TORONTO — Councillor Josh Matlow has introduced a motion to the City Council agenda directing the city to finally move forward with an action plan to transform select streets into vibrant, pedestrian spaces for Torontonians to enjoy.
The enormous popularity of street festivals this summer has demonstrated strong public demand for more pedestrian-friendly options. Pedestrian streets deliver significant economic benefits and have been successfully implemented in world class cities like Paris and Copenhagen, and as close to home as Montreal. The Toronto Destination Master Plan, released in April 2026, warns that Toronto is lagging peer cities in walkability and street-level vibrancy, recommending the city expand pedestrianization year-round and invest in vibrant lighting, public art, and event-ready infrastructure. This motion builds on the momentum of the recently approved Church Street pedestrianization pilot, which officially launches today.
City staff have been studying a pedestrianization policy for several years, and a report that was supposed to come in Winter 2025 never did. This motion shifts the focus from more study to action, directing staff to bring forward an implementation plan to roll out pedestrian streets by Summer 2027.
"Many cities around the world, including as close to home as Montreal, already have successful pedestrianized streets. Torontonians have been calling on their city to do the same. These streets make our city more vibrant and fun, and they're a huge draw for tourism that supports local businesses. Reasonable concerns about congestion and safety can be responsibly addressed. It's time to get this done," said Councillor Matlow.
Torontonians have watched with envy as other cities create vibrant pedestrian streets, and they are calling on their city to do the same. That’s why this motion directs staff to create a clear process and action plan for pedestrianization to finally move forward, so that Toronto can open more pedestrian streets by Summer 2027.
Four months after Doug Ford announced his intention to bring jets to Billy Bishop Airport, the Federal Government published a letter on July 24 stating they would not be supporting the project at this time.
And Carney’s Liberals made some important commitments: they will not pursue any plans that infringe on public spaces such as Little Norway Park or Hanlan’s Point Beach, result in elevated noise, have significant environmental impacts, or hinder Toronto’s ability to build much-needed new housing such as in planned neighbourhoods like Ookwemin Minising.
This was a big victory that was achieved by tens of thousands of Torontonians who made it clear that Doug Ford’s voice isn’t the only one that matters. However, while we celebrate this win, we must also read Ottawa’s letter with sober eyes. It wasn’t an announcement that an expansion will never happen — it was meant to set the grounds for a conversation. We must prepare for what’s next.