What to know
- Toronto councillor Chris Moise is proposing a summer pilot project to pedestrianize Church Street in the city’s Gay Village, between Wellesley and Alexander streets.
- If approved, the car-free zone would run from June 19 to Aug. 21, coinciding with Pride season and FIFA World Cup events.
- The plan, developed with city staff and an urban planning student, aims to support local businesses and expand patio space, with backing from the local BIA, Pride Toronto, and non-profit organization The 519.
- The proposal will go to the Toronto and East York Community Council on April 30 and then to city council for final approval in May.
Imagine a car-free Church Street all summer long. One Toronto councillor is pushing a pilot project to turn that vision into reality this year.
Ward 13 Toronto Centre councillor Chris Moise is bringing forward a proposal to pedestrianize the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village on Church Street beginning this summer, in time for both Pride festivities and FIFA World Cup games.
The proposal will be presented to the Toronto and East York Community Council on April 30 and calls for Church Street to be fully pedestrianized from Wellesley Street East to Alexander Street between June 19 and Aug. 21.
Moise says he has been advocating for the pilot since 2022 and was inspired by pedestrian-friendly streets in other cities, particularly Montreal.
“I was inspired by Sainte-Catherine in Montreal… and I’ve also seen it elsewhere too, like I’ve been seeing it in Mexico City and Europe,” he said. “I thought it was time Toronto had something similar.”
Moise says he has been working on the proposal for the past six to eight months alongside Rodney Chan, an urban planning student at the University of Waterloo, as well as city staff.
“We’ve decided that we’re in a good place now, city staff and myself, in regards to waste management and other things that are of issue, safety being one of them, of course,” he said.
He adds that businesses in the area stand to benefit significantly from a pedestrian-friendly street, with more space for patios and expanded storefront activity.
Research used in developing the proposal suggests that businesses in pedestrianized areas often see increased revenue, along with lower storefront vacancy rates, he said.
Moise also notes that the plan has strong support from the neighbourhood’s BIA, as well as Pride Toronto and non-profit organization The 519, which is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Although the proposal would restrict vehicle access along sections of Church Street, Moise says it should not negatively impact those who rely on street parking.
“Yes, the street is closed for two blocks, but all the east and west streets are open. So, that will help the flow of traffic, but also to make up for parking,” he said.
He also points to a new underground parking facility at 15 Wellesley St. with four levels as additional capacity for drivers.
If approved by the community council, the proposal will go to Toronto City Council for final approval at its May meeting. Moise says he hopes the pilot will pave the way for more pedestrian-friendly streets across the city.
“It’s like taking back the streets. People can rollerblade and walk, kids can play in the street. I think it’s just a matter of feeling safe without feeling you may be hit by a car or something like that,” he said.
