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Francesca Policarpio

@francescapoli.bsky.social

Francesca Policarpio @francescapoli.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

This project is funded by in-kind donations from community organization, private sponsorships, and grants. It’s on our website. So if you read this, help make it known. On the contrary, the City made the process extra difficult for us.

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Francesca Policarpio @francescapoli.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Also important to note that they’re taking the budget out of context. The City is not paying for the project. The BIA is carrying the costs like any other event organizer because there’s no way to look at this other than through the street events framework.

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Reposted by Francesca Policarpio

Shawn Micallef @shawnmicallef.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

In the @thestar.com I write about how Toronto lags behind other cities & the dismal watering down of yongeTOmorrow. A big chance to catch do something really great, yet thwarted by status quo inertia. There’s hope w the Church St pedestrian plan but both need your vocal support. Read & share. 💪

thestar.com

Shawn Micallef: Toronto’s main drag is a real drag. So why is the Yonge Street redesign taking the slow road?

The sluggish pace of the transformation Toronto’s most famous street is in sharp contrast to how quickly Church Street is set to become pedestrianized.

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Reposted by Francesca Policarpio

Rodney 🚧🚇 @chanface.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

CHURCH STREET PEDESTRIANIZATION MOTION IS GOING TO COUNCIL! We need people to come speak at TEYCC (Toronto East York Community Council) on April 30 to support it, and for people to start contacting/emailing their councillors! We also have a petition coming out on Wednesday!

Elevating the Host City Experience:
Transforming Church Street into a World-Class, People-First Promenade for 2026 Spectators
Why Church Street?
Proven Capacity for Pedestrian Events: Functions as a globally recognized, high-volume pedestrian corridor
(e.g. Pride Festival and Halloween on Church)
Minimal Transit Disruption: The absence of dedicated public transit routes on Church Street ensures reduced
impact on the city's overall transportation network.
High Concentration of Hospitality and Retail: Boasts a dense, varied cluster of hospitality and retail venues,
serving as a significant economic and social destination for both local residents and tourists.
Integrated Residential and Civic Context: Situated within a high-density residential area that hosts essential
civic infrastructure, including a community centre and a public school.
Objective
Pedestrianize Church St from
Dundondald St (N) to Alexander St (S)
Goals
Improve accessibility of public space
Promote walkability and active transportation
Improve traffic safety on local streets
Support local businesses and business district/promote
economic vibrancy

Summary
This proposal advocates
for the pedestrianization
of Church Street, the
cultural and commercial
heart of the Village, to
create a world-class,
people-first promenade,
essential for safely
managing the high
pedestrian volumes and
enhancing the Host City
Experience for 2026 FIFA
World Cup spectators.
The plan requires FIFA
approval for road closure
and utilizes a "Soft Close"
traffic strategy during
program dates to promote
walkability and economic
vibrancy, drawing on
successful models that
significantly boost local
sales. This transformation
is a necessary step to
establish a safer, more
resilient, and sustainable
destination for the
community and visitors
during the 2026 FIFA
World Cup.

Project Timeline
Lessons Learned from Other Cities
Guadalajara’s Via Recreativa
Managed by the Municipal Council
of Sports
Strong social development agenda
embedded in the program with
recreational programs such as
street soccer.
LA’s CicLAvia
More than 50% of participants would be
inactive if not for CicLAvia
Local businesses along the routes see
sales increase by as much as 57%
Provide free recreational opportunities for kids (street
soccer, basketball, etc.)
Have street activation (additional chairs and tables and
street art) that attracts residents
Provide resources and educational opportunities (e.g.
workshops) for residents
Be a destination for families and friends to gather during

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Reposted by Francesca Policarpio

Spacing @spacing.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

"Singing the Gridlock Blues" The City of #Toronto has reams of data on traffic flows yet hasn't made it available to the public, writes senior editor John Lorinc. Shouldn't residents know where the congestion is located? spacing.ca/toronto/2024... #TOpoli #ONpoli By: @johnlorinc.bsky.social

spacing.ca

Singing the gridlock blues - Spacing Toronto

How does one know if the main street running through a neighbourhood, or on a route to work, is becoming more congested? There is a steadily noisier drumbeat, brought to you by the political classes a...

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