Provision of an On-Street Loading Zone for Disabled Persons -

Front Street West, South Side, from Bay Street to

Yonge Street (Revenue Canada - Toronto Centre Branch)

(Downtown)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (November25, 1998) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1, Works and Emergency Services:

Purpose:

This proposal is intended to keep the area fronting Premises No. 1 Front Street West clear of vehicles and to enhance pick-up/drop-off opportunity for disabled persons.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $500 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1998 Current Budget. The removal of two parking meters to facilitate the implementation of the loading zone for disabled persons will result in the loss of about $6,040, annual revenue.

Recommendations:

(1)That a disabled persons loading zone be established on the south side of Front Street West, from a point 67.0 metres east of Bay Street to a point 15.0 metres further east;

(2) That the one hour maximum parking regulation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday on the south side of Front Street West, from Bay Street to Yonge Street, be rescinded;

(3) That parking be allowed for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday on the south side of Front Street West, from Bay Street to a point 67.0 metres east;

(4)That parking be allowed for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday on the south side of Front Street West, from a point 82.0 metres east of Bay Street to Yonge Street; and

(5)That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Comments:

At the request of a representative of Revenue Canada - Toronto Centre Branch and in consultation with Downtown Councillor Kyle Rae, I have investigated providing an on-street disabled persons loading zone on the south side of Front Street West, from Bay Street to Yonge Street fronting Premises No. 1 (Revenue Canada - Toronto Centre Branch) to facilitate Wheeltrans pick-up/drop-off of disabled passengers.

This section of Front Street West is a divided roadway. The eastbound south branch of Front Street West, from Bay Street to Yonge Street operates on a pavement width ranging between 10.0 metres and 16.0 metres. Parking is permitted for a maximum period of one hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday (controlled by 16 parking meters) on the south side and stopping is prohibited at anytime along the dividing centre median.

An on-street loading zone for disabled persons should be established on the south side of Front Street West from a point 67.0 metres east of Bay Street to a point 15.0 metres further east, fronting Premises No. 1 Front Street West to enhance access to the curb for disabled persons visiting the Revenue Canada office and other federal department offices at Premises No. 1 Front Street West.

It is noted that vehicles displaying valid disabled persons parking permits issued by the Ministry of Transportation may temporarily stop in this zone while actively engaged in dropping off/picking up disabled passengers but these vehicles will not be able to park within the zone.

Implementation of this suggestion will result in the loss of two metered parking spaces on the south side of Front Street West in an area where on-street parking is in high demand throughout the day and the annual revenue for the City generated by these meters (as noted above). Although this might present an inconvenience to able-bodied persons conducting business in the area, the requirements for disabled persons visiting the federal offices outweigh the minor inconvenience that the loss of 2 parking spaces will create.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Curt Russell, 392-7771,