Phase 2 - Frequently asked questions
What work is being done and when?
Phase 1 work included the section between Yonge Street and Vaughan Road with construction starting in 2006 and completed in 2007. This section features upgraded sidewalk and crosswalk treatments, new streetlights and newly constructed streetcar passenger platforms. Streetcar shelters are scheduled to be installed in the fall of 2007.
Phase 2 work on the track and roadway will be done in the area between Westmount Avenue (just east of Dufferin Street) to McRoberts Avenue (just east of Caledonia Road). Work starts in the fall of 2007. Toronto Hydro will complete its undergrounding work in this area in prior to the start of the track and roadway work.
In advance of track and roadway reconstruction work in 2008, Toronto Hydro is currently working in the area between Wychwood Avenue and Oakwood Avenue and is expected to complete this work at the end of 2007.
Phase 3, which includes the sections from Vaughan to Westmount and McRoberts to Gunns Loop is on schedule to be constructed in 2008.
Why are the streetcar tracks along St. Clair Avenue West being reconstructed?
The streetcar tracks are being reconstructed because they are in poor condition and must be replaced. However, this project is more than just track reconstruction – it is a city building and transit improvement initiative that includes construction of exclusive streetcar lanes and enhancements including roadway reconstruction at signalized intersections, a variety of streetscape improvements such as new trees, improved street lighting, public art, new streetcar passenger platforms and transit shelters.
Why didn’t the original project plan include burying the hydro lines along St. Clair?
A request to bury the Toronto Hydro overhead lines was initiated during the public consultation workshops that were held after the Environmental Assessment for the transit improvement project was approved. While this is not part of the original transit improvement project, the City and TTC are working closely with Toronto Hydro to coordinate this work. Toronto Hydro lines will be buried between Vaughan and McRoberts, which should be completed before the end of 2007.
Is the track and road reconstruction work being coordinated with other work along St. Clair Avenue West?
The City, TTC, Toronto Hydro and other utilities work together to coordinate all work being done along the St. Clair Avenue West corridor to ensure the least amount of disruption possible for traffic flow, pedestrians, residents and local businesses.
What will happen to existing sidewalks?
Sidewalks will be reconstructed at signalized intersections as a result of road widening, platform changes and to incorporate new streetscape features. Mid-block locations will be done in areas where utility cut work has been completed and to accommodate changes to the poles on the street. In some areas, sidewalk widths are reduced to allow for the installation of new streetcar passenger platforms and turning lanes. All sidewalks are being constructed to City standards to ensure pedestrian safety, including persons with mobility challenges. The minimum clear sidewalk width standard is 1.5 metres.
How are local businesses being assisted during the construction process?
The City of Toronto provides support to local businesses along St. Clair Avenue West through two programs managed by the City’s Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Division – Shop St. Clair and the Commercial Facade Improvement Program. The Commercial Façade Improvement Program offers a total of $300,000 to be used by eligible applicants proposing new work for the face of their commercial property and the Shop St. Clair Program provides a total of $80,000 to Business Improvement Associations to hold new and expanded festivals. The TTC’s time base transfer program will continue until the end of construction on the St. Clair West Transit Improvements Project. A time based transfer allows you to travel for up to two hours on the 512 St. Clair route. Customers can visit merchants along the route without an added transit fare. You can board a 512 St. Clair streetcar or bus at any stop, in any direction, until the expiry time shown.
Can I still shop/visit restaurants along St. Clair during construction?
Yes. Businesses and shops along St. Clair are still open for business as usual.
During sidewalk work, will people have access to my business/residence?
All residents and businesses will have access to their buildings, even during construction. Workers will place a ramp for access when construction is directly outside of your building. If at any time you have trouble accessing your entrance, please speak to the City inspector on-site, or call 416-338-2003.
Will there still be transit service on St. Clair during construction?
During construction, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Buses will replace streetcars along the route. Notices will inform residents of any other changes which may result from localized construction.
Will on-street parking be provided?
During construction, parking will not be available in the active work zones. However, once the project is complete, parking will be available on both sides of St. Clair Avenue during off-peak hours and weekends.
How will construction impacts be managed?
The City, TTC and Toronto Hydro will work closely with the contractors to speed up all aspects of the construction process. A Construction Liaison Committee will be established and meet regularly with community and business representatives to minimize disruption for them during construction.
When the tracks are completed for the new dedicated right-of-way, how do motorists get from one side of St. Clair to the other?
At all signalized intersections (those with traffic lights) along St. Clair, you will be able to make a U-Turn and Left Turn (where permitted) which will allow you to go in the opposite direction on St. Clair.
At what streets will motorists be able to make Left Turn/U-Turns at?
Once construction is complete, U-Turns and Left Turns (where permitted) will be allowed at the following streets:
- Gunns Road/Old Stock Yard Road
- Keele Street
- Old Weston Road
- Hounslow Heath Road/Silverthorn Ave (One Way South)
- Laughton Avenue (Southbound only)
- Caledonia Park Road/Caledonia Road
- Lansdowne Avenue (Southbound Only)
- Earlscourt Avenue (Northbound Only)
- Via Italia (Southbound Only)
- Dufferin Street
- Northcliffe Blvd (U-Turns Only because of One-Way)
- Glenholme Avenue (Northbound Only)
- Oakwood Avenue (Northbound Left Turn Only, South and Northbound right turns permitted)
- Alberta Avenue (Northbound Only)
- Winona Drive
- Arlington Avenue (Southbound Only)
- Christie Street (Southbound Only)
- Whychwood Avenue (Southbound Only)
- Vaughan Rd (Northbound Only)
- Bathurst Street
- Spadina Road
- Russel Hill Road (Southbound Only)
- Warren Road/Dunvegan Road (Timothy Eaton Church)
- Avenue Road
- Deer Park Crescent
- Yonge Street (Northbound Left Turn Only)
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