Item - 2014.PW30.1

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommends that:

1.         City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, together with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to develop Complete Streets Guidelines using the integrated approach as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (March 11, 2014) from the Deputy City Manager, Cluster B.

2.         City Council direct staff to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in 2015 on the Complete Streets Guidelines and on the completion of Phase 1: Development, Consultation and Delivery of Complete Streets Guidelines, with recommendations on the support which may be necessary for the implementation.

"Complete Streets" is a relatively new term used to describe streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access and functionality for all uses and users within the transportation system, including pedestrians of all ages and abilities, cyclists, public transit riders, and motorists (e.g. emergency services vehicles, goods delivery, etc.). The Complete Streets concept also relates to bringing greater clarity to decision-making processes such that social, economic and environmental priorities are considered and balanced in the design and construction of the entire right-of-way.

On May 7, 2013, City Council adopted Motion PW22.10 "Complete Streets," with amendments, requesting the Deputy City Manager, Cluster B, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to develop Complete Streets Guidelines and report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on an approach for developing these Guidelines. In response to concerns about the City's sewer and stormwater systems ability to manage severe storms, City Council adopted Motions PW25.7(4) and  EX34.4 requesting a joint effort to review stormwater management best practices and develop 'green infrastructure' standards for the public right-of-way. Lastly, new approaches and standards embedded in the Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment (Part IV.I – Ontario. Reg. 191/11) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) also present an opportunity and responsibility to integrate accessibility in the public right-of-way, with compliance on all newly constructed or redeveloped infrastructure required by January 1, 2016.

This staff report outlines and recommends an integrated approach to develop Complete Streets Guidelines for Toronto which reflects the above direction. The recommended approach is based on work conducted to date, including preliminary consultations with key internal and external partners and stakeholders, as well as research from other leading jurisdictions with similar guidelines. The recommended approach to developing Complete Streets Guidelines in Toronto includes the proposed purpose and scope of the Guidelines, how these Guidelines will fit within the context of existing City of Toronto policies and standards, estimated capital and operating costs, and how these Guidelines will be integrated in the city's multi-year capital coordination process, planned phases of work and associated timelines, governance structure, and resources. The resulting Guidelines are expected to provide a framework to improve decision-making processes and outcomes across Toronto's complex and diverse street system.