John Street Update Sept 2013:

Things continue to improve on John Street. As many of you will recall, following the very successful Weston 2021 design charrette and Technical Assistance Panel (TAP), the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto applied for a grant to help create both a short- and long-term plan for John Street. .

The Urban Innovation grant application was based on the idea that John St. could be made into a “market district” once it was closed east of the rail-tracks and with the potential development of the former GO/TPA parking lot into an arts and cultural centre and permanent farmers market. It was a highly competitive process and ULI received a grant for approximately $24,000 that was matched by the City and Metrolinx. DTAH, a prominent Toronto design firm, was hired to help with the initiative. Two stakeholder meetings were held with members of the BIA, the Residents’ Association and other members of the community. From these meetings it was decided that the short-term plan would create a temporary “sidewalk cafe” using several on-street parking spaces – to show the community how the street may look and function in the future. You Tube video time lapse of John Street.

When the pilot project ended the planters and lights were given to the community and relocated in the near vicinity. In addition, customized bike rings – based on an interpretation of the “Weston Bike” – have been designed and will be added in the Weston and Lawrence area in 2014.

The long-term John Street district plan is meant to provide a framework for how the area might be developed in the future. The document can be used by stakeholders to help influence the City, developers, Metrolinx and others as they undertake work in the public realm in Weston. A copy of the John Street Public Realm report has been provided to the BIA, the local Residence Association, the Councillor, and the City.

Another result of the John Street initiative is the City will be undertaking public realm improvements on Lawrence Ave. close to South Station St. based on the DTAH plan. The initiative has helped raise awareness, both within the Community and at the City, to the needs of Weston and has helped to focus attention on the public realm. In the end, with the local Councillor’s continued support, it will be up to the residents and business owners in Weston to help make these changes a reality.