Mitigating community concerns: Refining the Metrolinx Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit Proposal - by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Mayor John Tory

This location (Military Trail to Kingston Road) has been identified as a pinch point in the design, and the installation of curbed lanes along this 2.4 kilometre stretch will block the ability of residents to turn left into their driveways. Members of the community have continually raised their objection to this design, as it would cause unsafe U-turns, push traffic onto local streets, increase travel times and limit emergency vehicle access. This Motion urges Metrolinx to acknowledge, and further mitigate, the concerns of the Highland Creek community so that this transit project can better serve local residents. Painted bus lanes, or buses and vehicles in mixed traffic, through this area warrants consideration. The Toronto Transit Commission is piloting this approach in the Eglinton-Kingston-Morningside corridor and there is opportunity to learn from this experience. The City of Toronto is not a co-proponent for this Provincial project. City of Toronto staff have also provided input to Metrolinx regarding the need to acknowledge the local residential context of the Official Plan designated Neighbourhood areas on Ellesmere Road between Kingston Road and Military Trail, and have requested further justification from Metrolinx for requiring a centre median to support the dedicated transit lane for this area.

report back to the community on Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit design alternatives as part of its next phase of community consultation.