The bike/walking/etc. path on the north side of the Lakeshore is currently considered road right of way (i.e. part of the lakeshore boulevard.). "Closing it" means it is no longer road right of way (this wouldn't restrict north south access as these exisiting accesses are roads, not right of ways).What it would do though is prevent, say, adding a lane to the Lakeshore that would take over the path (as it's currently road right of way).

It may also limit new constructions that would try to cross the bike path, for example the 700,000 square foot Smart Centre that's planned for the old film studio site and is currently appealing to the OMB for a zoning variance that was previously denied.

Lots of folks use this path to walk, commute or just ride around. Changing it to parkland would help ensure preservation and prevent encroachment.