More Cities in Canada Dabble With Pedestrian-Only Streets
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Mobility Parks & Public SpaceSummary
Pedestrianized streets are an emerging trend in Canadian cities, transforming public spaces and urban life. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many local business owners resisted car-free street initiatives, citing that the lack of parking and routes would deter the usual customers who typically arrived in cars. The pandemic has prompted cities to embrace pedestrian-only streets and curbside outdoor dining as safer alternatives, enabling businesses to operate outdoors while adhering to social distancing and lockdown measures. Many cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal initiated projects that converted vehicular streets into pedestrian spaces. Toronto’s CafeTO, an outdoor dining program launched in 2020, was made permanent; but permits are currently declining due to high fees and lengthy application processes. Meanwhile, Montreal’s program gained favor with business owners and has been expanded and enhanced by the City since 2022, although some pedestrianized streets are doing better than others. The concept of pedestrianized streets is moving beyond retail consumption, focusing more on enhancing the urban experience and promoting climate change goals.