Proposed Installation of Speed Humps -

South Parkdale Area (High Park)

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

Purpose:

To reduce the speed of traffic in the South Parkdale Area by the introduction of speed humps.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to cover the cost of this work in the estimated amount of $24,200.00 are available in the Transportation Services 1999 Capital Budget.

Recommendations:

(1) That approval be given to alter sections of the roadway on Wilson Park Road, Elm Grove Avenue, Spencer Avenue and Dunn Avenue in the South Parkdale Area bounded by Dufferin Street, Queen Street West, and Springhurst Avenue for traffic calming purposes as described below, with implementation subject to favourable results of the polling of 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 Wilson Park Road and Elm Grove Avenue (from King Street West to Queen Street West); and Spencer Avenue and Dunn Avenue (from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue), generally as shown on the attached prints of Drawing Nos. 421F-5462 and 5463, dated September 1999".

(2) That the speed limit be reduced from 40 km/h to 30 km/h on Wilson Park Road and Elm Grove Avenue (from King Street West to Queen Street West), and Spencer and Dunn Avenues (from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue) coincident with the implementation of speed humps; and

(3) 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 might be required.

Comments:

Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski has, requested staff assistance in developing a speed hump plan for the South Parkdale Area in order to reduce vehicle speeds.

Existing Conditions

1.Wilson Park Road from Queen Street West to King Street West

Elm Grove Avenue from Queen Street West to King Street West

Wilson Park Road has a pavement width of 6.1 metres and operates one-way northbound, and Elm Grove Avenue has a pavement width of 7.3 metres and operates one-way southbound. The maximum speed limit on both streets is 40 km/h. The following parking regulations are in effect on both streets:

East Side

(a)Parking is prohibited at all times.

West Side

(a)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.

A twenty-four hour speed and volume survey conducted on Wilson Park Road from Queen Street West to King Street West in July 1998 recorded approximately 1200 vehicles per day. The operating speed (the speed at which 85 percent of vehicular traffic travels at or below) was 58 km/h, while the average speed was 46 km/h. Incidence of excessive speeding (vehicles travelling in excess of 55 km/h) was 23 percent of the daily volume. On Elm Grove Avenue a twenty-four hour speed and volume survey also conducted in July 1998 recorded approximately 1500 vehicles per day. The operating speed was 52 km/h, while the average speed was 44 km/h. Incidence of excessive speeding was 12 percent of the daily volume. These streets meet the criteria for the installation of speed humps.

A suitable speed hump plan for these streets would consist of four speed humps on Wilson Park Road and six speed humps on Elm Grove Avenue generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5462 dated September 1999.

2.Spencer Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue

Dunn Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue

Spencer Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue has a pavement width of 7.3 metres and operates one-way northbound. Dunn Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue has a pavement width of 6.1 metres and operates one-way northbound. The maximum speed limit for both streets is 40 km/h. The following parking regulations are in effect on both streets:

East Side

(a)Parking is allowed for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(b)The permit parking system operates from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily, and parking is otherwise allowed for a maximum period of three hours at other times.

West Side

(a)Parking is prohibited at all times.

A twenty-four hour speed and volume survey conducted on Spencer Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue in July 1998 recorded approximately 1400 vehicles per day. The operating speed (the speed at which 85 percent of vehicular traffic travels at or below) was 58 km/h, while the average speed was 43 km/h. Incidents of excessive speeding (vehicles travelling in excess of 55 km/h) was 17 percent of the daily volume. On Dunn Avenue from King Street West to Springhurst Avenue a twenty-four hour speed and volume survey also conducted in July 1998 recorded approximately 3500 vehicles per day. The operating speed was 52 km/h, while the average speed was 45 km/h. Incidence of excessive speeding was 15 percent of the daily volume. These streets meet the criteria for the installation of speed humps.

A suitable speed hump plan for these streets would consist of six speed humps on Spencer Avenue and six speed humps on Dunn Avenue generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No.421F-5463 dated September 1999.

As outlined in the former City of Toronto speed hump policy, it is recommended that residents be polled to determine whether there is community support for speed humps as outlined above. The poll should be conducted of adult residents (18 years and older) of households directly abutting the street. At least 60 percent of valid responses should support the plan in order to authorize the installation. The final decision rests with City Council.

The changes proposed to the South Parkdale Area 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 is noted that emergency services will be 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, Senior Traffic Investigator, 392-7711

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South Parkdale

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South Parkdale