Infrastructure and Environment Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 10 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
IE7.1adopted
Parks, Forestry and Recreation has been collaborating with the Toronto Cultural Advisory Corporation operating as the Toronto Arts Council (TAC) to deliver the Arts in the Parks program since the summer of 2016. The program has been renewed on an annual basis since then. The program has provided accessible opportunities for artists and free access to view installations and participate in programming to residents and visitors. This report seeks authority to enter into a renewed five-year agreement, in order to formalize the licence agreement with Toronto Arts Council and grant licensee authority to continue operating the Arts in the Parks program for a term of five years across 26 select City park locations and one property managed by Toronto Regional Conservation Authority.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to enter into a nominal license agreement with Toronto Cultural Advisory Corporation operating as the Toronto Arts Council for the use of parks by various artists to be selected by Toronto Arts Council for the "Arts in the Parks" program for a term of five years, renewable for an additional five-year term at the sole discretion of the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Acting General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to enter into a nominal license agreement with Toronto Cultural Advisory Corporation operating as the Toronto Arts Council for the use of parks by various artists to be selected by Toronto Arts Council for the "Arts in the Parks" program for a term of five years, renewable for an additional five-year term at the sole discretion of the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
IE7.2amended
Congestion Management Plan 2023-2026
The City is facing an unprecedented amount of construction road closures creating congestion issues for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and surface street transit. There has also been a significant demand for special events in the City post-pandemic with the needs for road closures and more comprehensive traffic management strategies to minimize the impacts. This situation emphasizes the demand for better coordination of access to the right-of-way and the need for improved traffic management overall to help mitigate the impacts of congestion while maintaining safety for all road users. The Congestion Management Plan was originally adopted by City Council in 2013 and was updated in November of 2015 to cover the period 2016 through 2020. In 2020 City Council adopted Congestion Management Plan 2021-25 Interim Action Plan. This report serves as an update to the Congestion Management Plan and refocuses on four (4) key target objectives to address the current congestion issues facing the City: - Leveraging Technology to Better Coordinate Construction on City Streets and expanding the Construction Hub program - Establishing a dedicated traffic management team that will work with stakeholders such as Toronto Police Services, Toronto Parking Authority, Toronto Transit Commission, Metrolinx GO, the Office of Emergency Management and City Councillors to improve traffic management planning efforts around major events while also coordinating with ongoing construction - Providing increased traffic management support for surface street transit for both Toronto Transit Commission and Metrolinx GO to help mitigate the impacts of construction related route diversions - Investigating Intelligent Transportation Systems, including Artificial Intelligence and Internet-of-Things technology to better optimize traffic signal operations to help all modes move more efficiently and safely with less delay around the City. The report outlines each of the measures and programs as well as the required Council actions to advance specific aspects of the plan.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend Appendix C: Construction Hubs to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use Of, to include new construction hubs in wards 3, 8 and 19 and the expansion of four (4) existing construction hubs generally as set out in Appendix 1 to the report (October 11, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to City Council's decision. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with Toronto Police Services Board for the use of callback police officers and special constables to expand the Traffic Agent Program as required, generally upon such terms and conditions as described in the report (October 11, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and upon such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services. 3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to take all reasonable measures to recruit and train Traffic Agents to the extent necessary to expand the Traffic Agent Program as generally as described in the report (October 11, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and upon such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services. 4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to propose where feasible, in the first quarter of 2024, a fee increase for road encroachment permits that slow vehicular traffic on Toronto Transit Commission bus routes, to take into full account the measures necessary to overcome their adverse impacts on the timeliness and reliability of Toronto Transit Commission service, as well as on the safety of vulnerable road users. 5. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to ensure that Traffic Agents are trained and instructed, throughout the course of their duties on giving priority emphasis to vulnerable road users, with specific focus on accessibility needs, and on transit vehicles when implementing the Traffic Agent program. 6. City Council request the Toronto Parking Authority to relocate any electric vehicle charging infrastructure that is located in a "rush hour no parking" zone to a nearby location that is not located in a "rush hour no parking" zone. 7. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report to the January 9, 2024 Infrastructure and Environment Committee with: a. Measures that can be implemented to improve way-finding on long term road closures, including but not limited to pavement markings and better signage, reducing the need for temporary measures on sidewalks such as displaceable pylons. 8. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services, report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, semi-annually, beginning on January 9, 2024, on the status of congestion in the City of Toronto and the implementation of the Congestion Management Plan.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager of Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council amend Appendix C: Construction Hubs to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use Of, to include new construction hubs in wards 3, 8 and 19 and the expansion of four (4) existing construction hubs generally as set out in Appendix 1 of this report, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to City Council's decision. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with Toronto Police Services Board for the use of callback police officers and special constables to expand the Traffic Agent Program as required, generally upon such terms and conditions as described in the report (October 11, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and upon such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services.
