Marine Parade Drive sits at the heart of a growing waterfront neighbourhood in Etobicoke — yet it is still dominated by cars, traffic, and congestion.

This must change.

During the Vendors’ Festival, the temporary road closure Marine Parade felt completely different: quieter, safer, more open, and more inviting. People could walk, cycle, gather, and enjoy the waterfront without constant vehicle traffic.

Why shouldn’t this experience happen more often?

As Humber Bay Shores continues to grow, we need more safe, accessible public space—not more car-dominated streets.

What we’re asking for

We’re calling on the City of Toronto and Etobicoke-York Community Council to:

 ● Develop a phased plan to make Marine Parade Drive car-free

 ● Expand seasonal and weekend closures as an immediate step

 ● Hold meaningful public consultation with residents, businesses, and stakeholders

 ● Explore a long-term redesign that prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and public space

Why Marine Parade Drive?

Marine Parade is at the heart of Humber Bay Shores, surrounded by Lake Ontario, waterfront parks, the Waterfront Trail, residential communities, restaurants and local businesses. It has all the ingredients of a truly vibrant waterfront destination.

A car-free Marine Parade Drive would:

 ● Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety

 ● Create a more accessible waterfront promenade

 ● Support local businesses through increased foot traffic and dwell time

 ● Enable more markets, events, and community programming

 ● Reduce noise and traffic along the waterfront

 ● Make Humber Bay Shores a more vibrant and livable community

 

The Vendors’ Festival already showed us what’s possible when people—not cars—come first. Let’s turn that to a lasting change.

If you walked Marine Parade during the Festival and thought, “Why can’t it always be like this?” — you’re not alone.

Sign the petition and help make Marine Parade Drive car-free.