Overview

• A three-judge Ontario Divisional Court panel dismissed the province’s motion for leave to appeal an injunction blocking removal of the Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue bike lanes.
• Superior Court Justice Paul Schabas granted the injunction in spring, citing Charter rights to life and security and noting a lack of evidence that removing the lanes would reduce traffic congestion.
• Cycle Toronto, which leads the Charter challenge against Bill 212, argues the law centralizing provincial control over municipal bike lanes is arbitrary and endangers cyclist safety.
• The government says it respects the court’s ruling but will continue detailed design work to restore driving lanes once legal barriers are lifted.
• City officials warn that tearing out the lanes could cost up to C$48 million in addition to the C$27 million already spent on construction, and question any projected congestion relief.