Celebrate Yonge Street for the next month with lane closures and lots of walking space
Beginning Friday, car traffic on Yonge Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Gerrard Street and Queen Street as part of the Celebrate Yonge festival (and as part of councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam’s bid to permanently liven up the street). Wong-Tam told the Toronto Star that the project is a good experiment for an area where there are currently about 200 people for every one car, saying it’s time “to be honest about who is actually using Yonge Street.” The change will no doubt put some drivers in a tizzy, but just look at all the fun that was had when the entire street was shut down for a few summers back in the ’70s. Sure, commutes may be temporarily altered, but if we get to see even one politician sashaying down the street, arm-in-arm with fashion models, it’ll be worth it. [h/t Toronto Star]
I’m all for livening up the streets of Toronto and making the right ones pedestrian walkways, but what Toronto resident even likes Yonge Street? Leave it open for the drivers who aren’t smart enough to find a better route – the tourists won’t know the difference.
Actually, I live in downtown Toronto and use that street everyday to commute back and forth to work on my bike. There are usually tones of jay walkers who are darting in and out of traffic, and the sidewalks are often overloaded with people who need to get from point A to point B. I think this is a great idea. Less cars means less danger to pedestrians, and it creates a bigger area for people to get together.
As for Toronto residents who don’t use this space, obviously you haven’t been to Dundas square on a lunch break or sunny afternoon. You would be lucky to get a seat. So, to claim that Torontonians don’t like Yonge Street is a pretty bold statement.
I remember going down to Yonge Street in the 70’s when they closed down a whole section for use by pedestrians. It was wonderful. People-watching was at it’s best. You got to see different people from street people to those all dressed up to go for a special dinner or show. The atmosphere was always really up-beat and fun.