Cafe TO Operator Newsletter | April 2026

April 2026 Update

This this e-mail is an update for CaféTO curb lane café program participants and BIAs..  This update provides useful information about the CaféTO program, including necessary information for your permit. Please take the time and read carefully.

Key Timeline + Updates

We’re working toward having cafés ready for the Victoria Day long weekend—and you can help avoid delays by submitting your documents early.

Here’s what to expect:

• City staff are in the final stages of application review and may contact you for additional information

• Make sure your municipal business licence and insurance are up to date to avoid delays or application cancellation

• Once approved, you’ll receive an invoice and payment instructions

• Your permit will be issued after payment is received

• Permit fee remains unchanged for 2026 at $132.42 per square metre

CaféTO curb lane café traffic safety equipment will be installed from east to west across the city starting April 22^nd and continuing through May.

Important Upcoming Dates:

March 5th - CaféTO Grant applications open

Late April – May - Traffic safety equipment is installed by the City for approved CaféTO curb lane cafés

May 1st - CafeTO Curb Lane Café season begins

June 1st - Curb lane café temporary platform must be installed

October 1 – 15th - Curb lane café removals

Cafe TO Grant

Good news! The CaféTO Grant is now open for applications.

This program supports business owners and commercial tenants in improving the appearance and functionality of curb lane cafés, sidewalk cafés, and patios on private property

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Key Details:  

• Grant Amount: Up to $7,500 (50% of eligible patio improvement costs)  

• Eligibility: Available to restaurant, bar, and café owners  

• Deadline: May 7^th or until all funding is exhausted  

Important:

• Applications must be submitted before starting any work. Projects started prior to approval will not be eligible for funding.

• The grant is available once every 10 years, up to a maximum of $7,500. Businesses that have already received the full amount may not be eligible.

For full details and to apply, please visit the CaféTO Grant webpage If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.  

Licensing & Zoning Updates

The City introduced updated licensing and zoning bylaws in 2025 for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

What this means for you:

• You may need to transition to a new licence type depending on your business activities

• Some businesses (like those offering entertainment) may require additional permissions

If any action is needed, you’ll be notified during your next licence renewal. In the meantime, you can explore available tools and resources on the City’s website to better understand what applies to you.

Ensure your business licence is up to date. You can check using the Business Licence Lookup tool.

Contact

We’re here to support you throughout the season. If you have questions, reach out anytime at CafeTO@toronto.ca

When communicating with the City, please use your business email address. If you no longer wish to receive these communications, please let us know at CafeTO@Toronto.ca

Thank you,

CaféTO