Latest news with #CaféTO
CBC
11-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
'A tough time': Business owner speaks out after 100% increase in CaféTO fees
A Toronto business owner says his CaféTO patio fees have increased by $1,000 this year, resulting in uncertainty and stress. Nick Lui, owner and chef at Little Italy's DaiLo, has been taking part in the summer patio program since it first launched as a temporary measure in 2020. He says he paid about $900 in CaféTO fees last year, but had to pay almost $1,900 this year – more than a 100 per cent increase. "We're going through a tough time," he told CBC News on Wednesday. "All these extra costs affect the bottom line. When you're a small business, especially like a restaurant, your margins are pretty small," said Lui. CaféTO started in 2020 as a temporary way to help restaurants stay open through COVID-19 restrictions by allowing them to expand outside, taking over curbs and parking spaces with patio space. Following positive feedback from restaurants and the public, the program became permanent in 2023. In 2023, the annual permit was $14.56 per square metre for sidewalk patios and $43.70 per square metre for curb lane patios, while application fees were $285. This year, the annual permit was $44.14 per square metre for sidewalk patios and $132.42 per square metre for curb lane patios, while application fees were $977.45. Liu says the city should be doing something to help restaurants, not the opposite. "This is something to help the restaurant, not just something to make money for the government," said Lui. Mayor Olivia Chow says the city wants the restaurants that are taking some of the road spaces to pay a "small share of the cost to help put the patio out there." "We are still subsidizing these small businesses because it's important to generate support," said Chow at a news conference in Scarborough Wednesday. "But we just don't want to do 100 per cent of it, which is why the restaurants are paying a share of the cost." The city of Toronto said in a statement Wednesday that it charges fees for the usage of public space as a standard policy to ensure "fairness to businesses and taxpayers." Fees have been phased in between 2023 and 2025 to ensure manageable costs for operators while supporting the program's growth, the city said. "This phased in approach re-introduced fees at 33 per cent in 2023, at 66 per cent in 2024, and at 100 per cent in 2025," said the statement. The city says there will be no increase until 2029 to provide additional financial relief. Joe Cote, chief growth officer for Merchant Growth, a digital financing company for small businesses, works closely with business owners navigating stresses. He says CaféTO was a great low-cost measure to help small businesses during the pandemic, but the new fee increase is "quite extensive." "It's not that there's been a marginal fee increase. The fee is more than doubled, which is just a bit absurd to a lot of small business owners to understand why," said Cote. "It's less about the fee. It's more about the burden of another increased cost," he said. Cote said the city should be taking another look at the fee increase and reassess whether or not it will actually support small businesses.
Globe and Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
The party's over on CaféTO even if it isn't the main cause of congestion
Here's a riddle: What looks like the long lines of dirt and timber, protected by felled trees with sharpened branches, that General Ulysses S. Grant's Union troops charged at Cold Harbor in June 1864? What is so ugly that if you stuck it in an art gallery and placed a sign in front entitled 'Poor Choices' you'd win the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale? What would make a nice addition to the Do Lung Bridge, the remote American outpost portrayed in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece Apocalypse Now, that is destroyed every night and rebuilt every day? What may not be the main cause of traffic congestion but significantly exacerbates it none the less? If you answered a 'CaféTO curb lane patio' to every question, you'd be correct. Yes, the Great Canadian curb lane patio – more evidence that there is no pleasurable activity that Canada (the country that put the 'un' in 'fun') cannot spoil. In theory, Canada's myriad levels of government want its citizens to experience pleasure. In practice, it hates seeing them do it. The result? Canada takes activities that other countries enjoy effortlessly and dilutes them through a finely tuned system of bureaucracy and puritanism. Alcohol? Check. Cannabis? Check. Casinos where you can't get comped alcoholic drinks? Check. The message is simple, 'You can enjoy yourself, just don't have fun doing it.' Curb lane patios are another shimmering example. Introduced in 2020 as a response to the economic damage wrought by COVID-19, cities inaugurated programs such as Toronto's CaféTO and Vancouver's 'Pop-up Patios.' These opened streets to impromptu patios in a desperate attempt to entice customers back to restaurants. They were embraced by a public reeling from COVID cabin fever. Traffic was light because no one was driving to the office and the creation of thousands of little bottlenecks did not have a significant impact. They made the program an annual event. It runs each year from May 1 to October 15. Now the party's over. Congestion is horrific. No one can argue that CaféTO curb lane patios are the main cause of traffic congestion. Nor can anyone deny that the patios make it worse. Curb lane patios occupying live traffic lanes increase congestion, particularly if they are placed on major arterial roads. In February, the Toronto Board of Trade released a report on congestion called 'Breaking Gridlock.' The paper argued that 'CaféTO curb lane patios should be reviewed based upon the impact they have on circulating traffic, especially on major arterial roadways serving dedicated connectors.' The report was derided as being 'car centric.' Curb lane café proponents believe the congestion is worth the upside. Last year, 1,500 establishments participated in CaféTO: 304 of these were curb lane cafés. Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas says they generated $130-million in economic benefits, down from $204-million in 2022. Curb lane café enthusiasts like to hail them as being 'European.' To these folks, I reply, 'We already have problems with the Americans, there is no point getting the Europeans angry at us too.' Canadian curb lane cafes are many things but 'European' is not among them. Aside from their breathtaking ugliness, CaféTO curb lane patios are far from Rome's cobbled streets or the grand boulevards of Paris. Entrees are served with exhaust fumes. Traffic is noisy and angry. Forget soft music; curb lane café meals are accompanied by a symphony of car alarms. Last summer there was a CaféTO curb lane on Yonge Street south of Richmond Street. It caused terrible bottlenecks and for what? So that customers could suck carbon dioxide, inches from traffic, while watching suffering people sprawled out on the sidewalk in front of Goodlife Fitness? C'est magnifique! Do not, however, imagine that Europeans universally embraced curb lane patios when they were introduced. In 2021, for example, Bloomberg reported that Rome 'inadvertently ignited a fierce battle for the city's streets' when it allowed cafés and restaurants to set up outdoor seating in public areas. Drivers in a city with the 'highest motorization rate in Europe' were infuriated. So, Canadians who are fed up with curb lane cafés are not alone. Is there a solution? Absolutely. Well-funded public transit paid for by congestion pricing and toll roads would solve congestion problems. Unfortunately, that will never happen in Canada. Our frustration over traffic congestion is only surpassed by our steadfast refusal to do anything about it. We are proud CARNADIANS! Here's a thought: If car congestion is the problem, maybe the best way to alleviate it is to get rid of the cars. Don't they cause the congestion? When my bathroom drain is clogged, I don't clear it by pouring in more gloop. Instead of eliminating curb lane patios, let's get rid of the cars. Let's build pedestrian zones filled with bustling cafés and restaurants, where children can play without fear of being struck by an automobile. Skeptics may ask, 'Won't that cause more congestion?' No, because everyone who used to be in cars will be enjoying themselves having a gelato or aperitivo instead of driving. That's European. On second thought, forget it. Let's do nothing and blame the government. That's the Canadian way!
