Pedestrian-Friendly Makeover of a Busy Toronto Street Stops Short of the Car-Free Ideal

The yongeTOmorrrow project is heading toward the finish line with widespread support from advocates, but a few want the plan to go one step further.

1 minute read

January 19, 2021, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Yonge Street Toronto

Kiril Strax / Flickr

Albert Koehl and Michael Black write an opinion piece to support a car-free Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto.

The occasion for the opinion piece is the yongeTOmorrrow project, which recently took form as a final environmental assessment, and would transform 1 km stretch of the street into a more pedestrian-friendly environment. But it doesn't go so far as to go car free—hence the complaint by Koehl and Black.

According to a separate news article on the plan by David Nickle, yongeTOmorrrow would reduce the street to two vehicle lanes, wide sidewalks significantly, and block some sections of the street to car traffic at certain times during the day.

Koehl and Black focus on how much more the project could be by going entirely car free.

A car-free Yonge would open space for benches, trees, and patios — benefitting both local residents and visitors to attractions, such as Massey Hall, Yonge-Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre. It would also connect to Ryerson University's small car-free area, which is enjoyed by thousands of students.

The environmental assessment was presented at the Toronto City Council's Infrastructure and Environment Committee Meeting on Monday, January 11th.

Friday, January 15, 2021 in Toronto Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

June 12 - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

June 12 - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

June 12 - Ohio Capital Journal