Today, the City of Toronto proposed CaféTO program changes that will advance the transition of CaféTO from a temporary emergency response initiative into a sustainable program that makes Toronto’s streets more attractive, safe and accessible while continuing to allow restaurants and bars to operate with expanded space outdoors.
The proposed changes will ensure CaféTO installations are beautiful, active, and accessible.
At its meeting on Tuesday, January 31, Executive Committee will discuss the staff report that recommends returning to standard permit processes for all right-of-way café types that were in place before the COVID-19 pandemic. The report includes recommended updates to the outdoor dining bylaw to reflect the transformative and supportive nature of CaféTO and a response to existing City Council direction to establish criteria for a safe, active, accessible and attractive permanent curb lane café program.
The report recommends the City continue to support CaféTO and subsidize permit fees through approximately $1.4 million in financial support this year. The City has supported CaféTO with more than $20 million in funding over the life of the program. A 2022 economic impact study from Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) and funded by the City found that the program delivered $203 million in economic benefits to Toronto in 2022, and that CaféTO diners spent an estimated $179 million on patios from May through September.
The report recommends returning to the existing requirement of constructing temporary platforms in curb lane café permit areas to ensure curb lane cafés are fully accessible, and to increase safety near on-street patios and address concerns about equitable program access. The report also contains a recommended grant program to assist businesses in meeting these requirements.
The report also recommends reinstating the one-time application fee and updated permit fees for curb lane cafés and sidewalk cafés across the city as costs for this program are currently borne entirely by the City. These proposed program changes are designed to encourage co-investment with the City in the program from restaurant and bar owners and to ensure café installations are safe and accessible while supporting the viability of the curbside area.
Two grants for small businesses and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) will continue in 2023:
The CaféTO program began in 2020 to help bar and restaurant operators during the pandemic by providing safe, expanded outdoor dining areas in the public right-of-way while indoor dining capacities were restricted. In late 2021, Council approved a plan to transition many of CaféTO’s temporary processes into a permanent program, starting with a return to standard sidewalk café permitting and a streamlined administration and application process.
1,327 establishments across the City have taken advantage of CaféTO in 2022, 1,213 in 2021 and 801 in 2020. In addition to making CaféTO permanently accessible, the City is committed to supporting small businesses in the 2023 budget by protecting the 15 per cent property tax reduction that 29,000 small businesses in Toronto currently benefit from.
Read the CaféTO staff report.
More information about the program is available on the City’s CaféTO webpage.
More information about the CaféTO Property Improvement Program grant is available on the CaféTO Property Improvement Program webpage.
Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative (MRRI) is available on the City’s website.
Quotes:
“CaféTO is a success story for our hospitality industry, and has enhanced the look and feel of our city. As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, proposed changes will make CaféTO more sustainable for years to come.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Cafés across Toronto are neighbourhood staples that bring locals and visitors coming back day after day. Through the Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the Government of Canada has provided small businesses with funding to help them grow and thrive. With our support, the changes to the CaféTO program will ensure that local small business owners can achieve their goals, attract more people, and help grow their local economy.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Patio season is an integral part of Toronto’s restaurant industry and contributes to the vibrancy of our streets. I am delighted that the CaféTO program will continue this summer and will do so in ways that promotes a more accessible, balanced and active use of valuable public space. I look forward to joining my fellow diners on CaféTO patios across the city this summer.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.