Item - 2020.TE14.36

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the closure of the north sidewalk on Richmond Street West, between Augusta Avenue and a point 33 metres west, from March 18, 2020 to July 31, 2021.

2. City Council approve the closure of the bike lane and a portion of the westbound curb lane on the north side of Richmond Street West, between Augusta Avenue and a point 47 metres west, from March 18, 2020 to July 31, 2021.

3. City Council direct the applicant to pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

4. City Council direct the applicant to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkway have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night.

5. City Council direct the applicant to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

6. City Council direct the applicant to install appropriate signage and converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safety is considered at all times.

7. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

8. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

9. City Council direct the applicant to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired.

10. City Council direct the applicant to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

11. City Council direct the applicant to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.

12. City Council direct that Richmond Street West be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the project is complete.

This staff report was initially submitted as a delegated matter.  It was subsequently determined that this matter is not delegated and requires City Council approval.

Alterra-Filer (Richmond Street) Limited is constructing a 15-storey condominium building at 520 Richmond Street West. The site is located on the northwest corner of Richmond Street West and Augusta Avenue.

Transportation Services is requesting authorization to close the north sidewalk and a portion of the westbound curb lane on Richmond Street West for a period of 16 months (i.e. March 18, 2020 to July 31, 2021) to accommodate a construction staging area. The developer originally requested a closure for 21 months but Transportation Services is seeking authority for 16 months at this time, as further coordination with another development in the vicinity is required. Staff will review the need to extend the duration of the construction staging area and seek authority from Toronto and East York Community Council, if necessary.

Although Transportation Services is technically requesting approval to close the sidewalk, bike lane and a portion of the westbound curb lane in their current location, on the north side of Richmond Street West, traffic lanes abutting the site will be realigned to maintain one westbound traffic lane, a parking lane, plus a bike lane and temporary walkway.

Pedestrian operations on the north side of Richmond Street West will be maintained in a covered and protected walkway within the closed portion of the existing bike lane. Bike operations on the north side of Richmond Street West will be maintained within the closed portion of the westbound curb lane. Pedestrian operations on the south sidewalk will be maintained.