IE7.3amended
Free-Floating Car-Share Program - Increase Access to the Number of Permits
The purpose of this report is to seek City Council approval to increase the number of free-floating car-share permits an individual car-share organization / company can acquire under the free-floating car-share program. The current program allows individual companies to purchase a maximum of five hundred (500) free-floating car-share permits out of the total two thousand (2000) permits made available by the City of Toronto. If approved, individual companies would be able to acquire up to one thousand (1000) free-floating car-share permits each on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize up to 1000 Free-Floating Car-Share parking permits be issued to a car-share organization / company on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 925, Permit Parking, as follows: a. by deleting from Section 925-5.1 A(2) the number "500" and inserting the number "1000"; and b. by deleting from Section 925-5.1 B(5) the number "500" and inserting the number "1000". 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 and 2, above. 4. City Council direct the General Manager of Transportation Services to evaluate opportunities to make free floating shared cars available to people throughout the city. 5. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services, inform all car-share organizations applying for City of Toronto permits under the Free-Floating Car-Share or Car-Share Vehicle Parking Area programs, of the City's climate goal of being net-zero by 2040 and the need to reduce the number of gas-powered vehicles on Toronto's streets.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council authorize up to 1000 Free-Floating Car-Share parking permits be issued to a car-share organization / company on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 925, Permit Parking, as follows: a. by deleting from Section 925-5.1 A(2) the number "500" and inserting the number "1000"; and b. by deleting from Section 925-5.1 B(5) the number "500" and inserting the number "1000". 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 and 2, above.
IE7.4amended
The City Council adopted Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a comprehensive action plan focused on eliminating traffic related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's streets. Since the inception of the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan in 2017, the City's investment in and delivery of the plan is making a difference - the number of fatalities and serious injuries have been on the decline. No loss of life as a result of traffic collisions is acceptable - Transportation Services is committed to working with City Council and the public in continuing to build on progress made to date, to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's roadways. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan as well as several requests made by City Council of the General Manager, Transportation Services. This report is divided into four sections, covering the following initiatives: 1. Overall update on the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan 2. Proposed update to the Traffic Calming Policy 3. Update on Automated Enforcement and Community Safety Zones - Proposed framework guiding the creation of Community Safety Zones outside of school zones - New and revised Community Safety Zone designations within school zones to support Automated Speed Enforcement - Update on Automated Enforcement Programs 4. Report back on other Vision Zero Tools and related City Council requests - Report back on impaired driving in consultation with Toronto Police Service - Minor update to the Zebra Marking Policy to add mid-block school crossing guard locations - Updates on area-based speed limit reductions - Report Back on Traffic Control Warrants and Complete and Safe Street Design Considerations 1. Overall update on the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan: The Vision Zero 2.0 Road Safety Plan adopted by Council in 2019 recommended a set of extensive, proactive and targeted initiatives, informed by data and aimed at eliminating serious injury and fatalities on Toronto's roads. This report provides an update on key accomplishments to date and a summary of recent data trends on safety outcomes. 2. Proposed update to the Traffic Calming Policy: Requests from Council to review the existing 2002 Traffic Calming Policy provided an opportunity to propose updates to the policy in alignment with the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan with the objective of delivering more traffic calming measures (speed humps and speed cushions) because they are a cost-efficient, effective, and quick tool to improve safety of neighbourhood streets, as well as to propose process changes to more effectively support other speed management measures like local road speed limit reductions. 3. Update on Automated Enforcement and Community Safety Zones: these sections all address different tools associated with Automated Enforcement as well as the establishment of Community Safety Zones Proposed Framework Guiding the Creation of Community Safety Zones Outside of School Zones: Staff was directed to develop a framework to evaluate requests for Community Safety Zone designations in order to implement Automated Speed Enforcement outside of school zones. This report seeks approval on a framework for expanding Community Safety Zones beyond school frontages to areas across the community to enable the expansion of Automated Speed Enforcement. New and Revised Community Safety Zone Designations within School Zones to Support Automated Speed Enforcement: Staff is recommending updates to some existing Community Safety Zones as well as adding new ones in school zones to support Automated Speed Enforcement for particular locations. Update on Automated Enforcement Programs: This report includes an update on the City's Automated Enforcement efforts including Automated Speed Enforcement evaluation and options for possible program expansion. 