Item - 2025.TE22.16

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Authorized the continuation of the closure of the east sidewalk and a 3-metre-wide portion of the northbound curb lane on George Street, between Richmond Street East and a point 45.5 metres south, and provision of a temporary pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of George Street, from May 2, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

2. Authorized the continuation of the closure of the south sidewalk and a 3.7-metre-wide portion of the south side westbound curb lane on Richmond Street East, between George Street and a point 103 metres east, and provision of a temporary pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of Richmond Street East, from May 2, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

3. Directed the applicant to continue to pressure wash or sweep (weather permitting) the construction site, adjacent sidewalks and roadways daily, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

4. Directed the applicant to continue to construct and maintain a fully covered, protected and unobstructed walkway for all pedestrians, including for those with mobility devices, for the entire duration of the construction staging area permit to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and ensure it is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

5. Directed the applicant to continue to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkway have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night.

6. Directed the applicant to continue to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local Business Improvement Areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

7. Directed the applicant to continue to install appropriate signage and request the applicant to install converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists' safety is considered at all times.

8. Directed the applicant to continue to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Coordinator and the Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

9. Directed the applicant to continue to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Coordinator and the Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large-scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

10. Directed the applicant to continue to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired.

11. Directed the applicant to continue to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

12. Directed the applicant to continue to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.

13. Directed the applicant, in consultation with Transportation Services, to continue to maintain any bike lanes and install appropriate signage to inform drivers and cyclists of any changes to the cycling lanes.

14. Directed that the occupation permit for construction staging on George Street and on Richmond Street East continue to be conditional, subject to there being no conflicts with Metrolinx transit project construction.

15. Directed the applicant to continue to create a publicly accessible website with regular construction updates and post the website address on the construction site hoarding, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

16. Directed the applicant to continue to mitigate light pollution by installing a shield/barrier on any lighting standards within close proximity to adjacent residential properties, such as cranes.

17. In areas where no cycling lanes exist, directed the applicant to continue to consult with Transportation Services to install sharrow markings onto the roadway and display appropriate signage on the hoarding board to inform motorists and cyclists to safely share the road.

18. Directed the Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Services and the applicant to continue to establish a Construction Management Working Group that meets monthly and invite local stakeholders including Municipal Licensing and Standards, Toronto Buildings, adjacent neighbours, local resident groups, local Business Improvement Areas and local school administration.

19. Directed the applicant to continue to email monthly construction progress reports to the local Councillor, residents' association and Business Improvement Area Board of Management.

20. Directed that George Street and Richmond Street East be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the project is complete.

This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision.

Alterra Group of Companies has undertaken the construction of a 39-storey residential condominium building at 125 George Street. The site is located on the southeast corner of George Street and Richmond Street East.

At its meeting of November 15, 2023, Toronto and East York Community Council authorized the temporary closure of the northbound lane on George Street and a portion of the westbound curb lane on Richmond Street East from November 16, 2023, to December 31, 2024. At the time, the developer indicated they would require the staging area for a total of 38 months, from November 16, 2023, to December 31, 2026, however, the occupation was only approved for a 14-month period.

Transportation Services is requesting authorization to extend the time duration of the construction staging area on George Street for an additional 17 months, from May 2, 2025, to September 30, 2026, to allow for the construction of the development to be completed.