Nicest patio in town? Mintara to receive $130K outdoor dining upgrade

It just opened a few weeks ago, but Mintara on Burnaby Mountain will be closing for five months in the future as it undergoes renovations to upgrade its patio.

The new restaurant is operated by the City of Burnaby, and opened at the end of January in the spot formerly occupied by Horizons Restaurant—which decided not to renew its lease in 2019.

A report to city council describes the location as having expansive views of the Burrard Inlet, along with the Coast Range Mountains and a large chunk of the Lower Mainland.

“Mintara’s unique mountaintop location, setting and capacity make it a popular venue for various types of events and special occasions, while also aligning with the City’s core values and goals of creating a connected, inclusive and dynamic community,” reads the report from the Financial Management Committee.

Keeping in mind “a certain elegance and refinement” expected at special events like weddings, the interior has already undergone renovations—and the city is turning its attention to the patio now, which the report says does not live up to its full potential at the moment.

It’s not wheelchair-accessible, and the current shape limits the seating layout, while its location on Burnaby Mountain brings its own challenges with regards to the weather.

“In adverse weather, outdoor table umbrellas are mounted to brackets along the deck railing, an undesirable solution as the umbrellas impede the stunning views (the primary attraction) for patrons inside the venue,” the report reads.

“A more permanent patio solution that preserves the venue’s spectacular views would also allow for natural connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, regardless of inclement weather.”

While there were several options on the table, council has opted to approve the third one—which involves expanding the patio with a glass enclosure to accommodate more seating while capitalizing on the stunning views.

The project will cost $130,000.

Another option proposed rebuilding the restaurant altogether, but that would have cost the city about $8 million.