Item - 2021.SC24.18

Scarborough Community Council:

1. Rescinded the existing parking prohibition in effect at all times on the east side of Rouge Hills Drive between Lawrence Avenue East and Island Road.

2. Prohibited standing at all times on the east side of Rouge Hills Drive between Lawrence Avenue East and Island Road.

3. Prohibited standing at all times on the west side of Rouge Hills Drive between Lawrence Avenue East and a point 38 metres north.

Many residents of the West Rouge neighbourhood have highlighted traffic safety concerns to my office about Rouge Hills Drive. This concern is magnified in the summer months when Toronto residents visit the beach in large numbers and park illegally creating congestion and limiting the ability of emergency services to navigate Rouge Hills Drive.

Parks Canada continues to work on measures to mitigate parking issues in the area. Logs have been placed at the south end of Rouge Hills Drive to further delineate no parking areas, but more needs to be done.

On May 7, 2021, staff from Toronto Police Services, Parks Canada and the City of Toronto (Transportation, PFNR) conducted a site visit to investigate traffic safety concerns. They agree that improved signage and creation of no-standing zones can help deter illegal parking, thereby keeping the intersection and road clearer for emergency services and pedestrians to navigate.

On that basis, I am presenting these recommendations that have been reviewed and supported by City of Toronto Transportation and Toronto Police services.

The change to no-standing signage will provide a further deterrent for illegal parking by increasing the ability to ticket and tow.