4. Report back on other Vision Zero Tools and related City Council requests: these sections all address different tools to support the continued delivery of the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, some of which are City Council-directed Report Back on Impaired Driving in Consultation with Toronto Police Service: As directed by City Council, staff have reviewed statistics related to impaired driving as well as outlining approaches taken to address this ongoing concern to road safety. Minor Update to the City's Zebra Marking Policy to Add Mid-block School Crossing Guard Locations: Staff have identified that mid-block locations with active school crossing guards are currently not eligible for zebra markings and propose to add these locations to improve visibility. Updates on Area-Based Speed Limit Reductions: Staff have received feedback from Councillors and residents that, as part of the ongoing 30 kilometres per hour speed limit reductions, the exclusion of 30 kilometres per hour collector roads in speed limit areas has resulted in confusion and extra signage. This change will allow the modification of the speed limit areas to reduce the number of signs. Report Back on Traffic Control Warrants and Complete and Safe Street Design Considerations: These sections include a report back on updated warrants to evaluate all-way stop control, pedestrian crossovers and traffic control signals as well as a summary of efforts taken to date to ensure that Complete and Safe Street designs are considered for every major road rehabilitation project.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the updated 2023 Traffic Calming Policy as detailed in Attachment 2 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 2. City Council amend §27-18.4B(9), Traffic Calming, of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 27, Council Procedures, as follows: a. by deleting from subsection (a)[3] the phrase: "Chicanes" and inserting the phrase: "Speed cushions"; b. by deleting from subsection (b) the phrase: "that do not have an established Toronto Transit Commission route"; and c. by deleting subsection (c): "Despite Subsection B(9)(b), the authority to waive petition and polling requirements under the City's Traffic Calming Policy for traffic calming proposals." 3. City Council adopt the 'Framework and Expanded Criteria for Establishing Community Safety Zones', detailed in Attachment 3 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services for creating Community Safety Zones outside of School Zones. 4. City Council rescind the Community Safety Zone designations and / or designate the Community Safety Zones and authorize the amendments to Schedule XXXIII to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as set out in Attachment 4, as amended by Infrastructure and Environment Committee, to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 5. City Council designate the school locations as Community Safety Zones and authorize the amendments to Schedule XXXIII to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as set out in the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 6. City Council renew the previous request to the Ontario Minister of Transportation to change the maximum Blood Alcohol Concentration for all licensed motorcycle drivers to 0 percent. 7. City Council request that the Ontario Minister of Transportation create a provincial Impaired-Driving Task Force to support the prevention, awareness, enforcement and treatment of impaired driving and to generate more collaboration and consensus for effective solutions to address impaired driving across Ontario. 8. City Council amend the Zebra Crosswalk Policy to include zebra crosswalks at mid-block school crossing guard locations with active guards. 9. City Council authorize the inclusion of collector roads within designated areas with a speed limit of 30 kilometre per hour under Section 950-701 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, subject to listed exclusions. 10. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 through 9, above. 11. City Council request the Toronto Police Services Board and Toronto Parking Authority in partnership with Transportation Services to improve the safety of vulnerable road users by following the lead of Calgary and Montreal and acquiring at least 10 mobile automated licence plate readers for use, as a pilot project, primarily in enforcing parking offences that adversely affect the safety of vulnerable road users, such as obstructing bike lanes and blocking visibility at intersections, and to include an evaluation of the effectiveness of this pilot project in the overall parking strategy report scheduled for 2024. 12. City Council direct Financial Services to earmark, where feasible, the revenue from the parking tickets collected through the pilot automated licence plate reader project to the pilot project, to the extent necessary to recover the cost of the project. 13. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report, at least once a year, on how Toronto's lack of safe infrastructure for vulnerable road users is affecting Toronto's air quality, climate, public health and congestion goals. 14. City Council affirm the importance of safety in construction zones whereby staff: a. Manage construction zones with priority emphasis to emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while also ensuring worker safety; b. Ensure safe, accessible and well-marked paths of travel for pedestrians in all construction zones; and c. Maintain protected cyclist infrastructure to the greatest extent possible with well-marked signage and leveraging best practices from other jurisdictions.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the updated 2023 Traffic Calming Policy as detailed in Attachment 2 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 2. City Council amend §27-18.4B(9), Traffic Calming, of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 27, Council Procedures, as follows: a. by deleting from subsection (a)[3] the phrase: "Chicanes" and inserting the phrase: "Speed cushions"; b. by deleting from subsection (b) the phrase: "that do not have an established Toronto Transit Commission route"; and c. by deleting subsection (c): "Despite Subsection B(9)(b), the authority to waive petition and polling requirements under the City's Traffic Calming Policy for traffic calming proposals." 3. City Council adopt the 'Framework and Expanded Criteria for Establishing Community Safety Zones', detailed in Attachment 3 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services for creating Community Safety Zones outside of School Zones. 4. City Council rescind the Community Safety Zone designations and / or designate the Community Safety Zones and authorize the amendments to Schedule XXXIII to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as set out in Attachment 4 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 5. City Council designate the school locations as Community Safety Zones and authorize the amendments to Schedule XXXIII to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as set out in the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 6. City Council renew the previous request to the Ontario Minister of Transportation to change the maximum Blood Alcohol Concentration for all licensed motorcycle drivers to 0 percent. 