Introduction of Parking Prohibition - Tamarisk Drive.

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April  1,  1998)  from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke:

Purpose:

To propose the introduction of a parking prohibition on Tamarisk Drive between Humber College Boulevard and a point 51.0 metres north thereof.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the installation of the appropriate regulatory signage are allocated in the Transportation Department's Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) parking be prohibited on the west side of Tamarisk Drive between Humber College Boulevard and a point 51.0 metres north thereof; and

(2) the appropriate by-law (Attachment No. 1) be amended accordingly.

Background:

The Transportation Department is in receipt of a petition from Mr. Tranquillo Musso forwarded on behalf of the residents of Tamarisk Drive (Attachment No. 2 ) to request the introduction of a parking prohibition for both sides of Tamarisk Drive throughout the curve section of the roadway north of Humber College Boulevard. Mr. Musso states that pedestrians frequently cross the street at this point and due to the curve in the road the cars parked here cause a safety hazard making it difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic and to be seen. A map of the area is  Attachment No. 3.

Discussion:

Tamarisk Drive is a two-lane roadway; parking is permitted on both sides of the street for a maximum period of three hours. Land use in the immediate vicinity is predominantly residential.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the high incidence of on-street parking in this area. Approximately ten years ago, daytime parking regulations were introduced on the residential streets on the west side of Highway 27, in the immediate area around Humber College, North Campus. Students of the college parked their vehicles on these streets throughout the day to avoid paying parking fees on campus. This problem has now moved to the residential streets on the east side of Highway 27, compounding an ongoing parking problem in the area caused by patients and visitors to Etobicoke General Hospital that also park on Tamarisk Drive to avoid paying for parking at the medical facilities. A staff review of this issue clearly indicates that daytime parking on Tamarisk Drive is a problem. Periodic parking enforcement initiatives have been ineffective in rendering a long-term solution.

Conclusion:

Based on the staff examination of this matter and the favourable consensus of the affected residents, Council's endorsement of the recommendations contained herein would be appropriate.

Contact Name:

Karen Kirk, C.E.T., Parking Co-Ordinator, Transportation and Engineering Planning.

(416) 394-8419; Fax 394-8942.

(Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of February 18, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)