Item - 2020.EY15.17

Etobicoke York Community Council requested the Director, Transportation Services, Etobicoke York District, to report to the July 14, 2020 meeting of the Community Council, on:

1. The status and schedule of the utility project, if it may be determined.

2. Options to cancel the permit and to fully restore the streets immediately.

3. Opportunities to recover costs from the utility company.

I would like to request that the following item be added to the Etobicoke York Community Council Agenda.

I have received complaints from residents within the Richview neighbourhood, just west of Kipling Ave. and The Westway, regarding telecommunications utility work in the City's road right of way on several streets.

Earlier this year a project was commenced to install new underground telecommunications infrastructure. However, the work was suspended by the utility company and the workers have left the area for some time. Open holes are covered with pieces of plywood, road cones have been placed throughout the neighbourhood and incomplete underground conduit pieces have been left exposed. Despite working with staff and the utility company, a date as to when the work may resume cannot be determined.

I believe that it is inappropriate to subject residents to this state of disarray and clutter for an indeterminate period of time. Materials, holes and uneven surfaces present risks, if not eyesores. If there is no prospect of resuming the work soon, then the roadway should be fully restored and the materials removed.

I hope that you will support the following recommendations to bring some closure to the situation.