Proposed Construction of Sidewalk on Goswell Road

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

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to respond to a petition from the residents of the Goswell Road/Jopling Avenue area for the construction of a sidewalk.

Funding Sources:

Funds for the construction of this project are allocated within the City of Toronto 1998 Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)a section of concrete sidewalk be constructed on the north side of Goswell Road to link the existing sidewalk east of Tonwell Court with the sidewalk on the west side of Botfield Avenue; and that

(2)staff be authorized to make necessary arrangements to carry out the construction of the proposed sidewalk in the 1998 construction year.

Background:

The Works and Emergency Services Department, Etobicoke District received a petition from Ms. Margaret Hansen of 3 Tonwell Court and area residents on November 24, 1997 (Attachment No. 1). The petition requests the construction of a sidewalk on the east side of Jopling Avenue North, between Goswell Road and Our Lady of Peace School on Mattice Avenue. Alternatively, the petition requests linking the existing sidewalk on the north side of Goswell Road from east of Tonwell Court with the sidewalk on the west side of Botfield Avenue. In addition to the three householders of Tonwell Court, the petition was also signed by nine householders residing on the east side of Jopling Avenue North, who will be directly affected by the proposed work. Four of the nine householders residing on Jopling Avenue North favoured the proposed work, four were opposed and one undecided.

A separate petition from Mr. John Surmachynski of 83 Jopling Avenue North and the residents of Jopling Avenue North was also received on December 9, 1997 (Attachment No. 2). According to Mr. Surmachynski=s petition, seven out of the nine householders residing on the east side of Jopling Avenue North opposed the construction of a sidewalk on Jopling Avenue North, one supported and one did not sign the petition.

In January 1998, staff conducted a peak hour pedestrian volume study. The study indicates that the volume of pedestrian traffic present on both streets warrants a sidewalk. It is our understanding that the key concern of the area residents is to secure a safer access for the children walking to Our Lady of Peace School from Tonwell Court. To provide this access via Jopling Avenue North will require the construction of 280 metres of new sidewalk and the removal/restoration of a number of hedges or other minor physical constraints at some locations. The alternative suggestion requires the construction of a section of sidewalk 50 metres long on the north side of Goswell Road.

It is our opinion that the extension of the existing section of sidewalk on the north side of Goswell Road from east of Tonwell Court to the west side of Botfield Avenue (a map of the area is Attachment No. 3) will provide an alternative route to pedestrians to reach the school, and will address the current sidewalk concerns and immediate needs of the area.

Conclusion:

Based on the departmental review of the various issues, staff is of the opinion that the construction of a concrete sidewalk on the north side of Goswell Road to link the existing sidewalk east of Tonwell Court with the sidewalk on the west side of Botfield Avenue will provide the additional safety element required by the community.

Contact Name:

Mr. Wai Yeung, Manager, Road Planning - Transportation and Engineering Planning Division

Tel: 394-8408, Fax: 394-8942.

(Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of May 6, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)