Item - 2017.PW20.9
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on April 12, 2017 and was adopted with amendments.
- See also DI13.3
PW20.9 - A Framework for the Toronto Sidewalk Café Design Manual
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee:
1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services to complete additional stakeholder consultation and report to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2017 with a finalized Toronto Sidewalk Café Design Manual, including an implementation plan, based on the framework and key principles set out in the report (March 29, 2017) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.
2. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back, as part of the Sidewalk Café Design Manual report, on creating a level playing field as it relates to patios on private property, including in strip plazas.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The General Manager, Transportation Services gave a presentation on the Proposed Framework for Sidewalk Cafés and Additional Consultation.
Origin
Summary
A sidewalk café is an area within the public right-of-way that is permitted for use by an adjacent establishment. The City of Toronto currently has over 700 permitted, and an estimated 400 additional unpermitted, sidewalk cafés throughout the city. Cafés form an invaluable component of vibrant streets, and as such it is important that the City provide flexibility and design options so that the local economy can thrive and local businesses can be creative in their design of sidewalk cafés.
Currently, there are six different by-laws in force for café and marketing uses on the City's sidewalks, creating inconsistent and confusing procedures and standards across the former municipalities of Toronto, York, East York, North York, Etobicoke and Scarborough.
The lack of consistent policies and regulations is challenging to administer and enforce on a uniform basis, and can confuse the public and businesses who view these inconsistencies as both frustrating and inefficient. Specifically, consistent guidance regarding the pedestrian clearway and design guidance are required.
Over the past two years, Transportation Services, in conjunction with Municipal Licensing and Standards, has been undertaking a review of existing regulations pertaining to sidewalk cafés, including consultation and engagement with café stakeholders, Business Improvement Areas, members of the public, urban designers, and accessibility stakeholders.
In order to balance multiple interests with this project, the following three project objectives have been identified:
1. develop consistent standards for the harmonized by-law;
2. update the fee schedule; and
3. ensure the sidewalk functions for all users through the permit process and through new sidewalk café design options and opportunities.
Two reports are proceeding in coordination:
1. Municipal Licensing and Standards is bringing a report to the Licensing and Standards Committee on April 18, 2017 addressing the first two objectives.
2. Transportation Services is bringing forward this report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee to address the third objective. Specifically, this report:
a. provides an overview of the need for a harmonized Toronto Sidewalk Café Design Manual and supporting by-law;
b. presents the key principles that will guide staff in the completion of the Manual and supporting by-law; and
c. proposes a framework for the completion of the final Manual and supporting by-law.
An updated design manual will support the implementation of the new harmonized sidewalk café and marketing display by-law being developed concurrently by Municipal Licensing and Standards.
Both of the above frameworks recommend further consultation and a report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-102434.pdf
Attachment 2 - Summary of Existing Pedestrian Clearway Standards in Existing City Policies and By-Laws
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-102436.pdf
(April 12, 2017) Presentation from the General Manager of Transportation Services on Proposed Framework for Sidewalk Cafes and Additional Consultation
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-102863.pdf
Communications
(April 9, 2017) Letter from Rory Sinclair, Chair, Harbord Village Residents' Association (PW.New.PW20.9.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/comm/communicationfile-68545.pdf
(April 10, 2017) Letter from Suzanne Kavanagh, President, St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (PW.New.PW20.9.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/comm/communicationfile-68546.pdf
(April 11, 2017) Letter from Tony Elenis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (PW.New.PW20.9.4)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/comm/communicationfile-68574.pdf
Speakers
Marcus Little, St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association
Gordon Brown, Harbord Village Residents' Association
John Fischer, Walk Toronto
John Kiru, Executive Director, Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas
Steven Mastoras, Whistler's Grille Toronto
Councillor Frances Nunziata
Motions
That:
1. The General Manager, Transportation Services report back as part of the Sidewalk Café Design Manual report on creating a level playing field as it relates to patios on private property, including in strip plazas.
9a - Toronto Sidewalk Café Design Manual
Origin
Summary
At its meeting on February 8, 2017, the Disability, Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee considered Item DI13.3 on Toronto Sidewalk Café Design Manual.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-101421.pdf
(February, 2017) Presentation from the Project Manager, Transportation Services, Public Realm Section on Toronto Sidewalk Café Manual
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-101422.pdf