Kensington Market Safe Streets Redesign: Parking Removal and Slow Street Plan Advance Without Full Pedestrianization

The City of Toronto has removed the recommended full pedestrianization of Augusta Avenue and Baldwin Street from the Kensington Market Safe Streets redesign, reverting to a 'Slow Street' design that keeps through traffic while narrowing streets to six metres, according to a city report. The decision directly affects residents and businesses in the neighbourhood, who will see all 82 on-street paid parking spaces removed to make room for loading zones, sidewalk expansions and bike parking.

For local households, the removal of parking spaces may shift daily commuting patterns and increase reliance on alternative transport. The redesign includes specific infrastructure upgrades such as universally accessible rolled curbs on all streets, widened sidewalks on Augusta, Nassau and St. Andrew streets, and mid-block curb extensions to calm traffic. These changes are intended to improve pedestrian safety but will reduce convenient vehicle access for residents who currently rely on on-street parking.

What the redesign means for Kensington Market residents

For families living near Augusta Avenue and Baldwin Street, the loss of 82 paid parking spaces means fewer options for short-term parking close to home. The city is planning to replace those spaces with loading zones for deliveries and expanded bike parking, which could benefit those who cycle but inconveniences car-dependent households. The narrowed streets, now limited to six metres for vehicles, aim to slow traffic but may also create longer travel times for drivers navigating through the market.

The redesign also delays any broader pedestrianization effort. A pedestrianization pilot project is now proposed to begin in 2024 following the completion of road rehabilitation and watermain replacement scheduled for 2024-2025, according to city documents. That means residents will not see pedestrian-only zones on major stretches until at least 2025, if at all, given the city's backtracking on earlier plans.

Local resistance and next steps

The Kensington Market BIA cancelled the 'Pedestrian Sunday' event for May due to concerns regarding unpermitted vendors, crowding and safety issues, signaling local resistance to pedestrian-only events. The cancellation reflects broader tensions among business owners and residents about how to balance foot traffic with vehicle access. The city says it will continue to engage the community as it finalizes the design and begins construction.