Community NewsToronto

City of Toronto Celebrates Success of 2024 CaféTO Curb Lane Patio Season

Toronto — Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth), and representatives from the GreekTown on the Danforth Business Improvement Area gathered today at Chef Mustafa on Danforth Avenue to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2024 CaféTO curb lane patio season.

This year, the City made significant improvements to streamline the CaféTO program, ensuring a smoother application process for restaurant operators and enhancing staff support. These changes allowed CaféTO to continue transforming curb lanes into vibrant outdoor dining spaces across Toronto, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the city’s main streets.

As part of the 2024 plan, the City began removing curb lane patios on October 1, with removals continuing through October 15. The patios that were installed first are being removed first. This season marked the earliest installation of curb lane patios, providing operators with the longest patio season to date.

2024 CaféTO Highlights:

  • Over 1,400 patios participated, including 304 curb lane cafés—60 new and 244 returning operators—as well as more than 500 sidewalk cafés and 650 patios on private property, which can remain year-round.
  • A streamlined process made it easier for businesses to apply for or renew curb lane café permits.
  • Increased City staff support expedited permit applications and reviews, allowing 95 percent of curb lane patios to open by the Victoria Day long weekend, surpassing the City’s target of 90 percent.
  • Aesthetic enhancements to curb lane patios included painted concrete barriers to improve visual appeal while maintaining safety.

CaféTO is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to support Toronto’s restaurant industry, alongside initiatives such as small business tax reductions, support for live music venues, and Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs. The CaféTO Property Improvement Program also provided grants, funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, to help operators enhance their patios.

This year, the City introduced the CaféTO Dining District Grant, encouraging outdoor dining programs in areas where it is less common.

For more information about CaféTO, visit Toronto.ca.

For more updates, visit Toronto.ca or follow the City on social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Kelly Deschamps

Kelly Deschamps is an Entertainment Writer at GTA Today, covering the latest in music, film, TV, and festivals. With a passion for the entertainment industry, Kelly brings readers insightful and engaging stories from the heart of the cultural scene. For inquiries or feedback, contact Kelly at kelly.deschamps@gtaweekly.ca.

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