Bikeway Network - 2011 Update 1st consideration June 23 2011

 

This item will be considered by Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on June 23, 2011. It will be considered by City Council on July 12, 2011, subject to the actions of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

The Acting General Manager, Transportation Services, recommends that:

 

1.         City Council endorse the direction and implementation of the Mayor's Bike Plan comprising a 100 km network of off-street bike trails and completion of critical on-street bike lane connections where the community supports them....

and where they do not impede traffic flow.

 

two areas where  they are in consideration in the greater wards 11,12,13,14 and greater Junction are...

 

3.         City Council approve modifications to the bicycle lanes on Dupont Street at the approach to the intersection with Lansdowne Avenue, to move the beginning of bicycle lanes from a point 30 metres east of Lansdowne Avenue to a point 70 metres west of Lansdowne Avenue.

 

4.         City Council provide direction regarding the installation of approved bicycle lanes on Bloor Street West, from Mill Road to Beamish Drive.

full report PDF link Bikeway Network - 2011 Update.pdf

 

Background Information

(June 9, 2011) Report and Appendices 1 to 7 from the Acting General Manager, Transportation Services, on Bikeway Network - 2011 Update (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-38906.pdf)

Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council via Sarah Doucette @DoucetteWard13

 

 

Parkdale-High Park Councillor Bill Saundercook's annual Community Environment Day

Parkdale-High Park Councillor Bill Saundercook's annual Community Environment Day takes place this Saturday, June 19 in a new location: Etienne Brule Park, east of the Humber River from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Do your part to create a cleaner, greener and more livable Toronto. Bring used or unwanted household items to the Community Environment Day. Items available for purchase include: backyard composter ($15), green bin ($18), kitchen container ($5), indoor water efficiency kit ($10) and rain barrel ($85).

full article at insidetoronto.com

Kingsway Park Ratepayers Fall 2009 newsletter

The Kingsway Park Ratepayers newsletters are always full of useful reporting of what is happening in many areas of their community, from development to historical efforts and all sorts of other issues and noticesy.

The fall 2009 newsletter has informative article about the original lighting on the Humber bridge, reproduced below. to read the complete newsletter click the link.

Enlarged text from above Bridge Lanterns -  Anna Traer asked me (Madeleine McDowell) about the possibility of restoring the original 1916 lighting on the Old Mill Bridge. This is a photo of the old Mill Bridge the morning after Hurricane Hazel struck. It shows clearly the original lantern lighting on the Bridge. Since the Humewood Ratepayers took on a similar project for the Connaught Gates at Vaughn and Bathurst, just north of St Clair about five years ago, I asked them “WHO DID IT?” It turned out to be a local company just off the Queensway. They did the job working from 1912 promotion drawings and photographs of Sir Henry Pellat’s Connaught Gates, which were of similar age to Frank Barber’s iconic Old Mill Bridge. Heritage Toronto provided the community with a segregated account and issued tax receipts for donations. The results were beautiful and spectacular. The “Lighting” ceremony, which I attended, was on the 24th of May with fireworks and a street party. The project won an award for the quality of its restoration of an important architectural feature. Chris Nelson, who did the Lanterns for the Gates, is looking at the Photographs. We also have a piece of one of the original lanterns in the Swansea Historical Society’s collection, which eliminates measured calculations and guesswork for reproduction. I am prying a cost estimate out of Mr. Nelson. , I expect a jolt for my blood pressure when I receive it. But the Lanterns would properly light the Bridge - And it would be a beautiful piece of restoration. Any assistance to make this happen would be greatly appreciated! Madeleine McDowell

Bridge Lanterns

Anna Traer asked me about the possibility of restoring the

original 1916 lighting on the Old Mill Bridge. This is a photo of

the old Mill Bridge the morning after Hurricane Hazel struck. It

shows clearly the original lantern lighting on the Bridge.

Since the Humewood Ratepayers took on a similar project for

the Connaught Gates at Vaughn and Bathurst, just north of St

Clair about five years ago, I asked them “WHO DID IT?” It

turned out to be a local company just off the Queensway.

