Toronto's Coordinated Street Furniture Program is approaching the end of its current 20-year (2007-2027) agreement, creating a rare opportunity to rethink how street furniture is funded, governed, designed, and delivered. While the existing advertising-funded model has generated significant non-tax revenue, it has also created a misalignment between public needs and commercial interests. Furniture is often located where it maximizes advertising exposure rather than where it is most needed, contributing to inequitable distribution, inconsistent maintenance, and design decisions driven by revenue rather than public benefit.

 

Drawing on a literature review, expert interviews, governance analysis, and international case studies, this report argues that street furniture should be treated as essential civic infrastructure. The strongest programs around the world prioritize public goals rather than commercial objectives. To support this shift, the report advances four key recommendations. First, Toronto should adopt universal street furniture principles that prioritize accessibility, equity, durability, sustainability, seasonality, and design excellence. Second, the City should explore publicly funded or hybrid delivery models that reduce reliance on advertising revenue and ensure equitable service across all neighbourhoods. Third, performance should be measured through human-centred outcomes rather than revenue generation alone. Finally, the City should establish formal mechanisms for ongoing community governance, giving residents and community stakeholders a meaningful role in shaping the future of the program. Together, these recommendations present a roadmap for a more equitable, accountable, and people-centred street furniture system that better serves Toronto's public spaces and communities.

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Read a related Spacing op-ed piece by TPSC volunteer Jessie Ye: The value of street furniture in Toronto