May 10, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Angie Antoniou, Manager, Right of Way Management, Transportation Services, District 1

Subject:Two Applications for Temporary Street Closures on Mercer Street, from Blue Jays Way to a point 200 feet east of Blue Jays Way (Downtown)

Purpose:

To seek City Council's approval for two planned one-day closures, in tandem, on Mercer Street, from Blue Jays Way to a point 200 feet east of Blue Jays Way.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the following street be closed to all vehicular traffic, for a) Wayne Greztzky's Restaurant Corporate Function and, immediately followed by, b) Molson Indyfest Drivers' VIP Party:

(1)Mercer Street, from Blue Jays Way to a point 200 feet east of Blue Jays Way, be closed to all vehicular traffic from 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 15, 1999 up to and including 6:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 1999; and

(2)that the appropriate City officials be authorized to take whatever action is necessary to give effect thereto.

Background:

Under Section 19 of Municipal Code Chapter 313, Streets and Sidewalks, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, the Commissioner may issue a permit for a street closure for "social, recreational, community and athletic purpose or a combination of these purposes" for less than 24 hours, if local access for residents and emergency vehicles is maintained. A permit for the same purpose may only be issued with Council's approval if the closure is to be greater than 24 hours with respect to a particular application. As the application for Molson Indy immediately follows the Wayne Gretzky's application, the total closure will be for 46 hours.

Comments:

Mr. Philip Noble of Street Events Management, on behalf of Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant, applied for a temporary street closure permit for Mercer Street for a Corporate Function from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, 1999 up to and including 7:59 a.m. Friday July 16, 1999. Mr. Charlie Johnstone of Molson Indyfest, applied for a temporary street closure permit for Mercer Street for their Molson Indyfest Drivers' VIP Party from 8:00 a.m. Friday July 16, 1999 up to and including 6:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 1999. These applications request permission to close Mercer Street, from Blue Jays Way to a point 200 feet east of Blue Jays Way, to all vehicular traffic.

Vehicular access will be provided to the parking lots on Mercer Street up to the point of the road closure. To alleviate the problems encountered by motorists during the event, arrangements will be made to have appropriate traffic signs and barricades installed. Emergency vehicular access will be maintained during the Mercer Street closure.

The applicants have notified the businesses directly affected by the proposed closure. In addition, I have consulted with the Ward Councillors, Fire Department, Ambulance Services and the Toronto Police Service who have no objections to the above-noted closure.

Conclusions:

In consideration that all of the requirements for a temporary street closure have been met by the applicants, I recommend that permission be granted for the closure of the street and times previously indicated, and that the appropriate amendment be made to Municipal Code Chapter 313, Streets and Sidewalks, to allow me to issue permits, assuming Council has approved the closure.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Barrie Chavel, 392-0839

Manager

RMW

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