CaféTO Property Improvement Program

Overview of the CaféTO Property Improvement Program program:

The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is an initiative by the City of Toronto designed to help restaurants and cafés improve the safety, accessibility, and aesthetics of outdoor dining areas located on private property. The programme offers financial support through a cost-sharing grant, whereby eligible applicants can receive up to 50% of the cost of improvements, to a maximum of $5,000. The enhancements must be permanent or seasonal installations on private land and are not intended for improvements on the public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalk cafés). The grant encourages upgrades that align with long-term use and municipal guidelines, including better lighting, shade structures, permanent planters, fencing, and accessibility features. It seeks to not only assist businesses in adapting to outdoor service demands, which surged during the pandemic, but also improve the overall public realm and dining experience across Toronto. Landlords or business owners of commercial properties with active ground-floor restaurants or cafés may apply. All proposed work must comply with relevant by-laws and urban design standards, and applicants must obtain necessary permits or approvals. Applications are accepted until the budget allocation is exhausted, and approvals are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant is administered by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture division.

Benefits of the CaféTO Property Improvement Program program:

• Financial support for permanent or seasonal property improvements.
• Enhances customer experience in outdoor dining settings.
• Encourages compliance with safety, accessibility, and urban design standards.
• Increases the long-term value of commercial properties.
• Supports post-pandemic recovery for hospitality businesses.
• Promotes beautification and activation of private outdoor space.

Eligibility criteria of the CaféTO Property Improvement Program program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a commercial property owner or business operator with an active ground-floor restaurant or cafe located in Toronto.
• Have an eligible outdoor dining space on private property (improvements to public right-of-way areas are not funded).
• Propose improvements that are permanent or seasonal and align with city design guidelines.
• Ensure all improvements comply with zoning, building codes, and municipal regulations.
• Secure all required permits before work begins.
• Not begin improvements before funding approval.
• Provide cost estimates and post-completion proof of payment for reimbursement.