Deadline Date: April 22, 2026
The Dining District Program provides funding to support restaurants and bars with expanded outdoor dining opportunities.
The program focuses on practical, ready-to-implement projects that enhance outdoor dining, targeted public realm improvements, minor enhancements that strengthen local dining areas, build on planned or existing activations, improve the appearance and functionality of outdoor café environments, and support main street vitality.
The program offers funding for BIAs, not-for-profit organizations, and business associations to cover half the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum of $5,000, based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements. Eligible applicants must have working relationships with their local business community and propose projects that increase main street vibrancy. Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
Eligible projects include improvements in the public realm, such as the installation of temporary platforms for public parklets, outdoor dining-related furniture, streetscape enhancements, temporary activations on private or public property, and beautification projects like planters, plants, soil, watering services, and maintenance costs. The program also supports enhancements that build on planned or existing outdoor dining activations and limited staffing related to public activations.
This initiative encourages BIAs and not-for-profit organizations to create inviting and functional outdoor dining spaces that strengthen the local business community and enhance the overall main street experience. By funding these improvements, the program helps sustain vibrant neighbourhoods and supports the growth of restaurant and bar sectors through visually appealing and accessible outdoor dining options.
For more information, visit City of Toronto.
