Raindrop Plaza

The City is reconfiguring the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street East. This project includes realignment of the roadway and various public realm improvements and stormwater management facilities to create Raindrop Plaza:

  • Streetscape improvements with Green Infrastructure storm water runoff management
  • Removal of right turn channel (traffic island and turning lane) on northwest corner
  • Improved intersection safety and accessibility

Remaining Work Phases

Phase/ Dates Work/ Location Traffic Restrictions
Phase 1: Underground electrical work
Complete
  • Installed underground electrical conduits for street and pedestrian lighting (northwest intersection quadrant)
  • None
Phase 2: Aboveground finishes and new traffic signals installation (4 weeks)

In progress
  • Installing and commissioning new traffic signals
  • Installing pavers, planters, asphalt and murals, armour stone and plantings (northwest intersection quadrant)
  • Curb lane closure southbound Coxwell Avenue (north of Dundas Street East)
  • Periodic curb lane closure westbound Dundas Street East (west of Coxwell Avenue) during off-peak hours
  • A minimum of one lane in each direction will be maintained
  • Access to residents and pedestrians will remain during this period
Phase 3: Bicycle Curb
Lane Separators (2 weeks)To commence in late October 2023
  • Installing bicycle curb lane separators
  • Installing sidewalk (all quadrants)
  • Curb lane closures will vary based on the localized staging of the work
Phase 4: Road
Resurfacing (1 week)
to be scheduled with the completion of Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue track replacement
  • Repaving the intersection and Dundas Street East between Rhodes Avenue and Coxwell Avenue
  • Intermittent lane closures, maintaining a minimum of one lane in every direction
  • Raindrop Plaza will be opened to the public after this phase
Phase 5: Street and Pedestrian Luminaires (3 days – once specialized
materials have been delivered)
  • Installing and commissioning new streetlighting poles and luminaires
  • This work is localized, and impacts are anticipated to be minimal
  • Raindrop Plaza will generally remain open during this phase

Impact Mitigation

  • Work is anticipated to require temporary disruptions to pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. Closures will be indicated on-site, as well as a safe detour/alternate route.
  • The Contractor will be required to provide temporary signage, ramping, and other accommodations required to meet City and contract requirements for traffic control and maintenance of access.
  • Traffic management plans will be finalized and communicated by notice and webpage.
  • Further significant road closures and reductions will be coordinated with the Work Zone Coordinator and pre-notified to residents, councillor, and applicable agencies (TTC).
  • Impacts to private driveways and walkways will be coordinated to maintain access wherever possible or make necessary alternate parking/access provisions.

Notices

Map of Project area at the intersection of Dundas Street East and Coxwell Avenue.
Map of Project area at the intersection of Dundas Street East and Coxwell Avenue.

Decision History

  • Project initiated by Traffic Operations in 2010

  • Proposed by City Planning – Civic Design, in partnership with Toronto Water in 2015 as part of “Green Streets” pilot program
  • Project delivery by Engineering & Construction Services with R. V. Anderson Associated Limited as program management consultant.
  • Plaza will be maintained by Tranportation Services in partnership with GreenForceTO group.

 

Image of Raindrop Plaza and areas of work happening at intersection of Dundas Street East and Coxwell Avenue.

  • Permeable paving to capture rainwater with small planted rain gardens
  • Stormwater runoff is directed to a chamber below the plaza
  • Chamber stores will help irrigate plaza plants
  • In line with Toronto’s Wet Weather Flow Management Plan and Toronto Green Standard objectives
  • Native and drought-tolerant shade trees species, curved stone seat walls, and decorative permeable concrete unit pavers.
  • Streetscape art as eco-literacy tools, with information about the watershed, urban water lifecycle, and Toronto’s biodiversit

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