Refinements to Approved Roadway Narrowing Plan -
Christie Street from Bloor Street West to Dupont Street
(Davenport and Midtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that:
(1)permit parking be permitted on the west side of Christie Street within the
Davenport ward; and
(2)the following report (February 5, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services
District 1 be adopted, as amended by Recommendation No. (1) be adopted.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (February 5, 1999) from
the Director of Transportation Services, District 1, Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
To report on minor amendments to an approved roadway narrowing plan for Christie Street
from Bloor Street West to Dupont Street, to be built in conjunction with planned road
reconstruction this year. These refinements are recommended in conjunction with a parking
plan which would alternate parking from one side of the street to the other along various
segments to further calm traffic and increase the supply of on-street parking.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The minor amendments to the roadway narrowing plan for Christie Street are not expected to
significantly impact the cost of existing contract. As noted in previous reports, funds to cover
the cost of the planned reconstruction work on Christie Street were accommodated in the 1998
Capital Budget.
Recommendations:
(1)That former City of Toronto By-law No. 602-89, being "A By-law to authorize the
construction, widening, narrowing, alteration and repair of sidewalks, pavements and curbs at
various locations", amended by City Council on October 2, 1998, to authorize the alteration of
Christie Street by narrowing the pavement between Bloor Street West and Dupont Street, be
further amended to incorporate the design refinements noted in the text of this report and
shown in the attached Drawing Nos. 421F-5310, -5311 and -5312, all dated January, 1999,
and detailed in Appendix A attached hereto;
(2)That in order to implement the parking scheme described herein the parking regulation
changes outlined in the schedules contained in Appendix B attached hereto, be approved; and
(3) That the appropriate City Officials be authorized to take whatever action is necessary to
implement the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that might be
required.
Background:
City Council at its meeting of October 1 and 2, 1998, adopted Clause 10 in Report No. 11 of
the Toronto Community Council, entitled "Alteration of Christie Street", and enacted By-law
702-1998 authorizing the alteration of Christie Street by narrowing the pavement between
Bloor Street West and Dupont Street. The contract to undertake this reconstruction work was
tendered and subsequently awarded to Ferma Construction Ltd., by City Council at its meeting
of November25,26 and 27, 1998. It is intended that work on this project will commence in
April,1999.
The proposal to narrow Christie Street was presented at a neighbourhood meeting held in
September, 1998, at which time Works and Emergency Services staff were requested to
examine the opportunity to introduce a parking plan whereby the parking would alternate from
one side to the other along various sections of the street. The objectives of this were twofold:
one, to introduce a visual narrowing breaking up Christie Street's long and broad sight lines,
resulting in a change in motorist perception and ultimately effect a further reduction in
motorist operating speed; and two, to increase the available supply of parking in the area.
Comments:
A plan has been developed which would result in each of the above-noted objectives being
met. This plan is detailed on the three attached prints entitled "Christie Street (Bloor Street
West. - Dupont Street) Proposed Road Narrowing and Parking Meter Stall Layout Plan" Parts
1, 2 and 3, Drawing Nos. 421F-5310, 421F-5311 and 421F-5312, respectively.
The plans show a one-side-of-the-street parking scheme, alternating by block, between four
stretches of Christie Street, resulting in a net gain of 12 parking spaces. With this
configuration in those areas where parking is permitted, the peak period 'No Stopping'
regulations would be rescinded and parking would be made available 24 hours per day. In
those sections of the street opposite parking areas, in order to complement the improved
parking opportunities on the street and facilitate traffic flow through peak hours, peak period
'No Stopping' regulations will be introduced during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
On all other portions of the street, the existing 'No Stopping' regulation through the peak
period in the peak direction of traffic flow, will remain in effect.
