Toronto 
City of Toronto
City of Toronto has launched a new program developed by Toronto Public Health and Transportation Services called CurbTO plan to address lineups and crowded sidewalks.
Though the pedestrian traffic has dropped dramatically across the city due to COVID-19 measures, the city has identified hotspots where there are lineups or pinch points on sidewalks that public health and transportation officials have determined need to be addressed.
The hot spots are where there is sidewalk crowding and temporary parking concerns around essential businesses.
Under the CurbTO Program initiative:
Credit: City of Toronto
- Curb Lane Pedestrian Zones will increase space for pedestrians trying to get around line-ups outside essential businesses and other pinch points.
- Temporary Parking Pick-Up Zones will provide an opportunity for drivers and delivery agents to expedite medicine and food pick-ups by allowing them to temporarily park for up to 10 minutes in close proximity to the desired essential business in otherwise restricted parking areas.
The initial hotspots targeted are along 10 busy retail main streets:
2. Danforth Avenue and Broadview Avenue – Pedestrian & Parking zones
3. Dupont Street and Lansdowne Avenue – Pedestrian zone
4. Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue – Parking Zone
5. Front Street East and Berkeley Street – Pedestrian & Parking zones
6. Gerrard Street East and Parliament Street – Pedestrian zone
7. Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue – Pedestrian & Parking zones
8. King Street West and Spadina Avenue – Parking zone
9. Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street – Pedestrian & Parking zones
10. Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue – Pedestrian zone
CurbTO Program will be expanded to more than 100 locations across the city.
According to the news release, each location will be assessed by Toronto Public Health and Transportation Services staff to develop the most appropriate solution that will result in effective physical distancing. In some cases, city staff may be able to suggest line-up configurations to the business operator that alleviates crowding concerns. In other cases, a temporary curb lane closure may be the most effective response.
