2024 CafeTO Property Improvement Program

NOTE: THESE FUNDS ARE OFTEN OVER-SUBSCRIBED EARLY, SO PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTATION AND APPLY AS SOON AS IT OPENS. First come, first reviewed. Applications Open March 1, 2024.

The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafes, commercial patios, and sidewalk cafes.

Small retail businesses are essential to the vitality and success of Toronto’s main streets and neighbourhoods, and key drivers of economic prosperity for residents, families, communities and the city as a whole. The CaféTO Property Improvement Program was developed in support of the recovery and long-term success of local small businesses.

Eligibility
Eligibility improvements include, but are not limited to:

• Permanent improvements to patio or café spaces on private property that serve a business use excluding furnishings

• Café spaces on City property for which a valid permit has been issued

• Permanent on-site boulevard landscaping features (excluding plant material)

• Fencing

• Installation of temporary platform level to the sidewalk for a curb lane café (rented, leased, or purchased), accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails and other exterior accessibility improvements which meet AODA design standards

Only one property application from a business chain or a franchise chain will be considered under this program.

Applications that include a temporary platform will be prioritized.

Funding

• Half of the costs of eligible property or site improvements up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements).

• Additional grant funding of up to $2,500 is available for exterior accessibility improvements such as the installation of temporary platforms level to the sidewalk for a curb lane café (rented, leased, or purchased), accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails and other exterior accessibility devices which meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards.

• Architectural, engineering from a certified Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) specialist and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designer fees may be covered to a maximum of $1,000 per application.

Interested? Collect a minimum of two quotes and apply ASAP! These funds are normally exhausted very early. 

Deadline to Apply: Date TBD or when funds are expended. Applications will be considered on a first in, first reviewed basis.