City Council has approved the installation of cycling connections, non-local traffic reduction measures, and road safety improvements to Silverthorn Avenue, Hounslow Heath Road, Laughton Avenue and Blackthorn Avenue. A copy of the staff report is available at IE12.4.

 

The Silverthorn Cycling Connections project will see the addition of cycling connections, non-local traffic reduction measures, and road safety improvements to several area streets. This project is focused on reducing non-local motor vehicle trips and speed to create a safer neighbourhood street.

In 2024, road resurfacing is planned on Silverthorn Avenue from Rockwell Avenue to St. Clair Avenue West. Road resurfacing provides once in 25-year opportunity to make changes to improve road safety. The City of Toronto is proposing changes as part of the planned road resurfacing to fulfill the City’s commitment to the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. The Plan’s goal is to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by making our roads safer for everyone, especially for seniors, school children, pedestrians and people cycling.

The project has two phases, with Phase 1 concentrating on improvements between Rogers Road and Davenport Road. Phase 2 will explore options to extend cycling connections from Rogers Road to Eglinton Avenue West after completing the Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System works. Based on Phase 1 public consultation feedback, the project’s goals, as well as technical and policy considerations, a now-approved recommendation to Infrastructure & Environment Committee of City Council was developed to proceed with Option 2 in Segment 1, the proposed changes in Segment 2, and Option 1 in Segment 3. See individual tabs below for details.

Map of project area divided into 3 segments. Segment 1: Silverthorn Avenue - Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue West, Segment 2: Hounslow Heath Road - St. Clair Avenue West to Laughton Avenue and Segment 3: Laughton Avenue - St. Clair Avenue West to Davenport Road.
Silverthorn Cycling Connections Project Design Segments

The City of Toronto is planning changes for installation in the summer of 2024 including:

  • New cycling connections and measures to reduce non-local traffic on Silverthorn Avenue from Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue West, on Laughton Avenue and on Hounslow Heath Road
  • Road safety improvements at the intersection of Rockwell Avenue and Silverthorn Avenue and at S.A.D.R.A Park where it connects to Silverthorn Avenue

The proposed changes are presented in three segments:

  • Segment 1: Silverthorn Avenue – Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue West (two design options)
  • Segment 2: Hounslow Heath Road – St. Clair Avenue West to Laughton Avenue
  • Segment 3: Laughton Avenue – St. Clair Avenue West to Davenport Road (three design options)

 

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Map of The Silverthorn Cycling Connections project separated by two phases. Phase 1 is Rogers Road to Davenport Road and phase 2 is Rogers Road to Eglinton Avenue West
The Silverthorn Cycling Connections project limits and phasing

The City Council-approved 2022-2024 Cycling Network Plan’s Near-Term Program identifies Silverthorn Avenue, Laughton Avenue, and Hounslow Heath Road for cycling improvements to connect destinations and neighbouring cycling routes. The Cycling Network Plan is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the City’s planned investment in the cycling network. It aims to connect gaps in the current cycling network and create safer and more comfortable cycling options.

The project is split into two phases. Phase 1 between Rogers Road and Davenport Road is the focus of 2024 consultation and implementation efforts. In Phase 2, the City will propose options for extending cycling connections from Rogers Road to Eglinton Avenue West after the Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System work in the area is complete. For more information visit toronto.ca/Fairbank.

 

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-0503 or email Alyssa.Cerbu@toronto.ca.

There are two options for installing a bikeway in this location. Though Phase 1 public feedback was mixed, there was stronger support for Option 2. Option 2 provides more significant road safety benefits than Option 1, particularly at the Rockwell Avenue and Silverthorn Avenue intersection. Option 2 is also being recommended in the final proposal to reduce non-local vehicle traffic and better achieve a Neighbourhood Greenway.

Neighbourhood Greenways are routes where people cycling and pedestrians are given priority through low motor vehicle volumes and speeds. Southbound infiltration and high motor vehicle volumes have been identified as key issues on these streets. Option 2 is anticipated to better address non-local motor vehicles, southbound infiltration, and intersection safety issues, while providing public realm improvements and maintaining access for residents and visitors to the community.

In addition, Rockwell Avenue and Silverthorn Avenue is an offset intersection, which has been identified for safety improvements.

Option 1:
Map of segment 1 of project area from Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue West and Old Weston Road to Caledonia Road showing option 1 of proposal.
Option 2 (Recommended):
Map of segment 1 of project area from Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue West and Old Weston Road to Caledonia Road showing option 2 of proposal.

Map legend

 

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-0503 or email Alyssa.Cerbu@toronto.ca.

Option 1 and 2 are the same in Segment 1A. The following is being installed.

