Heaters Open Air Burning and Cooking

If your restaurant or bar has expanded outdoor patio space or put in a temporary patio because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to review our outdoor heating and cooking guidelines. Please review the regulations around heaters, open air burning and cooking on temporary outdoor patios.

Heaters

Portable heating devices, including fueled heating appliances like propane patio heaters, are permitted as long as they:

• Meet federal and provincial safety requirements
• Are installed and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Are removed from public property (i.e., sidewalks or on-street parking spaces) when the patio is not in use

For more information, read the Technical Standards and Safety Authority Guidelines for safe use of heaters on outdoor patios.

Open air burning and cooking

Open air fires and open-air cooking fires are prohibited on temporary patios. This includes fire pits, wood fired appliances or any similar device.

You can use natural gas or propane cooking appliances. If you choose to use a natural gas or propane appliance, the device must meet these regulations:

• Designed for outdoor use and must meet all applicable requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority
• Must have a minimum three-metres clearance from combustibles and building openings
• May be used under a fire-retardant tent, if the tent is used only for cooking purposes (no public gathering under the tent while cooking)
• One fire extinguisher with a minimum of a 2A10BC rating must be provided
• Propane tanks shall not be stored inside a building, on a roof, under, on, or within three metres of any window, air intake, fire-escape, stairway, ramp, or door used as a means of egress from a building

All fire safety requirements are subject to inspection and approval from the St. Catharines Fire Services.