for updates on future rounds of funding.The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafés, commercial patios and sidewalk cafés. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
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. The CaféTO Property Improvement Program was developed in support of the recovery and long-term success of local small businesses.
Shehan De Silva, owner of High Park Brewery, insulated the top of its popular outdoor patio and improved accessibility with an accessible door.
SAVA crepes & coffee set up a small sidewalk patio on Yonge Street which doubled their seating capacity and has proven to be a magnet for pedestrian foot traffic. Read more.
Grants cover 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.
Grants are 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.
The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties within the city of Toronto for property improvements such as:
Only one property application from a business chain or a franchise chain will be considered under this program.
The intent of the program is to improve the appearance and/or function of exterior spaces associated with commercial or industrial properties. The following are examples of ineligible projects:
Applications are currently closed.
For any questions about the CaféTO Property Improvement Program, please contact Tamara Kahsay at 416-392-8674 or cafetogrants@toronto.ca
