Toronto tests a car-free summer in Church-Wellesley Village

Toronto is set to trial a car-free zone in Church-Wellesley Village this summer. From June 19 to August 21, 2023, part of the neighbourhood will close to most vehicle traffic. The move follows similar schemes in cities like Copenhagen, Paris, and New York, where pedestrian areas have cut congestion and pollution.

The decision passed through city council with strong support, winning a 20-4 vote. Local residents and businesses have welcomed the plan, with interest even coming from as far as North Bay.

The trial will block north-south traffic on Church Street between Wellesley and Alexander streets. East-west intersections, however, will remain open to cars. This partial closure aims to create a safer, more walkable space for pedestrians.

Toronto’s pilot follows broader trends in urban planning. Cities like Montreal already have three permanent pedestrian streets, while London will ban traffic on Oxford Street—Europe’s busiest shopping area—by the end of summer. Councillors in Toronto hope the project could become a regular feature if successful. Some even suggest expanding it to other neighbourhoods in the future. Coun. Chris Moise described the initiative as a step toward making Toronto a 'first-class city'. The community’s enthusiasm reflects growing support for car-free zones, which have proven popular in other major cities.

The Church-Wellesley Village trial runs for nine weeks, starting in mid-June. If well-received, it may lead to permanent or recurring pedestrian zones across Toronto. The project aligns with global efforts to reduce traffic and improve urban spaces for residents and visitors.