News Release
September 19, 2020

Starting this weekend, residents can participate in StrollTO, part of the City of Toronto’s ShowLoveTO initiative. StrollTO will feature self-guided itineraries for each of the City’s 25 wards to encourage residents to actively discover shops, stops, places and spaces on their local main streets.

ShowLoveTO, in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and in partnership with Destination Toronto, was launched by Mayor John Tory on September 14 to encourage local tourism within the public health guidelines and foster community engagement and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using the StrollTO itineraries, residents can become tourists in their own city as they stroll through Toronto’s unique neighbourhoods. Each StrollTO itinerary will highlight points of interest that are culturally and historically significant with a spotlight on Indigenous placemaking and equity-seeking groups. As StrollTO evolves, the City will work with community partners to ensure the many points of view of Toronto and the lived experiences of its past, present and future are reflected.

StrollTO itineraries are available online.

Mayor Tory launched the program today by exploring the StrollTO LEGO “Dot Your World” installation at Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd with local Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York). The installation will be available until October 4 from noon to 6 p.m.

StrollTO has been designed with guidance from Toronto Public Health to provide a safer environment for participants. Participants are requested to wear a mask and to leave and come back another time if attendance does not allow for physical distancing.

In addition to StrollTO, ShowLoveTO City-led initiatives this fall include ActiveTO, BigArtTO, CaféTO, DineOutTO and HistoricTO. Each initiative will be delivered with guidance from Toronto Public Health to provide a safer environment for participants.

The City and Destination Toronto are partnered to present StrollTO in association with Founding Sponsor American Express. StrollTO is sponsored by LEGO Systems, Inc. and the Carpenters and Allied Workers Local 27 and Media Partners CHUM 104.5, Virgin Radio and Newstalk 1010.

ShowLoveTO is produced by the City in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and Media Partners CHUM 104.5, Virgin Radio and Newstalk 1010.

More information about ShowLoveTO is available at toronto.ca/showloveTO.

As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, residents are reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Health’s advice to stay home when they are ill, wash their hands often, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, practise physical distancing with those outside of their social bubble, and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Wearing a mask or face covering is required in all indoor public spaces in Toronto.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quotes:

“Initiatives like StrollTO give people a way to get outside and safely enjoy our city while supporting local businesses and neighbourhoods. Through extensive collaboration with Toronto Public Health, this program, like all the ShowLoveTO programs, put the health and safety of residents at the forefront as we continue our hard work of stopping the spread of the virus. I encourage residents to go outside, keep their distance, wear a mask and discover new parts of the city. Let’s all work together to safely show love to Toronto and support our local businesses, our neighbourhoods and each other.”

– Mayor John Tory

“StrollTO give us all the chance to show our love for the vibrant and diverse communities across our city, as we safely explore and discover the places, spaces, businesses, and people that make Toronto’s neighbourhoods unique.”

– Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York)

“We are grateful to be able to collaborate with the City to encourage Torontonians to support the places and businesses that make our city great. ShowLoveTO and initiatives like StrollTO really get people thinking about a different way to reconnect with the small businesses that make the neighbourhoods of Toronto so vibrant.”

– Kerri-Ann Santaguida, Vice President and General Manager, Merchant Services, American Express Canada

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations