Item - 2026.IE27.17

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council rescind the existing northerly westbound cycle track designation on Lennox Street, between Palmerston Boulevard and Markham Street.

2. City Council rescind the existing northerly westbound (bicycles only) one way lane designation on Lennox Street, between Palmerston Boulevard and Markham Street.

3. City Council rescind the two existing southerly eastbound one-way lanes designations on Lennox Street, between Palmerston Boulevard and Markham Street.

4. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to conduct appropriate traffic counts on Lennox Street between Palmerston Boulevard and Markham Street, after Markham Street has reopened north of Lennox Street, and after recommendations, one to three have been implemented.

5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report to Toronto East York Community Council in the second quarter of 2026 with recommendations on improving cyclist safety by installing one or more speed humps on Lennox Street.

Lennox Street is a short east-west residential street in the Bloor / Bathurst neighborhood. Between Palmerston and Euclid and between Markham and Bathurst, this is a two-way street. However, the single block between Palmerston and Markham is currently designated one way east only, with a westbound contra-flow lane for bicycles. There is no dedicated bicycle lane elsewhere on Lennox Street.

Vehicle traffic movement in this area is difficult, due to intensification, construction projects, the prolonged closure of Markham Street north of Lennox, RapidTO priority streetcar lanes, and the Palmerston greenway. The one-block, one-way restriction on Lennox Street has led to a significant number of drivers making illegal turns to drive southbound on Markham Street, which is one way north. When Markham Street does reopen, one way northbound from Lennox to Bloor Street, it is intended to be a pedestrian priority area.

Many local residents have signed a community petition requesting reopening the single block of Lennox to two-way traffic between Markham Street and Palmerston Avenue. This would provide a legal alternative for drivers at the Lennox / Markham Street intersection, without forcing them to drive north on Markham Street through the pedestrian priority area.

It may also increase vehicle traffic on Lennox Street. To ensure continuing cyclist safety, a speed hump review and traffic count are appropriate.