Item - 2025.SC25.11

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signals at Sheppard Avenue East, at a point 130 metres east of Allanford Road.

2. City Council authorize the removal of the pedestrian refuge island on Sheppard Avenue East, at a point 130 metres east of Allanford Road, in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Sheppard Avenue East, at a point 130 metres east of Allanford Road, as set out in Recommendation 1 above.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Sheppard Avenue East, City Council approval of this report is required.

Transportation Services staff are recommending the removal of the pedestrian refuge island (PRI) on Sheppard Avenue East, approximately 130 metres east of Allanford Road, and replacing it with traffic control signals at the same location.

There are several factors for the proposed recommendations:

- Pedestrian refuge island's do not provide right-of-way for pedestrians and are not considered an enhanced form of pedestrian crossing protection

- The heavy traffic on the five-lane cross-section of Sheppard Avenue East poses potential safety concerns for pedestrians crossing at the pedestrian refuge island between Agincourt Mall on the north side of Sheppard Avenue East and the seniors' residence located on the south side of Sheppard Avenue East.

- Due to the immediate proximity to the senior residence at 3825 Sheppard Avenue East, the subject pedestrian refuge island is used predominantly by seniors who often require extra time to cross the road.

- The potential concerns involving pedestrians crossing the subject area suggests that additional crossing protection should be considered at this location.

The replacement of pedestrian refuge island with traffic control signals will provide enhanced safety for all road users and is justified based on the assessment undertaken.