Parkside Drive Study

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.

January 1, 2024

Phase Two Public Consultation Launch

Phase Two public consultation is taking place between January 3 and February 15, 2023. This phase of consultation is collecting road user and community feedback on the potential interim changes and long-term vision for Parkside Drive. This phase includes a community group meeting, public drop-in event, and survey to understand how proposed changes and impacts are supported by the community.

Following consultation, the assessment of all potential actions will be finalized. The Study will conclude with a staff report to City Council for a final decision. Next steps on implementation will be determined by availability of funding, resources, and the City’s competing priorities.

Proposed Actions

The objectives of the Parkside Drive Study are to:

  • Develop a vision for the future of the corridor ​
  • Identify what interim improvements, in addition to those already implemented, can be delivered in advance full reconstruction

Future Vision

The future vision for Parkside Drive involves road reconfiguration. Road reconfiguration provides an opportunity to upgrade the corridor to current standards and support multi-modal travel options. It will change the current

allocation of right-of-way space and incorporate Complete Streets elements. The future vision includes:

  • Reducing the number of mid-block motor vehicle lanes from 4 to 2 (one in each direction)
  • Modifying motor vehicle turning lanes at intersections
  • Widened sidewalks
  • Repurposing the curb lanes for other uses

Potential Interim Improvements

A quick-build transformation of Parkside Drive is a candidate for the Cycling Network Plan (2025-2027 Near-Term Program)​ which is expected to be reported to City Council for decision and direction in 2024.​ Key features:

  • Two-way cycle tracks separated with barriers at road level on the west side of Parkside Drive. They would provide a north-south connection and link between Bloor Street West and Lake Shore Boulevard West.
  • Designated left-turn lanes on Parkside Drive to facilitate left-turning movements to intersecting streets.
  • Medians at unsignalized intersections to promote safe vehicle turning movements and to facilitate cyclist access to the two-way cycle track.
  • Intersection improvements at major arterials to improve safety and efficiency of movements by all road users and connections between planned and existing cycling infrastructure.
  • Public transit improvements to improve frequency of bus stops and accessibility at stop locations.

Detailed design for the Parkside Drive cycle track would commence pending City Council approval​. Further consultation with impacted community groups and residents would be facilitated, pending Council approval, to develop and finalize the detailed design.

Consultation Materials

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.

 

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

The goal of phase two of consultation is to present to the public a future vision for the road and potential interim improvements for further input.

 

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