The Public Squares (Annual Blackout Anniversary Party): August 2026

The Public Squares - Manifesto (2008)

Five years ago the lights went out on some 100 million people. We spilled out of our home-box, work-box, shopping and car boxes. We stepped away from our computers, microwaves and TV's. The streets became our living rooms as we shared the good company of friends and strangers alike. We rediscovered the power and vitality of the commons.

Today's temporary reclamation of Bloor and Spadina is a festive demonstration of how our city could evolve. The streets and avenues are the veins and arteries of the city. Great intersections like this one are vital organs where people are drawn to work, eat, play and commune. This connection of citizens creates a livable city in a way that and easy left turn never will. See for yourself how this patch of pavement can better serve us all.

"Get out of your box and in the the square."

August 14, 2008 - Fifth Anniversary of the 2003 Toronto Blackout

The New Public Squares

2025 Bloor & Bathurst

2024 King & Bathurst

2023 College & Spadina

2019 College & University

2018 Bloor & Avenue Road

2017 Dufferin and Bloor

2016 Queen East

2015 Queen/Richmond & John Street

2014 Queen & Dufferin

2013 Queen & Roncesvalles (10th Anniversary)

2012 The Square of the Standing Sticks (Church & Front)

2011 Schmatta Square (Denison at Queen Street West) 2010 The New Plaza at Parkdale Station

(Queen West & Gladstone)

2009 Portugal Square

(Dundas & Ossington)

2008 Spadina Square

(Bloor & Spadina)

The Public Squares (Annual Blackout Anniversary Party)

Monday, August 10, 2026

Blackout Anniversary Flyer 2026