Toronto City Council approves bigger and better CaféTO program to help local restaurants.
We are excited to share that Toronto City Council has just approved a bigger and better CaféTO 2021 program to help local restaurants. Estimated launch: May 15. Again, The Junction BIA will work with the City to create multiple curb lane closures to accommodate patios for our local restauranteurs and visitors, while balancing the need for maintaining local parking.
Click Here for an early draft map of CafeTO closures.
The CaféTO program was implemented in July 2020 by the City of Toronto in partnership with The Junction BIA. The program allowed our businesses to create a patio space for patrons while building increased foot traffic to support the entire business community. Read more here about how the CaféTO 2020 program was a great success!
The first wave of registration for the expanded CaféTO program will begin in late February and, pending public health orders, the first approved CaféTO curb lane closure locations for 2021 would be installed as soon as May – almost two months earlier than last year.
City staff will again work closely with BIAs and local restaurant and bar operators to make enhancements including:
- Updating registration process so that it is an even more clear and straightforward process with registrations starting sooner.
- Developing comprehensive and safe traffic management plans to help make sure the curb lane cafés are as a safe as possible for people dining, employees and road users.
- Supporting quick CaféTO installations so that we can begin helping approved businesses as soon as possible once winter is over.
- Allowing some owners/operators to build decks and platforms for curb lane café areas, where applicable
- Ensuring there is accessible furniture for public parklet areas
- Commitment to ensure more restaurants outside of the city’s core are ready to take advantage of opportunities for quick expansion of outdoor dining
For more information on CafeTO in the Junction, click HERE. Details on CafeTO by the Citywill be updated at www.toronto.ca/cafeto. The BIA will send any and all updates as they come.
