Toronto restaurants and bars are gearing up for patio season as hundreds of venues applied for a CaféTO curb lane this summer.
The city says it received more than 500 applications for its CaféTO program for the summer season.
“City staff are reviewing all applications to ensure they meet the program requirements set out in the regulations under Chapter 742, Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets and Marketing Displays. Staff will also work with a traffic management consultant to develop a safe and balanced approach to curb lane use, including loading zones and cycling infrastructure,” the city said in a news release on Thursday.
Approved locations will have a CaféTO curb lane installed between mid-May and June. They will be available for patrons and businesses to use until October.
“I look forward to seeing hundreds of restaurants and bars taking part in the improved CaféTO program this year. With warmer weather on the way, we are committed to being ready for patio season, including providing accessible and equitable outdoor dining spaces that continue to animate and revitalize our main streets,” Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said in a statement.
Last year, more than 800 CaféTO curb lanes were installed in the city, marking a notable drop in the number of participating restaurants this year.
This is likely due to the return of permit and application fees this year. In February, city council voted to transition the program from a temporary emergency response initiative into a “sustainable program.” The fees for sidewalk cafes will be phased in over three years with the full amount to be charged in 2025. The city says it’s offering a 66 per cent reduction in fees this year with a one-time application fee of $285 per application and an annual permit fee of $14.56 + HST per square metre.
The new changes this year also require CaféTO operators to install temporary platforms in curb lane café permit areas to ensure their businesses are fully accessible. Restaurants and bars have until Aug. 1 to install platforms if needed.
CaféTO started in 2020 to help bar and restaurant operators during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing expanded outdoor dining areas, while indoor dining restrictions were in place.
