Laneway coLabs 2026 – FAQ

1. General Questions

What is the Laneway coLabs Program?
Laneway coLabs empowers communities to reimagine and transform underused laneways into vibrant, green, and welcoming public spaces. Through a collaborative co-design process, the community and The Laneway Project (TLP) work together to develop and implement creative improvements that reflect local needs and aspirations. This process begins in May 2026 and ends as late as September 2026.

What is a laneway?
A laneway is a narrow roadway that runs behind or between buildings - some people call them alleyways. Toronto’s 250 km of laneways are mostly underutilized, yet they can be reimagined as safe, green, and social neighbourhood spaces.

There are two main types:

  • Residential laneways – typically serve garages or laneway suites.

  • Multi-use laneways – often run behind main streets and include both residential and commercial uses.

Who can apply?
Any group of residents living adjacent to a public laneway can apply. Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) or community organizations may also apply in partnership with residents. Each application must identify at least 3 Neighbourhood Leads to coordinate local participation.

BIAs and other organizations can count as only one of the three required Neighbourhood Leads. The other two (or more) Leads must be residents who live on or directly adjacent to the laneway. This ensures that projects remain community-driven and reflect local ownership.

Are renters eligible?
Yes! Renters are welcome and encouraged to participate. However, some improvements — such as murals, lighting, or plantings on private walls or garages — may require property owners' permission. Renters are invited to take part in the design process and events, but property owners must approve any work on their property to ensure compliance with permissions and liability requirements.

Can businesses participate?
Yes — businesses adjacent to a laneway can apply in partnership with nearby residents. Their involvement is especially valuable in mixed-use areas where laneways serve both commercial and residential needs.

My laneway is private — can we apply?
Only if the laneway owners provide written consent for property access. If ownership is uncertain or consent isn’t possible, the laneway is not eligible.

How do I know if my laneway is public?
Use this map—it only shows publicly owned laneways. 

Do I need to live on the laneway itself?
No — but at least half of your Neighbourhood Leads must live on or directly adjacent to it.

What might the final design include?
 Each community decides together, but typical elements include:

  • Murals and public art

  • Greening and pollinator plantings

  • Climate adaptation features (e.g., rain gardens, permeable surfaces)

  • Seating and social spaces

  • Lighting and way-finding signage

  • Safety and traffic-calming measures

Do we need design experience?
No — only enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate! TLP facilitates the entire co-design process.

2. Application Process

Key Dates (2026)

  • November 3, 2025 – Applications open

  • December 30, 2025 – Application deadline

  • February 2026 – Shortlist announced + interviews with top 6 communities

  • March 2026 – Final selections announced

  • May – August 2026 – Co-design workshops + implementation

  • September 2026 – Community celebration & evaluation

How do we apply?
Submit the online application form by the deadline. You’ll need to list your Neighbourhood Leads and briefly describe why your community wants to participate.

What makes a strong application?
 A strong application shows that this is a community project, not an individual effort. Successful applications demonstrate:

  • Broad community support, including letters or notes from neighbours showing enthusiasm.

  • Commitment to long-term stewardship.

  • A laneway that can safely and feasibly accommodate design interventions.

  • Excitement and energy from multiple residents.

We are unlikely to select applications that appear to be driven by only one or two people. Because much of the work happens on the private property adjacent to the laneway (e.g., garage murals, wall gardens), property-owner support is essential. Without broad resident participation on or near the laneway, the project’s impact and feasibility are limited.

One of the goals of Laneway coLabs is not only to beautify physical spaces but to strengthen social connections among neighbours. The more people who take part in the process, the greater the sense of ownership, belonging, and long-term care that emerges — and the stronger the social outcomes for the entire community.

Can we apply if our neighbours aren’t yet involved?
It’s not advisable. Demonstrated community support is required. Start conversations early — through flyers, small meetings, or door-knocking — to build momentum before you apply.

Can we submit maps or sketches?
No. The application does not require ideas or sketches. The co-design process is where ideas are collaboratively developed through interactive workshops and activities led by TLP for the whole community.

Can returning communities apply?
Not this year. Laneway coLabs 2026 focuses on expanding to new communities.

Who is reviewing our application?
Applications are reviewed by a group of trained volunteers and staff using a standardized selection matrix. Each application is scored in three categories:

  1. Physical site suitability (surface condition, access, visibility) 40%

  2. Community interest and enthusiasm (number of engaged residents, clarity of support) 40%

  3. Community need (evidence of limited access to public space, safety or social-connection needs) 20%

The review team identifies the top six applications for Shortlist interviews.

What is the Shortlist Interview?
Shortlisted applicants will participate in a brief (about 60-minute) online interview with TLP. This ensures that:

  • There is genuine, broad community support beyond just the listed Leads.

  • Applicants clearly understand the project timeline, commitment, and expectations.

