The City of Toronto has updated its plans for streetcar track and sewer work on Queen Street East between Leslie Street and Vancouver Avenue. The work is expected to start in early November 2026 and finish by March 2027. Here's what's planned, and how it may affect homeowners, buyers and sellers in the area.
Early Nov 2026 start of track and sewer work (subject to change) | Mar 2027 expected completion |
1 lane westbound only, Leslie to Vancouver, during track work | 24/7 TTC track work hours during the track phase |
The Plan in Brief
According to the City's project page, updated October 22, 2026, the City and TTC are renewing aging streetcar tracks to reduce track noise and bring them to a state of good repair. Crews will also rehabilitate a sewer by cleaning it and installing a structural liner. "Phasing and timelines are subject to change," the City notes.
| Work | Limits | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Streetcar track renewal | Leslie Street to Vancouver Avenue | Early November to mid-December 2026 (Phase 1) |
| Sewer rehabilitation | Leslie Street to Greenwood Avenue | Within the November 2026 to March 2027 window |
| Phase 2 | Details to be shared later | Part of the work finishing by March 2027 |
Driving and Walking
- During track work: Queen Street will be limited to one westbound lane only from Leslie Street to Vancouver. Drivers heading east must turn at Leslie Street.
- During sewer work: At least one travel lane will stay open in each direction.
- Pedestrians: Access along Queen Street will be maintained.
- The City's page does not address parking. Check the project page or call 311 for your block.
Work Hours and Noise
TTC track work will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sewer work is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday to Friday, with late or weekend work when needed. Concrete breaking is described as the most disruptive and typically lasts the first one to two days of each phase, mainly between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
If your home is close to the lining work, the contractor will issue a separate notice at least 48 hours before it starts. During that window, residents should avoid draining water to prevent sewer backup.
Transit Changes
In Phase 1, the 501 Queen streetcar will divert to Gerrard Street East between Broadview and Coxwell. Replacement buses will run as close to the work zone as possible, and the 31 Greenwood is currently scheduled to divert at Dundas Street East, pending confirmation. Phase 2 details will be posted at ttc.ca/queeneast.
Is This the Ontario Line?
No. This is a separate City and TTC project. The Ontario Line's Leslieville Station work is happening around Queen, De Grassi and Strange. See our guide to what City Council approved for that project.
What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
- Sellers: Plan showing times around the work, and tell buyers early about the schedule. A clear, upbeat explanation helps. The work is temporary and is meant to improve the tracks.
- Buyers: Visit at different times of day, and ask about the construction calendar for the street you like. See how the neighbourhoods compare in Leslieville vs. Riverdale.
- Owners nearby: Review your block's notices, and keep an eye on the City's page for updates.
Explore Riverdale and Leslieville, or read whether the bidding war era is over.
Source: City of Toronto, Queen Street East construction.
Planning a move in the East End? Contact Jeff for advice on your street and timing, or request a free home evaluation.
This article summarizes publicly available City of Toronto information as of October 2026. Dates and measures can change; confirm details with the City and the TTC.
Comments:
Post Your Comment: