John Street Corridor Improvements

The City of Toronto is working to transform John Street into a cultural corridor by redesigning the streetscape between Front Street and Stephanie Street. The John Street Corridor Improvements project aims to create a better experience for pedestrians by enhancing the streetscape. These improvements will lead to an environment that is accessible, beautiful and pedestrian-friendly and that accommodates the many events and festivals held along John Street.

June 2023

The City of Toronto is currently reviewing and refreshing the designs that were prepared in 2016 to include geotechnical and soil analysis, add underground sewer designs, account for new developments, and update streetlighting designs in coordination with the area BIA. The design update is expected to be completed in late 2023 and construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Construction will be co-ordinated with other area construction as part of the Lake Shore West Construction Hub, one of several Construction Hubs the City has set up to improve road safety and coordinate the public right-of-way in areas in the city that have a dense concentration of construction activity.

A Construction Notice will be mailed out to residents and businesses in advance of any work. This notice will include details on the construction staging and traffic management.

December 2022

Toronto Hydro completed underground construction work to update utility infrastructure in advance of the City of Toronto work on John Street.

The project area, illustrated below, is on John Street from Stephanie Street to Front Street.

Map showing project area on John Street from Stephanie Street to Front Street.

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-392 -2896 or email johnst@toronto.ca

Planned Improvements

  • Widening sidewalks and boulevards.
  • Reducing the width of the roadway down to one lane of traffic in each direction between Wellington Street and Stephanie Street.
  • Creating a gentler slope from the curb to the roadway, allowing the street to be used as a plaza space for events during road closures.
  • Greening the street by planting additional trees.
  • Installing new paving materials in the roadway and on the sidewalks to add visual interest and calm traffic.
  • Adding new roadway, pedestrian, event and traffic lighting.

With these improvements, John Street will become a destination street in downtown Toronto that prioritizes pedestrians, is bike-friendly and has infrastructure to support many special events and festivals.

Environmental Study Report – 2012
The City of Toronto completed the John Street Corridor Improvements Environmental Assessment Study, which included a comprehensive public consultation program.

The John Street Corridor Improvements Environmental Assessment Study was adopted by City Council in March 2012.

Detailed Design – 2014– 2016
The detailed design phase began in 2014 and was completed in 2016. An open house at Metro Hall was held on April 28, 2015. View the detailed design information panels.

Toronto Hydro – 2018 – 2022
Toronto Hydro identified that a major multi-year rebuilding of its infrastructure was required in advance of City of Toronto road work. The rebuild included the replacement of existing electrical cables, ductbanks and cable chambers. Toronto Hydro completed the work in December 2022.

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