Removal of Bollards from an unnamed laneway between Ontario Street and Seaton Street without Consulting the Local Community or Councillor’s Office

Residents noted that a few of the bollards were damaged and that the laneway had lighting issues. Toronto Hydro shared their concern that with the immovable concrete bollards, their vehicles are not able to conduct lighting maintenance in the laneway. Transportation Services was asked to work with Road Operations to determine the history of the bollards and propose alternate solutions to enable Toronto Hydro access to maintain the street lighting. We anticipated that City staff would investigate the matter and return to the stakeholder discussion and my office with alternate solutions. Unfortunately, this step was missed and there was no follow-up. Several residents have contacted my office alarmed that the concrete bollards were removed without consultation or replacements. They are requesting that the City replace the concrete bollards with updated, versatile and moveable bollards as soon as possible to maintain pedestrian safety, traffic management and flexible access for Toronto Hydro servicing.