STAFF REPORT

January 28, 2000

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Director, Transportation Services, District 1

Subject: Rusholme Road, fronting Premises No. 357 - Proposed Loading Zone

(Trinity-Niagara)

Purpose:

This proposal is intended to provide an area for vehicles to stop and load/unload passengers.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $250.00 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 2000 Operating Budget interim appropriations.

Recommendations:

(1) That standing be prohibited at anytime on the east of Rusholme Road, from a point 86 metres south of Bloor Street West to a point 17 metres further south; and

(2) That 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 may be required.

Comments:

At the request of Trinity-Niagara Councillors Joe Pantalone and Mario Silva, Transportation Services' staff have investigated the feasibility of designating a loading zone fronting Premises No. 357 Rusholme Road, to provide an area for vehicles to stop and load/unload passengers.

Rusholme Road operates one-way southbound between Bloor Street West and Hepbourne Street and has a pavement width of 6.4 metres. Parking is prohibited at anytime on the west side. On the east side, parking is allowed for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, between Bloor Street West and a point 32.4 metres south. Otherwise, where feasible, parking is permitted for a maximum period of three hours. The permit parking program is in effect from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., daily.

Rusholme Road, between Bloor Street West and Hepbourne Street, falls within permit parking area 3I, where, to date, 26 parking permits have been issued to residents of this block against 32 spaces available. There are two large apartment buildings located on the east side (Premises Nos. 357 and 323) and single family houses are located on the west side. Neither apartment building has a circular driveway or any other type of loading facility in front of their respective entrances.

Considering the above, as well as the occasional parking requirements for residents, non-permit holders, visitors, taxis and patrons of businesses located on nearby Bloor Street West, there are rarely parking spaces available on Rusholme Road. This has prompted motorists requiring short term parking to stop/park in the west lane or mount the west curb and stop/park on the sidewalk to load/unload passengers and/or parcels, thereby endangering pedestrians and blocking sidewalk access. Hence, there is a demonstrated need for a loading zone to provide an area for curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off activities.

A loading zone could be delineated on the east side of Rusholme Road, from a point 86 metres south of Bloor Street West to a point 17 metres further south (fronting Premises No. 357 Rusholme Road), to provide an area for curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off. Along with the loading zone designation, a "No Standing Anytime" regulation should be implemented to prevent unlawful parking, while accommodating passenger loading.

The implementation of this proposal will result in the loss of two permit parking spaces and therefore may be an inconvenience for some residents. However, the loading zone will help reduce the incidences of unlawful stopping/parking, thereby increasing pedestrian and operational safety.

Contact:

Bob Runnings, Traffic Investigator

Telephone: (416) 392-7771

Fax: (416) 392-0816

E-mail: rrunning@toronto.ca

Director.

RJR/br

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