They did the job working from 1912 promotion drawings and

photographs of Sir Henry Pellat’s Connaught Gates, which

were of similar age to Frank Barber’s iconic Old Mill Bridge.

Heritage Toronto provided the community with a segregated

account and issued tax receipts for donations.

The results were beautiful and spectacular. The “Lighting”

ceremony, which I attended, was on the 24th of May with

fireworks and a street party. The project won an award for the

quality of its restoration of an important architectural feature.

Chris Nelson, who did the Lanterns for the Gates, is looking at

the Photographs. We also have a piece of one of the original

lanterns in the Swansea Historical Society’s collection, which

eliminates measured calculations and guesswork for

reproduction. I am prying a cost estimate out of Mr. Nelson. ,

I expect a jolt for my blood pressure when I receive it. But the

Lanterns would properly light the Bridge - And it would be a

beautiful piece of restoration. Any assistance to make this

happen would be greatly appreciated!

Madeleine McDowell

Green 13 Community forum coming up on the 17th

TAKING ACTION on CLIMATE CHANGE,  A Community Approach

• Frustrated by the lack of international progress on climate change?

Want to make a difference in your community?

Attend a Green13 Town Hall Meeting

WHAT: A panel of environmental experts -discussing sustainable food, water & energy practices -grassroots advocacy -how other communities are going green

WHEN: 7 p.m. November 17, 2009 WHERE: Swansea Town Hall 95 Lavinia Avenue (south of Deforest/East of Windermere)

Who is green13? Green13 is a grassroots community environmental group active in ward 13, that focuses on public education and advocacy for the protection of the environment.

www.green13toronto.blogspot.com

Canadian Holiday Train comes to the Junction for the second year in a row.

Councillor Bill Saundercook hosted the CPR Railroad and local police in his office today making preparations for the evening  the train visits the Junction. Mr Saundercook spearheaded getting trains here last year moving it here from its downtown stopping place, which took him a number of years. The blog knows he does it for the community but we also think he like the people who attended last year that the  entertainment is great and that the trains are neat too.

about the train...

At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talent and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, is encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community.

This is the 11th year that the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train has been raising food, money and awareness for food banks in communities across Canada and the U.S. To date, we've helped raise $4 million and 2 million pounds of food with our Holiday Train program.

From the initial partnership with the National Food sharing program this was a new idea formed in 1999.That December, CP began running a freight train decorated with thousands of Christmas lights across Canada, to raise awareness of the issue of hunger prevalent in all communities. In 2001, CP launched a second Holiday Train in the United States.

The Canadian Holiday Train will be in the Junction as part of it's US and | Canadian tour Toronto – December 1st - 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., 87 Ethel Avenue, adjacent to RONA



Entertainers on the Canadian train include the Odds, an alternative rock bank, bringing their energy and full voiced harmonies to the Holiday Train stage for the first time. They will be joined by Shaun Verrault of the Canadian blues-rock trio Wide Mouth Mason.

CPR Holiday Train Photo Essay of last years visit (opens in new tab)

Economic Development Committee recommends creation of Baby Point Gates BIA

[caption id="attachment_5476" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="for full map please see link to city file at end of post"][/caption]

from the cities report...

The purpose of this report is to recommend the Designation of the proposed Baby Point Gates Business Improvement Area.



In accordance with Chapter 19 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, the City Clerk conducted a poll to determine if there is sufficient support to designate the proposed Baby Point Gates BIA.  The number of objecting petitions regarding the Baby Point Gates BIA do not meet the sufficiency benchmark to prevent the designation set out in Chapter 19‑9A of the Municipal Code.  Accordingly, City Council may establish a Business Improvement Area.  Based upon the results, it is recommended that Council pass a by‑law to designate the area described by Attachment 1 (Maps 1‑5), as the Baby Point Gates BIA.

full text...

Sweet Celebrations

One of the few things that the Junction is missing is a really decadent bakeshop. 

