TORONTO – In a move to revitalize the downtown core and prioritize pedestrians, the Toronto City Council is considering a proposal to transform a section of the busy Church Street into a car-free zone this summer. The initiative, which has already received approval from the Community Council, will face a final vote during the City Council meeting later this month.
The pilot project is scheduled to run from June 19 to August 21. Under this plan, the stretch of Church Street between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, reserved exclusively for pedestrians. The primary objectives of the move are to enhance road safety, provide a boost to local businesses, and create a more comfortable environment for residents and tourists to explore the area on foot.
This proposal draws inspiration from the success of temporary pedestrianization during major events like the Pride Festival and Halloween, which consistently draw massive crowds to the district. Officials have noted that the 2026 pilot is being carefully scheduled to ensure it does not conflict with the FIFA World Cup events. Furthermore, authorities believe the plan can be executed without causing significant disruptions to Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus routes or general public transit.
The final decision regarding the implementation of the project will be made during the City Council sessions held between May 20 and May 22. If approved, Church Street will join a growing list of global urban centers experimenting with car-free zones to create more sustainable and vibrant community spaces.
