Prohibition of Parking on both sides

from 12:00 noon to 4:00 a.m. Saturday

and Sunday - Polson Street (Don River)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (July 2, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1:

Purpose:

To enhance safety for pedestrians, roller-bladers and cyclists during the peak operational period of nearby recreational and entertainment facilities.

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 Current Budget.

Recommendations:

(1) That the parking prohibition from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., daily on both sides of Polson Street from Cherry Street to the west end, be adjusted to apply from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday to Friday;

(2) That parking be prohibited from 12:00 noon to 4:00 a.m., Saturday and Sunday on both sides of Polson Street from Cherry Street to the west end; and

(3) That the appropriate City Officials be authorized to take whatever action is necessary to give effect thereto, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

Comments:

At the request of a representative of The Docks Restaurant & Night Club, Premises No. 11 Polson Street, staff of Transportation Services have investigated prohibiting parking on weekends during the daytime on both sides of Polson Street to enhance safety for cyclists and roller-bladers frequenting the lakefront area.

Polson Street operates two-way from Cherry Street to the west end, a distance of about 400 metres, on a pavement width of 12.8 metres. Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., daily and otherwise allowed for a maximum period of 3 hours. The parking prohibition noted above was implemented in 1997 to address concerns expressed by the Police Service about vehicular/pedestrian congestion and safety in the evenings resulting from traffic generated by The Docks.

Although initially an evening entertainment establishment, recreational expansion at The Docks has increased patronage during the daytime on weekends resulting in higher traffic volumes on the street. Extending the hours of the parking prohibition on both sides of the street to begin a 12:00 noon and extend to 4:00 a.m. on weekends would not have a significant impact on other business operations on Polson Street but will enhance safety for pedestrians, roller-bladers and cyclists.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Ron Hamilton

Supervisor of Traffic Engineering

392-1806