Date/Time: Friday April 1, 2022, From 11am to 12pm

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

Registration fee: Free – Microsoft Teams link will be emailed after the registration deadline, March 30th.

Project Abstract

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto, necessary citywide shutdowns devastated local businesses with restaurants being closed to indoor dining for much of the period from March 2020 to the summer of 2021. With restaurant capacities limited and traffic seemingly reduced, the roadway provided an innovative opportunity to aid local business and the workforce through the creation of new patio spaces in the curb lane. CaféTO not only aided a struggling industry, it also breathed much needed public life back into the City in a safe and unprecedented way. The City of Toronto retained IBI Group to collaborate in providing this critical support to restaurants and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). CaféTO provided a framework for the seasonal transitioning of curb lanes and parking spaces into restaurant patio spaces. The program transformed stretches of the curb lane into patios, while maintaining the necessary infrastructure for safe vehicular and active transportation movement. A thorough analysis of each location was undertaken to ensure adequate flow of traffic, protection of parking spaces where necessary, re-routing of cycling infrastructure and reduced speed limits as required. The number of parking spots replaced by patios were quantified to understand the  economic impact in parking revenues.

Presenter’s Bio

Astrid Greaves MLA, MA

Astrid is a Senior Urban Designer with a background studying Landscape Architecture, Sociology, Urban Theory, Art and Architectural History. Astrid has developed extensive experience with urban design and strategic planning projects from small to large scale. Astrid’s approach to design is grounded in an understanding of the complexities of social phenomena and space. Her interests are focused on creating socially and ecologically resilient places that are liveable, promote community, and hold a strong sense of place. Astrid was central to the success of the CaféTO program in 2020 and 2021. Serving as the public realm and streetscape design lead for the project team, Astrid coordinated the Streetscape Plan effort, the delivery of the Traffic Closure Plans, and communication with BIAs.

Note that the Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to registrants after the March 30th registration deadline.