Item - 2026.IE31.8
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Infrastructure and Environment Committee on July 15, 2026. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
IE31.8 - Pedestrian Access to Laneway Houses in Ward 11 During Snow Events
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Ward:
- 11 - University - Rosedale
Committee Decision
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:
1. Referred the item to the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and requested that they undertake a broader review of snow clearing options, specific to laneways with laneway housing, with financial implications and include as part of the report back as directed by City Council's decision on item IE29.1.
Origin
Summary
A number of families have accepted the city’s encouragement to build laneway homes in Ward 11, whose only road access is via a public lane. However, the city does not provide snow clearing services to such lanes, creating serious access issues for their residents during severe winter weather.
In 2026.IE29.1, City staff declined to recommend snow removal for the 2,744 public laneways in the City of Toronto, but did not provide any alternative solution for even pedestrian access to the comparatively small number of laneway houses. This motion is focussed on a small number of laneway houses whose residents had serious access issues during winter weather in 2025 and 2026.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-289470.pdf
Communications
Motions
That Infrastructure and Environment Committee:
1. Refer the item to the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and request that they undertake a broader review of snow clearing options, specific to laneways with laneway housing, with financial implications and include as part of the report back as directed by City Council's decision on item IE29.1.
Vote (Refer Item) Jul-15-2026
| Result: Carried | Majority Required |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 5 | Members that voted Yes are Rachel Chernos Lin, Mike Colle, Paula Fletcher (Chair), Amber Morley, Anthony Perruzza |
| Total members that voted No: 1 | Members that voted No are Dianne Saxe |
| Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are James Pasternak |