12.KEELE STREET AND LONBOROUGH AVENUE

- TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERNS, Ward 27, York-Humber.

Councillor Frances Nunziata, Ward 27, York-Humber

(October 26, 1998)

I have recently been contacted by a resident residing on Keele Street directly across from C. E. Webster Public School regarding the safety of children attending the school. The resident indicated that prior to the beginning of this school year, a child was struck crossing Keele Street at that location. Once again, in speaking with the constituent, I was advised that another child was almost hit on the morning of October 23, 1998 while attempting to cross Keele Street to attend school.

Adding to the safety concern, are cars illegally parked on both sides of Irving Road at Keele Street, where parents load and unload their children rather than using the school=s parking lot located on Clearview Heights. I, myself, have observed numerous cars parked at that location, putting not only the children=s safety at risk but also making it extremely difficult and unsafe for motorists accessing Irving Road.

Also, I have been advised that vehicles travelling southbound on Keele Street are making an illegal left-hand turn onto Lonborough Avenue, contrary to the posted ANo Left Turns@ from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., except Sundays and Public Holidays, regulation. Vehicles can legally make left-hand turns at Beechborough Avenue, which is one street north of Lonborough Avenue or Eglinton Avenue West.

With this in mind, I am requesting staff report on what action can be taken to improve safety at this location, including in that report a compliance study of the no left turn regulation from Keele Street and Lonborough Avenue.

For Committee=s information, my office has:

1)requested Parking Enforcement West monitor the illegal parking on Irving Avenue; and

2)requested the Toronto Police Department, 12 Division, enforce the no left turn regulation at Keele and Lonborough Avenue.

To immediately try to assist area residents, pending the staff report and hopefully a more permanent solution to these safety concerns.