'Bigger and better' CafeTO to return in 2021

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The City of Toronto is promising a bigger and more expansive return to CafeTo in 2021.

On Wednesday morning, Mayor John Tory announced the pandemic-inspired sidewalk and roadside outdoor dining program would return, both “bigger” and “better” than what was seen in 2020.

“What was a ‘quick-start’ program in response to the pandemic, the CafeTO program became very popular with people, but also helping bars and restaurants to stay in business to take in revenue at a time when they badly needed it,” Tory said.

“People loved it, plain and simple.”

In 2020, nearly 900 restaurants took part in CafeTO, with 439 curb lane closures to facilitate the program for eateries without sufficient sidewalk space to support outdoor dining.

Surveys of both patrons and restaurant owners showed overwhelming support for the program, Tory said.

A report before next week’s Executive Committee meeting recommends expanding CafeTO this year, including updating and simplifying the sign-up process — which could begin as early as next month.

Other recommendations include allowing restaurants to build decks or platforms in curb lane patios and developing traffic plans to ensure street-dining patrons aren’t put at risk.

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All of this, of course, hinges on current public health measures loosening to permit outdoor dining — currently prohibited under current measures, which also dashed the city’s plans to enact a winter patio program to help the city’s struggling restaurant industry.

If conditions permit, the city expects the first curb lane patios to be installed by May.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume