toronto cafe parks

Toronto is putting more cafe and park spaces on city streets

In good news for Toronto's downtown residents, two new projects would see city streets enlivened with cafes in what the city is calling parklet spaces. 

Eariler today, a proposal to allow Boxcar Social and John & Sons Oyster House to set up small retail spaces on the street in front of their bricks and mortar locations on Temperance St. passed through community council. 

If ultimately approved by city council, the low traffic section of Temperance between Sheppard and Bay would be turned into a shared street from at least April until November.

The section of Temperance Street slated for change. Photo courtesy of Lisa Power.

A second proposal aimed at building on the city's continued attempts to revamp the area inside the King Street Pilot was also approved. It too would witness cafes in parklet spaces, this time inside the curb lane space that has been opened up by the transit pilot.

A  variety of different vendors would be welcome to occupy the space beginning in March through to December with the ultimate goal of attracting more people to the area and creating an overall more animated urban space.

Toronto's attempts to transform pockets of the downtown core into little green spaces and, in the case of the two planned proposals, bring more European vibe, has bloomed in recent years.

The city hopes that by setting up cafes and public installations featuring street furniture, beautification like street art and planters, as well as other pedestrian amenities, more of the downtown core will foster a sense of community.

Look forward to grabbing some oysters and a cuppa on your lunch break this spring.

Lead photo by

@boxcar_social


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Metro is axing Air Miles in Ontario for new rewards program

Even people from Loblaws' own team are joining the boycott of its stores

Trip to Iceland leaves traveller shocked at food prices compared to Canada

40 essential bubble tea in Toronto you need to try at least once

Someone created a guide to where to buy groceries in Toronto instead of No Frills

Here's what's opening in the old Brickworks Ciderhouse space in Toronto

Food prices are so high that many Canadians are eating stuff past best-before dates

Huge lineup of people looking to apply at restaurant shows reality of Toronto job market