As spring arrives, neighbourhood improvements are also on their way. Thank you to our dedicated residents for submitting wonderful project ideas and reporting traffic concerns to our Proposals function. Please check out TorontoCentreProjects.ca for more updates on all the neighbourhood projects near you!
Following a review by Transportation Services, I supported enhanced pedestrian crossing protection at Adelaide Street East and Ontario Street. There have been multiple requests over the years by residents to install a proper crossing here to address the growing volume of vehicular traffic and pedestrians in the area, and I am happy to support those requests.
It is anticipated that the pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Adelaide Street East and Ontario Street will be installed and operational by Q2 of this year.
Another intersection that the City has received requests for traffic signals is adjacent to the Young People’s Theatre. In line with the City’s Vision Zero's mandate, I have prioritized the protection and enhancement of safety for vulnerable road users, particularly school children and individuals with accessibility needs to safely attend the theatre.
The traffic lights at Front Street East and Frederick Street should be fully operational by Q2 of this year.
With growing concerns about pedestrian safety and motorist volumes from the new building at 48 Power Street, I renewed outstanding requests to install traffic control signals at the intersection of Richmond Street East and Power Street, as well as Adelaide Street East and Power Street.
Due to the complicated nature of a construction zone, construction should begin in Q3 of this year. Additionally, parking regulations on the west side of Power Street between Adelaide Street East and Richmond Street East will be changed to allow pick-up and drop-off of passengers or merchandise.
The City of Toronto is replacing the aging Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge across the Rosedale Valley Ravine and the pedestrian tunnel under Bloor Street East that connects the neighbourhoods of Rosedale and St. James Town.
The construction area includes the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge crossing the Rosedale Valley Ravine, the pedestrian tunnel under Bloor Street East, sections of Bloor Street East, and the public space south of the bridge on Glen Road.
Construction completion is anticipated for Q3 of this year.
The multi-use trail on Rosedale Valley Road, between Rosedale Valley Road and Ameila Street, is set to be renewed to extend its life and improve the park-goer experience, improving accessibility and comfort for trail users.
Current issues along the Rosedale Valley trail include poor pavement conditions, limited and inaccessible access and major drainage issues caused by natural downstream erosion.
Proposed improvements to Rosedale Valley Road Multi-Use Trail include:
- Widening the trail to 3 metres width, and 0.6 metres of lateral clearance;
- Removing any uneven and damaged surface to smoothen the trail profile;
- Maintaining a 1.5 metre of space from the curb to the edge of the trail and splash guards and sidewalk railings;
- Upgrading and designing existing and new resting areas along the trail;
- Designing trailheads at trail entrances with additional space for pedestrian socializing and resting. Additional wayfinding signages, bicycle parking and bottle-friendly water fountains are also being considered; and
- Lighting, rail and safety upgrades at Bayview Avenue that will improve connection between the Rosedale Multi-Use Trail and the Bayview Multi-Use Trail.
Accessibility changes, cyclist lanes, ramps and a paved trail leading to Wellesley Park are coming to fruition in Q2 of this year, with ribbon cutting is set for Q3.
The City is collaborating with the local Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area and Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association to develop a new vision and Master Plan for Barbara Hall Park.
Over the past year, we’ve heard resident grievances about safety, cleanliness, and usability of the park. Through the process of establishing guiding principles and themes, staff and I heard from residents that Barbara Hall Park is a place with diverse visitors, a green heart of the community in need of improvement, a place of remembrance, reflection and grief and a place where people should feel safe to visit.
In addition, the plan needs to protect and enhance the Toronto AIDS Memorial, Trans Memorial, dog off-leash area, and seating.
Keep your eyes peeled in the upcoming weeks as we announce dates for City of Toronto’s Phase 3 Community Engagement Workshops to set the final stage for the design directions in April 2024.