News & Events

The heart of the Ryerson campus is now a pedestrian-friendly zone, and there are big plans to make the area a "fantastic" downtown destination with exhibits, performances and vibrant street life.

After years of proposals and campaigns by the Ryerson community and the university, portions of Gould and Victoria Sts. have been closed to vehicular traffic. The goal is to put "people first" in line with the Master Plan, which describes Gould St. as the university's "public realm spine."

"The pedestrianization of Gould St. is another confirmation of our Master Plan, and a tribute to the strategic efforts of the Ryerson community to make this happen," said Linda Grayson, vice-president, administration and finance. "Opening Gould to pedestrian traffic connects a lot of other elements going on in the heart of our campus, including our beautification strategy, the School of Image Arts/Ryerson Gallery and Research Centre project, and the bike storage area. It's at the centre of a web of transformation for the campus."

Grayson says there's a strategic plan in the works to ensure Gould St. becomes a must-see destination. The plan calls for activities such as student performances on the street, displays of student work and other exhibits and demonstrations. Students will be able to book space on Gould and Victoria Sts. for events.

"We are looking for as many activities as possible on the street, particularly between noon and 2 p.m.," she said. "It is going to be fantastic."

Adding to the atmosphere will be a street-level cafe, with patio, in the School of Image Arts/Ryerson Gallery and Research Centre. Planters and street furniture have been installed and Lake Devo will soon be refilled with water. A beer garden will be opened around Lake Devo by the Ryerson Students' Union (RSU) during orientation and welcome back activities.

Grayson said the City of Toronto has been extremely helpful with the project.

"The City and its staff have been incredible," Grayson said. "I want to thank (Councillor) Kyle Rae, City staff Elyse Parker and Mark Van Elsberg, and all of those at the City who have been so very helpful. They have been and continue to be wonderful."

The president of the RSU, Toby Whitfield, says the pedestrianization of Gould St. "is a great victory for students. It demonstrates the university's and City's commitment to creating space just for pedestrians. The new space will be a great venue for student events, which will kick off during Orientation and the Week of Welcome."

On Aug. 23, the City installed barricades closing Gould St. in both directions between O'Keefe Lane and Bond St., and turning it into a one-way eastbound street between Bond and Church Sts. Victoria St. is closed to traffic from Gould St. to the parking garage entrance. The garage remains accessible from the south. Existing "No parking anytime" regulations on Gould and Victoria Sts. have been changed to more stringent "No stopping anytime" signs. The City calls the closing a one-year pilot project.

Families with children attending the Early Learning Centre daycare can travel north on Bond St. from Dundas St., turn right onto Gould and park temporarily on either side for drop off and pick up.

For more information, see map of closures and changes.