Leslieville Laneway Project
Making the laneway south of Queen — between Caroline and Berkshire — safer, greener, and more welcoming.
●About the project
This is a neighbourhood-led project. Over the next year we'll listen, share ideas, and design a plan together. Everyone who uses the laneway is welcome to be part of it — and nothing's decided yet.
●Stay connected
Join the contact list and we'll keep you posted on ideas, events, and how to help.
Join the contact listAbout the project
The laneway south of Queen Street East, between Caroline and Berkshire, is part of everyday life in Leslieville. Kids and caregivers walk it to and from Bruce Public School, neighbours pass through, and local businesses and services rely on it too.
It does its job — but it could be so much more. A place that feels cared for, green, and safe, rather than just a way through. That's what this project is about.
●Neighbourhood-led
This is a project by neighbours, for the neighbourhood. It grew out of local families, residents, and businesses who saw the laneway's potential. It's supported by The Laneway Project through its coLabs initiative, which provides seed funding and guidance — but the vision, the priorities, and the decisions belong to the community.
●What might change
We're keeping an open mind. Ideas we're exploring include greening and planting, murals and public art, brighter surfaces and lighting, and small touches that make the laneway feel safer and more welcoming. What actually gets built will reflect what neighbours tell us matters most — and what our budget and permissions allow.
This is a light-touch project, not a major reconstruction. And it will always respect how the laneway works day to day: access, deliveries, garbage collection, parking, and snow clearing all keep working as they should.
●The year ahead
- Fall 2026Outreach and early ideas, and a visioning session where the community shapes a shared vision and priorities.
- Winter 2026–27Ideas become design options, and we confirm what we can afford, then bring it back to you for feedback.
- Spring 2027We build the improvements together and celebrate with a launch party.
●Who's involved
Local residents & parents
A team of neighbours coordinating engagement, co-design, and stewardship, including residents, parents, business owners, and members of local organizations.
Leslieville Residents Association
Supporting neighbourhood-wide communication and outreach beyond the immediate laneway.
Leslieville BIA
Coordinating with local businesses along Queen Street East and aligning with broader streetscape plans.
Bruce Public School
Through its Parent Council, supporting engagement with school families and age-appropriate ways for kids to take part.
Be part of it
This laneway belongs to all of us, and there are lots of ways to help shape what it becomes.
🚶 Join our Laneway Walk
Come walk the laneway with us and share your ideas on the spot. We'll stroll the stretch between Caroline and Berkshire, point out what's there now, and hear what you'd love to see. Family- and stroller-friendly — kids very welcome. Rain or shine.
Share your ideas
Tell us how you use the laneway and what would make it better. Your input directly shapes the plan. Take the survey or come find us in the laneway.
Take the surveyStay in the loop
Join our contact list for updates, invitations, and chances to get involved. We'll never share your information, and you can leave anytime.
Support the project
We're raising $5,000 from neighbours to green and brighten the laneway — plants, planters, and a fresh coat of paint. Chip in $5, $10, or $25; larger gifts are welcome too, and materials or time help as well. Every bit gets us closer.
DonateHave a question?
Send us a note and we'll get back to you, or email us anytime at leslievillelanewayproject@gmail.com.
●Help us name it
This laneway deserves a name. As the project grows, we'll be gathering ideas from the community — so start thinking.