Toronto looking to support restaurants through winter patio options
Mayor John Tory is asking City Council to support restaurants with winter patio options, to further assist the industry as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
On Wednesday, Tory said he has five recommendations for council which include finding ways the City government can support the restaurant industry through winter patio options.
The mayor wants City staff to work with the industry and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to make sure the municipal government is supporting winter and year-round outdoor dining.
“I am committed to doing everything possible as a City government to help restaurants and other businesses that are hard hit by the public health measures we must take to stop a resurgence of COVID-19,” Tory said.
“I believe City Council will be united in sending a strong message to the restaurant industry today that we support them and a signal to the provincial and federal governments that we must work together to help businesses, who are following the public health advice, to weather this storm.”
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Another recommendation is for council to support the Government of Ontario in “any actions it takes” with the insurance industry to support small and medium business by preventing increases in their insurance policies and premiums.
And for City Council to advise the provincial government to allow restaurants to continue to sell alcohol as part of a food order to take and delivery.
Tory also said council should request that the Ontario continue the pause on commercial evictions until the coronavirus resurgence eases.
In addition, he mentioned to have City Council support the Government of Canada’s commitment in the Throne Speech to support industries hardest hit including hospitality, travel, tourism and cultural industries.
“The City’s restaurants and bars are vital businesses in our neighbourhoods and have been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Based on public health advice, further restrictions are being placed on the industry this week to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Tory said.
Because of this Tory wants City Council to pass these recommendations in order to assist the “businesses already struggling” and to keep people employed.
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