Item - 2011.TE11.50

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1.         City Council rescind the alteration of the roadway by removing the uncontrolled two-way channel on the southwest corner of the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Fairford Avenue, generally as shown on Drawing No. 421F-9140 dated December 2007 and attached to the report from the Director of Transportation Services of Toronto and East York District dated October 17, 2011.

2.         City Council approve the alteration of the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Fairford Avenue/Gerrard Street East, by diverting the north leg of Fairford Avenue approximately 30 metres southerly and creating a fully signalized offset intersection, generally as shown in Drawing No. 421G-0471, dated October 2011, attached to the report from the Director of Transportation Services of Toronto and East York District dated October 17, 2011, in order to achieve the design deriving pedestrian and community traffic benefits favoured by area residents and recommended by the independent transportation and safety consultant retained to assess various alternatives.

3.         City Council, upon completion of the proposed reconfiguration of the intersection, prohibit right turns on a red signal from northbound Coxwell Avenue to Gerrard Street East, from southbound Coxwell Avenue to Fairford Avenue, and from eastbound Fairford Avenue to Coxwell Avenue.

The Toronto and East York Community Council under its delegated authority:

1.         Approved the installation of westbound "No left turn, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., Monday to Friday" regulation at Ashdale and Fairford and Woodfield and Fairford by January 2012.

2.         Directed that Transportation Services invite the Principal, staff and school council of Equinox Alternative School to develop a school traffic management plan for parents driving their children to the school.

3.         Directed that the document, entitled "Coxwell Avenue and Fairford Avenue Intersection, Toronto - Analysis for Pedestrian Safety", dated September 6, 2011, review conducted by the Public Space Workshop, be forwarded to the Director, Transportation Services, Toronto and East York District, with a request that the suggestions contained in the document be taken into consideration during intersection redesign.

In 2009, City Council approved alterations to the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Fairford Avenue/Gerrard Street East which included the removal of the uncontrolled two way channel, generally as shown on the attached Drawing No. 421F 9140, dated December 2007.

After considerable consultation with the Ward Councillors and residents of the area, and a review of the pedestrian safety and walkability of the intersection by an independent consultant, a revised option for the reconfiguration of the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Fairford Avenue/Gerard Street East has been developed.

The proposed reconfiguration of the intersection includes diverting the north leg of Fairford Avenue approximately 30 metres southerly and creating a fully signalized offset intersection with Coxwell Avenue and Gerrard Street East.  This proposal will improve pedestrian safety by reducing the intersection by at least one leg.  The parkette on the northwest corner of the intersection can be expanded.  There may be a reduction in commuter traffic through the community to the west of Coxwell Avenue, although access and egress for residents will be maintained.  While providing the positive benefits noted, the proposed 3-phase operation of the intersection will result in an increase in queues and delays for traffic and transit on both Coxwell Avenue and Gerrard Street East.