Parkside Drive Study

June Update: City staff will present an interim report to the Infrastructure & Environment Committee at the meeting on June 28, 2023. A copy of the staff report is available under Item – 2023.IE5.4. further public engagement opportunities will be coming in the fall of 2023

The City of Toronto is studying Parkside Drive between Keele Subway Station and the Martin Goodman Trail to identify interventions, in addition to those that were introduced in the last year, that could improve safety and mobility along the corridor with a focus on people walking, cycling and other vulnerable road users.

In consultation with the community, the study will explore possible design changes to Parkside Drive to better serve all road users and develop a future vision of the corridor. Full reconstruction of Parkside Drive is forecasted to take place more than ten years from now; the study will inform future work and will determine whether further improvements can be made in the interim period.

The Parkside Drive study is a companion to the High Park Movement Strategy, and any changes contemplated for Parkside Drive will be considered in parallel with the recommendations of the High Park Movement Strategy.

June 22, 2023

Over the last 18 months, the City has made several improvements to traffic management and road geometry to improve safety of vulnerable road users and reduce motor vehicle speeding. Data suggest that motor vehicle speeds and volumes have decreased since changes were implemented on Parkside Drive.

This diagram of Parkside Dr. describes the different traffic calming measures implemented in recent years. At Bloor and Parkside speed limit reduction rom 50 to 40 kilometers per hour. Watch your speed sign installed on the north end of the street. Upgrades to Howard Park Ave. and Parkside Intersection. New traffic signal at Geoffrey Street.. Automate speed enforcement camera. Temporary asphalt sidewalk. Pay and display parking. Planned traffic signal at High Park Trail. Lighting improvements in the City-owned underpass.

 

Since November 2021 motor vehicle volumes and speeds have decreased.

Vehicle Volume

Traffic counts suggest that motor vehicle volumes have decreased by approximately 27% from over 28,000 daily motor vehicles to approximately 21,000 daily motor vehicles

Vehicle Speed

Traffic counts suggest that motor vehicle speeds have decreased on Parkside Drive. In the southbound direction, operating speeds decreased by approximately 17%, from 62km/hr to 51 km/hr. In the northbound direction, operating speeds decreased by approximately 13% from 55km/hr to 48km/hr.

The study area is Parkside Drive from Keele Subway Station to the Martin Goodman Trail.Map of study area displaying the Parkside Drive Study Area and the High Park Movement Strategy Study Area.

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact ParksideDrive@toronto.ca or 416-937-0202.

The Parkside Drive Study will build on recent and planned roadway changes, City Council decisions and community advocacy for improved safety and comfort for pedestrians and people cycling, taking transit and driving, including:

  • 2021: Parkside Drive Safety Measures (City Council member motion MM37.1)
  • 2021: Speed limit reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on Parkside Drive between Bloor Street West and Lakeshore Boulevard West.
  • 2021: Installation of permanent “Watch Your Speed” signs on Parkside Drive.
  • 2022: Installation of an Automated Speed Enforcement camera on Parkside Drive.
  • 2022: High Park Movement Strategy Interim Report (Infrastructure and Environment Committee item IE30.16)
  • 2022: Installation of traffic signal on Parkside Drive at Geoffrey Street. The signal is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2022.
  • 2022: Planned installation of a temporary asphalt sidewalk on the west side of Parkside Drive between Spring Road and just north of the Queensway underpass.
  • 2022: Installation of pay-and-display parking spots on the west side of Parkside Drive between Spring Road and High Park Trail (Community Council item TE34.142).
  • 2023: Planned installation of a traffic signal on Parkside Drive just north of The Queensway to allow for safe pedestrian crossing to the TTC bus stop (Community Council item TE34.142).

The City has a variety of measures that it can use to address transportation related concerns. A range of options will be studied alongside potential changes recommended through the High Park Movement Strategy to understand their impacts on road safety, mobility choices and travel behaviours. Changes could include:

  • Reduced number of motor vehicle lanes
  • Increased pedestrian space
  • New cycling facilities and/or improved wayfinding to alternative routes
  • Intersection design changes and road realignment at critical locations along the corridor
  • Traffic management adjustments
  • Space for new street furniture and green infrastructure
  • Short-term parking
  • Other ideas and suggestions arising from the study

The participation of road users, local community members and other stakeholders in the study is essential to determine the future vision for Parkside Drive.

Phase One

Review existing conditions, identify concerns & priorities

Phase Two

Present future vision and potential interim improvements

  • Public Consultation Event and Survey, targeting Fall 2023

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