A Car-Free Summer on Toronto’s Market Street

The I Heart Market Street program will allow pedestrians a car-free space adjacent to Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.

1 minute read

June 16, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A street sign reads Old Town Toronto, St. Lawrence Market, Market Street

No cars allowed. | JJAVA / Adobe Stock

The “I Heart Market Street” will close Market Street, adjacent to Toronto’s popular St. Lawrence Market, to car traffic until October 5.

“One of Toronto's most bustling neighbourhoods is becoming more pedestrian-friendly this summer by completely closing down a popular street to car traffic for the duration of the warmer months,” reports Becky Robertson for blogTO.

According to Robertson, the stretch of Market Street is bustling with pedestrians, outdoor dining, live music, pop-ups, and other entertainment options.

“The urban park was tested out as a pilot project last summer to great success, and is coming back for a second year for all those locals and tourists coming to peruse the market's food stalls, pick up some antiques and vintage at the revamped Sunday Market, get an iconic photo of the Flatiron Building or grab some coffee and a snack at a nearby cafe or restaurant,” adds Robertson.

The city’s commitment to I Heart Market Street stands in contrast to efforts in other parts of the city to dismantle outdoor dining options created during the pandemic.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in blogTO

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