Just a short jaunt west on Dundas past the Humber River @ 4158 Dundas, is a new cupcake shop called Swirls.  The original location is in Streetsville and they hope to be open their Dundas location very soon, the opening has been delayed due to the recent City strike and their permits were delayed.  Their Grand Opening is scheduled for September 12th.  http://www.swirlscupcakes.ca/index.php

Apparently the owner of Swirls looked at the Junction for a location but found better rent a little West.  A wise thing that the owners did was have two retailers combine in the the same space, the cupcake business is beautifully complemented by a coffee shop.  They also have lots of parking at the back of their store.            

Art Works Art School has moved from 2451 Bloor Street West to 238 Jane Street

Art Works Art School an independent art teaching establishment has moved closer to the Junction - probably  their only reason for moving :-).

They have an art supplies and book store with the business, which right now is the closest one to the Junction, and good taste in signs...

[caption id="attachment_4859" align="alignright" width="266" caption="Photo credit Art works Art School"][/caption]

from their site,

art Works art GalleryOur new building includes a spacious main floor gallery. We are asking for submissions from returning confident students and emerging and established artists. We plan to have many opportunities for group and solo shows by the awarded candidates. The process is simple, clear and available on line under art Works art Gallery located in the side bar. For a list of upcoming submission deadlines and exhibition schedule please look on line at www.artworksartschool.com. Please call the office for gallery hours.

art Works art School Arts & Letters Cub (AWAS Arts & Letters Club)

The AWAS Arts & Letters Club offers yet more options to our growing and diverse community. Annual membership fee entitles you to numerous benefits and services including free access to Family Days, Discounts on Birthdays, Classes, Art Supplies, Life Drawing Sessions as well as invitations to Events, Openings, Workshops, Book Clubs, Lectures and Professional Exhibition opportunities. For Further information or to request a membership package, please call our office or email us.

art Works art Store

New to art Works is our art store, with competitive pricing. We sell quality items that we think work best for students. You can order the items we know you will need for any of our classes. Our prices are competitive and we are convenient. You can make great art with a minimal amount of supplies, but we feel it is important to have good quality. All of our materials have been tested by teachers, and are used in our classes. We also carry items for loot bags, gifts and portfolio sketchbooks for teens.

Art Works Art School link

Is a community based art school whose mandate is to introduce adults, children and teens to the enriching world of artmaking.

Safety crash cushion as part of the Humber bridge rehabilitation?

During the Dundas Street West bridge rehabilitation over the Humber River, road improvements and streetscape enhancements are being done, in the   current design option,   transportation services does not include a safety crash cushion when travelling westbound on Dundas St West. and are about to enter  onto the bridge.

The blog looked up the specs for the device the transportation departments report states is not included, it looks like it would be a welcome addition. See this post for more info on this part of the project including plantings.



Performance criteria

A. For head-on impacts into the nose, a QuadGuard® System shall be specified which is capable of meeting the occupant risk criteria as recommended in NCHRP 350. For vehicles weighing between 820 and 2000 kg [1,810 and 4,410 lbs], the theoretical impact velocity of a hypothetical front seat passenger against the vehicle's interior (calculated from vehicle acceleration and 600mm [24"] forward displacement) shall be less than 12m/s [39.4 ft/sec], and the vehicle's highest 10 millisecond average acceleration subsequent to the instant of the hypothetical passenger impact shall be less than 20 G's.

B. The QuadGuard System shall be capable of redirecting 2000 kg [4,410 lbs] vehicles which impact the sides of the System at speeds up to 100 km/h [62 mph] at angles of 20° (angles measured from System's longitudinal centerline). The QuadGuard System shall be capable of redirecting 820 kg [1,810 lbs] vehicles, which impact the sides of the System at speeds up to 100 km/h [62 mph] at angles of 15°. (See Test Criteria below.)

C. The QuadGuard System shall be designed and constructed so there is no solid debris from the System which can create a hazard on the roadway after either head-on or side angle design impacts.

Old Dundas Street at Dundas Street West – Highway Alteration

[caption id="attachment_4368" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Old Dundas Street work area"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4369" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="old-dundas-street-work-area-sketch"][/caption]

and a the full PDF city sketch  provided by the city planner wonderfully quick this morning as it was not on the public city site, Thanks to the, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, who provided it. [link opens in new window] [related post made July 7th 2009 click here]

Dramatic yet useful possible change at old Dundas St...

city staff text...

