CaféTO 2025 Program Opens for Applications: Boosting Toronto’s Streetscapes and Hospitality Scene
TORONTO – The City of Toronto has officially opened applications and renewals for its 2025 CaféTO curb lane program. This signature initiative has transformed streetscapes across the city, creating vibrant outdoor dining opportunities, supporting local businesses, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Now entering its fifth year, CaféTO has become a vital part of Toronto’s economic landscape and hospitality scene. The program’s success is evident: in 2024, CaféTO supported approximately 1,500 outdoor dining spaces, including 304 curb lane cafés, 583 sidewalk cafés, and 615 private patios. Participation continues to grow beyond the downtown core, with restaurants in neighborhoods across the city joining the initiative.
A Pillar of Economic Growth
CaféTO is a key component of the Sidewalks to Skylines: Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy, a comprehensive strategy to enhance Toronto’s main streets. According to a study commissioned by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), the program generated $130 million in economic benefits in 2024.
New and Returning Operators
New Operators: Businesses applying for the curb lane program for the first time are encouraged to review the CaféTO Curb Lane Café Guidebook. First-time applicants can attend virtual information sessions and schedule one-on-one consultations for assistance. Applications must be submitted online at toronto.ca/cafeTO before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19.
City staff will collaborate with applicants and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to create traffic management plans that balance dining spaces with other road users, including pedestrian walkways, cycling infrastructure, and loading zones.
Returning Operators: Restaurants that participated in 2024 will receive instructions from City staff on renewing their permits through a streamlined process.
A Summer Tradition
Between May and October, CaféTO brings residents and visitors together, creating dynamic spaces that showcase Toronto’s diverse dining options. With expanded outdoor dining, the program has become a celebrated tradition, inviting people to explore local patios and support restaurants across the city.
For more information about CaféTO, including sidewalk cafés and private patios, visit toronto.ca/cafeTO. To learn more about the Sidewalks to Skylines economic plan, visit toronto.ca.
SOURCES City of Toronto
