The trial period for pedestrianizing Church Street is concluding post-midnight Friday to positive reviews from locals and authorities. Over the past two months, a two-block stretch of Church Street, spanning from Wellesley Street to Alexander Street, has been closed off to vehicles. The bustling downtown area has been transformed, featuring newly constructed patios, a piano, and a poetry performer, creating a scene that long-time community member George Pratt finds unprecedented in his 20 years in the neighborhood.
Pratt, who serves as the chair of the Church-Wellesley BIA and owns club Flash on Church, expressed enthusiasm about the vibrant atmosphere, noting the joy residents experience in freely strolling and socializing on the street. Councilor Chris Moise described the community response as a “tremendous success,” with residents already looking forward to a potential return of the initiative in the future.
According to Moise, multiple businesses within the pedestrianized area reported a notable increase in revenue during the trial period. The project was financed entirely through sponsorships and individual donations, covering expenses like paying off-duty Toronto police officers on weekends and security personnel on weekdays, amounting to $500,000.
Local store owner Michael Azzopardi observed a boost in business at his newly opened store, Out on the Street, during the trial run. He highlighted a heightened sense of community and vitality in the village, expressing a desire for an extended pedestrian zone and increased business participation going forward.
Despite some initial challenges faced by businesses during the trial, such as managing deliveries and operating patios, Pratt remains optimistic. He emphasized the community’s collective desire for an expanded pedestrianized area throughout the entire summer. Moise revealed that other councilors and BIAs have shown interest in implementing similar pedestrianized zones in their respective neighborhoods.
Community advocate Rodney Chan shared insights on the grassroots efforts behind the project, with volunteers coming together to construct and paint colorful patio fixtures. The project operated akin to a two-month festival, with volunteers and the BIA shouldering responsibilities like waste management. Feedback from residents and businesses highlighted requests for additional seating, greenery, shade, and programming in potential future iterations of the pedestrianized zone.