Laneway coLabs 2026 — Community Application Guide
About the Program
Laneway coLabs brings neighbours together to transform their laneway through art, greenery, and design. Selected communities will work with The Laneway Project from May to September 2026 to co-design and implement a revitalized laneway — ending with a community celebration.
Since 2014, The Laneway Project has helped Toronto residents re-imagine more than a dozen laneways. We provide the funding, design support, and project management — you bring the ideas, energy, and community spirit.
Program goals
Connect neighbours through a shared project
Beautify and green an underused public space
Build local pride and stewardship
Measure social and environmental impacts of community-led design
What We Provide
Full project funding (design, materials, permits, celebration — no money handled by residents)
Artists, planners, and facilitators to guide every step
Support with permits, city processes, and risk management
Evaluation of community and environmental impact
Help develop a long-term care plan
Eligibility
Laneway must be residential or mixed-use and in reasonable condition (no major potholes or obstructions).
Applications must include at least three Neighbourhood Leads, with at least half living on or beside the laneway.
Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Neighbourhood Associations, schools, faith groups, and non-profits are welcome to apply — but only in collaboration with local residents.
Equity-deserving and Neighbourhood Improvement Areas will be prioritized.
Communities must commit to ongoing care and participation in evaluation.
Key Dates
November 3, 2025 - Applications open (link to apply is below)
November 12, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Laneway coLabs Info Session (link to join)
November 27, 6 pm - 7:30 pm - Laneway coLabs Info Session (link to join)
December 30, 2025 - Applications close
Late February – Early March 2026 - Shortlist Interviews (see below)
March 2026 - Selections made - applicants notified
May 2026 - Orientation
May 2026 - July 2026 - Co-design
July 2026 - Sept 2026 - Implementation (& Celebration upon completion)
September 2026 - Evaluation
Selection Criteria
Site Conditions (40%) - Safe, cleanable, mural-ready surfaces
Community Support (40%) - Active, committed Neighbourhood Leads, and strong community support to participate
Community Need (20%) - Equity priority areas/Neighbourhood Improvement Areas
Shortlist Interviews
We will select up to six communities that will be shortlisted and invited to a 60-minute interview in late February or early March. At least half of the Neighbourhood Leads must attend.
Interviews will explore:
Neighbourhood enthusiasm and community support
Understanding of the commitment and co-design process
Capacity for participation and stewardship
Final sites will be selected from this shortlist.
How to Apply
Talk to your neighbours and identify at least 3 Neighbourhood Leads.
Attend a webinar to learn more and ask questions:
November 12, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Laneway coLabs Info Session (link to join)
November 27, 6 pm - 7:30 pm - Laneway coLabs Info Session (link to join)
These will be recorded and posted here for those who can not make it (link to come).
Review the FAQ
Begin socializing this project with neighbours and collect letters of support
Submit by December 30, 2025
All applicants will be notified in March 2026.
Questions?
Join a webinar/watch a recorded webinar (link to come)
Email info@thelanewayproject.ca