7. City Council request that the Ontario Minister of Transportation create a provincial Impaired-Driving Task Force to support the prevention, awareness, enforcement and treatment of impaired driving and to generate more collaboration and consensus for effective solutions to address impaired driving across Ontario. 8. City Council amend the Zebra Crosswalk Policy to include zebra crosswalks at mid-block school crossing guard locations with active guards. 9. City Council authorize the inclusion of collector roads within designated areas with a speed limit of 30 kilometre per hour under Section 950-701 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, subject to listed exclusions. 10. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 through 9, above.
IE7.5adopted
2023 Road Openings and Closures in the Port Lands
This report recommends the following roadway openings and temporary closures as part of a larger package of openings and temporary closures required as construction of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project progresses toward completion, anticipated by the end of 2024: - Dedication and opening of the fully completed, realigned portion of Cherry Street, including new cycling infrastructure and new bridge crossings over the Keating Channel from Lake Shore Boulevard East to Commissioners Street; - The interim naming of the portion of the realigned Cherry Street between the Keating Channel and Commissioners Street to "New Cherry Street" and the naming of the portion between Lake Shore Boulevard and Keating Channel as "Cherry Street"; - Designation of the lands which contain the travelled lanes, trails, and sidewalks as public highways and to implement traffic and parking by-laws for each of the final opening of Cherry Street north of Commissioners Street and the interim opening of Commissioners Street, east of existing Cherry Street to Don Roadway (including Commissioners Street Bridge), also known as the "Interim Commissioners Street" and Villiers Street, from Cherry Street and a point 359 metres. Each designation its respective associated traffic and parking by-law amendments are to take effect in respect of has been constructed to the satisfaction of the City and accepted and commissioned by the City and after all property rights allowing its use as a public highway have been granted to the City by the relevant landowner and registered on title; - Re-opening of Commissioners Street, between Cherry Street and Don Roadway, in an interim condition, in order to accommodate the on-going construction of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project; - Temporary closure of existing Cherry Street from Lake Shore Boulevard East to Villiers Street to accommodate the planned demolition of the former lift bridge over the Keating Channel. A staff report will be submitted at a later date to close the subject section of existing Cherry Street permanently; - Temporary closure of Villiers Street to all road users, between a point 144 metres east of Munition Street and Don Roadway, from November 30, 2023, to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to allow for the continued construction of the river valley north to the Keating Channel. A staff report will be submitted at a later date to close the subject section of Villiers Street permanently; and - Temporary full closure of Villiers Street to all road users, between Don Roadway and Saulter Street South, from November 30, 2023, to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to accommodate construction staging operations.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council grant an exemption to section 3.6 of the Street Naming Policy, which states, "Streets that have been named, renamed, or assigned a Ceremonial Name or whose names have been reviewed within the previous ten years will generally not be renamed or reviewed" and direct staff to report in 2024 regarding a name for the existing Cherry Street and renaming "New Cherry Street" to "Cherry Street" as part of a broader engagement on place names in Villiers Island with Treaty partners and urban Indigenous communities. 2. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Villiers Street from a point 144 metres east of Munition Street to Don Roadway, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 3. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Villiers Street from Don Roadway to Saulter Street South, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 4. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Old Cherry Street from Lake Shore Boulevard East to Villiers Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 5. City Council authorize a northerly westbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, between a point 176 metres east of Don Roadway and Saulter Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 6. City Council authorize a southerly eastbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, between a point 176 metres east of Don Roadway and Saulter Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 7. City Council authorize the installation of temporary bicycle lanes on Cherry Street, between Mill Street and a point 134.5 metres south on the easterly northbound lanes and westerly southbound lanes, in effect at all times, to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 8. City Council continue to authorize the installation of temporary traffic control signals at the intersection of Commissioners Street and Cherry Street to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 9. City Council authorize a temporary westerly northbound and southbound cycle track on Cherry Street, between a point 23 metres south of Polson Street and a point 104 metres further south to April 30, 2024, inclusive. 10. City Council authorize to December 31, 2024, inclusive, temporary cycle tracks on the following sections of roadway, a. Cherry Street from a point 134.5 metres south of Mill Street to Lake Shore Boulevard East; b. Saulter Street South from Villiers Street to Commissioners Street; and c. Commissioners Street from Saulter Street South to Carlaw Avenue. and amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, generally as described in Attachment 10 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 11. City Council authorize a temporary westerly northbound and southbound cycle track on Cherry Street, between a point 23 metres south of Polson Street and a point 104 metres further south, to April 30, 2024, inclusive. 12. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 11 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as either Cherry Street or New Cherry Street, to take effect on the date that the last of the interest in lands in Attachment 11 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, is conveyed to the City. 13. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 12 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as Commissioners Street, to take effect on the date that notice of a lease authorizing their use as a public highway is registered on title to the last of the lands in Attachment 12 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 14. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 13 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as Villiers Street, to take effect on the date that the lands in Attachment 13 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, are conveyed to the City. 15. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Cherry Street and New Cherry Street, generally as described in Attachment 7 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Cherry Street and New Cherry Street in accordance with Recommendation 12. 16. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Commissioners Street, generally as described in Attachment 8 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Commissioners Street in accordance with Recommendation 13. 17. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Villiers Street, generally as described in Attachment 9 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Villiers Street in accordance with Recommendation 14. 18. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take all steps necessary to implement each of the proposed dedications referred to in Recommendations 12, 13, and 14 above, including requesting the City Solicitor to prepare and submit the relevant bills and to pay any costs necessary to register the resultant by-laws, if required. 19. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with Waterfront Toronto on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in relation to, among other things, street and pedestrian lighting on, as well as the construction, maintenance and warranty work of, the Interim Commissioners Street and the Commissioners Street bridge; as well as to negotiate, enter into, and execute any other necessary agreements or documents, on behalf of the City, to temporarily exercise the City's authority. 20. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, in issuing any requisite permits as delegated in Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, to include additional permit terms as the General Manager of Transportation Services deems necessary and appropriate in the interim. 21. City Council direct that Waterfront Toronto be responsible for all costs incurred with respect to road repairs, traffic signage modifications, installation of traffic control set-up, and installation of traffic control signals for the Interim Commissioners Street. 22. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to submit directly to Council at the appropriate time any necessary bills to amend the appropriate City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters, and any Schedules to the Chapters, to reinstate the traffic and parking regulations to what they were immediately prior to the by-law amendments made in connection with the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 23. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to submit directly to Council at the appropriate time any necessary bills to amend the effective date of any dedication by-law(s) and / or traffic and parking regulation by-law(s) made in connection with the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to, among other things, insert a specific effective date. 24. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision, including the necessary bills to amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, and City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 to 23, inclusive.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council grant an exemption to section 3.6 of the Street Naming Policy, which states, "Streets that have been named, renamed, or assigned a Ceremonial Name or whose names have been reviewed within the previous ten years will generally not be renamed or reviewed" and direct staff to report in 2024 regarding a name for the existing Cherry Street and renaming "New Cherry Street" to "Cherry Street" as part of a broader engagement on place names in Villiers Island with Treaty partners and urban Indigenous communities. 2. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Villiers Street from a point 144 metres east of Munition Street to Don Roadway, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 3. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Villiers Street from Don Roadway to Saulter Street South, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 4. City Council authorize the temporary full closure to all road users of Old Cherry Street from Lake Shore Boulevard East to Villiers Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate ongoing construction activities within the Port Lands. 5. City Council authorize a northerly westbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, between a point 176 metres east of Don Roadway and Saulter Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 6. City Council authorize a southerly eastbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, between a point 176 metres east of Don Roadway and Saulter Street, from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 7. City Council authorize the installation of temporary bicycle lanes on Cherry Street, between Mill Street and a point 134.5 metres south on the easterly northbound lanes and westerly southbound lanes, in effect at all times, to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 8. City Council continue to authorize the installation of temporary traffic control signals at the intersection of Commissioners Street and Cherry Street to December 31, 2024, inclusive. 9. City Council authorize a temporary westerly northbound and southbound cycle track on Cherry Street, between a point 23 metres south of Polson Street and a point 104 metres further south to April 30, 2024, inclusive. 