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 that enhance outdoor dining, support restaurants and bars, and attract visitors to dining areas across Toronto. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Stream Two supports high-impact projects that enhance outdoor dining, animate public spaces and attract visitors to restaurant neighbourhoods across Toronto. This competitive funding stream prioritizes creative proposals that support restaurants and bars, generate measurable economic and community impact, and strengthen dining areas citywide. Priority is given to projects in areas where outdoor dining CaféTO curb lanes are less concentrated, particularly communities outside the downtown core and in inner suburban neighbourhoods.
Stream Two offers grants of $25,000 for projects that meet the eligibility requirements. Funding of up to $100,000 is available for projects that meet Legacy Project criteria.
Funding will be provided in two installments: 50 per cent after the funding agreement is signed, and the remaining 50 per cent after the Final Report Package has been reviewed and approved.
Projects must support temporary activities, beautification or activations that enhance outdoor dining and drive visitation. Examples include:
In addition to the program eligibility requirements, applications for Legacy Project funding must demonstrate the following:
The following types of projects do not qualify for funding under this program:
Stream Two recipients must submit their Final Report Packages by January 13, 2027. Projects that cannot meet this deadline are ineligible. Projects may remain in place after the Final Report Package is submitted.
Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with program objectives, project feasibility, budget reasonableness, business and community impact, clear metrics for measuring project success, organizational capacity and geographic distribution across the city.
Priority are given to projects that are ready to deliver, clearly support outdoor dining, demonstrate tangible benefits for local restaurants, bars and surrounding businesses, and introduce new or creative approaches to activating dining areas.
Register for an upcoming information session to learn more about the Dining District Program – Stream Two, including its purpose, eligibility criteria and application process:
Eligible applicants can apply online below. The deadline to apply is June 30 at 4 p.m. Applications are reviewed after the application period closes and the review process may take up to six weeks.
As part of the application, applicants are asked to provide the following information and supporting documents:
For questions about the Dining District Program, please contact DiningDistrict@toronto.ca.
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 are closed.
For questions about the Dining District Program, please contact DiningDistrict@toronto.ca.
