The Cameron House, the Garrison, Horseshoe Tavern, Burdock, Lula Lounge and the Painted Lady are among the establishments that will benefit from the program.

"Sensible, meaningful change in policing must happen and we have begun to lay out the steps to ensure it does happen, together with a robust engagement of the public on these issues," Mayor Tory said.

Tory made the comments at the opening of a three-day conference that had to be conducted entirely online due to travel and other restrictions put in place to fight COVID.

The news comes after Brampton, Mississauga and Ottawa implemented the same protocol.

"CaféTO is one more example of a quick-start program that will bring vibrancy back to our main streets and help our hospitality industry and all those who rely on it."

The Expressway will be closed from Highway 427 to the Don Valley Parkway for construction purposes beginning Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.

Toronto Mayor John Tory says more than 50 kilometres of roads will be closed to all but local traffic in an effort to give pedestrians and cyclists more room to move.

"We’ve been focused on the health emergency but also focused on the economy," Tory said.

The hope is "to promote the important message and inspire the city with a united approach," according to a press release Thursday.

The City said it will also be creating more food bank-type locations in Toronto Community Housing buildings and other community centres where vulnerable residents reside.