Downtown Bolton Patio Pilot on through October

July 31, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon has launched its seasonal patio pilot program in Downtown Bolton.

The pilot, running from July 28 to October 3, 2025, was created to support small businesses and enhance the downtown experience.

Eric Lucic, Commissioner of Planning and Development, said the idea for the patio pilot came directly from feedback they received during community engagement in 2024.

Residents and businesses, he said, told them they wanted to see more seasonal patios, more public gathering space, and a more walkable, lively downtown.

“This pilot gives us a chance to test those ideas in a real-world setting, gather feedback, and better understand what works for Bolton before making any decisions,” says Lucic.

They believe the Downtown Bolton Patio Pilot will bring new energy and foot traffic to the core of downtown.

“It’s an opportunity to reimagine how public space can be used to prioritize people, gathering, and local experiences. By enhancing the pedestrian environment and creating space for patios and cafés, we’re supporting small businesses, encouraging tourism, and creating a more vibrant, livable downtown,” he says.

There are currently two businesses involved in the patio pilot: Wine Spot and Blissfully Baked x The Little Almond.

For Wine Spot, the patio brings back an element that they had during COVID.

They originally had a temporary patio in the back of their restaurant.

“We think it’s a fantastic way to bring more people to downtown Bolton and to increase pedestrians. The more pedestrians, the better it is for all businesses down there, so as soon as the application came out this year, we filled it out immediately, and we’re really excited to see it come together so quickly this summer,” shared Kimberly Medeiros, co-owner of Wine Spot.

She shared they have been excited for the pilot since the economic survey for downtown Bolton.

Medeiros says they’re excited for people to experience Downtown Bolton in a different way.

“We want to see a great vibrant downtown,” she says.

Blissfully Baked x The Little Almond is using the pilot to help expand their accessibility.

The cozy café is located on the lower floor, and co-owners Taylor Arrowsmith and Shaina Lindeyer said the patio pilot allows their customers another option as opposed to climbing down the stairs to enter their café.

“It’s nice that they can still have the treat. We just take their order upstairs and then we bring it up to them; it’s nice that they have a place to sit outside now,” said Lindeyer.

They are also looking forward to another aspect of the pilot, the opportunity for more people to enjoy their outdoor space, and become more aware of their business.

Since they are located downstairs, some people say they didn’t even know they were there and wish they had found them sooner.

“But now with the patio you literally run into us now because we’re on the street. So, I feel like it might also help grab more people’s attention toward us,” laughed Arrowsmith.

Walkway removal will begin on October 4, 2025; until then residents can soak up the sun with these new patios.