December 17, 1999

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Director, Transportation Services District 1

Subject: Pearl Street, from Simcoe Street to Duncan Street - Duncan Street, east side, from King Street West to Pearl Street - Proposed Sidewalk Widenings

(Downtown)

Purpose:

To authorize minor sidewalk widenings/pavement narrowings on the south side of Pearl Street between Duncan and Simcoe Streets, and the east side of Duncan Street, between King West and Pearl Streets, subject to the proponents securing the incremental funds necessary to carry out the work.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to cover the cost of the reconstruction of the Pearl Street pavement have been accommodated in the Transportation Services 2000 Capital Budget request. Funds to cover the incremental cost of reconstruction of the sidewalks on Pearl and Duncan Streets, and if desired, the implementation of decorative lighting, must be provided by private interests or some other sources. The implementation of both projects is contingent upon this funding being secured.

Recommendations:

(1) That approval be given to narrow the pavement and widen the south sidewalk on Pearl Street, between Duncan and Simcoe Streets, described as follows:

The narrowing of the pavement (and corresponding widening of the south sidewalk) from a width of 7.3 metres to a width varying from 6.1 metres to 7.3 metres on PEARL STREET at various locations, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. SK-2241 dated December 1999;

(2) That approval be given to narrow the pavement and widen the east sidewalk on Duncan Street, between King Street West and Pearl Street, described as follows:

The narrowing of the pavement (and corresponding widening of the east sidewalk) from a width of 11.0 metres to a width of 9.7 metres on DUNCAN STREET, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. SK-2242 dated December 1999;

(3) That the enactment of By-laws by City Council respecting Recommendation Nos. (1) and (2) above, be contingent on the receipt of funds necessary to cover the incremental costs of the adjustments to the rights of way as described herein;

(4) That staff be directed to prepare all necessary tender documents and contract drawings to implement the foregoing on receipt of all private funds; and

(5) 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.

Comments:

The implementation of a revitalization concept for Pearl Street, between Duncan and Simcoe Streets and more recently, Duncan Street between King West and Pearl Streets has been the subject of considerable discussion between the local merchants both fronting and backing onto Pearl Street and City planning staff for about two years now. The project was brought forward by the merchants who wish to improve the pedestrian amenity of the area and provide boulevard cafes.

Pearl Street

The pavement on Pearl Street between Duncan and Simcoe Streets was constructed in 1906 and was reconstructed in 1924. It has been overlayed in 1969 and slurry-sealed in 1988. The street is 7.32 m wide and carries one-way westbound traffic. One-hour metered parking is permitted along the south side of the street and seven spots are provided. The sidewalks on both sides of the street range in width from 2.0 m to 2.4 m, are about 25 years old and are in fair condition. There is no major sidewalk reconstruction planned along this segment of the street at this time. The pavement has been scheduled for reconstruction in 2002 and has been advanced to 2000 to coincide with a variety of improvements proposed. Funds in the amount of $80,000 should cover the cost of any improvements brought on by the realignment including road grading and the introduction of decorative materials for the sidewalk only. The proponent has indicated that he no longer desires a decorative treatment for the roadway. The cost of the incremental work to Pearl Street will have to be secured from private interests. Should the proponents choose to implement a pedestrian-scale lighting component to the improvements, then a further $75,000 would be required from the proponents and/or from the Economic Development Budget.

The planned road work by the City presents an opportunity to implement a roadway realignment that will promote pedestrian amenities in line with the goals of the merchants in a timely and cost effective manner. The feasibility of providing a roadway realignment in connection with programmed work has been assessed with due regard to functionality, traffic operation, servicing, garbage collection and on-street parking. The recommended modification to the thoroughfare are described in Recommendation No. 1, above, and shown on the attached print of Drawing No. SK2241 dated December 1999.

Staff have reviewed the functionality of the street and established that a minimum pavement width of 6.1 m would be required given the anticipated demands for on-street loading and unloading operations. This would allow for a corresponding widening of the south sidewalk of about 1.2 m. Consideration has been given to not alter the roadway at some points to accommodate theatre access requirements. Consideration was also given to permit the placement of new street amenities, fences or structures placed on the public right-of-way requiring that 2.13 m (7 feet) of clear and unencumbered space be maintained.

The existing configuration will result in the elimination of 7 metered parking stalls.

Duncan Street

The pavement on Duncan Street between King Street West and Pearl Street was constructed in 1902 and was reconstructed in 1929. It has been slurry-sealed in 1979 and overlayed in 1987. The street is 11.0 m wide and carries two-way traffic. The sidewalk on the east side of the street is 3.7 m wide, is about 8 years old and is in good condition. There is no major sidewalk reconstruction planned along this segment of the street at this time. Funds in the amount of $80,000 should cover the cost of any improvements brought on by the realignment including road grading and the introduction of decorative materials. A pedestrian-scale lighting component has not been identified for this site.

Staff have reviewed the functionality of the street with due regard to anticipated demands for on-street loading and unloading operations and would allow for widening of the east sidewalk of about 1.3 m to align itself with the thoroughfare immediately to the north of Pearl Street. Consideration was also given to permit the placement of new street amenities, fences or structures placed on the public right-of-way requiring that 2.13 m (7 feet) of clear and unencumbered space be maintained. The recommended modification to the thoroughfare are described in Recommendation No. 2, above, and shown on the attached print of Drawing No. SK-2242 dated December 1999.

The realignment of the curbs and narrowing of the pavements constitute alterations to public highways pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Act. The intent of Council to enact by-laws to authorize any physical changes resulting in the alteration of the pavement configuration must be advertised and subsequently subject to a public hearing.

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

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Joseph Condarcuri

Telephone: 392-3964

Fax No.: 392-4426

e-mail: jcondarc@toronto.ca

Director

JC/sh

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List of Attachments:

1. Drawing No. SK-2241, dated December 1999

Drawing No. SK-2242, dated December 1999