The Executive Committee has passed several recommendations resulting from my June motion for a review of the CaféTO program.
Update: these recommendations were adopted by City Council on December 14th, 2023. Learn more.
CaféTO keeps our main streets vibrant, helps businesses continue their recovery from the pandemic and has created a popular summer destination for thousands.
After a challenging and frustrating start to the 2023 season, I heard loud and clear from businesses that CaféTO needed improvements to make it viable in 2024. In June I moved a motion for an operational review to make it easier for returning businesses to join and new business to sign up.
Today the Executive Committee passed the CaféTO recommendations which reduces red tape, gets cafés open earlier and provides businesses with flexibility on patio locations. They also strengthen the accountability of the city by having one division lead with clear oversight. These changes will now go before City Council next week for final approval.
A big thanks to the BIAs and businesses in Ward 14 and across the city for their continued advocacy to streamline this signature program. And thanks to Mayor Chow for championing CaféTO after her election and driving these much needed changes.
Read the city's staff report for more details.
Paula and Mayor Chow discussing CaféTO improvements on the Danforth.
We considered luxury home tax rates, priority signalling for LRTs and streetcars, a maximum heat bylaw along with our next five-year climate plan and the Portlands Energy Centre.
Major items included snow clearing, Ontario Line truck safety, blue bin collection, removal of provincial tenant protections, zoning changes to allow for more residential retail and more.
We considered issues such as speed cameras, expanding the Toronto Community Crisis Service to the TTC and more, as well as several of my motions.
