Installation of Speed Humps - Margueretta Street

from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue

(Davenport)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (July 15, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transporation, City Works Services:

Purpose:

To reduce the speed of traffic on Margueretta Street between Bloor Street West and Wallace Avenue.

Funding Source, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The estimated cost for this proposal is $13,200, funds for which are available in Works and Emergency Services 1998 Capital Fund Code No. 296702.

Recommendations:

(1)That approval be given to alter sections of the roadway on Margueretta Street, from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue for traffic calming purposes as described below, with implementation subject to the favourable results of polling of the affected residents pursuant to the policy related to speed hump installation as adopted by the former City of Toronto Council:

AThe construction of speed humps on MARGUERETTA STREET from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5234, dated July 13, 1998";

(2)That the speed limit be reduced from forty kilometres per hour to thirty kilometres per hour on Margueretta Street from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue, coincident with the implementation of the traffic calming measures; and

(3)That the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is necessary to implement the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that might be required.

Comments:

At the request of Davenport Councillors Disero and Fotinos and area residents, Works staff assessed the feasibility of implementing speed humps on Margueretta Street from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue in response to concerns about the excessive speed of traffic on this section of street.

Margueretta Street from Bloor Street West to Wallace Avenue, operates one-way northbound with a pavement width of 7.3 metres and a speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. Parking is prohibited on both sides of Margueretta Street from Bloor Street West to a point 76 metres north thereof. Alternate side parking is currently in effect on this section of street and the permit parking system operates from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.

Twenty four hour speed and volume counts were obtained over four consecutive days in September 1997 and it was found that, on average, Margueretta Street carries approximately 1,400 vehicles per day. Of these, 64% of all vehicles travelled at or below the 40 kilometre per hour speed limit and approximately 28% (400 vehicles per day) travelled between 41 kilometres per hour and 50 kilometres per hour. The percentage excessive speeding (vehicles recorded travelling at a rate of speed in excess of 50 kilometres per hour) is approximately 8% (120 vehicles per day) of all traffic.

The traffic calming proposal, as illustrated on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5234 dated July 13, 1998, consists of six speed humps at spacings of 45 to 90 metres. A speed limit reduction to 30 km/h, as permitted by the City of Toronto Act, 1996, would be appropriate. No impacts on parking are anticipated, no changes to parking regulations are required, and the effects on snow removal, street cleaning and garbage collection should be minimal.

As prescribed by City Council Policy, once it has been determined that speed hump installation is technically warranted, a formal City poll should be conducted of adults (18 years and older) of households directly abutting the affected section of street, and also households on side streets whose only access is from the street under consideration for speed hump installations. Under this policy, at least 60% of those responding should be in favour of the proposal to authorize implementation. Accordingly, staff will conduct a poll of residents and report on the poll results at the deputation meeting for the project.

The changes proposed to the Margueretta Street roadway as set out above constitute an alteration to a public highway pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Act.

The intent of Council to enact a by-law to authorize any physical changes resulting in the alteration of the pavement configuration must be advertised and subsequently be subject to a public hearing. In the interim, consultations with the emergency services agencies will be undertaken to ensure that the detailed design does not unduly hamper their respective operations.

This project is pre-approved in accordance with Schedule A of the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Roads Project.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Erin Holl (392-7892)

Co-ordinator - Transportation Operations

Insert Table/Map No. 1

Margueretta Street