August 21, 1998

To:Urban Environment and Development Committee

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:Proposed Etobicoke Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail -- Waterfront to Eglinton Avenue

Purpose:

To provide background information respecting the proposed bicycle/pedestrian path along Etobicoke Creek between the Waterfront and Eglinton Avenue West.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Any funds required for participation in a study to determine the trail alignment and sequence of development are being considered as part of the 1999 budget request by Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

The Metropolitan Toronto Parks and Culture Department retained a consultant in 1994 to identify possible trail alignments in the Etobicoke Creek area. In 1997 the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee reviewed the trail alignments proposed by the consultant and identified alternate alignments located partially in Mississauga.

At their joint meeting on May 25, 1998 the Metropolitan Cycling and Pedestrian Committee, the Toronto City Cycling Committee and the North York Cycling and Pedestrian Committee heard a presentation by the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee respecting the proposed Etobicoke Creek area trail. As a result, the cycling committees recommended to the Urban Environment and Development Committee that, in cooperation with the City of Mississauga, the City of Toronto plan and develop a continuous bicycle/pedestrian path from the waterfront to Eglinton Avenue West along Etobicoke Creek.

Discussion:

Parks planning staff with Economic Development, Culture and Tourism staff met recently with Mississauga staff regarding joint development of the proposed trail. There is general agreement that trail development should be cost-shared by Toronto and Mississauga and that a cost-sharing formula should reflect the alignment of the trail. The original 1994 study is still relevant, however, it will need to be supplemented to address a more extensive area and some additional possibilities for trails that have emerged since its completion. Any funds required for the Toronto share of such a supplemented study would be addressed as part of the 1999 budget request by the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department.

Development of this proposed trail should also be considered within the context of a comprehensive cycling plan for the City which will be developed over the next year in consultation with the Toronto Cycling Committee and other interested parties.

Staff of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department have reviewed this report.

Conclusion:

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism staff have begun discussion with Mississauga staff for a joint Toronto-Mississauga project to plan the proposed trail extensions and improvements.

Contact Name:

Daniel Egan

City Hall Office

Telephone: (416) 392-1143

e-mail: degan@city.toronto.on.ca

Reviewed by:

_________________________________________________________

Paul J. BedfordVirginia M. West

Executive Director and Chief PlannerCommissioner of Urban Planning

City Planning Divisionand Development Services