With respect to permit parking, the west streetline of Christie Street forms the west limit of
permit parking area 5A and as such, this alternate side of street parking scheme impacts only
one area. Following a February 3, 1999, meeting with Councillors Adams, Bossons, Disero
and Fotinos and staff it was agreed, amongst other things, that consideration should be given
to making the centreline of Christie Street between Bloor Street West and Dupont Street the
permit parking area boundary between the adjoining residential areas. Given that there may be
residents of the east side of Christie Street who possess a parking permit, have enjoyed the
privilege of parking on the west side and who would be denied this privilege if the boundary
change is implemented, in keeping with Council policy they must be granted the opportunity
to speak to this matter. Accordingly, I will make the necessary arrangements to have a Notice
of Permit Parking Deprivation Hearing prepared. It is anticipated that the Hearing date would
be set for the March 30, 1999, meeting of Community Council. Should this matter be
favourably received at that time, I will make every effort to implement the change in time for
the next issuing period when parking permits will take effect June1, 1999.
The plans also show the one metre narrowing between Essex Street and Yarmouth Road being
shifted to the west side of the street from the east side as per the original plans. Although the
road narrowing switchover would result in the potential loss of opportunity to place trees
north of Follis Avenue, east side, for the first 70 metres, it would address operational concerns
of the owner of the Fiesta Farms store at Premises No. 200 Christie Street, respecting store
access, loading and unloading activities. Also, this would improve upon the commercial
streetscape frontage in this area.
Two tables summarize the principal proposed changes to the original Christie Street plan.
Table 1, attached, entitled "Summary of Key Street (by block) Alteration and Operational
Amendments", presents an itemized list of key amendments to the approved Christie Street
Alteration Project. Table 2, attached, entitled "Comparison of Proposed vs. Existing Parking
Meter Spaces by Street Section", summarizes the proposed parking related changes.
Since this proposed plan involves the relocation of three bus stops and given that bus
operation is within the purview of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), staff met with
TTC officials to review this matter. TTC staff have been generally supportive of the Christie
Street Project and with respect to the bus stop relocations, have recognized the operational
safety gains which would accompany their movement to the 'farside' of the pedestrian
crossovers as well as service improvements which would follow the placement of the bus
stops at more regular intervals. They have been requested to review this matter and advise of
concerns, prior to the February 17, 1999, meeting of Community Council.
The proposed amendments to the plan do not affect the minor reconfiguration and
enlargement of the existing traffic island just north of Bloor Street West, accomplished by the
narrowing of the northbound leg of Christie Street. Additionally, with regard to Rezoning
Application No. 197028 which includes Premises No. 9-17 Christie Street, and specifically
with reference to driveway access from this site directly onto Christie Street, Urban Planning
and Development Services staff have advised that consideration of such access would only
follow a detailed assessment of impacts on the streetscape, sightlines, and pedestrian
movements. Only after a favourable consideration of this, would access be permitted at the
north limit of the site which would allow for free uncontrolled movement into and out of the
site from the north and south on Christie Street, unobstructed by the enlarged traffic island to
the south of the site. Further, we have been advised that ultimately, access to the site will be
resolved at the site plan level and at this time, the applicant is not seeking such approval.
Staff of the Urban Design Division of Urban Planning and Development Services have been
consulted on the proposed changes and they concur with the recommendations contained
herein.
Since this proposed plan varies, albeit slightly, from that originally adopted by City Council, it
will be necessary for Council to approve the proposed changes to the plan and to amend the
alteration by-law. If this matter is recommended by your Community Council at its February
17, 1999, meeting and subsequently endorsed by City Council at its March 2, 1999, meeting,
there would be sufficient time for final design changes to be made to the reconstruction
drawings, and thereby enable the City to meet its contract obligations and the contractor's
desire to begin work in a little more than two months.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Paul A. Sabo, Transportation Engineer
Transportation Services
392-7775
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Table 1
Summary of Key Street (by block) Alteration and Operational Amendments
|
Bloor Street West to Barton Avenue |
|
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f) |
On the southbound leg, approximately 35-65 m north of Bloor St. W., west curb,
introduce 5 parking meter spaces.
On the southbound leg, approximately 95-120 m north of Bloor St. W., west curb,
remove 4 parking meter spaces to improve sight lines around curve.
