CaféTO is a program that provides restaurants and bars in Toronto with the opportunity to expand their outdoor dining space through sidewalk cafés, curb lane cafés, or patios on private property. Registration is now open.
For more information on participating in CaféTO and how to register, see below.
- Curb Lane Cafés – expanded temporary outdoor dining space on curb lanes (first lane of the road) for licensed eating or drinking establishments.
- Sidewalk/Flankage Cafés – permanent outdoor eating areas located on sidewalks where food or drinks are served by licensed eating or drinking establishments.
- Patios on Private Property – patios located entirely on private property, such as a rear lot or parking lot.
- CaféTO Property Improvement Program – Apply for a matching $7,500 grant to support your CaféTO patio setup ASAP.
1. Curb Lane Cafés
Steps to participating in the CaféTO program – Curb Lane Cafes:
- Read the CaféTO Curb Lane Cafe Guidebook.
- Let the BIA know if you plan to participate. It is essential that we know what your plans are. So please fill out this form if you plan to participate.
- Collect the following: Your B71 Eating Establishment Number (some exceptions for businesses holding other licence types; contact CafeTO@toronto.ca for more info) and your complete Certificate of Insurance.
- Register for CaféTO asap with this link: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/covid-19-economic-support-recovery-for-businesses/covid-19-cafeto/covid-19-cafeto-registration/
- Peruse through some inspiring ideas around patio design, begin brainstorming, and think about reserving your outdoor furniture and landscaping. You can also apply for grant funding (more info below).
- Furniture suppliers ran out early last year. Some suppliers are already reporting a decrease in volume. Please look at our List of Suppliers and consider reaching out early.
- If you would like to install a temporary platform/deck, you must receive city permission and apply for a Temporary Deck and Platform separately.
Deadline to Register: April 2, 2021 – this is a hard deadline, and if missed, you may not be able to join us. Apply ASAP so that the City can build their plan early. The City aims to have all curb lane closures installed in time for the May long weekend.
2. Sidewalk and Flankage Cafés
These types of cafe permits will be considered permanent – no temporary sidewalk cafe permits in 2022. Once you apply this year, you will not need to reapply (though renewals may be required). This system will replace the existing boulevard cafe permit system.
Types of sidewalk cafes include Frontage Cafés (located immediately adjacent to the front wall of the associated establishment), Flankage Cafés (located on the sidewalk of a designated local road, i.e. a residential road, and Curbside Cafés (located along the curb between the sidewalk and the street).
Steps to Participating in the CaféTO program – Sidewalk Cafes:
- Read the Sidewalk Café Application Guide
- Let the BIA know if you plan to participate. It’s important that we know what your plans are. Please fill out this form if you plan to participate.
- Collect the following (details in the application guide):
- One piece of valid government-issued identification for an officer or signing authority (for corporations), who appears on the Primary Business Licence
- Your complete Certificate of Insurance.
- Three photos of the location.
- A copy of your site plan drawing.
- A copy of your fencing (or planters) drawing.
- A Sidewalk Café Permit Application Form
- Submit your application & other documents with this link: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/sidewalk-cafe/sidewalk-cafe-permit/
- Peruse through some inspiring ideas around patio design, begin brainstorming, and think about reserving your outdoor furniture and landscaping. You can also apply for grant funding (more info below).
- Furniture suppliers ran out early last year. Some suppliers are already reporting a decrease in volume. Take a look at our List of Suppliers and consider reaching out early.
There is no deadline to apply for a sidewalk cafe, but the processing time is typically between 6-8 weeks. Incorrect and insufficient information submitted would extend the processing time.
3. Patios on Private Property
Patios on private property, such as in a back lot or parking lot, do not need city permission.
Steps to Participating in the CaféTO program – Patios on Private Property:
- Read the Patios on Private Property Guide
- Let the BIA know if you plan to participate. It’s important that we know what your plans are. Please fill out this form if you plan to participate.
- If you are a business tenant, ensure that you have permission from the property owner.
- Peruse through some inspiring ideas around patio design, begin brainstorming, and think about reserving your outdoor furniture and landscaping. You can also apply for grant funding (more info below).
- Furniture suppliers ran out early last year. Some suppliers are already reporting a decrease in volume. Take a look at our List of Suppliers and consider reaching out early.
As long as you have permission from the property owner and are aware of any restrictions from the Patios on Private Property Guide, you can now go ahead and set up your patio!
4. The CaféTO Property Improvement Program – Provides up to $7,500 for your Patio
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 exterior spaces associated with the property.
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 installing ramps, handrails, and other accessibility devices that 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.
The first round of applications will be accepted until June 30, 2022, or when funds are expended, whichever comes first. APPLY ASAP FOR THIS POPULAR PROGRAM.
Click here to learn more and to apply.
