Kensington Market Safe Streets

December 16, 2024 Update:

In the last phase of public consultation in Spring 2023, the team presented a design that included many features for pedestrian priority and business deliveries.  Following that phase of consultation, the design was modified based on community feedback and technical analysis. Many of the features that had been presented were maintained, but with some changes such as the use of asphalt paving in the roadways instead of pavers and maintaining curbs (i.e. no curbless street segments). 

During the detailed design phase that followed, new stormwater hydraulic analysis determined that the planned road design changes could worsen current stormwater draining issues in the project area, potentially leading to more basement and overland flooding.  To address this, City staff are working to update the design in a way that will balance pedestrian-friendly improvements to the design of sidewalks and roadways, while ensuring that flooding risks do not increase. Project development will continue through 2024 and 2025, as the project team works to refine the design. 

The City is also coordinating its efforts with Toronto Hydro, which is planning hydro pole relocation on Augusta Avenue to meet new provincial standards. 

Starting in 2026, staff will form and work closely with a local stakeholder committee to plan a pedestrianization pilot project in the area, to be implemented following construction. 

We will continue to share updates with the community as the detailed design process moves forward. 

Improvements are recommended on the following streets within the Kensington Market area:

• Augusta Avenue
• Baldwin Street, from Augusta Avenue to Spadina Avenue
• Kensington Avenue
• Nassau Street, from Bellevue Avenue to Augusta Avenue
• St. Andrew Street

After careful analysis and public consultation, the City is proposing the following final design for the streets:

• Widened sidewalks, narrowed streets and curb extensions at intersections and mid-block wherever possible to calm vehicle traffic and provide more space for people
• Universally accessible low and rolled curb on most sections of the streets, making it easy for anyone to cross the street anywhere, including people with disabilities and people making deliveries using dollies or carts; bollards (short posts) may be added in areas of concern to deter vehicles from mounting sidewalks; some sections of street next to permit parking will have a standard curb (6″ barrier curb)
• Asphalt paving in the roadways to provide a smooth surface for pedestrians using mobility devices, allow for a quicker construction, and maintain the existing Kensington Market look; the City is exploring options for a coating or mix of asphalt that would reflect more sunlight to reduce the urban heat island effect
• Dedicated and flexible vehicle loading areas to support small business operations
• Reduced speed limits on all streets in project area from 30km/h to 20km/h
• New pedestrian scale lights to better illuminate the public space (led by the Business Improvement Area)
• More bike parking and bike share stations at strategic locations

The City will also pursue a pedestrianisation pilot project following construction. Staff will form and work closely with a local stakeholder committee to consult on, implement and evaluate a temporary pedestrianized zone in the Market. This will allow more time for consultation to determine the best balance for a pedestrianized zone in Kensington Market.

See further information:

• Summary Slides – Design Changes Based on Feedback  (does not show updated plan for asphalt paving in the roadways)
• Detailed Staff Report

Starting in 2026 City staff will form and work closely with a local stakeholder committee to consult on, implement and evaluate a temporary pedestrianized zone(s) within Kensington Market. Applications to join the committee will open in 2026.

The City will continue to engage with businesses and residents in the aim if minimizing impacts to the community during construction.

Subscribe to our email list to receive invitations and project updates.

Phase 3 Public Consultation – 2023

Consultation was carried out from April 5, 2023 to May 23, 2023. Consultation activities included multiple stakeholder meetings, two all-day public drop-in events (attended by over 150 people), communications via email and telephone, and a survey (with over 1600 responses, including over 110 respondents who live/work/own on the affected streets.

The Public Consultation Report summarizes feedback received.

Consultation Materials

• • Information panels with imagery and details (April 14, 2023)
  • Loading and Delivery Options (May 3, 2023)
  • Plan drawings:
    • Baldwin Street
    • Augusta Ave
    • Kensington Ave
    • Nassau Street
    • St Andrew Street

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no translation or text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require translation, alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-2830 or email KensingtonSafeStreets@toronto.ca

Phase 2 Public Consultation – 2022

A Virtual Public Event was held on Monday, July 18, 2022.

• Phase 2 Public Consultation Report – August 2022
• Phase 2 Virtual Public Event Presentation

Phase 1 Public Consultation – 2021

A Virtual Public Event was held on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

• Phase 1 Public Consultation Report – December 2021
• Phase 1 Virtual Public Event Presentation

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no translation or text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require translation, alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-2830 or email KensingtonSafeStreets@toronto.ca

Street Construction is Coming in 2027

State-of-good-repair work, including watermain replacements, road resurfacing, and road reconstruction, are urgently needed and scheduled along the following streets:

• Augusta Avenue from College Street to Dundas Street West
• Baldwin Street from Augusta Ave to Spadina Avenue
• Kensington Avenue from end to end
• Nassau Street from Bellevue Ave to Augusta Avenue
• St. Andrew Street from end to end

Specific construction schedules and temporary impacts will be published in notices to affected properties in the months and weeks prior to construction start in late 2026. Construction is expected to take 1-2 years.

This reconstruction work presents a once in a generation opportunity to redesign the streets for safety and public realm improvements for the next 50 to 100 years.

Prioritizing Pedestrians

Kensington Market has long been valued as a cultural, community and commercial destination with high pedestrian traffic. During public consultations for this project, the City heard consistent requests to increase space for pedestrians and business loading and decrease space for on-street paid parking and driving.