Ossington Avenue Safety & Streetscaping Improvements

May Update: Toronto and East York Community Council has approved the installation of this project on Ossington Avenue, from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West. A copy of the staff report is available at TE33.54.

The City of Toronto has approved the proposed parking, road safety and streetscaping improvements along Ossington Avenue, from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West. These improvements aim to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and people who cycle, take transit or drive, and to improve the public realm. 

The work would be completed as part of planned road resurfacing along Ossington Avenue, beginning as early as spring 2028.

The project would remove peak-hour parking restrictions on Ossington Avenue, which would allow for full-time parking and sections of widened sidewalk in the curb lanes. There would be one vehicle travel lane in each direction with dedicated turn lanes at Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. The travel lanes would be widened to meet City standards and make it safer for people cycling and larger vehicles like buses and ambulances to travel along the corridor.  

The long sections of widened sidewalks and expanded boulevard space would be enhanced with permeable concrete pavers, six new parkette spaces with bioretention planters, new waste receptables and new bicycle racks. The approved changes also include improvements to TTC bus stops and four new commercial loading areas along the corridor. 

Map of project area

The project area is along Ossington Avenue from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West.  

The changes would be constructed with permanent materials throughout the project area and would be delivered together with planned road resurfacing work (Dundas Street West to Argyle Street) in 2028.

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 416-397-5559 or email kelly.rahardja@toronto.ca

Why Consider Changes on Ossington Avenue?

Improving roadway safety: Current lane widths do not meet City standards for safe operation of emergency vehicles and buses, resulting in improper passing and sideswiping. Narrow travel lanes also limit space for people cycling. 

Limited pedestrian space: Ossington Avenue is one of the most vibrant and pedestrian-heavy streets in the city, yet many sections have narrow and obstructed sidewalks, and pedestrian boulevards lack amenities to support the high volume of pedestrian activity. This presents an opportunity to reallocate space to better support safety for all road users and enhance the public realm. 

Planned roadwork: In 2028, road resurfacing is planned on Ossington Avenue from Dundas Street West to Argyle Street. Making safety improvements as part of planned road work is cost effective and minimizes disruption in the community. 

Following public consultation, the detailed design work for Ossington Avenue is expected to begin in 2026.
Construction of both segments is anticipated to begin in 2028. Timelines are subject to change.

Project timeline

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 416-397-5559 or email kelly.rahardja@toronto.ca

May 2026 Update: The changes were updated following feedback from the public consultation in January 2026. Visit the Public Consultation tab to view the public consultation report and the January 2026 proposed design. 

Roadway Space 

  • Remove peak parking restrictions to allow full time parking and widened sidewalks in the curb lanes (parking lanes).  
  • One travel lane in each direction with new dedicated turn lanes at Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. 
  • Widen travel lanes and narrow parking lanes to meet City guidelines. This would ensure safe operation of larger service vehicles, provide additional space for people cycling, and reduce the risk of sideswiping. 
  • Improvements to four TTC bus stops in the project area to improve passenger loading and bus reliability. Cross section of recommended changes

Sidewalk Space 

  • Adding several sections of extended sidewalk in the curb lanes along Ossington Avenue from Dundas Street West to Rebecca Street with permanent materials and permeable concrete pavers.
    • The expanded boulevard space would include six new parkette spaces that include bioretention planters and space for seating.
    • New furnishings would be added, including eight new waste receptables and bicycle racks to provide 60 additional bicycle parking spaces. 

    Parking 

    • Remove existing peak hour parking restrictions (no stopping 7 to 9 a.m. on the west side and no stopping 4 to 6 p.m. on the east side) and allow full time parking in the curb lanes. 
    • Since the extended sidewalks would result in a loss of 14 on-street parking spaces, the City is exploring a shared-use arrangement with the Toronto District School Board-owned parking lot at 42 Givins Street. This could add up to 45 parking spaces that would be available outside of school hours during evenings, weekends and the summer months, which are peak visitor times in the area. 

    Map of proposed sidewalks and parking

      CaféTO 

      • The project accommodates all approved existing CaféTO curb lane cafés, either on the new expanded sidewalks or on the roadway as they are now.  

      Loading and Pick-Up/Drop-Off 

      • Adding new commercial loading zones at the corners of Rolyat Street, Halton Street, Foxley Street and Ossington Avenue. 
      • Existing loading zone on Ossington Avenue would be shifted south between the existing Bike Share station north of Bruce Street and the driveway north of 77 Ossington Avenue. 
      • Hours:  
        • Commercial Loading: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
        • One hour parking: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.  
        • Permit parking overnight: 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.  
      • Through detailed design, staff would work with local interest groups to explore adding a bike courier waiting area around the intersection of Argyle Street and Ossington Avenue, and an evening pick-up/drop-off area along Ossington Avenue.    

      Map of proposed commercial loading zones

      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 416-397-5559 or email kelly.rahardja@toronto.ca

      The comment period for this consultation has closed. The Public Consultation Report summarizes feedback received.

      A Public Drop-In Event was held on January 27, 2026 that included an opportunity to speak with project staff and view display boards. View the display boards below.

      Consultation Materials

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      Date modified: May 28, 2026