Raising a Glass to Team Canada: City Modifies Serving Hours for the Winter Olympics
From neighbourhood pubs to beloved local restaurants, Toronto’s gathering places are preparing to bring the Olympic spirit to life: early mornings and all.
There’s something unmistakably Canadian about winter mornings spent cheering on Team Canada. Whether it’s the hush before a podium-ranking run, the roar after an overtime goal, or the shared joy of a gold-medal finish, the Winter Olympics have always given us moments that bring the country together.
This February, Toronto’s main streets will be at the heart of that collective celebration. Because when Team Canada competes, the best place to celebrate is together.
City of Toronto extends alcohol serving times
Due to the time difference between Toronto and the Italian host cities, many Olympic events will be broadcast early in the morning. To ensure Torontonians can gather, celebrate, and support local businesses throughout the Games, the City of Toronto announced a temporary change allowing licensed establishments to begin serving alcohol starting at 6 a.m. (3 hours earlier than legislation). This extended serving time will last for the duration of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, ending February 22, 2026.
TABIA supports this move as a practical and timely way to help small pubs, restaurants, and cafés fully participate in Olympic celebrations. This is particularly helpful during February, traditionally one of the slowest months for hospitality businesses.
Main Streets: Where Olympic Moments Come to Life
For generations, Canadians have celebrated Olympic history together, not just at home, but in neighbourhood gathering places. From packed pubs during the Games to spontaneous cheers echoing down main streets during iconic Canadian victories, local establishments have long been where Olympic memories are made.
Small pubs and restaurants are more than places to eat and drink. They are community living rooms – spaces where neighbours become teammates, strangers become friends, and pride in Canada is shared across tables and bar tops. These moments matter. They build connection, enthusiasm, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the Games themselves.
Main Streets as Centres of Community Spirit
Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) represent these vital gathering places across the city. BIAs support the small businesses that animate our communities, especially during moments of shared cultural significance like the Winter Olympics.
These are the kinds of moments that strengthen neighbourhoods and remind us why main streets matter.