Item - 2025.TE27.77

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Toronto Downtown West Business Improvement Area, Toronto Hydro, and any other relevant divisions and agencies, to report back to the January 13, 2026 meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council on a status update on the project, including a plan detailing communication updates, commitments to community engagement, construction phasing and a project timeline.

The John Street Cultural corridor, from Stephanie Street to south of Front Street West, is recognized as a route of civic and cultural importance in the City, encompassing major facilities and institutions including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Film Board of Ontario, the CBC Broadcast Centre, the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, to name just a few. City Council, in considering plans and studies of this area at various times over the last few years, designated John Street as a "Cultural Corridor", an "Avenue of the Arts", and a "Pedestrian Priority Route".

Local stakeholders, including the Toronto Downtown West BIA, have expressed the need for reliable, timely, and proactive communication regarding the progress of the John Street Corridor Improvements. Effective construction management and community engagement are essential to minimizing disruption and ensuring transparency throughout the project.