The Collingwood Town Council voted 5-3 to stop on-street patios from opening on Hurontario Street for the 2026 summer season in Collingwood, Ontario. This change is intended to return approximately 14 parking spaces to the busy downtown area for residents and visitors.
Restaurants and cafes located on other downtown streets are not affected by this decision and are still allowed to use on-street patios this year. Local business owners on Hurontario Street have expressed concern that the loss of outdoor seating will impact their income and the overall atmosphere of the downtown area.
In early March 2026, a petition with more than 100 signatures was given to the council asking them to keep the patios, but the majority of council members chose to move forward with the plan. The town is now focusing on making the main shopping district more accessible for vehicles as the community moves away from the outdoor dining arrangements used in recent years.
