|
What is the issue?
TheTTC is planning to replace streetcar tracks along St.Clair Avenue West. Alternatives to the present situation are now being considered. One of many alternatives is a dedicated, exclusive streetcar right-of-way that would create a barrier dividing the street 24 hours a day, 7 days of the week, similar to Spadina Avenue.
According to a City of Toronto staff report dated November 28, 2002, a dedicated right-of-way (R0W) would: (Click here to see the report.)
- Reduce the capacity of the road for traffic to less than half of current levels.
- Reduce the width of the sidewalks by 1.4 metres on each side of street.
- Result in lengthy delays and congestion in all directions at intersections.
- Greatly reduce left-turning opportunities at 130 non-signalized intersections and driveways, severely restricting accessibility.
- Result in significant increased traffic through the neighbourhood side streets.
- Result in increased wait times for pedestrians to cross the street.
- Restrict loading opportunities and deliveries to area businesses.
- Result in severely reduced flexibility in the event of accidents.
- Improve travel times for a typical individual passenger by only 1-2 minutes.
- Allow two fewer streetcars in peak periods, and one less during the mid-day period.
In September 2004, after a one-year environmental assessment process, the recommended preferred design concept was presented to City Council. The concept is outlined below. It should be noted that final detailed engineering drawings and plans will be developed later, and many of the so far announced details may change. The preferred concept includes:
- a dedicated streetcar right-of-way with 2 centre lanes reserved for the exclusive use by streetcars (and emergency vehicles)protected by a raised, but "mountable" trackbed;
- during peak periods, two general purpose traffic lanes in each direction;
- during off-peak and weekends, one general purpose traffic lane and one parking lane in each direction;
- left-turn lanes only at signalized intersections, U-turning also permitted at signalized intersections;
- parking reduced between Old Weston Road and Bathurst Street during off-peak time by 12%, during the morning peak time by 27%, and during the afternoon peak time reduced by 63% (Source: EA Team, July 8, 2004)
- sidewalk cuts of varying widths and lengths at 28 intersections from Yonge Street to Gunns Road, (Source: Figure 9.5.8.1, EA Team) necessitating the removal of trees and street amenities
- $25M for track replacement (already approved)
- $7M for the TTC platforms, intersection changes etc. for the ROW (already approved)
- $13M for civil works and streetscaping (new money, to be approved in 2005 budget)
- $2.4M for pavements and sidewalks, to be brought forward from other City division's budget
- $120,000 for new signal head lamps, to be brought forward from other City division's budget
- $204,000 for streetscape improvements from the 5 BIA capital cost program (new money)
- $6M estimated capital cost for three new parking projects (new money, to be approved in 2005 budget)
- $1-$1.5M for a public square (new money, to be approved in 2005 budget)
- $500,000 for special treatment for the Lansdowne streetcar loop (new money, to be approved in 2005 budget)
- $?? for street tree replacement (not costed)
- $?? for street lighting improvements (not costed)
- $?? for expropriations (not costed)
The total cost of this proposal, so far is $25M for track replacement and $30.7M for the right-of-way and identified mitigation measures associated with the right-of-way. There is no guarantee that the new funding included in this estimate will be approved during budget planning in 2005.
According to the City/TTC EA Team, the cost of $30M will result in a 1 minute savings for an average passenger trip, and reduce the current 1% hours lost to delay for all causes on the St.Clair streetcar route. An additional 8000 riders are expected to be attracted to this route, the same number lost since the number of streetcars was reduced on the St.Clair route.
What do we want?
- We want cost effective public transit improvements.
- We want improvements that are compatible with the character and needs of our neighbourhood.
- We don’t want to be held ransom by the “phantom” promise of capital improvements for our street that are tied to the right-of-way.
- We want the City to respect the value and integrity of our neighbourhood, and the economic contribution that our neighbourhood makes to City life.
- We want a sustainable, attractive and accessible neighbourhood.
How would the proposed right-of-way affect residents?
- Increased traffic would result on many local streets that are already experiencing heavy traffic. Public safety would be affected. Ambulances and Fire trucks will have greater difficulty accessing the neighbourhood.
- More traffic can result in increased nuisance, noise and reduce air quality, decreasing the use and enjoyment of property, and property values.
How would the proposed right-of-way affect businesses?
- The commercial district on or near St.Clair is dependent in large part on shoppers from outside the community, much like the city itself. Making the area less attractive discourages shoppers from travelling to this area. Local businesses cannot survive on the basis of local shoppers alone.
- Reducing sidewalk widths eliminates recent street improvements, and restricts sidewalk cafes and store displays. These losses degrade the shopping experience.
How would the proposed right-of-way affect customers and visitors?
- The spaciousness of the avenue that has welcomed cultural festivals, soccer celebrations and celebrity visits will disappear.
- As businesses vacate the area, it will no longer offer the same unique cultural character that now attracts visitors and customers from Canada and the USA.
How would the proposed right-of-way affect pedestrians and cyclists?
- Pedestrians would experience increased wait times at signalized intersections and crosswalks would be eliminated at non-signalized intersections.
- Reduced sidewalk widths will make it more difficult for seniors with canes or walkers, and parents with strollers to navigate the street.
- There has been no allowance for bicycle lanes. Increased traffic congestion will make bicycle travel more difficult and hazardous on St.Clair, and on the side streets.
|
