Directional Signage Programme -
Fort York (Trinity-Niagara)
The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (November25, 1998) from the
Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services and Acting Managing Director, Heritage Toronto:
Purpose
To seek Council support for the fabrication and installation of signage which directs residents and visitors to Fort York
and increases public awareness about the Fort.
Source of Funds
Funds to fabricate the new signs are available in the approved 1999 Heritage Toronto budget.
Recommendations
It is recommended that:
(1)Council endorse a directional signage programme to improve access to and increase the visibility of Fort York.
(2)The Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner of Urban Planning and
Development Services, and Heritage Toronto develop an approach and programme for a comprehensive attractions signage
programme for the City and report back to Council in the spring of 1999 on the programme.
Background:
Fort York is the birthplace of Toronto and is a nationally designated historic monument. It is one of Toronto's most
important historic sites and its collection of historic buildings includes seven of Toronto's eight oldest buildings still on
their original foundations. Fort York is cut off from the city by the rail corridor, Gardiner Expressway and Bathurst Street
bridge. It is virtually invisible to the surrounding area and difficult to find. It deserves greater prominence and improved
access. Until Bremner Boulevard is extended west of Spadina Avenue, and west of Bathurst Street as Fort York
Boulevard, accessibility can be increased only by improved signage.
Comments:
Fort York Pilot Signage Programme
In the spring of 1998, the Friends of Fort York and Garrison Common (FFY) approached Urban Planning and
Development Services and Heritage Toronto to develop an attractions signage programme for Fort York. The objective of
this signage initiative was to improve the visibility and accessibility of Fort York. In order to test the programme in
co-operation with the Friends of Fort York and Garrison Common, Heritage Toronto and Urban Planning and
Development Services developed a pilot project of directional signage to direct visitors from the downtown tourist areas to
Fort York. Heritage Toronto proposes to erect 12 signs aimed primarily at directing motorists to the fort. The sign
prototype is shown below.
Heritage Toronto and Urban Planning and Development Services have consulted with staff in the Department of Works
and Emergency Services regarding the design, location and production of the signs. Signs will be located on three routes
from the downtown: along Front Street and Bathurst Street; along Bremner Boulevard and Lake Shore Boulevard West;
and along Queens Quay West. All signs will be fabricated by Works and Emergency Services staff at the City's Eastern
Avenue facilities.
Broader Attractions Signage Programme
The Fort York pilot signage programme is a useful first step in looking at a broader attractions signage programme for
historic sites and attractions within the city. Toronto currently lacks a co-ordinated programme of cultural, historic,
entertainment and commercial attractions signage. Planning staff have contacted National Capital Commission staff in the
Ottawa-Hull area who have recently developed an attractions signage programme for that area. The programme is being
implemented in three phases: phase one is directed at vehicular traffic along City streets; phase two will be installed along
highways in the area; and the third phase is directed at pedestrians. All signage is part of the same design family but varies
slightly to respond to the vantage point of the visitor. Funding for the signage is provided by the various attractions named
by the programme.
City Works and Emergency Services staff are in the process of implementing attractions signage along the Gardiner
Expressway, including Fort York signage. Continuation of this programme through a co-ordinated system of directional
signage on city streets would have clear benefits to the City and to its attractions. The Fort York project should be viewed
as a pilot for the development of a wider attractions signage programme which would be attractive, cost effective and easy
to use and understand by visitors and residents.
Conclusion
The directional signage pilot project for Fort York proposed by Heritage Toronto is an important initiative which will help
to increase the visibility of Fort York and should be endorsed.
In order to address the broader need for a comprehensive attractions signage programme for the city, Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism Services staff, in conjunction with Urban Planning and Development Services, should
develop an approach and programme for a wider signage programme for submission to Council in the spring of 1999.
Contact Names:
Ian Cooper Jo Ann Pynn
Telephone: (416)392-7572Telephone: (416) 392-6827 ex. 243
Fax: (416)392-1330Fax: (416) 392-6834
E-mail: icooper@city.toronto.on.ca.E-mail: info@toronto.history.on.ca
Insert Table/Map No. 1
Signage - Fort York
