Media Advisory - Photo/Interview Opportunity - Open Streets TO, August 20, 2017

TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Open Streets TO, the country's largest free recreation program, is back for a fourth year and is set to be better than ever. Instead of cars, it will be cyclists, runners, strollers, dogs and yogis on Bloor and Yonge Streets this Sunday.

Torontonians of all ages and abilities are invited to come together with their friends, neighbours and community leaders this Sunday for a wide range of exciting and interactive stations and activities, all while celebrating healthy lifestyles.

Inspired by a world-class program proven to improve healthy behaviour, Open Streets TO takes place this Sunday, August 20, 2017. This program repurposes existing public assets – namely our iconic streets – and provides access to free recreation space (on parts of Bloor and Yonge), focusing attention on the importance of physical activity.

New this year is the laying of 5,000 square feet of grass at Yonge and Bloor on which lululemon will be leading a large-scale yoga class at 11:00 am – the first time this has ever taken place.

The full Open Streets TO route runs along Bloor Street (from Christie to Sherbourne), and along Yonge Street (from Bloor to Queen). The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.

In 2016, more than 75,000 Torontonians attended Open Streets TO over two days.

Spokespeople will be available for interviews.

When:	SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 AT 11:45 AM EST
Where:	Intersection of Yonge and Bloor
Who:	Alyssa Bird, Board Member, Open Streets Toronto
	Kristyn Wong-Tam, Councillor, Ward 27
	Nancy Ruscica, Environment & Energy Division, City of Toronto (Live Green Toronto)
	Heather Kelly, Founder, Bloor Street Culture Corridor, Royal Conservatory of Music

A hub at Yonge and Bloor will also help celebrate Ontario's 150^th birthday, with a showcase of cultural dance groups highlighting the province's multiculturalism. This intersection, one of the country's most iconic, is an ideal spot for photo ops with Torontonians participating in Open Streets TO.

Additional activities will include, among others:

• Bloor and Sherbourne: Bloor Street Dog Walk by Toronto Animal Services (starting at noon, passing by Yonge & Bloor at approximately 12:15 pm and ending at Bloor and Spadina)
• Bloor and Bay: Live Green Toronto – "Family Fun Green Zone" including real hands on eco-activities such as making pollinator puppets, decorating reusable lunch bags, etc.
• Bloor and Avenue: Royal Conservatory of Music – piano on Bloor Street available for free play
• Bloor and Bathurst: Native Youth Resource Centre – giant dreamcatcher canvas that people can paint, decorate, and other displays of public art, etc.
• Yonge and Wellesley: Street sports, fitness classes, LGBTQ equity education game, etc.
• Yonge and Shuter: Salsa, Bachata classes, bike safety clinic & registry, bike obstacle course, etc.

A full list of activity hub locations along the route can be seen here.

SOURCE Open Streets TO

Media contact: Jamie Deans, [email protected], 647-284-7710