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Mayor John Tory's Toronto

Given that the buildings were long-boarded up, would not be surprised if it was either arson to clear the land, or more likely, squatters.
They had a large fire about a year ago and I think the current repairs were fixing it up after that. I would certainly not be surprised at arson.
 
They had a large fire about a year ago and I think the current repairs were fixing it up after that. I would certainly not be surprised at arson.
Interesting rumors are that these ones are also owned by Brad Lamb. I think an investigation should be in order as to why his heritage properties keep on burning.
 
Toronto’s ‘rescue operation’ for restaurants includes fast-tracked approvals, more space for patio dining

Thu., June 4, 2020

City officials are working with Toronto Public Health and the Ontario government on a timeline under which bars and restaurants, ordered closed in March except for takeout and delivery service to limit virus spread, can reopen, Tory told reporters from city hall.

The city program is identifying sidewalk and right-of-way space, including “parklets,” adjacent to bars and restaurants that can be made available for outdoor dining with physical distancing to ensure minimal chance of virus infection, Tory said, adding CafeTO registration will open soon.

The normal patio approval process will be dramatically streamlined, city council will be asked to waive fees, and the Ontario government is agreeing to help quickly address any liquor licensing issues, the mayor said, calling it a “rescue operation” for pandemic-ravaged businesses.

Patios “represent hundreds and hundreds, and in fact, thousands of jobs and they’ve been hit very hard by the pandemic,” Tory said, adding city officials will work to address issues, including community concerns over patio noise or encroachment on public space.

A dozen neighbourhood merchants’ groups have expressed interest since Tory started talking about expanded patios, the mayor said, adding he expects new outdoor dining spaces won’t be limited to downtown Toronto.

 
Any chance the City of Toronto will allow for pedestrian zones in traffic lanes, patios on traffic islands, no Berlin walls so restaurants can serve alcohol with going through Checkpoint Charlie. Would like to see more awnings used for patios instead of just umbrellas.

Currently, there is no way Toronto would be on any list of the best cities in the world for outdoor dining...

See https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/821376-world-s-10-best-cities-for-outdoor-dining
 

A lot of good stuff in there.

McEwan said this decision from the city is "terrific" because permits are notoriously slow," adding that it was common to "wait a year for a patio permit in Toronto.

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Protocols that McEwan is enacting in his own restaurants include appropriate distancing between seated patrons, all staff will be tested for COVID-19 before they start and be required to wear hair nets, masks, and gloves, he said.


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Around one in 10 restaurants have been forced to permanently close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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McEwan says he "really believes" that within nine months to a year Toronto and Ontario will see "a 40 per cent failure rate" among restaurants and bars.
 
A lot of good stuff in there.

McEwan said this decision from the city is "terrific" because permits are notoriously slow," adding that it was common to "wait a year for a patio permit in Toronto.

**
Protocols that McEwan is enacting in his own restaurants include appropriate distancing between seated patrons, all staff will be tested for COVID-19 before they start and be required to wear hair nets, masks, and gloves, he said.


**
Around one in 10 restaurants have been forced to permanently close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

**
McEwan says he "really believes" that within nine months to a year Toronto and Ontario will see "a 40 per cent failure rate" among restaurants and bars.

Personally, I'd like to see certain retail destination neighbourhoods like Kensington Market go pedestrian only for the summer, with exception for deliveries of course. Which will allow for even further expansion opportunity of patio spaces, especially for the eateries and cafes with narrower frontages. Similarly, it would be nice if streets like King can have extended balcony and pedestrian space just like when TIFF usually rolls into town.
 
Here's what dining in Toronto will look like once restaurants are allowed to reopen

Friday, June 5, 2020

The City of Toronto has released guidelines for restaurants that provide the clearest picture so far of how dining will look once the province allows establishments to reopen for dine-in service.

The guidelines include a slew of recommendations from Toronto Public Health about how restaurants can prepare to reopen when they are allowed to do so.

“We want people to be able to get ready. That’s why we’re providing public health advice now, ahead of the lifting of provincial restrictions,” Mayor John Tory said Friday.

He stressed restaurants will not be able to reopen until the province gives the go-ahead.

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However the guidelines also list a raft of measures specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even when restaurants reopen, the document says, staff and customers should still maintain six feet (two metres) of distance at all times.

Seating and tables need to be rearranged so that there is at least six feet of distance from edge to edge and no more than six customers should be seated at each table. As well, food establishments will not be allowed to have more than 50 per cent of their rated capacity.

Toronto Public Health is advising that restaurants consider welcoming customers by reservation only.

Operators will be required to keep logs, including name and contact information, for all customers and staff, along with check-in times. In the event that someone is found to have COVID-19 and has been at the establishment, public health will use the list to reach out to anyone who may possibly have been infected.

Other measures include:

  • Removing waiting areas and clearly marking spaces for physical distancing where any lineups may occur
  • Rearranging kitchen space so that proper distance is maintained at all times and enforcing mask wearing where that is not possible
  • If necessary, install plexiglass barriers in some areas
  • Buffet and self-serve areas should be removed
  • Providing guidance to customers, including arrows showing how to enter and exit, and explaining any policies that affect them.
  • The use of non-medical masks or face coverings in all indoor public spaces is strongly encouraged
  • Operators can require customers to wear masks, except when eating.
  • Utensils should be rolled or pre-packaged rather than set out
  • Table items, such as ketchup and salt should be sanitized between uses or replaced with single-serve versions
  • People showing signs of COVID-19 should not be admitted
  • Customers must be seated (no service to standing customers, such as at bars)
  • Live music is prohibited

 

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