Item - 2020.TE20.61

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Directed the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, in consultation with the City Solicitor, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and any other relevant city divisions to report their recommendations directly to the December 2, 2020 meeting of the Toronto East York Community Council on the applications for encroachment permits and partial patio enclosures from the owner of 585 Church Street.

The COVID-19 pandemic has struck many small businesses hard as owners adapt their services, and provide an enjoyable customer experience under strict health guidelines. We have seen many small businesses in the Downtown close due to small square footage and restrictions on indoor dining. While emergency programs like CafeTO have provided some relief, businesses cannot afford the steep Downtown rent.

Like many other special character neighbourhoods, Church Wellesley Village has been hit particularly hard. Many long-standing businesses have been forced to shutter their doors completely. Church Espresso, located at 585 Church Street is a small cafe with very limited seating indoors with an existing outdoor patio on city-owned land. In order to make this outdoor option more hospitable into the cooler season, they have applied for a partial enclosure permit as well as an encroachment permit on the public right-of-way.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of the pandemic, and continual loss of revenue, it is critical that this report is brought to Toronto and East York Community Council immediately.