Toronto neighbourhood giving out free blankets, gift cards to patio patrons

A Toronto neighbourhood is giving away free thermal blankets to entice outdoor diners and support small businesses in the area.

With the city prohibiting indoor dining and temperatures slowly creeping into the single digits, the Broadview-Danforth BIA (Business Improvement Area) has launched the “Fall Thrill of the Chill,” an initiative to support restaurants and businesses in their three-block radius.

Beginning on Saturday, October 24, visitors to any of the BIA’s outdoor restaurant patios will receive a free thermal blanket so they can drink and dine comfortably. Each blanket also comes with a $5 gift certificate that can be used at any of the BIA’s 400 plus businesses, including restaurants, clothing stores, and hair salons.

Have you heard?!?

Posted @withregram • @papyrus_toronto Introducing two #newbeverages from Papyrus. Cleopatra’s Dream, our #Hibiscus-White Wine blend and Saffron Velvet, our mix of #Saffron, Lemon, Rum and Cointreau. Both available for pickup at 337 #DanforthAvenue#riverdaleTO pic.twitter.com/xxTIumDPzZ

— Broadview Danforth BIA (@BroadviewDanBIA) October 18, 2020

The Broadview-Danforth BIA comprises businesses along Danforth Avenue from Broadview Avenue to Hampton Avenue, and along Broadview from Pretoria Avenue to Dearborne Avenue.

“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to patios this weekend and supporting our local restaurants,” said BIA Chair Albert Stortchak. “It’s our hope that this will drive customers to our restaurants despite the chilly weather.”

The city is hoping to extend patio season into the spring, and has proposed its own “BYOB – Bring Your Own Blanket” initiative to keep outdoor diners toasty this winter.

The Fall Thrill of the Chill will continue while supplies last.