Item - 2021.TE25.41

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services, to investigate the feasibility and impact of relocating the existing guard rail system on Lansdowne Avenue, located approximately 100 metres to 140 metres north of Davenport Road, from between the Tennis Courts and the sidewalk to between the sidewalk and the road.

Residents in the Earlscourt neighbourhood have contacted my office with concerns about vehicles travelling at high and unsafe speeds along Lansdowne Avenue, especially where there is a bend in the road. This corner is located near the entrance of Earlscourt Park.

Following a motorist losing control of their vehicle and crashing into fencing in the park, a guard rail was installed at this corner, on the inside of the sidewalk, to deflect and slow down errant vehicles from leaving the roadway. However, the placement of the guard rail does not protect the outside sidewalk and leaves pedestrians exposed.

I reached out to Traffic Operations and asked them for guidance on these issues and to make recommendations to address them. As a result, and after having consulted with area residents, I am recommending that we move to report back on and investigate the feasibility of their request to have an outside guard rail installed as outlined below.