High Park Movement Strategy


The High Park Movement Strategy (HPMS) will focus on the travel network within and around the park including roads, driveways, parking lots, and paved trails. The goal of the study is to improve the travel network to better serve park users and the surrounding community, prioritizing safety and accessibility while preserving the park’s ecological integrity.

The High Park Movement Strategy will focus on mobility. Other important park matters such as land use, conservation and facility maintenance will continue to be addressed through established plans and policies including the Facilities Master Plan , Parkland Strategy and Ravine Strategy.
 

When and where are visitor vehicles permitted to enter High Park?

  • The main entrance for visitor vehicles is at Parkside Drive and High Park Boulevard. This entrance will be open Monday to Friday and closed on weekends and holidays.
  • Visitor vehicle access is provided to the Children's Garden and Colborne Lodge Drive via the Queensway, and to the Spring Road Parking lot via Parkside Drive at all times. These points do not provide through access into the park.
  • There is no entry for visitor vehicles from Bloor Street West. This location serves as an exit only for visitor vehicles.
  • West Road and portions of Colborne Lodge Drive south of Grenadier Café are car-free routes at all times.
  • Authorized vehicles (e.g. transit, service and operational vehicles, deliveries, and emergency services) are permitted on all park roads at all times.

When and where are visitor vehicles permitted to park within High Park?

  • There are approximately 280 vehicle parking spaces available within High Park
    • 148 parking spaces are available at Grenadier Café from Monday to Friday
    • 81 parking spaces are available at the High Park Zoo from Monday to Friday
    • 29 parking spaces are available along Colborne Lodge Drive from Monday to Friday (these are parallel parking spaces).
    • 23 parking spaces are available at Spring Road Parking Lot, seven days a week.
  • There are over 1200 additional spaces located within 800 metres of High Park through nearby TPA lots and on-street parking, including along Bloor Street West and Parkside Drive. 
  • Parking within High Park remains free at this time.

How can park visitors access High Park by transit?

  • The TTC offers service on a number of routes that connect directly to High Park and park visitors are encouraged to visit the TTC website (http://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules) to plan their trip.
  • The 203 High Park Bus provides seasonal service within High Park and connecting to High Park subway station, operating on weekends and holidays from mid-June to Labour Day.
  •  Wheel-Trans service continues to be available on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Information on service schedules and locations can be found on the Wheel Trans website: mywheel-trans.ttc.ca r by calling the Wheel-Trans Reservation line: 416-393-4222.

What other changes have been implemented so far?

  • Upgraded pavement markings and signage at pedestrian crossings areas
  • Installation of bollards to provide dedicated bike lanes
  • Additional signage to indicate travel network changes
  • On-street parking reconfigured from angled parking to parallel parking to improve safety

Why were these changes made?

  • Travel network changes were developed through the High Park Movement Strategy (HPMS), a City-led study that was launched in 2021.
  • The goal of the HPMS was to improve the travel network to better serve park users and the surrounding community, while prioritizing improvements to safety, accessibility and the park's natural environment.
  • City Council adopted the recommendations of the High Park Movement Strategy with amendments in May 2023. More information on the Council decisions is available online: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2023.IE3.7
  • More information on the HPMS study process including staff and consultant reports, and engagement activities is available online at: www.toronto.ca/highparkmove

What future improvements are being planned for?

  • City Council has approved full road closures as the long-term strategy for the travel network in High Park. Staff will be monitoring changes and will be reporting back to Council on further improvements no later than 2027.
  • The City will be undertaking a procurement process for a new shuttle service within High Park with specific attention to affordability, accessibility and green technology.
  • The City will be exploring options for implementing paid parking within High Park.
  • Future improvements will include permanent changes to physical infrastructure such as widened sidewalks and dedicated cycling infrastructure. These changes will require detailed design work, costing, and funding approval. Infrastructure improvements will align with environmental policies that protect High Park’s ecological integrity.