On the southbound leg, approximately 65-120 m north of Bloor St. W., 'smooth' west
curve (approximately 90 m north) by extending curb along the curve. This would also
serve to delineate this area for no parking thereby maintaining sight lines around the
curve.
Reconfigure size of existing stock of parking meter stalls to provide for 3 additional
spaces.
At the Barton Av., south approach, maintain full 11 m pavement width to
accommodate existing traffic operations at the signalized intersection.
Rescind 'No Stopping' regulation through the morning peak period on the west side
and introduce this regulation on the east side. |
|
Barton Avenue to Follis Avenue |
|
a)
b)
c)
d)
e) |
At the Barton Av. intersection, north approach, maintain full 11 m pavement width to
accommodate existing traffic operations at the signalized intersection.
Switch parking from west side to east side, thereby increasing parking supply by 1
space.
Immediately south of Follis Av., east side, remove bus stop to allow for parking here.
(Relocate bus stop to approximately 54 m north of Follis Av.).
At the Pendrith St. intersection, in the absence of parking, remove curb extensions
north and south of intersection.
Rescind 'No Stopping' regulation through the evening peak period on the east side
and introduce this regulation on the west side. |
|
Follis Avenue to Yarmouth Road |
|
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
I)
j)
k) |
Remove 1 m narrowing on east side.
Introduce 1 m narrowing on west side, Essex St. to Yarmouth Rd.
Approximately 54 m north of Follis Av., east side, introduce bus stop (relocated from
south of Follis Av.).
From Garnet Av. and Yarmouth Rd. move parking from west side to east side thereby
increasing parking supply by 3 spaces.
Immediately south of Yarmouth Rd., east side, remove bus stop to allow for parking
here. Relocate bus stop to approximately 22 m north of Yarmouth Rd.
At Garnet Av., in the absence of parking, remove curb extension immediately north
and south of the intersection.
At Yarmouth Rd., west side, in the absence of parking, remove curb extension
immediately south of the intersection.
Approximately 18 m south of Yarmouth Rd., west side, introduce bus stop. (relocated
from north of Yarmouth Rd.).
Introduce surface texture (concrete) for PXO crossing at Essex St. (north side).
From Essex St. to Garnet Av., rescind 'No Stopping' regulation through the morning
peak period on the west side and introduce this regulation on the east side.
From Garnet Av. to Yarmouth Rd., rescind 'No Stopping' regulation through the
evening peak period on the east side and introduce this regulation on the west side. |
|
Yarmouth Road to Dupont Street |
|
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g) |
Approximately 22 m north of Yarmouth Rd., east side, introduce bus stop (Relocated
from south of Yarmouth Rd.).
Immediately north of Yarmouth Rd., west side, remove bus stop and relocate south of
Yarmouth Rd.
Switch parking from west side to east side, north of relocated bus stop, thereby
increasing parking supply by 4 spaces.
At Melville Av., west side, in the absence of parking remove curb extension
immediately south of intersection.
Introduce surface texture (concrete) for PXO crossing at Yarmouth Rd. (north side).
Increase length of left-turn storage lane for up to 6 northbound vehicles at Dupont St..
Rescind 'No Stopping' regulation through the evening peak period on the east side
and introduce this regulation on the west side. |
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Table 2
Comparison of Proposed vs. Existing Parking Meter Spaces by Street Section
ii)The Christie St. west streetline forms the west limit of permit parking area 5A where as of
January 28,1999 there were 866 parking permits issued (9 to residents of Christie St.) for the
943 permit parking spaces available.
Amendment to former City of Toronto By-law No. 602-89, being "A By-law To authorize the
construction, widening, narrowing, alteration and repair of sidewalks, pavements and curbs at
various locations", required to implement the alteration of Christie Street as noted in Drawing
Nos. 421F-5310, 421F-5311 and 421F-5312, all dated January, 1999, as follows,
(1)by deleting Columns 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively, of Schedule "B-3" (Pavement
Narrowing) the following:
