August 25, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services, District 1

Subject:Glencairn Avenue, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell Avenue - Installation of speed humps (North Toronto)

Purpose:

To respond to a request of the Toronto Community Council for a report on the feasibility of installing speed humps on Glencairn Avenue, between Duplex Avenue and Rosewell Avenue.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not Applicable.

Recommendation:

That this report be received for information.

Background:

Toronto Community Council at its meeting of March 30, 1999, in considering a communication (February 18, 1999) from Councillor Anne Johnston, requested that Transportation Services' staff report on the feasibility of installing speed humps on Glencairn Avenue, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell Avenue (Clause 77(p), in Report No. 6 of the Toronto Community Council).

Comments:

Transportation Services have investigated concerns regarding excessive speeding and the feasibility of installing speed humps on Glencairn Avenue, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell Avenue.

The subject section of Glencairn Avenue operates two-way on a pavement width of 7.9 metres with a maximum speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour.

A recent 24-hour speed and volume survey on the subject section of Glencairn Avenue over a two day period revealed an average daily total of 1,817 vehicles of which 1,738 (96 percent) travelled at a rate of speed of 55 kilometres per hour or less and 80 (4 percent) travelled at a rate of speed in excess of 55 kilometres per hour. The operating speed (the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles travelled) for the midweek period was 48 kilometres per hour with an average speed of 41 kilometres per hour.

Glencairn Avenue was further reviewed in accordance to the secondary criteria set out in the policy established by the former City of Toronto Council in August, 1997, i.e., using a technical screening mechanism to evaluate the need for speed humps based on prevailing traffic conditions, vehicle speed percentages and pertinent collision data (according to Police Service accident records, there were no reported accidents on the subject section of Glencairn Avenue for the three-year period ending November 30, 1998, which could be attributed to speeding). Under this evaluation, the subject section of Glencairn Avenue received 40 points out of a possible 100. Based upon the relatively low score and taking into consideration the speeding profile noted above, no further action is recommended at this time.

Notwithstanding the above and bearing in mind that the primary criteria for the installation of speed humps have been satisfied, should Toronto Community Council wish to proceed with the installation of speed humps on the subject section of Glencairn Avenue, then the following recommendations should be adopted:

(1)That approval be given to alter sections of the roadway on Glencairn Avenue, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell 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:

"The construction of speed humps on GLENCAIRN AVENUE, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell Avenue, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 42IF-5423, dated July 1999."

(2)That a speed limit of thirty kilometres per hour be introduced on Glencairn Avenue, from Duplex Avenue to Rosewell Avenue, coincident with the implementation of speed humps and as legislation permits; 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.

The traffic calming proposal, as illustrated on the attached print of Drawing No. 42IF-5423, dated July 1999, consists of six speed humps with spacings of between 38 to 73 metres. A speed limit reduction to 30 kilometres per hour 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 stipulated in the Policy, once it has been determined that speed hump installation is technically warranted, a formal poll should be conducted of adults (18 years and older) of households directly abutting the affected section of the street, and also of households on side streets whose only access is from the street under consideration for speed hump installations. Under this policy, at least 60 percent of those responding should be in favour of the proposal to authorize implementation. Accordingly, subject to approval by Council of the above recommendations, Transportation Services will conduct a poll of residents and report on the results at the deputation meeting for the project.

The changes proposed to Glencairn Avenue, as described above, would 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. Again, subject to Council's approval of the above recommendations, consultations with the emergency services would be undertaken to ensure that the detailed design does not unduly hamper their respective operations. However, the introduction of speed humps would result in slower operating speeds for all vehicles, including emergency vehicles, resulting in increased response times.

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

It is estimated that the cost to implement this proposal is $10,800.00, funds for which are available in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Capital Budget.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Randy Hillis, Traffic Investigator, 392-7771

Director

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