10. City Council authorize to December 31, 2024, inclusive, temporary cycle tracks on the following sections of roadway, a. Cherry Street from a point 134.5 metres south of Mill Street to Lake Shore Boulevard East; b. Saulter Street South from Villiers Street to Commissioners Street; and c. Commissioners Street from Saulter Street South to Carlaw Avenue. and amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, generally as described in Attachment 10 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 11. City Council authorize a temporary westerly northbound and southbound cycle track on Cherry Street, between a point 23 metres south of Polson Street and a point 104 metres further south, to April 30, 2024, inclusive. 12. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 11 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as either Cherry Street or New Cherry Street, to take effect on the date that the last of the interest in lands in Attachment 11 is conveyed to the City. 13. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 12 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as Commissioners Street, to take effect on the date that notice of a lease authorizing their use as a public highway is registered on title to the last of the lands in Attachment 12. 14. City Council authorize public highway designation for the lands set out in Attachment 13 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to be dedicated in name as Villiers Street, to take effect on the date that the lands in Attachment 13 are conveyed to the City. 15. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Cherry Street and New Cherry Street, generally as described in Attachment 7 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Cherry Street and New Cherry Street in accordance with Recommendation 12. 16. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Commissioners Street, generally as described in Attachment 8 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Commissioners Street in accordance with Recommendation 13. 17. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, for Villiers Street, generally as described in Attachment 9 to the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to take effect upon dedication of Villiers Street in accordance with Recommendation 14. 18. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take all steps necessary to implement each of the proposed dedications referred to in Recommendations 12, 13, and 14 above, including requesting the City Solicitor to prepare and submit the relevant bills and to pay any costs necessary to register the resultant by-laws, if required. 19. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with Waterfront Toronto on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in relation to, among other things, street and pedestrian lighting on, as well as the construction, maintenance and warranty work of, the Interim Commissioners Street and the Commissioners Street bridge; as well as to negotiate, enter into, and execute any other necessary agreements or documents, on behalf of the City, to temporarily exercise the City's authority. 20. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, in issuing any requisite permits as delegated in Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, to include additional permit terms as the General Manager of Transportation Services deems necessary and appropriate in the interim. 21. City Council direct that Waterfront Toronto be responsible for all costs incurred with respect to road repairs, traffic signage modifications, installation of traffic control set-up, and installation of traffic control signals for the Interim Commissioners Street. 22. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to submit directly to Council at the appropriate time any necessary bills to amend the appropriate City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters, and any Schedules to the Chapters, to reinstate the traffic and parking regulations to what they were immediately prior to the by-law amendments made in connection with the report (October 12, 2023 date) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 23. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to submit directly to Council at the appropriate time any necessary bills to amend the effective date of any dedication by-law(s) and / or traffic and parking regulation by-law(s) made in connection with the report (October 12, 2023) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to, among other things, insert a specific effective date. 24. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision, including the necessary bills to amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, and City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 to 23, inclusive.
IE7.6adopted
Comments on Federal draft Clean Electricity Regulations
The Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) draft, released by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on August 10, 2023, plays a pivotal role in enabling Toronto to achieve its TransformTO Net Zero Strategy target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the community by 2040. Achieving Toronto's goal of a healthy, prosperous, equitable, resilient and net-zero carbon city by 2040, requires transitioning buildings and transportation from fossil fuels to clean electricity. A critical step for success is the presence of a resilient, carbon-free, affordable electricity supply in Ontario and increasing local renewable electricity generation. The Clean Electricity Regulations are essential for Toronto to meet its 2040 net-zero target, as they will reduce allowable greenhouse gas emissions from Ontario's remaining fossil-fueled electricity generating stations, and encourage the development of non-emitting energy sources. While the Clean Electricity Regulations is a positive first step, there is a need for further refinements to enhance their clarity and effectiveness and strengthen their intent and application. Additionally, fostering collaboration among all levels of government is essential to assist Toronto and other communities in Ontario in achieving their climate goals. A letter of comment, attached to this report, is scheduled for submission by the November 2, 2023 deadline to the Government of Canada.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee: 1. Received the report (October 11, 2023) from the Executive Director, Environment and Climate, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Environment and Climate Division recommends that: 1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.
