To manage this, we keep things as simple as possible. First, we organize ourselves in layers: nine hub leaders to coordinate the activities in each hub, three programming supervisors to keep tabs on hubs and independent activations along a third of the route each, and a programming director to oversee it all and tie the programming in with the rest of the Open Streets effort - route planning, permitting and promotion.

Then, we reach out far and wide in the city to civic organizations, community centres, businesses, arts groups, schools, neighbourhood associations and more to invite them to submit proposals for the activities that they’d like to lead in a hub. We provide the space free of charge, and keep our rules clear and concise: activities must be free, interactive and family-friendly, and activity leaders must bring their own setup requirements. Our hub leaders and programming supervisors are there to share preparation details and answer questions from activity leaders in the lead-up to each event - but not to micro-manage the activities. As long as they respect our parameters, all types of activation are welcome!