Required road reconstruction and watermain replacement in Kensington Market presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redesign the streets in a way that puts pedestrians first, while supporting local businesses. After extensive feedback from local stakeholders and the public, the City is recommending a flexible design that will prioritize pedestrians while accommodating slow speed vehicle access for local residents and enhancing loading opportunities for businesses.
Update October 23, 2023: After further technical analysis and consultation with members of the community, asphalt paving was selected over concrete pavers for the roadways. Asphalt paving provides a smooth surface for pedestrians using mobility devices, a quicker construction, and maintains the existing Kensington Market look. Most street curbs will be universally accessible low rolled, with limited sections of standard curb next to permit parking.
The staff report for this project was adopted with amendments by Toronto and East York Community Council on June 22, 2023. See details under agenda item TE6.54.
Construction is expected to start in late 2024 and will take 1-2 years.
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Improvements are recommended on the following streets within the Kensington Market area:
After careful analysis and public consultation, the City is proposing the following final design for the streets:
The City will also pursue a pedestrianisation pilot project following construction. Staff will form and work closely with a local stakeholder committee to consult on, implement and evaluate a temporary pedestrianized zone in the Market. This will allow more time for consultation to determine the best balance for a pedestrianized zone in Kensington Market.
See further information:
Construction is expected to start in late 2024 and will take 1-2 years.
Starting in 2024 City staff will form and work closely with a local stakeholder committee to consult on, implement and evaluate a temporary pedestrianized zone(s) within Kensington Market. Applications to join the committee will open in Spring 2024.
The City will continue to engage with businesses and residents in the aim if minimizing impacts to the community during construction.
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Consultation was carried out from April 5, 2023 to May 23, 2023. Consultation activities included multiple stakeholder meetings, two all-day public drop-in events (attended by over 150 people), communications via email and telephone, and a survey (with over 1600 responses, including over 110 respondents who live/work/own on the affected streets.
The Public Consultation Report summarizes feedback received.
While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no translation or text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require translation, alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-2830 or email KensingtonSafeStreets@toronto.ca
A Virtual Public Event was held on Monday, July 18, 2022.
A Virtual Public Event was held on Thursday, October 28, 2021.
While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no translation or text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require translation, alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-2830 or email KensingtonSafeStreets@toronto.ca
State-of-good-repair work, including watermain replacements, road resurfacing, and road reconstruction, are urgently needed and scheduled along the following streets:
Specific construction schedules and temporary impacts will be published in notices to affected properties in the months and weeks prior to construction start in late 2024. Construction is expected to take 1-2 years.
This reconstruction work presents a once in a generation opportunity to redesign the streets for safety and public realm improvements for the next 50 to 100 years.
Kensington Market has long been valued as a cultural, community and commercial destination with high pedestrian traffic. During public consultations for this project, the City heard consistent requests to increase space for pedestrians and business loading and decrease space for on-street paid parking and driving.
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