As part of the Dundas Street West bridge rehabilitation over the Humber River, road improvements and streetscape enhancements have been included in the overall design.

These street and landscape enhancements extend westward to the intersection of Old Dundas Street and Dundas Street West. Currently, Old Dundas Street intersects Dundas Street West at a skewed angle. To normalize this intersection (i.e. create a 90-degree t-type intersection), staff recommends the realigning of the south approach of the intersection to Dundas Street West as shown in the attached sketch and described in Appendix A. These modifications will improve traffic operations and enhance the streetscape in this area by creating more boulevard space.

SUMMARY

This staff report is about a matter for which Community Council has delegated authorityfrom City Council to make a final decision. The purpose of this report is to recommend the enactment of the highway alteration bylaw related to the realigning of the south approach of the intersection of Old Dundas Street and Dundas Street West to normalize as a T-type intersection.

The proposed alteration will be undertaken as part of the existing Contract No. 08FS-23S, and will improve traffic operations and enhance the streetscape.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Transportation Services recommends that Etobicoke York Community Council

approve:

(1) The alterations and modifications on the south approach of the intersection of Old Dundas Street and Dundas Street West, as indicated in Appendix “A”, and generally as shown on the attached sketch.

Financial Impact

All costs, estimated to be $20,000, associated with the alterations and modifications at the south approach of the intersection of Old Dundas Street and Dundas Street West, as indicated in Appendix “A”, will be charged to City Planning Acct. CUR054-01.




ISSUE BACKGROUND

The City of Toronto Act, 2006, requires by-laws for the alteration of highways. This is not a new requirement under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, in that it was required under the previous Municipal Act.  Notwithstanding that many pre amalgamation municipalities had varied practices relating to highway alterations. City Legal staff has advised that any District in Transportation Services needing to make an alteration to a highway, would require the passage of a by-law by City Council. Alterations requiring approval typically include road narrowing and widening, the installation of a lay-by, the installation of sidewalks, the installation of medians and the realignment of intersections.

COMMENTS

As part of the Dundas Street West bridge rehabilitation over the Humber River, road improvements and streetscape enhancements have been included in the overall design.

These street and landscape enhancements extend westward to the intersection of Old Dundas Street and Dundas Street West. Currently, Old Dundas Street intersects Dundas Street West at a skewed angle. To normalize this intersection (i.e. create a 90-degree t-type intersection), staff recommends the realigning of the south approach of the intersection to Dundas Street West as shown in the attached sketch and described in Appendix A. These modifications will improve traffic operations and enhance the streetscape in this area by creating more boulevard space.

4187 Dundas Street West Private Tree Removal

4187 Dundas Street West and 567, 569 and 571 Prince Edward Drive – where a developer wants to place a 10 story condo, is undergoing study from the city regarding the amount of trees they want remove, to build their project. The staff report is an interesting read as to how they approach the issues concern link below (opens in internal window)

View staff report in inset window

Staff report download

Local development apps before council this week

City community council will attend to two development applications this week (Wed), both of which are not getting much attention at the present time.

1) DUNBAR DEVELOPMENTS. 4187 Dundas Street West development plan and the issue between the developer and the city over the numbers of tress to be removed.

from the staff report...

Etobicoke York Community Council – March 26, 2009 Decision Document General Manager advised that of the remaining 7 trees, 5 could be removed subject to conditions but the General Manager refused to issue a permit to destroy Tree Nos. 4192 and 4193, being a red oak and a horse-chestnut, as: inspection of the trees by staff revealed that both are in good condition and, for the reasons set out below, the General Manager cannot support the removal of these trees.


The applicant has appealed this decision to refuse to issue permits to destroy these two trees to Etobicoke York Community Council. The applicant had requested the removal of all 9 trees (including the 2 on the abutting property) to permit the construction of a proposed residential building that was the subject of a zoning and site plan appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (the “OMB”).

