The Town of Essex is already preparing for Stage 2 of reopening the economy by accepting applications from restaurants and bars that want to extend their patios.
Businesses can also apply to create an outdoor retail space.
Windsor-Essex has not received the green light to reopen its economy further yet. It is still in Stage 1, but earlier this week, the province said it would reassess the region's status every week.
"This process will ensure our businesses are ready to open their patios and outdoor retail spaces as safely and as quickly as possible," said Mayor Larry Snively. "We appreciate all that our local businesses have done for the community throughout this crisis, and we are doing all we can to help them get back to business."
Businesses that apply will have to tell the town their hours of operation and the dimensions of their planned patio or outdoor space.
Businesses can also apply for a grant to cover half the cost of building their outdoor space to a maximum of $4,000.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission will also waive fees for the establishment of outdoor patios until January 1, 2021.
