City of Toronto COVID-19 mask bylaw to expire when most provincial masking regulations are lifted on March 21

Last week, Toronto City Council amended its Mask Bylaw so that it expires when the Province of Ontario lifts provincial masking requirements in most settings on March 21. Masks continue to be mandatory in high-risk and congregate settings including public transit, long-term care and retirement homes, health-care settings, congregate care settings and shelters. Council also affirmed their support for residents to choose to wear a mask, even in the absence of regulations requiring mask wearing.

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EXTENDED Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program accepting applications until May 5th

The City of Toronto's new Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is offering matching funding of 50 per cent to commercial business operators and owners of vacant storefronts (or, in certain limited circumstances, at risk of becoming vacant) to undertake interior improvements. The program is part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative. Applications will be accepted until May 5th, 2022 or when funds are expended, whichever comes first, and are considered on a first received, first reviewed basis. Download application form [PDF] and submit.

Main Street Innovation Fund accepting applications until March 31

The first round of applications for the City of Toronto's Main Street Innovation Fund are being accepted until March 3, or when funds are expended, whichever comes first. The program provides grant funding to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and not-for-profit organizations with ties to the local business community to help develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced by Toronto's main street small businesses. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
 

CaféTO program accepting applications from local restaurant and bar operators

The City of Toronto's CaféTO program is accepting applications from local restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into the curb lane and onto sidewalks in 2022. The permit application process has been streamlined this year and businesses can submit application documents and complete payment in one convenient online system. Find more details and register before the April 2 deadline.

**Please remember if you are planning on extending your patio to in front of your neighbour's space, you must first get a letter of approval from them. Many shops and restaurants use this space as a loading area**
 

CaféTO Property Improvement Program provides funding to improve exterior spaces
Deadline June 30th

Applications are open for the City of Toronto's new CaféTO Property Improvement Program. The program provides funding to eligible owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto – including CaféTO program participants – to help improve the appearance and/or function of the property's exterior spaces. Grants cover 50 per cent of the costs of eligible property or site improvements up to a maximum amount of $5,000. Additional grant funding of up to $2,500 is available for exterior accessibility improvements such as the installation of ramps, handrails and other accessibility devices. See more details and apply.