September 17, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services District 1

Subject:Balfour Avenue, north side, west of Palmer Street - Provision of an on-street loading zone for the disabled at Premises No. 30 (Ward 26 - East Toronto)

Purpose:

To provide an unobstructed curbside loading area for a disabled resident at Premises No. 30 Balfour Avenue at times when they require pick-up/drop-off by Wheel-Trans buses

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $500.00 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)a loading zone for the disabled, operating, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, be established on the north side of Balfour Avenue, from a point 23.5 metres west of Palmer Street to a point 11.0 metres further west thereof; and

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

Comments:

At the request of Councillor Tom Jakobek, Transportation Services' staff have investigated the possibility of delineating a loading zone for the disabled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily on the north side of Balfour Avenue in front of Premises No. 30, to facilitate Wheel-Trans operations while picking up/dropping off a disabled person at this premises.

Balfour Avenue, from Barrington Avenue to Palmer Street, operates two-way on a pavement width of 7.3 metres and has a maximum speed limit of forty kilometres per hour. Parking is allowed for a maximum period of three hours (except from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., when permit parking is in effect) on the north side and is prohibited at anytime on the south side of the street.

On-street parking is generally moderate to heavy on the north side of Balfour Avenue during the daytime, with the result that Wheel-Trans buses are usually forced to double park on Balfour Avenue in the vicinity of Premises No. 30. Although loading operations are usually of short duration, traffic flow is impeded, creating an unsafe environment for motorists and the disabled person being picked up/dropped off.

Implementing an on-street loading zone for the disabled on the north side of Balfour Avenue, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, from a point 23.5 metres west of Palmer Street to a point 11.0 metres further west would resolve the above-noted problems and enhance Wheel-Trans operations.

This proposal would eliminate two parking spaces on Balfour Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily which might cause a minor inconvenience for other residents. However, there would be no loss of parking spaces in Permit Area 9A, since the loading zone would not operate during the exclusive permit parking hours.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Gary O'Neil, Traffic Investigator, 392-7771

   Director

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