The CaféTO program has provided financial, administrative and technical assistance to Toronto restaurant and bar operators and has been a key economic recovery support program for an industry adversely impacted by COVID-19. The sudden proliferation of on-street outdoor dining opportunities has had a transformational effect on streets across North America. The Toronto context is noteworthy given the involvement of the municipality in taking the lead operational role in procuring equipment and installing safe curb lane closure areas for restaurants. To provide the maximum level of economic support to the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2022 the City absorbed all operational costs associated with the delivery of the CaféTO program, and waived all café permit, transfer and application fees. In late 2021, City Council approved a plan to transition many of CaféTO's temporary processes to permanent parameters through a phased approach beginning with a return to standard sidewalk café permits. City Council also provided additional direction to establish criteria for a permanent program for curb lane cafés. This report recommends a return to the usual permit process for all café types with proposed amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 742, Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets and Marketing Displays that take into consideration the recent presence of on-street cafés city-wide, including ensuring critical safety, accessibility and aesthetic requirements into the future. This report also recommends updated fees be charged in 2023 and beyond for all café types, enabling the City to partially recover the costs associated with the delivery of the CaféTO program. Finally, this report outlines continued financial supports for business owner/operators and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and shares findings from a recent public survey and economic impact analysis. Together, these recommendations aim to advance the transition of CaféTO from a temporary emergency response initiative for the hospitality sector into a sustainable program that makes Toronto's streets more attractive, safe and accessible — supports the needs of both café operators and other businesses — and balances diverse uses of the right of way and curbside area.
No projects traced to this item yet.