IE7.7adopted
On-street Parking for Cargo Bikes
In a significant portion of Ward 11 and other parts of downtown, many homes have neither driveways nor garages. Those who have motor vehicles typically park them in the public right of way, usually with a city parking permit under Municipal Code 925. Automobiles with a parking permit are permitted to park at metered parking locations within their permitted area, without additional payment. As part of TransformTO and Vision Zero, to improve air quality and reduce congestion, it is highly desirable that a growing number of households meet their transportation needs without a personal automobile. For many families, an electric-assist cargo bike could meet most transportation needs at a fraction of the cost of an automobile, if they had a place to park the cargo bike. A cargo bike occupies much less space than an automobile. Nevertheless, in many areas of Ward 11, the only practical parking location for a cargo bike is on the public right of way. Under Municipal Code 925, the city issues free right of way parking permits to motorcycles. However, all bicycles are excluded from such permits, because they do not bear a unique, legally required licence plate. The city has repeatedly decided not to require bicycles to bear a licence. This obstacle is preventing a number of my constituents from purchasing cargo bicycles. Amendments to Municipal Code 925 that could resolve this conundrum include at least the following: 1. Permitting cargo bikes to park in the same places on the public right of way where a private automobile may park, as if they had a parking permit, without requiring them to purchase a permit; or 2. Permitting owners of cargo bikes to voluntarily apply for and display a unique licence plate, and allowing those who do so to purchase a parking permit. This motion will direct staff to recommend the best available option.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee: 1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report back in the first quarter of 2024, on how to facilitate and manage parking of cargo bicycles in portions of the public right way where personal automobiles are permitted to be parked.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe recommends that: 1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report back in the first quarter of 2024, on how to facilitate and manage parking of cargo bicycles in portions of the public right way where personal automobiles are permitted to be parked.
IE7.8amended
Connected Communities: Advancing Year-Round Trails between Earl Bales Park and York Mills Station
Toronto's ravine systems are vital to the city. They provide for storm water management, healthy ecosystems, as well as beautiful green spaces that are universally appreciated. In many communities, Toronto's ravines also provide for critical connectivity, allowing for residents to walk, bike, or otherwise get to parks and community centres, public transit stations, or into nature without requiring the use or expense of a car and to cross under highways like the 401 that otherwise divide neighbourhoods. Where year-round trail connections do not exist in Toronto, such as between Earl Bales Park and York Mills Station, it is incumbent upon the City to explore the ways they can be created to achieve these benefits. In 2022, City Council passed IE27.6 - Review of City of Toronto Golf Courses and directed staff to advance the implementation of strategies that would improve ravine access and trail connections. With the conclusion of the Negotiated Request for Proposal Process for the management of City-owned golf courses (GG7.17), it is the appropriate time to explore how year-round trail access can be created around the Don Valley Golf Course, connecting Earl Bales Park to Yonge Street and providing access to and from adjacent residential communities without impacting regular golf operations. Today, the only formal trails that connect these areas pass through the middle of the golf course and are closed to the community between April and November. Access to greenspace is also an important equity consideration, particularly where there are opportunities to improve mobility. With many purpose-built affordable apartment buildings along Sheppard and close to this ravine, a connection could materially benefit many individuals and families into the foreseeable future. With capital plans for some 10,000 trees and shrubs to be planted in 2025 in this section of the Don Valley ravine, now is the time to advance a plan that improves accessibility, while complementing golf course operations and supporting ravine habitat and conservation efforts.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services, to explore the feasibility of, and optimal alignment for, a year-round trail connection between Earl Bales Park and York Mills Station that will achieve the following goals: a. Not interfere with regular golf operations within the Don Valley Golf Course; b. Maximize connectivity and safety for trail users and adjacent residential areas through formalizing existing improvised trails that may be substandard; and, c. Minimize impact on important habitat and hydrogeological features of the ravine. 2. City Council direct the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to explore opportunities for public trail access through this section of the Don Valley on an interim basis in accordance with the Toronto Municipal Code and the goals in recommendation 1 above, while long-term trail designs are being evaluated and implemented. 3. City Council direct the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report back with a recommended work plan for advancing both interim and long-term year-round trail connections resulting from recommendations 1 and 2 above, as well as a preliminary capital and operating cost estimates, to the Committee by the second quarter of 2024.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak recommends that City Council: 1. Direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to explore the feasibility of, and optimal alignment for, a year-round trail connection between Earl Bales Park and York Mills Station that will achieve the following goals: a. Not interfere with regular golf operations within the Don Valley Golf Course b. Maximize connectivity to adjacent residential areas, including West Lansing c. Improve safety through formalizing existing improvised trails that may be substandard d. Minimize impact on important habitat and hydrogeological features of the ravine 2. Direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to explore opportunities for community access outside of regular business hours through this section of the Don Valley on an interim basis, while long-term trail designs are being evaluated and implemented. 3. Direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back with a recommended approach to advancing both interim and long-term year-round trail connections resulting from recommendations 1 and 2 above, as well as a preliminary operating cost, to the Committee by the first quarter of 2024.
