Opinion: It’s time a concerted effort is developed to get open streets programs expanded in 2023 and beyond, regardless of whether it is called Open Streets TO, ActiveTO or something else.
in Bogota, Colombia, which saw over 120 kilometres of roads opened every Sunday for walking, cycling and physical activity. Unfortunately, Toronto never managed to host the program more than two Sundays annually, with this year’s being held only on Aug. 21. Combined with the
on Lake Shore West earlier this year, this represents a significant setback for open streets programs — despite Open Streets TO attracting more than 120,000 people annually before the pandemic.and the 2018 one had specific asks related to open streets through the respective “Safe and Active Streets for All” and #BuildTheVisionTO campaigns, there was not a single campaign organized to call for expanding the frequency of Open Streets TO specifically.
However, what made ActiveTO successful in 2020 — aside from reduced motor vehicle traffic during COVID-19 — is that the road openings were predictable. Unfortunately, construction at the King-Queen-Queensway-Roncesvalles intersection in 2021 and 2022 reduced the ability to continue ActiveTO, while people were only notified a few days in advance by the time the program was scrapped in June.
Another thing required for open streets programs to be successful — whether they are run by the city or by a not-for-profit — is permanent city funding, the lack of which was a reason why Open Streets TO happened only one Sunday this year. Toronto would hardly be breaking new ground when it comes to funding open streets programs, with cities larger and smaller being able to do so. By providing permanent funding, Toronto can catch up to these leading cities and help elevate community engagement.
It’s time a concerted effort is developed to get open streets programs expanded in 2023 and beyond, regardless of whether it is called Open Streets TO, ActiveTO or something else. Not only should road safety advocates call on candidates to support open streets — they also need to call for permanent open streets funding in the 2023 budget.
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