Ontario begins restoring vehicle lanes on major Toronto streets, issues RFP

What’s happening

• The province issued an RFP to study and provide design options to restore motor vehicle lanes on: Bloor Street, Yonge Street, University Avenue, Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent, and Avenue Road (Toronto).
• The government is starting immediate work to restore vehicle lanes on the west section of Bloor Street West, beginning east of a 600‑metre stretch at Clissold Road where a vehicle lane was restored in December 2025.

Why it matters

• A Court of Appeal ruling said roadway design decisions are policy matters for elected officials, and provincial laws require certain lane restorations.
• Officials say restoring vehicle capacity aims to reduce gridlock; the release cites a report estimating gridlock costs Ontario $56 billion per year.

Next steps

• The RFP will produce design options for restoring vehicle lanes and will identify where bike lanes can be kept or reconfigured so they don’t worsen gridlock.

Stakeholder note

• The release includes a supportive statement from the RCCAO endorsing the balance between restoring vehicle capacity and keeping bike lanes where feasible.