Starting today, the improved CaféTO curb lane program opens to local restaurant and bar owners and operators interested in expanding their dining space outdoors. For those looking to register for 2024 curb lane café permits, online applications will be accepted until Friday, March 1, with the expectation that at least 90 per cent of approved curb lane cafés will be installed by the Victoria Day weekend.
Key improvements to the CaféTO curb lane program this year include:
Returning operators
Starting today, City staff will contact 2023 operators with instructions on how to renew their permit.
Key dates for the 2024 CaféTO curb lane cafés summer season
New applicants
New applicants should review the CaféTO Curb Lane Café Guidebook for program requirements. Applicants can also sign up for virtual information sessions and one-on-one consultations to assist with their application. Applications must be submitted online at www.toronto.ca/cafeTO.
Once applications are received, City staff will work with operators to create traffic management plans that balance the needs of other businesses, including loading zones, garbage/recycling pickup zones, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian walkways.
Program details
CaféTO is one of several City-led business support programs that help the local restaurant industry and, to a greater extent, the larger food supply chain (farm to table). Toronto’s diverse and vibrant restaurants and bars benefit from such programs as the property tax reduction for small businesses, tax reduction for live music venues, Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs, and Night Economy work that is underway.
In 2023, CaféTO offered approximately 1,000 places to dine outdoors in Toronto, including at more than 330 curb lane cafés, 500 sidewalk cafés (which can remain in place throughout the winter) and hundreds of patios on private property.
Made permanent last year, the curb lane CaféTO program has transformed Toronto’s main streets, revitalized neighbourhoods and supported hundreds of local restaurants while helping to protect thousands of jobs during a challenging time for the hospitality industry.
More information on property tax reduction for small businesses is available on the City’s website.
More information on tax reduction for live music venues is available on the City’s website.
More information on Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs is available on the City’s website.
More information on the Night Economy is available on the City’s website.
Quotes:
“Last year, CaféTO became a permanent City program and City Council endorsed improvements to make it even better this year. We welcome new restaurants to the program and look forward to seeing more Toronto residents and visitors than ever experience our city’s amazing outdoor dining options.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Staff have been hard at work implementing several improvements to our CaféTO program, which supports our city’s vibrant culinary scene by attracting diners to restaurants across Toronto. This year, applications for curb lane patios are opening a month earlier than last year to help us get at least 90 per cent of patios up and running by Victoria Day weekend. I look forward to another successful patio season this year and to continually improving CafeTO to best support our local businesses.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development & Culture Champion
“CaféTO keeps our main streets vibrant and is critical for many local businesses. We will continue working with small businesses, residents and other community stakeholders to improve this signature program.”
– Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto Danforth)