January 28, 2023 - (Toronto, ON) Since it was installed in 2021, the Midtown Yonge Complete Street Pilot has revitalized Yonge Street. Recent city data shows that the pilot is a big success. More people are walking (up over 140%) and biking (up as much as 162%). In addition, the corridor has more streetside cafes (21), an indication that CafeTO is both popular and profitable.
Furthermore, we are hearing that people find Yonge to be safer, quieter and the traffic calmer. This project follows the proven success of other complete street makeovers such as Danforth Avenue and Bloor Street, while supporting Toronto’s climate goals, by encouraging low carbon modes of travel such as walking, biking and taking transit, as well as the City’s Vision Zero road safety plan.
But some residents are asking the Mayor to remove the complete street.
That’s why we’ve formed Yonge4All – to rally the voices of those who want to see the Midtown Yonge Complete Street made permanent. We see a more vibrant Yonge Street that supports local businesses, that enhances the street with art and planters, that offers 24-7 parking, integrated bus stops, dedicated loading zones and accessible drop offs – that recognizes Yonge Street is not just a thoroughfare, it’s a destination!
We think Yonge should be a street that is welcoming for everyone – no matter how you choose to get there. It should be safe for everyone too – whether you walk, take transit, drive a car, ride a bike or use any other mobility device. And thanks to this pilot project, Yonge is safer and more inviting for shoppers, diners and pedestrians.
If Toronto is going to meet its climate targets, we need more of these types of projects and can’t have the ones that are succeeding, like the Midtown Yonge Complete Street, removed.
Please take a minute to sign the petition asking the Mayor to make the Midtown Yonge Complete Street permanent.
Thank you for raising your voice to make Yonge4All!
Sign the petition here.
