Works and Emergency Services

City Hall

23rd Floor, East Tower

100 Queen Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M5H 2N2

February 3, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services District 1

Subject:Charlotte Street, from Adelaide Street West to King Street West - Changes to the parking regulations and introduction of southbound turn prohibition (Downtown)

Purpose:

To allow relatively unimpeded streetcar operations on Charlotte Street while at the same time retaining maximum accessibility to those abutting properties that rely on Charlotte Street for access.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $800 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Current Budget request.

Recommendations:

(1)That the existing "No Parking, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." regulation, on the east side of Charlotte Street be rescinded;

(2)That the existing "No Parking at Anytime" regulation on the west side of Charlotte Street be rescinded;

(3)That the existing parking meter operation on the east side of Charlotte Street from a point 17 metres north of King Street West to a point 13 metres further north be rescinded;

(4)That stopping be prohibited at anytime on both sides of Charlotte Street from Adelaide Street West to King Street West;

(5)That southbound left turns from Charlotte Street to King Street West be prohibited at all times, except for TTC vehicles; and

(6)That the appropriate City Officials be requested take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Comments:

In conjunction with the installation of streetcar tracks on Charlotte Street between Adelaide Street West and King Street West to accommodate short-turning of the Spadina 510 service, Transportation staff were requested by the Toronto Transit Commission to assess traffic and parking measures to maximize the efficiency of streetcar operations while accommodating other traffic on the street.

The above-noted section of Charlotte Street operates two-way on a pavement width of 9.8 metres. Parking is prohibited at anytime on the west side of the street and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the east side of the street. A site inspection has revealed that there are two parking meter posts and shells for the mechanisms installed on the east side of the street; however the meters are currently not in operation (They are authorized by Chapter 400 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code to operate between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday from a point 17 metres north of King Street West to a point 13 metres further north). Parking is permitted for a maximum period of three hours at other times on the east side of the street.

Charlotte Street will continue to operate two way with the streetcar track in the middle of the road, effectively creating a median, with northbound and southbound driving lanes on either side. Given the width of the street, this operation will necessitate the prohibition of on-street stopping on both sides of Charlotte Street and the removal of the two parking meter spaces on the east side of the street.

Staff conducted counts with respect to mid-block left turning vehicles in order to assess the impact of left-turning vehicles on streetcar operations. Based on peak and daily traffic volumes observed on Charlotte Street it would appear that left turning vehicles from or across the streetcar tracks would experience little opposing traffic and that any delays to streetcars would be minimal. Consequently, left turn restrictions mid-block on Charlotte Street do not appear necessary, at least at the outset of this short-turn streetcar service.

In order to keep the streetcar tracks clear of other traffic and to minimize delays to streetcar operations, southbound left turns from Charlotte Street to eastbound King Street West should be prohibited at all times, TTC vehicles excepted. In this regard, it may become necessary to remove two metered spaces on the south side of King Street West to provide adequate turning space for streetcars making this south left turn. The Toronto Transit Commission will be carrying out trial runs on Charlotte Street in the near future and making recommendations.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Mike Harris, 392-7711

Transportation Planner

Director

MJH/sr

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