The Yukon Party has sent a letter to the territorial government in support of a number of local restaurant owners who have requested the ability to create or expand outdoor dining areas.

The government, meanwhile, says it also supports the idea.

Recognizing the urgency of the requests, the Yukon Party said Monday, it has offered to work with the government to quickly recall the legislature and pass any legislation required to support these small businesses.

“The effects of the pandemic and the economic downturn in the Yukon have created significant challenges for small business owners in Whitehorse,” the party said in a statement.

“Restaurants have been hit particularly hard, and those that have been allowed to reopen have been faced with new challenges to their recovery, as they are operating under strict guidelines that limit their capacity.”

Representatives of the Dirty Northern and Miner’s Daughter on Main Street and the Wayfarer Oyster House on Sixth Avenue have asked the City of Whitehorse for the OK to use sidewalk or parking lot space on which to place tables.

On June 1, city council expressed support for having city officials investigate ways to provide the extra space.

“While everyone recognizes the importance of these public health measures, capacity limitations will add significant pressures on an already very competitive industry that had limited profit margins in the best of times,” said Stacey Hassard, the Yukon Party MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin.

“In short, a business with half the customers will be less sustainable in the long run.”

Enabling these restaurants to create or expand patio space would allow for more customers while still adhering to physical distancing restrictions.

One of the obstacles for fulfilling these requests are limitations under the Motor Vehicles Act.

“Given this, the Yukon Party supports the immediate reconvening of the legislature so we can quickly pass the amendments while allowing for democratic oversight of any changes to the territory’s laws,” the party said.

Cabinet spokesperson Matthew Cameron said Monday afternoon that Community Services Minister John Streicker discussed the matter with Mayor Dan Curtis last week.

“The Government of Yukon has no concerns about the recently proposed expansion of restaurant patio space in Whitehorse,” Cameron said.

“Minister Streicker identified ways to support restaurants consistent with existing provisions of Yukon’s Motor Vehicles Act and offered to work with the City of Whitehorse to support Whitehorse businesses.

“As always, we are happy to work with the City of Whitehorse.”