The OMB has issued a decision allowing the proposed building; and, in appealing the General Managers refusal, the owner stated that: the above noted decision . . . contradicts decision PL070056 of the Ontario Municipal Board. The decision of the General Manager would not permit the construction of the 7 storey condominium development on site as approved by the Ontario Municipal Board. I believe that the decision of the General Manager cannot ignore and also contradict the decision of the Board ....

Full report PDF

 

2) Etobicoke York Community Council to recommend that City Council amend the Zoning By-law No. 1-83 in favor of  3385 Dundas Street West Zoning By-law Amendment Application –

ISSUE BACKGROUND

The applicant wishes to amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 1-83 for the former City of York to permit the construction of a 6-storey, mixed use building at 3385 Dundas Street West, containing 118 residential units and ground floor retail. The development is intended to be a rental building for individuals 65 years of age and over. No government funding or ownership is proposed. It would be operated as a private, for profit enterprise.

The building is to be designed as an apartment building, in that all of the residential units will have full kitchens. No common dining facilities or nursing care are proposed. It is to be an apartment building oriented to senior citizens as opposed to being a “supported living environment” which one might usually associate with senior citizens.

On the basis that the building is to be occupied by people 65 years of age or older, Technical Services accepted a parking ratio which is less than the normal parking ratio for an apartment building under Comprehensive Zoning By-law 1-83 for the former City of York.

The concern is whether the City, through the tools available to it under this application,can guarantee that the building will only be occupied by people 65 years of age or older, thereby justifying the lower parking ratio. The draft zoning by-law amendment attached to the Final Report does not contain any definition of senior citizen’s dwelling unit.

 

Full report PDF




 

Green 13 starts blog

Welcome to Green 13

Green 13 is a new, grassroots community environmental group operating in Ward 13 in Toronto. The group was formed following a very successful Earth Hour candlelight walk through part of our neighbourhood in Bloor West Village last March. More than 500 people attended the walk and numerous businesses participated by turning off or down their lights for the hour.

Green 13 intends to educate and advocate for positive changes to ensure the protection of our environment. Some of the ideas we have been and will be focusing on include:

Organizing regular community meetings to discuss key issues impacting our environment both locally and globally
Participating in city-wide environmental events
Organizing support for Community Right to Know legislation
Creating a series of community events around Earth Hour 2009 to involve even more residents and businesses
Engaging schools to encourage youth involvement.

Green 13 blogspot

www.green13toronto.blogspot.com

Green 13 Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/Green-13/21088804981

The main horizontal beams are now in place on the west bound lanes of the Dundas Humber River bridge.



The decking comes next and they already have a good start.

Submitted by Martin L.

Retrofit of the Dundas Humber River bridge

Construction is progressing on the westbound retrofit of the Dundas Humber River bridge.  Last week on the night shift the construction team began the installation of the large crossbeams.  Although this project is a year from completion progress has been steady.

Submitted by Martin L.

Local:EARTH HOUR PLANNING MEETING: Tuesday, January 27th

Green 13 met on Tuesday January 6th to begin planning for Earth Hour '09. There was much discussion on expanding public interest in Earth Hour, including organizing multiple events, providing forums to share information, and undertaking community initiatives that would extend beyond the one hour event.

Attendees at the meeting began to focus on the following specific ideas:

• A screening of  a film about climate change followed by a panel discussion at the Revue Theatre - MPP Cheri diNovo generously offered to help us organize this event.

• A town hall meeting in Swansea on the proposed expansion of nuclear energy in the province.

* Two Earth Hour candlelight walks - one along Bloor Street West and one along Dundas Street West in the heart of the Junction. With a possible community party/dance following the walks.

• Providing a tip sheet for "staying green" year round to Earth Hour walkers.

* There was also discussion on engaging schools and businesses in the community and participating in a family-orientated event in High Park.

So, clearly there is a lot of work to do!

