This site was
last updated November 22, 2011
Updates - November 22, 2011
The City of Toronto has dozens of by-laws and regulations governing how streets and sidewalks are used. These regulations are for the most part left over from the previous municipalities (East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Toronto, York and Metropolitan Toronto) that were amalgamated to form the City of Toronto in 1998.
The City is working to harmonize these regulations into a single, consistent by-law that uniformly manages activities occurring on public streets. Harmonizing these regulations will streamline the approval process for several activities and will result in consistency, efficiency and fairness to all residents and business owners in Toronto.
Background
On July 14, 2011, City Council endorsed a plan to consult with the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to Chapter 743 (Streets and Sidewalks, Use of) of the Toronto Municipal Code, known commonly as the "Streets By-law." The report to Council and supporting information is found online.
Consultation will be conducted online, and will also include four public open houses, an information session for representatives of Business Improvement Areas, and two information sessions for representatives of the City’s various residents' associations..
About the Streets By-law
The updated Streets By-law will provide a uniform set of regulations for most activities that occur in our public rights-of-ways. Many issues will be included in the by-law, including but not limited to the following:
- obstructing and encroaching on streets
- excavating and maintaining streets and boulevards
- temporary street occupations
- commercial/industrial boulevard parking
- banners in streets
- canopies and awnings
- temporary decorative lighting and street decorations
- memorials in streets
- approving driveways and walkways
A summary comparison of existing and draft proposed legislation here.
A summary of the draft proposed amendments is found here.
More questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions
Get Involved
There were four public open houses in the fall of 2011 where the public, business and residents associations have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes, asked questions of staff, and provided feedback. View details of the open house.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this project, please contact us:
-
Allan Smithies
Project Manager
Traffic Planning/Right-of-Way Management
Etobicoke York District
Transportation Services
asmithi@toronto.ca
416-394-8412
-
Mae Lee
Senior Public Consultation Coordinator
Pubic Consultation
Unit
rigmea_lee@toronto.ca
P 416-392-8210
TTY 416 397 0831
F 416 392 2974
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