Blackthorn Avenue from St. Clair Avenue West

to Rockwell Avenue - Proposed pavement narrowings (Davenport)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (March 26, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1:

Purpose:

To reduce the incidents of motorists unlawfully travelling against the one-way operation on Blackthorn Avenue between St. Clair Avenue West and Rockwell Avenue, particularly motorists exiting St. Marks' and Calvary Anglican Church parking lot by the introduction of traffic islands.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to cover the cost of this work in the estimated amount of $3,000 are available under Capital Fund Code No. 296702.

Recommendations:

(1)That approval be given to narrow the pavement at selected locations on Blackthorn Avenue, from St. Clair Avenue West to Rockwell Avenue, described as follows:

"The narrowing of the pavement from a width of 8.5 m to a width ranging from 5.0 m to 8.5 m on the north/west side of Blackthorn Avenue, from 99 metres north of St. Clair Avenue West to a point 10 metres further north thereof, and to a width ranging from 3.8 m to 7.3 m on the west side of Blackthorn Avenue from Rockwell Avenue to a point 15 m south thereof, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5353, dated March, 1999";

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

Background:

In considering Clause 59 of Report No. 4, Item "p" Toronto Community Council at its February 17, 1999 meeting, requested staff to review the feasibility of installing planter boxes on Blackthorn Avenue immediately south of Rockwell Avenue, and on Blackthorn Avenue immediately south/west of the St. Marks' and Calvary Anglican Church parking lot to reduce the incidents of motorists unlawfully travelling against the one-way operation on Blackthorn Avenue, and to report back to the Community Council on March 30, 1999 with the results of the feasibility study.

Comments:

Blackthorn Avenue from St. Clair Avenue West to S.A.D.R.A. Park has a pavement width of 8.5 metres, and 7.3 metres for the remaining portion to Rockwell Avenue. Blackthorn Avenue has a maximum speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour and operates two-way from St. Clair Avenue West to the first lane north thereof, and one-way (northbound) for the remaining portion to Rowntree Avenue.

Parking is prohibited on the east side, and allowed for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday on the west side, from St. Clair Avenue West to S.A.D.R.A. Park. The permit parking system operates from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily, and parking is otherwise permitted for a maximum period of three hours from S.A.D.R.A. Park to Rockwell Avenue.

Twenty-four hour traffic surveys conducted between July 31, 1998 and August 2, 1998 revealed that approximately 800 to 1000 vehicles travel on this portion of Blackthorn Avenue per day, of which approximately 60 to 100 vehicles travelled the wrong way.

In light of the above, to reduce the number of motorists unlawfully travelling against the one-way operation on Blackthorn Avenue between St. Clair Avenue West and Rockwell Avenue, particularly motorists exiting the St. Marks' and Calvary Anglican Church parking lot, traffic islands could be installed generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5353, dated March, 1999.

The changes proposed to Blackthorn Avenue as set out above constitute alterations to a public highway pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Act.

Accordingly, 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. It should be noted that emergency services are being advised of the proposal to ensure that the detailed design does not unduly hamper their operations.

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

Contact Name and Telephone Number

Joe Gallippi

Transportation Technologist, 392-7711

Insert Table/Map No. 1

Blackthorn Avenue