CafeTO curb lane installations to start May 8 to be ready when outdoor dining is permitted

By News staff

The City of Toronto announced Wednesday CaféTO curb lane installations will begin on May 8 to ensure restaurants and bars will be ready for outdoor dining when it is permitted again.

Outdoor dining is banned province-wide under the stay-at-home order which is currently set to expire on May 19. Patios were reopened briefly in Toronto on March 20 after being closed for several months, but closed down again on April 3.

CaféTO provides expanded outdoor dining space by reallocating public right-of-ways on Toronto streets.

Mayor John Tory said the decision to move forward with the installation is to ensure there is no delay for restaurant and bar owners when outdoor dining is allowed again.

Currently, there are 720 curb lane cafes and 71 public parklet locations being reviewed. A total of 111 sidewalk cafes have already been approved city-wide.

Once the installations are complete, restaurant owners will be required to ensure the areas aren’t used for any dining purposes or congregation until outdoor dining is allowed.

“The fastest way we can get to that day, when we can enjoy a meal and a drink at our favourite restaurant and bar, is to follow public health advice right now,” said Tory.

In 2020, CaféTO supported 801 restaurants in 62 BIAs, as well as 96 restaurants outside of BIAs.

 

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