Item - 2024.TE16.64

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize a passenger loading zone to be in effect at all times on the south side of Bloor Street West, between a point 64.5 metres east of Colborne Lodge Drive and a point 18.8 metres further east.

2. City Council amend the existing stopping prohibition in effect at all times on the south side of Bloor Street West, between a point 82 metres west of Colborne Lodge Drive and a point 85 metres east of Colborne Lodge Drive, to operate between a point 82 metres west of Colborne Lodge Drive and a point 64.5 metres east of Colborne Lodge Drive.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consider opportunities to add designated accessible parking spaces and accessible loading zones near High Park to serve residents travelling to High Park, that align with the City's Curbside Management Strategy, Parkland Strategy, and Council-approved High Park Movement Strategy and to consult with the local Councillor before reporting to the Toronto and East York Community Council on such changes.

The first phase of implementation of the High Park Movement Strategy began in August 2023. Interim and longer-term improvements to the travel network are being advanced to better serve park users and the surrounding community in ways that prioritize safety, accessibility, and the park’s natural environment. Changes to visitor vehicle access into the park via Bloor Street West has enabled the removal of the westbound left-turn lane at the Bloor Street West and High Park Avenue intersection. The road space previously allocated to the left-turn lane queue can be reallocated to accommodate a new, three-car passenger loading zone on the south side of Bloor Street West. The new passenger loading zone could be used by any motor vehicle to facilitate passenger pick-up and drop-off activities and responds directly to community requests for more loading space, and travel options for park users.