The enormous popularity of street festivals in Toronto demonstrates that people are eager to enjoy pedestrian streets and the food, entertainment, and social opportunities they provide. These events are drawing increasingly large crowds, including tourists from across the province and around the world, and there is significant demand for more.
Pedestrian streets deliver significant economic benefits and have been successfully implemented in other world class cities such as Paris and Copenhagen, and as close to home as Montreal. The Toronto Destination Master Plan published in April 2026 warns that Toronto is lagging peer cities in walkability and street-level vibrancy, with many areas lacking pedestrian-friendly design. This report recommends expanding pedestrianization initiatives year-round and implementing vibrant lighting, public art, and event-ready infrastructure. This is a proven strategy to promote economic development and support small businesses.
At its May 2026 meeting, City Council approved the Church Street pedestrian pilot and directed that best practices be used to inform the creation of the pedestrianization policy. I am requesting that you support the acceleration of that work by directing staff to broaden its scope and create a citywide Pedestrian Streets Program, identifying candidate streets for seasonal and year-round pedestrianization next year, and requesting staff to report back on the required resources for implementation through the 2027 budget process.
Torontonians and tourism experts are calling on the city to expand pedestrianization options, and we should listen by taking concrete steps to make this happen. While there are important considerations around impacts to congestion, public safety, and responsible management, these can be effectively addressed – like many cities around the world already do.
It’s time to move forward on a Pedestrianization Program for Toronto. Any delay represents critical missed opportunities for our quality of life and our city's prosperity.