(Report dated June 4, 1998, addressed to Toronto Community Council, from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and
Development Services.)
Subject:Advisability of Closing Brunswick Avenue at the South Side of Bloor Street for the Creation of an Urban Square
(Ward 24 - Downtown)
Purpose:
To report back to Council on their request to examine the advisability of closing Brunswick Avenue at the south side of
Bloor Street for the creation of an urban square.
Source of Funds:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information purposes.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The Council of the former City of Toronto when considering the Bloor Street Improvement Plan at their meeting of
September 22 1997, requested that the Commissioner of Urban Development Services, in consultation with area merchants
and residents and the Commissioners of City Works Services and Community Services, report on the advisability of
closing Brunswick Avenue at the south side of Bloor Street to create an urban square.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
In the first 4 months of 1998, civic staff worked with representatives of the Sussex Ulster Residents Association, the Annex
Residents Association, the Bloor/Bathurst Madison BIA and several residents of Brunswick Avenue to determine the
feasibility of closing Brunswick Avenue at the south side of Bloor Street to create an urban square. We found that, with
minor changes to the Sussex Ulster traffic maze, it was technically feasible to create an urban square in this location.
However, a canvass of residents of the first block of Brunswick Avenue south of Bloor Street, carried out on April 13th,
indicated that a majority of residents were opposed to the street closure and the creation of an urban square. Their concerns
centred around potential noise from persons exiting from licensed establishments and loitering in the park. At a
well-attended public meeting on May 12, 1998 neighbourhood residents overwhelmingly rejected the concept of an urban
square in the Brunswick Avenue location and anywhere else in this Bloor Street corridor. The opposition was based upon
concern about potential noise and disturbances from loiterers who would be attracted to any such park, as well as increased
traffic on neighbouring streets should any street be closed in the area.
Conclusions:
In keeping with the wishes of consulted area residents, no further work is being done on the potential for an urban square
along Bloor Street between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue.
Contact:
Paul Bain
Telephone: (416) 392-7622
Fax: (416) 392-1330
E-Mail: pbain@city.toronto.on.ca
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