Church Street could be closed to vehicles near Wellesley Street this summer. Here is how it would work

A petition is calling on council to move forward with a pilot project to make part of Church Street a pedestrian-only area this summer. Allison Hurst has more.

A plan to make a stretch of Church Street car-free this summer will make its way to Toronto city council after the proposal was rubber stamped at community council.

Coun. Chris Moise is making the pitch to “pedestrianize” Church Street, between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street from June 19 to Aug. 21, allowing all east-west corridors open to vehicles.

“Pedestrianization significantly enhances urban quality of life by improving road safety, increasing accessibility, and driving sustained commercial activity. Church Street offers unique strategic advantages that make it an ideal location for such an initiative,” Moise wrote in a letter to council.

The councillor, who represents Ward 13, noted that the move has been successful for festivals like Pride and Halloween on Church Street.

“This stretch provides a rare opportunity for pedestrianization due to the absence of dedicated bus or streetcar routes, ensuring minimal disruption to the TTC’s broader network,” Moise added.

The timing of the closure, he said, will ensure it does “not significantly conflict with the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule.”

“While June 19 marks the publicized commencement, FIFA operations already coincide with established annual events like the Village Fest and Pride Festival,” Moise wrote.

The proposal will be considered by city council at this month’s meeting, which will be held on May 20, 21, and 22.