At The Laneway Project, we’re focused on transforming Toronto’s most overlooked and neglected public spaces into complete, living places. Find out how these unique placemaking projects come to life.

Winterways: Launching May 2021

Just like our parks, Toronto’s laneways are often used by communities as much-needed shared spaces. Downtown back alleys have naturally evolved into helpful routes to avoid main street crowds; in residential laneways, kids can be left alone to climb snow banks without the worry of busy traffic.

Sounds of children playing ring out through this Toronto alley, giving it a special personality. After speaking with community members, it became clear that this public space needed to be safer for kids on their way to school.

In Victoria, one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, commercial alleyways have been a part of the city’s fabric for over a hundred and fifty years.

Over the past year, laneways been activated and showcased in so many ways across Toronto.

As we continue to modify our environment to suit our needs, elements of the city’s physical and cultural landscapes are often forgotten or lost.

Toronto and East York Community Council reconvened a couple of weeks ago to revisit the deferred decision on the future of laneways laneway suites. They voted unanimously in favour of their adoption.

Our (Lane)way Forward Photo Contest had over 450 entries of laneways across Toronto.  Check the 10 winning photos.  Thanks to everyone who sent in their photos.