This site was updated on September 29, 2011
Update - September 29, 2011
The York-Bay-Yonge Interchange item to be discussed at the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC) has been deferred to a future meeting of the PWIC and will not be discussed on October 5 as originally announced. Stakeholders will be notified when a future date has been set.
The Project
The City of Toronto's Transportation Services is investigating the feasibility of reconfiguring the Gardiner Expressway's York-Bay-Yonge Interchange. Ramps being studied include the off-ramp from the Eastbound Expressway to York, Bay and Yonge Streets, and the on-ramp from Bay Street to the Eastbound Expressway.
An important consideration in this project is the improvement of the public realm, specifically the pedestrian conditions in the vicinity of York and Harbour Streets. Improved access to the existing park space in the neighbourhood would create a valuable neighbourhood amenity. Maintaining adequate traffic capacity on local streets as well as on the expressway is also very important.
Notice of Study Commencement (PDF)
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Study Area
The study area is bounded by Bathurst Street, King Street, Jarvis Street/Lower Jarvis Street, and Queens Quay.
The traffic impact study area is bounded by York Street, Front Street West, Yonge Street and Queens Quay West. Both study areas are shown on the key map below.
View York-Bay-Yonge Interchange in a larger map
Update - September 16, 2011
The proposed removal of the York Street exit ramp from the Gardiner Expressway (as endorsed by Council, August 27, 2010, see Item PW35.12 provided the opportunity to consider the best use of the property being freed up. The concept of a new north-south street running along the eastern edge of the park block currently occupied by the loop ramp had been suggested. Council directed that staff study this concept, consult the public about it, and report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.
Several alternative designs of the new street were developed. The benefits and impacts of each alternative were studied, and agencies, stakeholders, local interest groups, and the public were consulted, (see "Proposed New Street Meeting" below). The creation of a new street was found to provide some minor benefits in terms of traffic circulation, site access, pedestrian safety, short-term parking opportunities, and urban design. Residents of the immediate area are, however, strongly opposed the use of that land as anything other than public park space.
In light of the public opinion about a new north-south street in this location and recognizing the benefits of such a street would be minor, staff are recommending that it not be pursued further at this time.
Public Consultation
Information Centre #1
A Public Meeting and Open House was held to present the problem, opportunities, possible solutions and list of criteria to the public on September 23, 2009.
Notice of Public Meeting (PDF) All materials presented at the meeting are available here:
Individuals had the opportunity to submit comments on this material until October 7, 2009.
Community Design Workshop
A Community Design Workshop was held on February 6, 2010 at the Harbourfront Community Centre. Representatives of various community groups and stakeholders were invited to participate. The planning and policy context for the project, along with the three technically feasible alternative designs for the ramp from the eastbound Gardiner to York, Bay and Yonge Streets were presented to the participants.
Following the presentation, participants were organized into groups. Each group considered the three feasible alternative. Through brainstorming, discussion and drawing, each group explored the potential impacts and opportunities associated with each of the three alternatives. Resource materials provided to participants are included here:
Information Centre #2
A public open house was held on April 13, 2010 to present the preferred alternative.
Background Information
Proposed New Street Meeting
A public meeting and open house was held on April 4, 2011 to give community members the chance to learn more about, and provide feedback on, the potential addition of a local street from Harbour Street to Queens Quay between York Street and Bay Street.
The materials presented at this meeting are available here:
A question and answer session was held after the presentation. A summary of the questions and answers is provided here.
Traffic Analysis
An in-depth traffic analysis has been completed as part of this study. This analysis is described in a series of three Technical Memos. These Technical Memos in Final Draft form are available here for you to review. These memos in their final form will be part of the study's Environmental Study Report.
The analysis of existing conditions is found in Draft Technical Memo 1 (PDF)
The analysis of the impacts of the various potential configurations of the off ramps is found in Draft Technical Memo 2: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 (PDF)
The analysis of the impacts of closing the Bay St. northbound - Gardiner eastbound ramp is found in Draft Technical Memo 3 (PDF).
Contact us
If you have any questions, would like more information or would like to be added to the project mailing list, please contact:
Jason Diceman
Public Consultation Unit
City of Toronto
Metro Hall, 19th floor
55 John Street
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
Tel: 416-338-2830
Fax: 416-392-2974
TTY: 416-397-0831
Email: jdicema@toronto.ca
