March 18, 1998

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Andrew Koropeski, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services

Subject: Introduction of traffic regulations on Robertson Crescent, south of Queens Quay West. (Downtown)

Purpose:

The purpose of this proposal is to regulate traffic operation and parking on a recently acquired street in Harbourfront.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1) That parking be prohibited at anytime on both sides of Robertson Crescent;

(2) That the speed limit be restricted to forty kilometres per hour on Robertson Crescent; and

(3) That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Background:

The previous City of Toronto Council at its meeting of April 14, 1997, adopted as amended, Clause 26 in Executive Committee Report No. 13, wherein the roadway known as Ring Road in Harbourfront, was dedicated as a public highway. Subsequently, City Council at its meeting of August 21, 1997, in considering Clause 12 in City Services Committee Report No. 10 entitled, Naming of Street in Harbourfront - Robertson Crescent (Ward 5) adopted the Clause without amendment, and in so doing, renamed Ring Road as Robertson Crescent and further, authorized the Commissioner of City Works Services to implement traffic control regulations for Robertson Crescent and to take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the street.

Robertson Crescent runs south from Queens Quay West and has a AU@ shape operating two-way on variable pavement widths. The westerly branch of Robertson Crescent, at Queens Quay West/Rees Street, is a four-way signalized intersection while the easterly branch of Robertson Crescent forms a T-type intersection at Queens Quay West (approximately 75.0 metres east of the westerly branch). As Robertson Crescent is a new street, no traffic data is currently available with respect to traffic speed, traffic volume or accidents.

Robertson Crescent provides access to the Toronto Police Marine Unit Headquarters, access to underground parking garages for residential/hotel properties, permits loading/unloading activities in front of various businesses and provides access for garbage collection services at abutting properties.

In consideration of the foregoing and in consultation with representatives of the Harbourfront Corporation who have been maintaining the street prior to it being assumed by the City, I have concluded that to maintain operational safety and allow vehicles to legally stop while actually engaged in making deliveries, parking should be prohibited at anytime on Robertson Crescent in its entirety. In conjunction therewith, the regulatory signage should be enhanced (where appropriate) by affixing Aloading only@ tabs to the prohibited parking signs to further discourage illegal parking.

Given the alignment of the roadway and generally high concentration of pedestrians in the Harbourfront area, the speed limit on Robertson Crescent should be established at forty (40) kilometres per hour. Additionally, as Queens Quay West is designated as a through highway, a "Stop" sign should be posted for northbound traffic on Robertson Crescent (easterly branch) at Queens Quay West. No by-law amendment is required to authorize the installation of this sign.

I note that at the request of Councillor Kyle Rae, City Works Services is currently reviewing other parking concerns on this street involving tour buses and taxicabs. We will report direct to Councillors Chow and Rae on these issues upon completion of our investigation and if necessary, to the Toronto Community Council on any further modifications to the parking regulations on Robertson Crescent that might become necessary.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Curt Russell, 392-7771

Director.

CR/cr