Prince Edward Drive Reconstruction: Dundas Street West

to Bloor Street West - Schedule AB@ Class Environmental

Study Report, March 1998

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

Purpose:

To report on the findings of the Environmental Assessment Study for Prince Edward Drive between Dundas Street West and Bloor Street West, prepared by the Etobicoke District Works and Emergency Services Department. The complete study is circulated under separate cover.

Funding Sources:

Funds have been included in the 1998 Capital Budget - Transportation.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)this report and the APrince Edward Drive Reconstruction - Dundas Street West to Bloor Street West, Schedule >B= Class Environmental Study Report,@ March 1998, be received; and

(2)staff be authorized to proceed with the design of Prince Edward Drive at the 7.3 m (24 ft) width as recommended by Etobicoke Community Council at the Budget Meeting held on March 25, 1998.

Background:

In February 1997, the former Council for the City of Etobicoke approved the Works Department 1997 Capital Budget and nine-year projections, including the reconstruction of Prince Edward Drive between Dundas Street West and Bloor Street West, in 1998.

In preparation for the reconstruction of the road, and at the request of the area Councillor, the community, and the Kingsway Park Ratepayers Incorporated, a detailed study programme was prepared to ensure community involvement in every aspect of the planning process for the road reconstruction project. An environmental study was subsequently prepared by an interdisciplinary study team comprised of staff from the Etobicoke District Works and Emergency Services Department, pursuant to the requirements of a Schedule AB@ Environmental Assessment. However, the study programme exceeded the legislative requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act to respond to the community and area Councillor=s request for a comprehensive study process. While many meetings were held by staff with a work/focus group that had been established by Kingsway Park Ratepayers and the area Councillor, three public meetings were also organized during the study period. The Terms of Reference and the rationale for the project were presented to the public at the first public meeting. Three design alternatives were presented at a second meeting, and the preferred design was presented at the third public meeting.

As a result of the public input received on the preferred design at the third meeting held on September 24, 1997, the study team concluded that Alternative 3, 8 .5 m (28 ft) wide, two-lane cross-section with grassed drainage swales, was the preferred design for the project, as shown below:

Following the September 24, 1997 meeting, and for several months thereafter, staff received many letters from the residents documenting their comments on the study and the preferred design. The underlying issue from all the comments received was the community=s desire for the road pavement width to be no greater than 7.3 m (24 ft). In order to address this issue and not compromise the safety of all road users, including cyclists, staff developed two modified alternatives to Alternative 3:   Alternative 3A and Alternative 3B.

Alternative 3A provides for the width of each of the two driving lanes to be 3.65 m (12 ft), with the edge of the driving lane defined by pavement markings. A 0.6 m (2 ft) road-side shoulder on both sides of the road would provide for the lateral support of the pavement structure, as well as the lateral clearance required for the safe movement of two-way traffic.

Alternative 3B provides for the width of each of the two driving lanes to be 3.65 m (12 ft), with a 0.6 m (2 ft) impressed (colour) concrete shoulder. This scheme would again provide for the lateral support and clearance required for the safe movement of two-way traffic. Alternatives 3A and 3B are not included in the Class Environmental Assessment Report since they were developed as a result of the comments received from the public and members of Council following the determination of the preferred design.

Discussion:

On March 25, 1998, the Etobicoke Community Council convened to discuss the City of Toronto=s proposed 1998 Capital and Operating Budgets. Deputations were made by the Executive of the Kingsway Park Ratepayers Inc. and others, specifically on the issue of the reconstruction of Prince Edward Drive between Dundas Street West and Bloor Street West. As a result of the discussion that ensued, the following Resolution (Attachment No. 1) was adopted by Etobicoke Community Council:

 AThat funds in the order of $1.38 million, included under Transportation, line 502, Etobicoke - Road Reconstruction Programme, only be allocated for the reconstruction of Prince Edward Drive on the basis of the road width being no more than 7.3 m (24 ft), grass to grass.@

Conclusion:

Although a 7.3 m (24 ft) pavement width, grass to grass, is not the preferred Alternative for Prince Edward Drive, we accept Community Council=s direction; the design which has already commenced will be in accordance with the above Resolution. It is expected that we will seek approvals for the appointment of a contractor from the Urban Environment and Development Committee on July 22, 1998, and from Council on July 29, 1998, following the tender call. Construction will commence on or around August 10, 1998, with completion of the project planned for the end of November 1998. This is based on the assumption that the detailed design and estimates will be completed by the end of May 1998.

Contact Name:

Mr. Dominic Gulli, Director - Transportation and Engineering Planning Division

(416) 394-8409; Fax: 394-8942.

(Copy of Attachment No. 1, referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of May 6, 1998, and copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)