Item - 2022.EY31.17

The Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that: 

1. City Council authorize a pedestrian crossover signal on Prince Edward Drive South at Bernice Avenue.

Prince Edward Drive South, in the vicinity of Bernice Avenue is a two-lane ‘Collector’ road. There are sidewalks on both sides of Prince Edward Drive South. The intersection of Prince Edward Drive South and Bernice Avenue is a “T” intersection with a "Stop" control for westbound motorists on Bernice Avenue. Toronto Transit Commission operates daily bus service on Prince Edward Drive South. The legal speed limit on Prince Edward Drive South is 40 km/h. Park Lawn Junior Middle School is located in the area on the east side of Ballacaine Drive south of Bernice Avenue.

In 2019, local community members and parents contacted my office to report their concern over a lack of protected pedestrian crossing along Prince Edward Drive South between Berry Road and Winston Grove. An onsite meeting with Transportation Services demonstrated that many children living on the west side of Prince Edward Drive South walk in groups to attend Park Lawn Junior Middle School, mainly crossing at Bernice Avenue. There are also seniors, cyclists, and young families with strollers that use Prince Edward Drive South frequently.

There are multiple construction projects scheduled to take place this year and next in the area, as well as the Queensway Complete Streets project. Prince Edward Drive South will see additional traffic over the next 1-3 years, and perhaps beyond. Toronto Transit Commission buses and vehicles speeding on Prince Edward Drive South is also an ongoing issue. A pedestrian activated pedestrian crossovers would create a safer crossing option for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage more active transportation options along this route.