City of Toronto officials released a report Tuesday outlining recommendations for the CafeTO program, and it appears business owners may have to shell out more money to participate.
The proposed changes will see the program transition from a temporary emergency response to a sustainable and permanent initiative.
The new fees proposed by city staff include a one-time application fee of $865 and an annual permit fee based on the individual sidewalk or curb yard.
The first year was a good program, but last year it turned out to be chaotic and DANGEROUS on some streets. I.e. Yonge and Shepard caused long delays, excessive idling, transit delays and put visitors and drivers at risk. 1/2
— Matt D (@MattD63905603) January 25, 2023
Based on the report, that fee would be about $1,449 for the average sidewalk cafe and $3,077 for the average curbside cafe.
CaféTO: A program that was initially a lifeline for Toronto restaurants during the pandemic is now poised to pose additional challenges to struggling Toronto restaurant operators due to new measures proposed by the city Read more: https://t. co/KUKkGsbyre
— Restaurants Canada (@RestaurantsCA) January 25, 2023
According to the report, curbside patios must be built on an accessibility platform, which can cost an average of $14,000 to build.
With its recommendations, the city expects 400 curbside cafes and 500 sidewalk cafes, with permit fees generating about $2.5 million.
Torontonians: “Curbside patios have been a huge success! We love them!”
Toronto Mayor: “Let’s regulate them!” @JohnTory @TorontosMayor #topoli
— Nasty, Brutal and Average (@JygaBite) January 25, 2023
The CafeTO program was introduced in 2020 to allow restaurants and bars to expand their outdoor spaces amid a lockdown that has led to restrictions on indoor dining. During the program, the city provided $20 million in financial support.
A 2022 Economic Impact Study by the Toronto Business Improvement Areas Association (TABIA) found that CafeTO restaurants spent about $179 million on patios from May to September and generated $203 million in economic benefits for Toronto .
@cityoftoronto offers $1.4M to support #CafeTO As much as I love a cafe, I know at least a dozen other ways the money could be used for better…. #TOpoli
— Wax Policial Poetic (@ALV091114) January 25, 2023
A total of 1,327 establishments in the city benefited from CafeTO in 2022, 1,213 in 2021 and 801 in 2020.
Two Small Business and Business Improvement Area (BIA) grants will continue in 2023, including the CafeTO Improvement Program, which will match 50 percent of the cost of eligible patio improvements up to a maximum of $7,500.
The city’s BIA CafeTO grant program will also support planter maintenance and curbside closure design, with BIAs eligible to receive up to $5,000.
City Hall will approve CafeTO for another year, but restaurant fees will be high. So much for the “help for restaurants during Covid” excuse for these roadblocks. We all know the real reason is to penalize drivers and take even more road away from cars. pic.twitter.com/Ee4NICXgQd
— THE TORONTO CAR PEOPLE (@traffic_moving) January 25, 2023
The staff report is scheduled to go before the city’s executive committee on Jan. 31 before going to the city council on Feb. 7.
However, with the possibility of additional fees, many Toronto restaurants may choose to pass on the program this year, meaning fewer indoor spaces to enjoy this summer season.
Add Comment