Toronto is a city where a world of flavours is always within reach. Its vibrant culinary scene showcases restaurants from various countries, allowing residents and visitors to savor delicious dishes from around the globe. This program supports Toronto’s diverse culinary and restaurant scene, particularly in areas where outdoor dining is not as common (although not exclusively).
The Dining District Program provides funding to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), business associations and other not-for-profit organizations for projects aimed at supporting restaurants and bars with expanded outdoor dining opportunities. The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Stream One supports practical, ready-to-implement projects that enhance outdoor dining opportunities for eating establishments.
The program focuses on targeted public realm improvements and minor enhancements that strengthen local dining areas, build on planned or existing activations, and improve the overall appearance and functionality of outdoor café environments while supporting main street vitality.
Funding for BIAs, not-for-profit organizations and business associations to cover one-half of the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements).
Applicants must have working relations with their local business community and propose projects that will increase main street vibrancy.
For-profit businesses including:
Project that supports the public realm activations, minor streetscape design work or related improvements that enhance outdoor dining on the main street or temporary activations in plazas to support restaurants.
Examples include:
This stream is ideal for organizations looking to implement manageable, ready-to-deliver improvements that enhance existing or planned activations and contribute to vibrant, welcoming streetscapes.
Please note that geographic location and readiness will be considered during the review to ensure funding is distributed across the city and will be used in a timely manner.
Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. on March 25 to April 22 at 4 p.m. through an online application. The application will be available here when open.
For questions about the Dining District Program, please contact DiningDistrict@toronto.ca.
Stream Two supports larger-scale, high-impact projects that significantly enhance outdoor dining experiences and attract visitors to Toronto’s restaurant neighbourhoods. This competitive funding stream prioritizes creative, well-developed proposals that animate public spaces, support restaurants and bars, and generate measurable economic and community impact citywide.
Funding for BIAs, business associations and not-for-profit organizations to cover eligible project costs up to a maximum of $100,000.
This stream is competitive and funding is awarded to projects that demonstrate strong feasibility, realistic budgets and timelines, and clear community and business impact.
For-profit businesses including:
Projects must support public realm improvements or temporary activations that enhance outdoor dining and drive visitation. Examples include:
To be eligible for this round of funding, projects must also:
Preference is given to projects that:
Please note, this program stream is highly competitive and focuses on improving the outdoor dining experience citywide. Proposals are prioritized when they demonstrate creative strategies to enliven outdoor dining areas, along with feasibility assessments, realistic timelines and budgets, and initiatives that make a tangible impact on supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement.
Applications are currently closed but will open in May 2026.
For questions about the Dining District Program, please contact DiningDistrict@toronto.ca.
