June 25, 1998
TO: Urban Environmental and Development Committee
FROM: General Manager, Transportation Services
SUBJECT: LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND PARKING STALL INSTALLATION
ON KEELE STREET NORTH OF EGLINTON AVENUE WEST
WARD: Councillors Frances Nunziata and Bill Saundercook, Ward
27 -York Humber
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is:
(1) to obtain Council authority to construct landscape
improvements and parking stalls on Keele Street north of Eglinton
Avenue West and to advertise the required construction by-law;
and
(2) to obtain approval to amend the appropriate by-laws.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact
Statement:
Funding for this improvement is available in the Economic
Development Capital Account No. 903, Eglinton Avenue West
Community Improvement Plan. The Commissioner of Finance
previously certified that financing can be provided under the
updated Debt and Finance Obligation Limit approved by City
Council.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) approval be given to proceed with the construction of
landscape improvements and parking stalls on Keele Street north
of Eglinton Avenue West;
(2) subject to the construction of these improvements:
(a) Keele Street within the parking area north of Eglinton
Avenue be designated "one way street - northbound"; and
(b) northbound U - turns be prohibited on Keele Street at Yore
Road;
(3) the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly; and
(4) the introduction of any necessary Bills be authorized.
Background:
Keele Street north of Eglinton Avenue West is a four lane
roadway with a pavement width of approximately 14 metres and a
right-of-way width of 23 metres. The current parking regulations
on the east and west side of Keele Street allow for curb lane
parallel parking. The existing sidewalk width on the east side of
Keele Street is 6.2 metres including a 1.5 metre wide asphalt
boulevard. On the west side, the existing sidewalk is 2.8 metres
wide including a narrow asphalt boulevard. This section of Keele
Street does not function as an arterial road since it is
"jogged" with respect to Keele Street to the south and
Trethewey Drive and Yore Road play the role of connecting Keele
Street south of Eglinton Avenue to Keele Street northerly. This
section of Keele Street carries very low traffic volumes and
provides access to seven houses.
The proposed construction of landscape improvements and
parking stalls on Keele Street in this location will improve the
aesthetics of the commercial area and increase the number of
parking spaces for local merchants. The plan requires converting
the section of Keele Street through the parking area to one way
northbound. This change will not disrupt traffic flow in the area
since Keele Street does not carry high two way traffic volumes
and the local road system provides for adequate circulation
opportunities. Details of the landscape improvements and parking
area enhancements are discussed below and are shown on the
attached plan. The plan has been discussed with the Councillors
as part of the Eglinton Avenue West Community Plan and they agree
with it.
Discussion:
The proposed parking arrangement consists of two, six space
sections of angle parking on both sides of Keele Street with a
7.0 metre manoeuvring driveway. The sidewalk width on the east
side of Keele Street will be reduced from 6.2 metres to 3.8
metres, including a 1.0 metre wide impressed concrete boulevard.
This reduction is not a concern since 3.8 metres is an adequate
width for this area. On the west side, the sidewalk width will be
increased from 2.8 metres to 3.8 metres, including a 1.0
metre wide impressed concrete boulevard. This improvement
requires that Keele Street through the parking area operate one
way northbound in the same direction as the parking stall angle,
and that northbound U-turns be prohibited at Yore Road.
Pedestrian level lighting will be provided to complement the
proposed design.
To construct the parking area and landscape improvements the
following work will be undertaken:
(a) removal and reconstruction of concrete curb and gutter,
sidewalk and boulevard;
(b) construction of catch basins and catch basin leads;
(c) potential utility relocations;
(d) planting trees; and
(e) installation of light poles.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Issues:
In order to clearly delineate the space for pedestrians
crossing Keele Street, a concrete crosswalk will be constructed
on the north side of Eglinton Avenue West. Also, streetscape
improvements will add to the overall feeling of safety. While
there is no physical impact on cyclists as a result of this
proposal, there will be operational friction from motorists
manoeuvring in and out of the parking stalls. However, this is
not unlike similar situations elsewhere in the City.
Conclusion:
A new parking area on Keele Street north of Eglinton Avenue
West has been proposed in order to enhance the aesthetics and
increase parking for local businesses in the area. The total
number of parking spaces will increase from 6 to 12 and operation
of Keele Street through the parking area will become one way
northbound.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas
Manager, Project Planning and Design
Telephone - 392-8590, Fax - 392-4426
David C. Kaufman
General Manager, Transportation Services
Barry H. Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
