June 24, 1998
To:Etobicoke Community Council
From:Commissioner of Works
Subject:Request for Closure of the Municipal Walkway
Between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive
(Rexdale-Thistletown)
Purpose:
To respond to a petition requesting the closure of a municipal walkway between Blackbush
Drive and Netherly Drive.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)this report be received;
(2)Community Council convene a public meeting this summer to obtain the views of the
local residents regarding a temporary closure of the municipal walkway between Blackbush
Drive and Netherly Drive for a period of six months; and
(3)the closure of the subject walkway be reassessed after the six-nine month trial period to
determine if permanent closure is desirable.
Background:
The City of Toronto, Etobicoke Office, received a petition (Attachment No. 1) dated April
18, 1998, requesting closure of the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and
Netherly Drive, as shown on Attachment No. 2. Both residential streets are located between
Martin Grove Road and Kipling Avenue, north of Albion Road.
Comments:
Councillor Brown convened a community meeting at the Elmbank Community Centre on
April 21, 1998, to obtain comments from residents in the immediate vicinity as well as from
the broader community regarding closure of the subject walkway. Approximately 20 persons
were in attendance, including representatives from the Toronto Police Services, Crime
Prevention Unit. Those present were generally in support of the closure to prevent
vandalism, littering, loitering, foul language, and other offensive activities.
There are five schools located in the vicinity of the walkway. Residents have indicated that
the majority of the pedestrians are students travelling in an east-west direction to the
Smithfield Middle School. There appears to be sidewalks on all roads leading to school
facilities.
Conclusions:
Council has received a petition to close the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive
and Netherly Drive. This walkway is primarily utilized by students traveling to and from
Smithfield Middle School. This has generated a nuisance for nearby residents, particularly
with respect to loitering, foul language, littering, and other offensive activities. As there
appears to be sidewalks along the roads leading to the school facilities, a temporary closure
could be imposed for a trial period, and the issue reviewed again in late 1998.
Contact Name:
Dominic Gulli, Director - Transportation and Engineering Planning Division
(416)394-8409; Fax: 394-8942.
D. Gulli
Interim Coordinator of Community Council
Works and Emergency Services
JD/jd*
Attachments
ccStreet File:Blackbush Drive
Netherly Drive