"Use of Streets and Sidewalks" Bylaw Update Public Meetings

The City of Toronto has dozens of by-laws and regulations governing how streets and sidewalks are used. These regulations are for the most part left over from the previous municipalities (East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Toronto, York and Metropolitan Toronto) that were amalgamated to form the City of Toronto in 1998.

The City is working to harmonize these regulations into a single, consistent by-law that uniformly manages activities occurring on public streets. Harmonizing these regulations will streamline the approval process for several activities and will result in consistency, efficiency and fairness to all residents and business owners in Toronto.

Background
On July 14, 2011, City Council endorsed a plan to consult with the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to Chapter 743 (Streets and Sidewalks, Use of) of the Toronto Municipal Code, known commonly as the "Streets By-law." The report to Council and supporting information is found online.

Consultation will be conducted online, and will also include four public open houses, an information  session for representatives of Business Improvement Areas, and two information sessions for representatives of the City’s various residents' associations..

About the Streets By-law
The updated Streets By-law will provide a uniform set of regulations for most activities that occur in our public rights-of-ways. Many issues will be included in the by-law, including but not limited to the following:

  • obstructing and encroaching on streets
  • excavating and maintaining streets and boulevards
  • temporary street occupations
  • commercial/industrial boulevard parking
  • banners in streets
  • canopies and awnings
  • temporary decorative lighting and street decorations
  • memorials in streets
  • approving driveways and walkways

A summary comparison of existing and draft proposed legislation here.

A summary of the draft proposed amendments is found here.

More questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions

Get Involved
Our proposed amendments to the Streets By-law is an important initiative that affects you and your property. Please take the time to help the City make sure the new by-law reflects the needs of your community. There will be four public open houses in the fall of 2011 where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes, ask questions of staff, and provide feedback. Details of these open houses are as follows:

  • September 8, 2011
    Etobicoke Civic Centre - Foyer
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

  • September 14, 2011
    North York Civic Centre – Committee Room 3
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

  • September 15, 2011
    Metro Hall – Room 310
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

  • September 19, 2011
    Scarborough Civic Centre – Committee Rooms 1 & 2
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Contact Us
If you have questions about this project, please contact us:

  • Allan Smithies
    Project Manager
    Traffic Planning/Right-of-Way Management
    Etobicoke York District
    Transportation Services
    [email protected]
    416-394-8412

  • Mae Lee
    Senior Public Consultation Coordinator
    Pubic Consultation Unit
    [email protected]
    P 416-392-8210
    TTY  416 397 0831 
    F 416 392 2974

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