City of Toronto is currently accepting applications for its Dining District Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About City of Toronto Dining District Program
The Dining District Program funds projects that expand and enhance outdoor dining opportunities for local restaurants and bars. It emphasizes practical, ready-to-implement improvements that strengthen the main street environment, improve functionality, and enhance the overall appearance of café and dining areas. The program supports initiatives that build on existing or planned activations and help maintain vibrant commercial corridors.
Benefits of City of Toronto Dining District Program
- Funding for BIAs, not-for-profit organizations and business associations to cover one-half of the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements).
City of Toronto Dining District Program Requirements
Applicants must have working relations with their local business community and propose projects that will increase main street vibrancy.
Eligible Applicants
- BIAs
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Business associations
Ineligible Applicants
For-profit businesses including:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Corporations
Eligible Projects
Project that supports the public realm activations, minor streetscape design work or related improvements that enhance outdoor dining on the main street or temporary activations in plazas to support restaurants.
Examples include:
- Improvements in the public realm, including;
- Installation of temporary platforms for public parklets
- Outdoor dining related furniture and streetscape enhancements
- Temporary activations on private or public property
- Beautification for neighbourhood improvements such as planters, plants, soil, watering services and maintenance costs
- Enhancements that build on planned or existing outdoor dining activations
- Limited Staffing related to the public activations.
Ineligible Projects
- Projects which are eligible for funding under other City of Toronto grants including BIA financial incentive programs, such as Streetscape Improvement Program, Outside Mural & Street Art Program, or Streetscape Master Plan Program
- Projects located outside of Toronto
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
22 April, 2026
Opportunity Application
View details of
City of Toronto Dining District Program
Apply for City of Toronto Dining District Program
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