Item - 2022.TE31.70

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Authorized the reduction of permit parking hours on Shaw Street between Harbord Street and Dewson Street from 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week to the new hours of 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 7 days a week and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

In November 2020, my office received a petition from residents of Shaw St between Harbord and Dewson requesting the extension of permit parking hours. A parking-by-permit-only restriction was requested during the evening rush hour, with the petition organizer telling us residents had difficulty finding parking during the evening rush hour. I received a petition signed by 60% of households on the street.

Given the resident support, I directed staff to report to Community Council authorizing the extension of the on-street permit parking hours to the new hours of 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

Since the change was implemented, I have received further feedback and input from residents of Shaw Street suggesting that this was not the change that was being sought. Residents have expressed they felt an extension in permit parking operating hours on Saturdays and Sundays were too restrictive and would like to see this rescinded as it will improve the parking flexibility for residents and their guests who visit over the weekend.

My office then received counter petition from another 60% of the residents on the street wanting the new restrictions removed.

Facing two surveys of equal support well above 50% asking for opposite things, my office drafted a letter and dropped it at every house proposing a compromise to the existing rules which will change the permit parking operating hours to the new hours of 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 7 days a week and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday only. These new hours will still prioritize residents returning home during the evening rush hour on weekdays, but allow for greater flexibility over the weekends and holidays.

In response, I had less than 25% of household on the street contact me letting me know about their opposition to this change. Therefore, with 75% support, while not perfect, I feel we have struck the right balance for those living on this stretch of Shaw, and will continue to support neighbours to secure temporary permits for visitors who need to stay longer than the posted hours.

A public notice has been submitted regarding this motion.