Our next meeting is scheduled for 7 pm, Tuesday, January 27th, at West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas Street West. The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you are able to attend, or if you are part of a group, if a colleague will be able to attend. We are striving to make Earth Hour 2009 as inclusive and successful as possible, and we need your help to do it!  We hope to see you at the next meeting. If you have any questions, comments, and to RSVP please contact me via this e-mail ( chris_holcroft@yahoo.com ) or at 416-760-8557

Thank you!  Christopher Holcroft on behalf of Green 13

submitted by Rita Bijons on behalf of Green 13

Western Waterfront Master Plan - post 1

[caption id="attachment_1913" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Outlined area represents study area"][/caption]

The city of Toronto is currently engaged in a Western Waterfront Master Plan study. The purpose of the is to study on the type and location of park facilities, improvements to transportation, transit and pedestrian links with surrounding neighbourhoods.

[caption id="attachment_2045" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Aerial of Sunnyside Amusement Park 1926"][/caption]

The Western Waterfront Master Plan covers the area south of High Park bounded by the Humber River to the west and Marilyn Bell Park in the east. the area is 41 hectares or 101 acres in size and four kilometres long.

[caption id="attachment_2050" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Areas of possible "community" expansion "][/caption]

The railway tracks have divided the land north of the waterfront from the parkland since before the communities were created, and with the addition of the QEW expressway and Lake Shore Drive lane additions (1957) access to the the waterfront was severely cutoff.  Many people have experienced the very difficult and extremely unpleasant crossing of the road/track gap from Parkside Dr , Dunn Ave, or Ellis Rd and most any other point along the length of the study area. Reading though the city site (linked below) they  have a considerable number of ideas to create  more usable beach areas and public space.  Yet the connection to the communities though strolling and other means of simple access are not addressed.  Doing this without affecting the traffic which seems to be very important in Toronto, is going to require a expensive and large flyover of some sort, maybe more than one.  A unobstructed bridge object - one which is more than a bridge in fact a activity space itself, would greatly enhance the project each and every hour and every day for thousands of people.

Links

City of Toronto overall project site http://www.toronto.ca/waterfront/wwmp.htm

companies hired by the city to work on the project.

BAgroup BA Group (transportation planning and engineering services), in partnership with planningAlliance (planning and design practice), was awarded the project of developing the Master Plan for Toronto’s Western Waterfront parkland and area.

Consill

Take a small house & lot and build big and new

Draw a sqaure kilometer around the intersection of Dundas West and Islington Ave, and you will not find a street where a major house expansion or complete tear-down and rebuild isn't taking place. The entire community is under an intensive build big, built new boom. The example house pictured above is built on a lot that had a house half this size on it a few weeks ago. While people see a need for more interior space and  societal norms are changing to bigger houses and smaller yards in WTO, this area will change in character very much over the next few months.

Posted by Robert

Are the city's pipes causing your basement flooding?

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If you have a chronically leaky basement, chances are, the city already knows about it.

Reading thorough the city web page on chronically leaky basements on the City of Toronto web site, you quickly become aware of how serious the issue of basement leakage in older homes may not simply be the result of deterioration of older homes, but probably is greatly contributed too by the city’s failing water pipe and sewage pipe systems.

The next public meeting is for the areas outlined below. At the City of Toronto's site you can see maps to other areas.
The City of Toronto is having what is calls a "Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study to assess the causes and impacts of, and develop remedial solutions to basement flooding" in four areas surrounding Mimico Creek west of Islington Ave, north of Dundas St W., east of Renforth Dr. and south of Eringate Dr. and Princess Margaret Blvd.

The first "Public Open House" is scheduled for Thursday September 4, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Burnamthorpe Collegiate Institute, 500 The East Mall (Gymnasium).

Link to City of Toronto's city wide web page about the issue

Public information slides [PDF file]

Posted By David & Robert

Sign of the times

These advertising signs aren't among the worst that can be seen around the city but this is Islington and Bloor after all. Nevertheless, it seems doubtful that when the Kingsway Kiwanis Club donated Riley Park in 1950 that the park would later gain support by succumbing to posting an add on the back of its batting cage. These signs may be legal (http://illegalsigns.ca/2008/07/08/cbc-tv-news-coverage-of-illegalsignsca/) but not so long ago a contribution would get one's name on a brass plaque rather than litter a public park with advertising.

Posted By David