A section of two of Toronto's busiest downtown corridors will be closed to vehicular traffic for two Sundays next month as part of a pilot program to promote physical activity.
On August 17 and August 31, Bloor Street, from Spadina Avenue to Parliament Street, and Yonge Street, between Bloor Street and Queen Street, will be temporarily closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
During those hours, pedestrians and cyclists will be free to roam the five-kilometre long area, where there will also be a number of planned public events and activities.
"We are excited to bring the Open Streets program to Canada's largest city," Gil Penalosa, executive director of 8-80 Cities, said in a statement.
Toronto will join a number of other international cities that have already adopted the program in the past. They include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Paris.
"I am proud that Toronto will stand amongst these great cities by creating our own distinct program by highlighting the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods," Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam said in a statement.
Although sections of Yonge and Bloor Streets will be handed over to pedestrians on the designated Sundays, vehicles will be able pass through at a number of major intersections.
For more information visit Open Streets TO.
