Item - 2025.TE26.52
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on October 22, 2025 and was adopted without amendment. City Council has delegated authority for this matter to the Toronto and East York Community Council and therefore, the decision is final.
TE26.52 - Children’s Safety in Jean Sibelius Square
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Schedule Type:
- Delegated
- Ward:
- 11 - University - Rosedale
Community Council Decision
The Toronto and East York Community Council:
1. Directed the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to install signage to prohibit bicycle use on paved paths in Jean Sibelius Square to ensure they are for pedestrians use only.
Origin
Summary
A small but heavily used park and playground, Jean Sibelius Square, is entirely surrounded by residential streets. A paved path across the park, which crosses between two play areas, is currently used by both pedestrians and cyclists. Using this path to cross the park saves cyclists a few seconds in comparison to going around on the residential streets that surround it. However, this creates a situation of danger to pedestrians, especially small children.
Tragically, a four-year-old child was recently knocked down and seriously injured by a cyclist on this path. Following the collision, city staff reviewed the area and adding signs asking cyclists to proceed slowly. This has not resulted in any meaningful change and has not eliminated the risk of further collisions and injuries.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-259106.pdf