Request for the Closure of the Walkway Between

Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive

 The Etobicoke Community Council recommends that:

(1)the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive be closed for a temporary period of six-nine months;

 (2)the closure of the subject walkway be reassessed afther the six-nine month trial period to determine if permanent closure is desirable; and

 (3)the following report (June 26, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District, be received:

 The Etobicoke Community Council reports having held a public meeting on July 22, 1998, to obtain the views of area residents with respect to the closure of the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive, at which time approximately eleven persons attended, all of whom were in favour of the closure.

 The Etobicoke Community Council submits the following report (June 24, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

 Purpose:

 To respond to a petition requesting the closure of a municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that:

(1)this report be received;

 (2)Community Council convene a public meeting this summer to obtain the views of the local residents regarding a temporary closure of the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive for a period of six months; and

 (3)the closure of the subject walkway be reassessed after the six-nine month trial period to determine if permanent closure is desirable.

 Background:

 The City of Toronto, Etobicoke Office, received a petition (Attachment No. 1) dated April 18, 1998, requesting closure of the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive, as shown on Attachment No. 2. Both residential streets are located between Martin Grove Road and Kipling Avenue, north of Albion Road.

 Comments:

 Councillor Brown convened a community meeting at the Elmbank Community Centre on April 21, 1998, to obtain comments from residents in the immediate vicinity as well as from the broader community regarding closure of the subject walkway. Approximately 20 persons were in attendance, including representatives from the Toronto Police Services, Crime Prevention Unit. Those present were generally in support of the closure to prevent vandalism, littering, loitering, foul language, and other offensive activities. There are five schools located in the vicinity of the walkway. Residents have indicated that the majority of the pedestrians are students travelling in an east-west direction to the Smithfield Middle School. There appears to be sidewalks on all roads leading to school facilities.

 Conclusions:

 Council has received a petition to close the municipal walkway between Blackbush Drive and Netherly Drive. This walkway is primarily utilized by students traveling to and from Smithfield Middle School. This has generated a nuisance for nearby residents, particularly with respect to loitering, foul language, littering, and other offensive activities. As there appears to be sidewalks along the roads leading to the school facilities, a temporary closure could be imposed for a trial period, and the issue reviewed again in late 1998.

 Contact Name:

 Dominic Gulli, Director - Transportation and Engineering Planning Division

(416)394-8409; Fax: 394-8942.

 (Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-2, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of July 22, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)