Various Traffic Control Measures to Reduce

Speeding and Improve Traffic Operations

on Windermere Avenue (High Park)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April21,1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1:

Purpose:

To install all way "Stop" sign controls at two locations on Windermere Avenue, to introduce measures to reduce speeding and to improve traffic operations for area residents and in the vicinity of Swansea Public School.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary pedestrian crossover removal and installation/adjustment to signage in the estimated amount of $15,000 are contained in the 1999 Transportation Services Division Current Budget request.

Recommendations:

(1)That the existing pedestrian crossover on Windermere Avenue at St. Olave's Road be removed;

(2)That all way "Stop" sign controls be installed at the following intersections:

-Windermere Avenue and Deforest Road

-Windermere Avenue and St. Olave's Road

(3)That the parking prohibition on the east side of Windermere Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. between Bloor Street West and the Queensway be rescinded; and

(4)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 High Park Councillors Korwin-Kuczynski and Miller, on behalf of area residents, Works staff have investigated various measures which could be implemented to improve traffic operations on Windermere Avenue. At a meeting held with Swansea area residents on June 16, 1998 the matter of speeding on Windermere Avenue, among other area issues, was discussed and it was recommended that consideration be given to the implementation of all way "Stop" sign controls at two locations on Windermere Avenue in conjunction with other measures, to reduce vehicular speeds and improve traffic operations on this roadway. On July 27, 1998, a letter was sent to both Ward Councillors outlining several options for Windermere Avenue and a subsequent poll by the Ward Councillors of residents early in 1999 confirmed that a majority of the residents polled were in favour of the recommended changes.

Windermere Avenue between Bloor Street West and the Queensway is a two-lane collector road with a pavement width of 8.5 metres and a speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. The Toronto Transit Commission operates a regularly scheduled bus service on the portion of Windermere Avenue between Morningside Avenue and the Queensway.

At present parking is prohibited at anytime on the west side of Windermere Avenue and prohibited on the east side from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Permit parking operates on the east side from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., daily between Ostend Avenue and Morningside Avenue. Parking is otherwise permitted for a maximum period of three hours.

The results of the most recent 24 hour speed and volume study conducted on Windermere Avenue indicated a daily volume of approximately 7,500 vehicles and that the majority of vehicles travelling on Windermere Avenue did so in excess of the 40 kilometres per hour speed limit. The issue of speeding has been of long standing concern to residents of Windermere Avenue and the surrounding area and, as a method of reducing speed, it is recommended that parking be allowed during the peak periods on the east side of Windermere Avenue from the Queensway to Bloor Street West. The provision of parking at all times of the day would in effect narrow the travelled portion of the roadway and may serve to encourage greater caution and lower speeds by motorists. It should be noted that parking will continue to be prohibited on the east side of Windermere Avenue in the vicinity of the Swansea Public School and just south of Bloor Street West where there is already an existing "No Parking Anytime" prohibition.

In addition, to improve safety in the vicinity of the Swansea Public School it is recommended that the pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Windermere Avenue and St. Olave's Road be removed and replaced with an all way "Stop" sign control and the appropriate pavement markings (crossing lines, stop bars, etc.). At present Windermere Avenue and St. Olave's Road meet to form a "T" type intersection with Windermere Avenue being the through street. However, at this location the curb alignments are irregular and require adjustment which should occur in conjunction with the implementation of the all way "Stop" sign control. Works staff are developing an appropriate plan and will report further as required.

The Ward Councillors also requested that consideration be given to the establishment of all way "Stop" sign control at the intersection of Windermere Avenue and Deforest Road. These two streets meet to form a four-way offset intersection with poor visibility for westbound motorists on Deforest Road approaching Windermere Avenue. There are currently "Stop" signs on Deforest Road for eastbound and westbound traffic approaching the intersection at Windermere Avenue. To improve the safe operation of this intersection, it is recommended that "Stop" signs be posted for northbound and southbound Windermere Avenue traffic to require all traffic approaching the intersection to come to a complete stop thereby requiring motorists to exhibit greater caution while travelling through the area.

In view of the high volume of traffic on Windermere Avenue and to enhance visibility of the new "Stop" signs for northbound and southbound Windermere Avenue traffic, post mounted flashing red beacons should be installed at both of the above noted locations.

Works staff will monitor the implementation of the above noted measures on Windermere Avenue and will report back as necessary on the results of the implementation or any required amendments. Community consultation will continue to take place at the request of the High Park Councillors in an effort to continue to improve traffic operations in the area.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Erin Holl (392-7892)

Co-ordinator - Traffic Operations Section