Protect Bathurst: What the RapidTO Bus Lanes Mean for Our Community and Your Toronto Dispensary

At Minerva Cannabis, we’ve always believed that being a Toronto dispensary means more than just offering great cannabis. It means being a reliable neighbor, a supporter of local artists and businesses, and a place where all members of our community — young or old, walking or rolling — can feel welcome. That’s why we’re raising our voice, alongside dozens of others, to ask the City of Toronto to pause the current rollout of the RapidTO transit plan on Bathurst Street — because what’s being proposed puts small businesses, residents, seniors, and people with disabilities at a serious disadvantage.

What’s Happening with RapidTO?

The City of Toronto is pushing forward with the RapidTO Bathurst Expansion, a plan that will turn 7.4 kilometers of Bathurst — from Eglinton to the waterfront — into 24/7 dedicated bus and streetcar lanes. This change removes over 480 curbside parking and loading spaces, effectively turning much of Bathurst into a no-stopping zone — and doing so with no accommodations for accessibility, deliveries, or local businesses. On paper, the plan promises smoother traffic for TTC riders. In practice, it’s a radical overhaul of public space that displaces the very people and businesses that make Toronto’s neighborhoods vibrant, diverse, and functional.

Why We’re Speaking Out — And What’s at Stake

On Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 AM, we’ll be standing in solidarity with over 100 concerned community members at a press conference hosted by Protect Bathurst at Kos Café, 1070 Bathurst Street. We’re not just there as a dispensary in Toronto — we’re there as neighbors, as advocates, and as people who care deeply about the future of this city. Among the speakers will be our owner, Paul Macchiusi, who will be sharing how this plan directly impacts not only Minerva Cannabis but dozens of other small businesses that rely on curbside access to survive.

The Human Impact: More Than Just Parking

This isn’t just about parking spaces. It’s about accessibility. It’s about equity. It’s about community resilience.

• Seniors who need close drop-off points will be left behind.
• Parents managing strollers and kids won’t be able to stop safely.
• Customers with mobility needs may avoid the area entirely.
• Local business owners — from cafes to art studios to cannabis shops — will lose foot traffic, delivery access, and the ability to operate safely.

For dispensaries in Toronto, curbside access is more than a luxury — it’s essential for discreet, quick service and for the safety of both customers and staff. With parking removed and no alternatives offered, businesses like ours are put in an impossible position.

What We’re Asking For

We’re not against public transit. We know Toronto needs a better, faster, more reliable system. But progress shouldn’t come at the cost of the people who live and work here. We’re asking the City to:

• Pause the RapidTO rollout north of Bloor
• Conduct a thorough safety and accessibility review
• Engage in real, transparent community consultation
• Offer alternative solutions that support both transit and small business health

Because a thriving Toronto depends on more than just speed — it depends on inclusivity, balance, and respect.

How You Can Support the Movement

• Come visit us at Minerva Cannabis while parking is still available — we’re here to serve you.

• Follow us on Instagram (@MinervaCannabis) for updates from the June 11 press event
• Check out ProtectBathurst.ca to learn more and get involved
• Tell your city councillor you support a pause for proper planning
• Spread the word by sharing this blog post with friends, family, and neighbors

What is the RapidTO Bathurst Street plan?

RapidTO is a City of Toronto transit initiative that proposes converting 7.4 km of Bathurst Street into 24/7 dedicated bus and streetcar lanes. This includes removing over 480 curbside parking and loading spaces from Eglinton to the waterfront, directly affecting businesses like Minerva Cannabis.

How does RapidTO affect Minerva Cannabis?

As a local Toronto dispensary, Minerva Cannabis relies on curbside parking and loading access for customer convenience, delivery operations, and accessibility. The RapidTO plan threatens these essential functions without offering alternatives.

Why are local dispensaries and businesses protesting the plan?

The City’s plan was developed on a rushed timeline, without proper accessibility or safety reviews, and with minimal input from small businesses and residents. Local dispensaries in Toronto, including Minerva, are speaking out to preserve access and equity for all.

What is the Protect Bathurst coalition?

Protect Bathurst is a grassroots group of residents, small business owners, and community leaders advocating for a pause on RapidTO. They aim to protect accessibility and economic sustainability along Bathurst Street.

How can I support Minerva Cannabis and other local businesses?

You can help by visiting Minerva Cannabis, sharing this information, attending the June 11 press conference, and contacting your city councillor to voice support for local business access. Follow ProtectBathurst.ca for updates. We’ve always stood for access, inclusion, and neighborhood pride. Now we’re asking for your support to protect that. Thank you for being part of our journey — and our fight to make sure our Toronto dispensary can continue serving the community we love. In solidarity, The Minerva Cannabis Team