The purpose of this study is to address the deteriorated condition of the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge. It covers information on the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge Class Environmental Assessment.
If you would like assistance in understanding these materials, please contact Jason Diceman 416-338-2830.
This study is being conducted in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act through the application of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process.
Official Plan (June 2015) A long-term plan with a vision to create vibrant neighbourhoods, conserve heritage resources, encourage walking and cycling for local trips, and create strong pedestrian and cycling linkages to transit stations.
Toronto Bike Plan – Shifting Gears (2001) and Ten Year Cycling Network Plan (2016) The Bike Plan establishes a vision for cycling in Toronto towards a more bicycle friendly city, and recommendations regarding safety, education and promotional programs as well as cycling related infrastructure, including a comprehensive bikeway network. Toronto City Council approved the Cycling Plan to connect, grow and renew infrastructure for Toronto’s cycling routes over the next ten years.
South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District (2003) South Rosedale is a clearly defined area in the City with significant heritage resources, in its buildings, landscapes, boulevards, and open spaces. South Rosedale was designated as a heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act to conserve and reinforce the neighbourhood’s unique character.
Other area policies: Streetscaping Program, Trail Network, Walking Strategy, Toronto Ravine Strategy and Ravine By-law (Ch. 658), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
The Glen Road bridge over Rosedale Valley is included in the Goad’s Atlas Map of Toronto in 1884.
Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge is of cultural heritage value for design/physical, historical/associative and contextual reasons.
Continued use of the bridge crossing attests to the importance of the connection across the Rosedale Ravine at Glen Road.
Rare example of a steel rigid frame bridge with inclined legs within the City of Toronto.
Physical and symbolic landmark within the community and acts a gateway to the historic Rosedale community.
Principal heritage philosophy for the protection of cultural heritage resources is retention in situ.
Should rehabilitation not be feasible, any new structure should explore design options that retain the design attributes of the existing bridge, at the same location.
Existing pedestrian and cyclist counts – June 22 and 25
823 trips were observed on the bridge over 11 hrs (75 users per hour)
The Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge is a heritage structure, extending from Bloor Street East in the south to Glen Road in the north, passing over the Rosedale Valley.
The bridge is identified as needing major improvements. Emergency repairs were completed in 2015, extending the timeframe to undertake this environmental assessment study, which will determine the future of the bridge.
Alternatives will be developed and evaluated, considering all active transportation users. Opportunities to improve safety in the tunnel area will also be considered.
The Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge is a heritage structure, extending from Bloor Street East in the south to Glen Road in the north, passing over the Rosedale Valley. At the south end of the bridge, under Bloor Street East, is a pedestrian tunnel which provides a connection to Glen Road in the south and the TTC’s Sherbourne Station.
The bridge is identified as needing major improvements. Emergency repairs were completed in 2015, extending the timeframe to undertake this environmental assessment study, which will determine the future of the bridge. Ongoing concerns about personal safety in the pedestrian tunnel have been identified.
Alternatives will be developed and evaluated, considering all active transportation users. Opportunities to improve safety in the tunnel area will also be considered.
Stakeholder Walk-Shop (June 27, 2016)
City hosted walking-workshop with 18 representatives of local resident associations, active transportation groups, and the community.
Goal: To discuss the heritage value of the bridge, its role in the local community, and its active uses.
Contact Jason Diceman for survey results 416-330-2830.
The Project Team’s recommended solution, based on the technical analysis completed to date is to replace the bridge in the same location. Replacing the bridge in the same location has the greatest potential to address the goals included in the Problem and Opportunity Statement. It provides opportunities to:
Results of the assessment will be used to inform the development of potential solutions for the pedestrian tunnel. What we have heard so far from the public:
This study is an opportunity to contemplate the new structural type of the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge.
Following this PIC, the Project Team will: