City of Toronto: Walking

New Accessibility Standards
New provincial laws have recently been proclaimed as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), under Part IV.1 of O.Reg 191/11 on the built environment. By January 1, 2016 the City of Toronto must comply for all newly constructed or redeveloped infrastructure. This briefing note summarizes the key requirements – the main change being raised profile tactile walking surface indicators at the bottom edge of curb ramps and depressed curbs. This note aims to raise awareness and support implementation of the new accessibility standards for public spaces (such as sidewalks, walkways, stairs, and curb ramps) as required by the Government of Ontario.

Walking Habits Survey
The results (PDF) are available from a recent survey of the walking habits and attitudes of Toronto residents. The survey was conducted late in 2012 by Ispos Reid of 1,000 residents over the age of 16.
(Note: If you need assistance reading content, contact: Janet Lo, email: jlo3@toronto.ca, call: 416-397-4853.)

Public Forum
Come join us to hear about "Creating a More Walkable Toronto - Strategies from Chicago and New York City". The event will be held on Tuesday April 9th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Urbanspace Gallery, 401 Richmond Street West. Keynote is Sam Schwartz, former traffic commissioner and chief engineer for New York City, whose firm has developed Chicago's Pedestrian Plan and America Walks' guide "Steps to a Walkable Community". Also, hear from Stephen Buckley, the city's General Manager, Transportation Services. Seating will be limited, so please come early. Co-sponsored by the Toronto Society of Architects and the city's Public Realm Section of Transportation Services. (see poster)

St. Dennis Drive – Public Meeting on Tuesday March 19
A community meeting will be held on Tuesday March 19th, 2013 from 7:30pm to 9:15pm at the Flemingdon Park Library auditorium (29 St. Dennis Drive). The meeting will talk about creating a safer street for everyone by slowing down car traffic. The proposal is to re-paint lane markings on St Dennis Drive to put in left turn lanes at intersections, 2 bike lanes and on-street parking. To learn more, please see the poster. Tell us what you think - come to the meeting or email us at: walking@toronto.ca

St. Dennis Drive – Translations (Farsi, Chinese, Tamil, Urdu)

Annual Conference
City staff did a presentation recently on "Designing for Pedestrians in Toronto" for the Transportation Association of Canada (done virtually and not in person) at the national conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The presentation slides and audio are available by clicking this weblink.

City of Toronto Seniors Strategy
As a part of the development of the City of Toronto Seniors Strategy, the City has released a Consultation Workbook that will allow individuals and groups to have a voice in the development of the strategy.

Development of City Wayfinding Strategy
Wayfinding is a navigation tool that provides clear, accessible, appropriate, and useful information about a place.

Pedometer Newsletter
The City of Toronto recently launched an online newsletter focussing on issues related to pedestrians, walking, and the City's public realm. To read the first issue and subscribe, please visit the Pedometer.

Toronto Walking Strategy wins FCM Award
The City of Toronto's Walking Strategy has won an award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for excellence, leadership and innovation in the transportation category. Learn more here and on the FCM website, and through this video.

Pedestrian Pilot Projects
The City of Toronto in partnership with Ryerson University and the University of Toronto created three pedestrian pilot projects at the downtown campuses in September 2010. Learn more about the pilot projects through this poster (PDF).

401 Richmond Sidewalk Construction
Have you ever wondered how a sidewalk was constructed? Learn more about the process by viewing this presentation (PDF) on the sidewalk construction at 401 Richmond St West. For additional project photos please visit The Sidewalk Files.

Toronto Walking Tours
The City of Toronto’s Walking Tours Database allows you to search for self-guided walking tours across the City.

Snow removal for seniors and disabled
Seniors and Disabled residents in the central core of the city can get their sidewalks cleared of snow by the city. To find out if you are eligible and to get a form, click here.

Union Station Revitalization Pedestrian Initiatives
Plans for the revitalization of Union Station include detailed pedestrian planning to improve existing and future pedestrian activity in and around the station. More information on pedestrian modeling at Union Station.

St. Clair Feet on the Street
Pedestrians enjoyed the St. Clair Feet on the Street event on June 19 and 20, 2010. Learn more about the event and see a presentation.

"Walkable Cities” Poster Competition
The Walkable Cities poster competition is hosted by the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) and co-sponsored by the City of Toronto's Public Realm section and Astley Gilbert. For more information and to view the finalists.

Walk into Health
The Walk into Health program is a part of the Building Physically Active Communities (BPAC) project. The program provides information and resources to help people be more active by promoting walking and stair climbing.

Although walking is the number one activity of adult Canadians, 50% of adults living in Toronto are not physically active enough to maintain or improve their health. Find out about pedometer lending programs, walking groups and more. Learn how walking can help reduce your risk of chronic disease. Every step counts. Walk into Health.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
Transportation Services has installed more accessible pedestrian signals to help the visually impaired as they cross City intersections.

Pedestrian Priority Phase or "Barnes Dance"
Pedestrians in Toronto are going to have the opportunity to walk safely and freely in any direction across selected intersections in the City. It’s called a Pedestrian Priority Phase or "Barnes Dance."

Sustainable Transportation Initiatives: Short-term Proposals
In October 2007, City Council adopted the staff report, "Sustainable Transportation Initiatives: Short-term Proposals” with amendments". The report contains several proposals for short term initiatives to improve sustainable transportation in Toronto including pedestrian-focused initiatives.

Coordinated Street Furniture Program
The City of Toronto has begun to implement a program that will provide coordinated street furniture (bus shelters, waste/recycling bins, etc.) on Toronto streets. This program will help to make streets more pedestrian friendly, and promote a positive Toronto identity.

Toronto Waterfront
Toronto’s Waterfront is undergoing important development. Already a popular walking destination, plans for the new Toronto waterfront aim to maintain and improve miles of wetlands, parks, boardwalks, promenades and heritage foot trails. It will also be a place for festivals, bike and boat races and activity-filled public squares.

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