CTV News
19-05-2025
- CTV News
Victoria Day long weekend activities in Toronto
People watch the Toronto Victoria Day fireworks on the beach THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young From annual beach fireworks to ferry rides to the Islands, the City of Toronto has launched a full lineup of events and attractions for Victoria Day long weekend. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know: Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park On Monday, the city will host an official fireworks display at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue. 'Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home,' officials say. While fireworks are allowed on private property before 11 p.m. during holidays, the city issued the reminder that a permit is required to ignite them on any other day. 'Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks,' the city says. Bylaw officers and police will also be patrolling for illegal fireworks use, and misuse can be reported to 311. CaféTO patios are back CaféTO officially kicks off this weekend, with more than 280 curb-lane patios, 550 sidewalk cafés, and 700 private patios participating across the city. The outdoor dining program runs from May through October, offering residents and tourists a chance to enjoy the city's food scene while supporting local restaurants and bars. Ferries to Toronto Island Park The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park kicks off Friday where online tickets come with express entry at the terminal. 'Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry,' officials said. Starting this weekend, Bike Share Toronto will launch four stations and 250 bikes across Ward's, Centre and Hanlan's Point, though officials warn bikes must stay on the Island and are not permitted on ferries. Golf courses All five municipal golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend, with tee times available for online booking. Nature lovers can also visit Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory, both open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo Riverdale Farm and the High Park Animal Display will be open daily during the long weekend. Visitors can see a range of farm animals and enjoy green space within the city. The Toronto Zoo will remain open on Victoria Day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, and visitors can explore 10 km of trails and over 3,000 animals. St. Lawrence Market The South Market is open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museums, galleries and art spaces Fort York will be open this long weekend (May 17–19) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Toronto history museums will operate on Saturday and Sunday but close on Monday. General admission is free. City-run art galleries, including Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre, will be open Saturday but closed Sunday and Monday. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed Monday only. For a full list of city-run family-friendly activities this long weekend, head to the City of Toronto's website.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- CTV News
Here is a look at some activities in Toronto this Victoria Day long weekend
People watch the Toronto Victoria Day fireworks on the beach THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young From annual beach fireworks to ferry rides to the Islands, the City of Toronto has launched a full lineup of events and attractions for Victoria Day long weekend. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know: Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park On Monday, the city will host an official fireworks display at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue. "Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home," officials say. While fireworks are allowed on private property before 11 p.m. during holidays, the city issued the reminder that a permit is required to ignite them on any other day. 'Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks,' the city says. Bylaw officers and police will also be patrolling for illegal fireworks use, and misuse can be reported to 311. CaféTO patios are back CaféTO officially kicks off this weekend, with more than 280 curb-lane patios, 550 sidewalk cafés, and 700 private patios participating across the city. The outdoor dining program runs from May through October, offering residents and tourists a chance to enjoy the city's food scene while supporting local restaurants and bars. Ferries to Toronto Island Park The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park kicks off Friday where online tickets come with express entry at the terminal. 'Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry,' officials said. Starting this weekend, Bike Share Toronto will launch four stations and 250 bikes across Ward's, Centre and Hanlan's Point, though officials warn bikes must stay on the Island and are not permitted on ferries. Golf courses All five municipal golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend, with tee times available for online booking. Nature lovers can also visit Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory, both open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo Riverdale Farm and the High Park Animal Display will be open daily during the long weekend. Visitors can see a range of farm animals and enjoy green space within the city. The Toronto Zoo will remain open on Victoria Day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, and visitors can explore 10 km of trails and over 3,000 animals. St. Lawrence Market The South Market is open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museums, galleries and art spaces Fort York will be open this long weekend (May 17–19) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Toronto history museums will operate on Saturday and Sunday but close on Monday. General admission is free. City-run art galleries, including Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre, will be open Saturday but closed Sunday and Monday. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed Monday only. For a full list of city-run family-friendly activities this long weekend, head to the City of Toronto's website.