  • TLP can answer community questions and assess readiness for collaboration.

How many sites are you selecting for 2026?
We don’t know yet! The final number of sites depends on available funding. We’re actively fundraising and will confirm the number of selected laneways — and the budget per site — early in 2026.

3. Implementation & Funding

What does the process look like?
 Each co-design process is tailored to the community, but here’s a typical outline:

  • May: Neighbourhood Lead Orientation

  • May: Community Kick-off Meeting

  • May: Laneway Clean-up Day

  • June: Ideation Workshops (1 & 2)

  • June: Design Workshop & Feedback Round

  • July: Final Design Approval by Community

  • July: Second Clean-up / Prep Day

  • August: Installation of murals, plants, and seating

  • August: Community Celebration Event

  • September: Project Evaluation (10-minute community survey required for participants)

Who is invited to each workshop and activity?
All residents, property owners, and businesses located on or adjacent to the selected laneway are encouraged to attend. Workshops are inclusive and collaborative, designed for everyone — from those who simply want to share ideas to those who want to take on a leadership role.

Neighbourhood Leads are expected to attend most sessions, while other community members can join as their availability allows. Youth, renters, and local partners (such as schools, community organizations, or BIAs) are also welcome. The goal is to bring together everyone who uses or impacts the laneway so that the final design truly reflects the whole community.

Who makes the final design decisions?
The community — so long as choices fit within budget, timeline, City requirements and are determined to be safe. All decisions are made collaboratively by consensus.

Can we choose our own artists or contractors?
TLP maintains a roster of artists, designers, and fabricators experienced in community-based work. Communities can suggest local artists, and TLP will review them for fit and feasibility.

How much funding is provided?
We are actively fundraising for 2026, and final amounts will depend on total program funding. TLP manages all project funds directly, covering materials, design, permits, and installation on behalf of communities.

What if the laneway needs major repairs?
Laneways requiring full resurfacing aren’t eligible. Minor repairs or adjustments may be included if feasible within the project scope.

4. Community Involvement & Stewardship

What is expected from Neighbourhood Leads?
Neighbourhood Leads commit approximately 50 hours between March and September to coordinate residents, attend workshops, and support implementation and long-term stewardship. The bulk of their role is to bring the community out — encouraging neighbours to attend workshops, clean-ups, and activities. The more people who participate, the stronger the design ideas, sense of ownership, and long-term impact will be.

We’re looking for Leads who are connected and enthusiastic, comfortable reaching out to others in their community, and not afraid to knock on a few doors to invite neighbours to join in.

What is the time commitment for general participants (not Leads)?
General participants are encouraged to attend as many workshops or activities as they can — typically 2–3 hours each. Participation can include idea sessions, clean-ups, mural painting, planting days, or community celebrations. Every bit of involvement helps create a stronger, more connected neighbourhood.

What if a Lead is away during summer?
Choose Leads who can be available May–September. 

What if our community struggles to stay involved?
TLP will help re-engage residents and adjust workshops if needed. However, consistent participation is essential for the project to proceed.

Can children or youth participate?
Yes! Youth and children are encouraged to take part through art, planting, or storytelling activities. Their ideas and creativity often shape the final design in meaningful ways.

Will there be volunteer or student credits?
Yes — youth participants and students can receive volunteer or community service hours for their involvement upon request. 

Who maintains the laneway after the project?
Communities commit to ongoing care, such as clean-ups, watering plants, and checking on murals or seating. TLP will provide a stewardship toolkit and help the community develop a simple maintenance agreement.

What if damage or vandalism occurs?
The community is responsible for maintenance and repairs. TLP can provide advice and connect you to resources, but cannot fund repairs after completion.

Can we add new features later?
Absolutely. coLabs is designed as a foundation for communities to build on, with future enhancements or creative projects.

5. Data Collection & Evaluation

Why do we collect data?
Evaluation helps TLP and the City understand how laneway revitalizations impact connection, safety, and neighbourhood well-being. These insights guide future funding and policy development.

What data will be collected?
Participants complete short surveys before and after the project to measure changes in:

  • Social connections

  • Perceived safety

  • Laneway use and activity

  • Sense of belonging

Optional storytelling and photo documentation capture additional qualitative impact.

Can we opt out of data collection?
 No, participation in evaluation is required.

Will we see the results?
Yes — TLP will share summary findings with each community and publish overall insights publicly.

Will our data be shared publicly?
Only in aggregate form. No personal or identifying information will be shared.

6. Additional Support

Need help with your application?
Email info@thelanewayproject.ca or attend one of our information webinars before the deadline. Webinars on are the following dates - recordings will be available for those who can not attend.

  • 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)

How do you handle accessibility and language needs?
Accessibility and inclusion are priorities. TLP can provide translation, ASL interpretation, or mobility supports as needed. During onboarding, we’ll ask each community what accommodations are required to make participation inclusive and successful.