The CafeTO program may soon be coming to Mimico which some fear will lead to traffic congestion on Lake Shore Blvd. W. with one lane blocked to vehicles.
Discussions are underway in Mimico that may block one lane of traffic on Lake Shore Blvd. W. as part of a CaféTO program.
Mimico community activist Don Henderson said the City’s Transportation Department has approached merchants on Mimico’s Lake Shore Blvd. W. to expand a cafe-type operation.
It’s “not just a parking lane but a traffic lane,” Henderson posted on social media. “This would essentially leave only one lane of traffic, a TTC track lane.”
He and others said the move would lead to more traffic congestion especially with road construction on the Gardiner Expressway for the next three years.
The CafeTO program will lead to patio extensions to the sidewalk and roadways.
“Consider the traffic as well as public traffic congestion if a proposed modification is implemented along Lake Shore Blvd. W.,” Henderson wrote.
“There are a number of such curb-side cafes throughout Toronto that do not affect pedestrian flow, let alone vehicular traffic,” the post said.
“While designated outdoor areas are great for restaurants and cafes, it would be best fit if the sidewalk were wide enough.”
CaféTO is a program that provides restaurants and bars in Toronto with the opportunity to expand their outdoor dining space through sidewalk cafés, curb lane cafés, or patios on private property.
The City says the program brings more people, economy and traffic and is good for area businesses.
The ‘program provide expanded temporary outdoor dining space for use by licensed food and drink establishments on wide sidewalks,’ according to the CaféTO website.
CaféTO has grown into a sustainable City program that makes Toronto’s streets more attractive, safe and accessible while supporting restaurants and bars operating with expanded outdoor dining spaces, according to the website.
The program was launched in 2020 to help struggling restaurants and bars amid COVID-19 restrictions. It became so popular among members of the public that city council ultimately voted in favour of making it a permanent program.
The program with 1,300 businesses taking part has brought in more than $200 million to the City in previous years.
Some businesses had complained about the cost of CafeTO applications and the design process being cumbersome, leading to major delays. The City promised to review the program.
CafeTO patios delivered approximately $203 million in economic benefits to the city and 1,300 businesses taking part, according to a Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas-led economic impact study.