Sidewalk Widenings - Pearl Street, from Simcoe Street to
Duncan Street - Duncan Street, east side, from King Street West
to Pearl Street - (Downtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following
report (December 17, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District
1:
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:
Joseph Condarcuri
Telephone: 392-3964
Fax No.: 392-4426
e-mail: jcondarc@toronto.ca
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