IE7.9amended
On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, a man died of injuries after being struck by a dump truck while crossing Lawrence Avenue, between Allen Road and Marlee Avenue and on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a cement truck at the intersection of Yonge Street and Erskine Avenue. I subsequently moved motion NY8.50 on September 16, 2019 requesting City Staff to develop a comprehensive Construction Traffic Safety Management Plan in the Yonge-Eglinton Area that became known as the "Construction Hub". Despite these efforts and due to the unprecedented level of construction activity that has only increased in the four years since, once again and tragically on Monday, October 16, 2023, another fatality occurred when a pedestrian was struck by a dump truck making a turn at Davisville Avenue and Mount Pleasant Road. Heavy vehicles present a significant hazard on our City streets and are often involved in serious collisions with Vulnerable Road Users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The reduced visibility of Vulnerable Road Users and for the drivers themselves due to the design of heavy vehicles puts the Vulnerable Road Users at a higher risk of injury or fatality. Greater action must be taken to prioritize the safety of our Vulnerable Road Users in the face of a growing number of heavy trucks on our urban streets as a result of the ever increasing construction activity within our City. The federal government is responsible for regulations that pertain to the manufacturing and importation of motor vehicles or equipment under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as well as the safety fitness of interprovincial and international motor carriers under the Motor Vehicle Transport Act. Addressing this issue by regulating and encouraging the use of proven vehicle safety technologies, including design optimization for front-end and side-impact protection, and sensors for collision detection and prevention already commonplace in passenger vehicles would help reduce injuries and fatalities of Vulnerable Road Users around heavy vehicles on our busy City streets.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Federal government consider developing and implementing motor vehicle and motor carrier safety regulations and standards that require the use of new and enhanced vehicle safety technology including sensors for heavy trucks to support public safety. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Fleet Services, report to City Council by the third quarter of 2024 on the feasibility of requiring side guards on heavy trucks operating in the City of Toronto, including the City's fleet.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle recommends that: 1. City Council request the Federal government consider developing and implementing motor vehicle and motor carrier safety regulations and standards that require the use of new and enhanced vehicle safety technology including sensors for heavy trucks to support public safety.
IE7.10adopted
Chesswood Construction Project
City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation to conduct a site / project inspection of the corner of Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue West and work with the local contractor to accelerate remaining work and open that intersection to two way traffic to Finch Avenue. Alternatively, the General Manager should facilitate the opening of two way traffic from Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue to at least Steeprock Drive, while facilitating turns to and from Steeprock Drive. The Road Resurfacing of Chesswood Drive from Sheppard Avenue to Finch Avenue West (21ECS-TI07MR) has been a fiasco. It has been marked by unjustified lane closures, the abandonment of the construction site for weeks on end, the unannounced closure of commercial driveways, general lack of communication with local businesses and a great drain of resources on the local Councillor's office. Two meetings including one town hall with local businesses had to be organized by the local Councillor and repeated requests to reopen the right hand turn lane at Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue have been ignored. Numerous requests to accelerate curb work at Chesswood and Sheppard Avenue and to open two way traffic from Sheppard Avenue to Steeprock Drive have also been ignored. Local businesses, notably small retail and food and beverage, restaurants and other large trucking companies have been seriously compromised.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation to conduct a site / project inspection of the corner of Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue West and work with the local contractor to accelerate remaining work and open that intersection to two-way traffic to Finch Avenue. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to facilitate the opening of two way traffic from Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue to at least Steeprock Drive, while facilitating turns to and from Steeprock Drive, until the work described above is completed.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation to conduct a site / project inspection of the corner of Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue West and work with the local contractor to accelerate remaining work and open that intersection to two-way traffic to Finch Avenue. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to facilitate the opening of two way traffic from Chesswood Drive and Sheppard Avenue to at least Steeprock Drive, while facilitating turns to and from Steeprock Drive, until the work described above is completed.