  • Convert two-way street to one-way northbound for motor vehicles
  • Add southbound contra-flow bike lane on west side of street
  • Add northbound wayfinding pavement markings and signage
  • Move parking to east side of street (estimated parking increase of four spaces)
  • Install bike signals, left-turn boxes, and bike signal detection at Rogers Road intersection

Option 1

  • Add northbound contra-flow bike lane on east side of street
  • Add southbound wayfinding markings and signage
  • No change to existing vehicle lanes or parking

Option 2 (Approved)

  • Convert one-way southbound vehicle lane to one-way northbound
  • Add southbound contra-flow bike lane on west side of street
  • Add northbound wayfinding markings and signage
  • Parking stays on the west side from Rowntree Avenue to Turnberry Avenue (no change to total parking spaces)
  • Parking moves to the east side from Turnberry Avenue to Rockwell Avenue (no change to total parking spaces)

Option 1

  • No  Changes

Option 2 (Approved)

  • Convert two-way vehicle lanes to one-way southbound
  • Add northbound contra-flow bike lane on east side of street
  • Add southbound wayfinding markings and signage
  • Parking made permanent on the west side of street (estimated parking reduction of one space)

Option 1

  • No Changes

Option 2 (Approved)

  • Convert one-way northbound vehicle lane to one-way southbound
  • Add northbound contra-flow bike lane on east side of street
  • Add southbound wayfinding markings and signage
  • No change to existing parking

This intersection is currently offset with large corner radii and has noted issues with speeding, illegal stopping within the intersection and diagonal crossings. It has been identified for geometric safety improvements.

Option 1

  • Reduce intersection corner radii
  • Shift all-way stop to the east leg and add pedestrian crossings of Rockwell Avenue on the east side
  • Maintain all existing motor vehicle movements in an offset configuration
  • Some issues with non-compliance and diagonal crossings anticipated to remain

Option 2 (Approved)

  • Reduce intersection corner radii
  • Install a traffic diverter, creating a cycling and pedestrian only block with a diverter on Rockwell Avenue
  • Motor vehicle drivers traveling on Rockwell Avenue towards Silverthorn Avenue will be required to turn right at the intersection
  • Add crossing opportunities for pedestrians at all corners and in the center
  • Add new trees in green space
  • Maintain emergency vehicle access

Option 1 and Option 2 are the same in Segment 1C. The following is being installed.

  • Add northbound contra-flow bike lane on east side of street
  • Add southbound wayfinding pavement markings and signage
  • Add a trail crossing at S.A.D.R.A Park
  • Parking stays on west side of street (estimated parking reduction of one space at planned trail crossing)

The following is being installed in Segment 2. Phase 2 of the project will also provide an opportunity to re-visit Segment 2 after Phase 1 is installed and monitored.

  • Wayfinding markings and signage proposed for northbound and southbound lanes where people cycling and driving share the roadway
  • No change to existing motor vehicle lanes or parking

Three options were considered for Laughton Avenue. Option 1 proposed a wayfinding route with minimal changes to the road. Option 2 and 3 proposed changes to motor vehicle circulation to reduce non-local vehicle traffic and address speeding and safety concerns.

In Segment 3, staff recommended Option 1 due to concerns regarding driver circulation and because the traffic diversion in Segment 1 is anticipated to reduce vehicle volumes on these streets. Phase 2 of the project will also provide an opportunity to re-visit Segment 3 after Phase 1 is installed and monitored.

Existing configuration:

Rendering of existing road conditions on Segment 3 of project area

Option 1 (Approved)

  • Wayfinding markings and signage proposed for northbound and southbound lanes
  • No change to existing motor vehicle lanes or parking

Image of bicycle and arrows painted on the road

Option 2

  • Convert two-way vehicle lanes to one-way northbound
  • Add southbound contra-flow bike lane on the west side
  • Add northbound wayfinding markings and signage
  • No change to parking

Map of project area from St. Clair Avenue West to Davenport Road on Laughton Avenue highlighting segment 3 option 1

Option 3

  • Convert two-way vehicle lanes to one-way northbound between Rutland Street and Connolly Street
  • Add southbound contra-flow bike lane on the west side between Rutland Street and Connolly Street
  • Add northbound wayfinding markings and signage for full length of Laughton Avenue
  • Add southbound wayfinding markings and signage north of Rutland Street and south of Connolly Street
  • No change to parking

Map of project area from St. Clair Avenue West to Davenport Road on Laughton Avenue highlighting segment 3 option 2

 

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-0503 or email Alyssa.Cerbu@toronto.ca.

Responses to Common Questions and Feedback

Responses to Common Questions and Feedback, was created to provide responses to some of the most common questions and feedback received during Phase 1 of the public consultation process.

Consultation Report Complete

The comment period for this consultation has closed. The Public Consultation Report summarizes feedback received.

Public Drop-In Event

The Public Drop-In Event was held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul VI Catholic School, 270 Laughton Avenue. This event provided an opportunity for the community to view the project information panels and speak with members of the project team one-on-one. A Portuguese-speaking language interpreter was available for translation services at the event.

Materials:

 

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings or any other content, please contact us at 416-338-0503 or email Alyssa.Cerbu@toronto.ca.