Applications will open on March 5 at 9 a.m. and close on May 7 at 4 p.m., or earlier if all funds are allocated before that date. Funding is limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The CaféTO Grant is available to commercial and industrial property owners and tenants in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafés, commercial patios and sidewalk cafés.
Objective
Small retail businesses are essential to the vitality and success of Toronto’s main streets and neighbourhoods, and key drivers of economic prosperity for residents, families, communities and the city as a whole.
Funding Available
The grants covers one-half of the costs of eligible property or site improvements up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements). Funding can include patio improvements on private property and spaces on public property for which a valid permit has been issued.
Additional grant funding of up to $2,500 is available for exterior accessibility improvements such as the installation of temporary platforms level to the sidewalk for a curb lane café (rented, leased, or purchased), accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails and other exterior accessibility devices which meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards.
Architectural, engineering from a certified Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) specialist and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designer fees may be covered to a maximum of $1,000 per application.
Eligibility
The grant is available to owners and tenants of street-level commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of exterior spaces associated with the property. Places of worship, institutional buildings, and residential buildings are ineligible for the program.
Eligible Projects
The CaféTO Grant is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties within the City of Toronto for property improvements such as:
Permanent improvements to patio or café spaces on private property that serve a business use excluding furnishings
Café spaces on City property for which a valid permit has been issued
Permanent on-site boulevard landscaping features (excluding plant material)
Fencing
Installation of temporary platform level to the sidewalk for a curb lane café (rented, leased, or purchased), accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails and other exterior accessibility improvements which meet AODA design standards
Only one property application from a business chain or a franchise chain will be considered under this program.
Ineligible Projects
The intent of the grant is to improve the appearance and/or function of exterior spaces associated with commercial or industrial properties. The following are examples of ineligible projects:
Maintenance costs of existing property elements, such as lighting and broken windows
Repairs to signs, remove or cleaning of bird droppings from signs, replacement of dead trees and other landscaping vegetation or replace chipped driveway pavers, etc.
Applications for work totaling less than $2,000
Projects at places of worship, institutional buildings, not-for-profit commercial buildings and residential buildings
Past recipients of the CaféTO Property Improvement Program that were awarded the maximum grant allowance
How to Apply
Applications are currently closed and will open on March 5 at 9 a.m. The link to the application will appear here when applications are open.
Information Required for Applying
As part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide the following information in the application form:
Applicant name
Organization legal name
Business operating name (if different)
Type of organization (incorporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)
Mailing addresses
Phone number and email
CRA business number (optional)
Property address
Property ownership information and address (by way of deed or tax bill, if required)
If a tenant: a no-objection letter from the property owner
Assessment roll number
Determine whether the property is on the heritage register. To determine if the property is listed or designated, search the register online or call 416-392-1975
Description of proposed improvements, including a photo or drawing
At least three (3) photos of the exterior space in current condition, including areas to be improved
Indicate type of café (curb lane café, private patio, etc)
Detailed drawing of the proposed work
Whether improvements meet the accessibility upgrades in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards
Two complete and independent cost estimates for work, including contractor information and proof of estimate
