners can review the updated by-law through the Town of Bridgewater’s website.
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