Item - 2026.MM40.29

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, recommends that:

1. City Council approve the parking, bike lane and traffic by-law amendments in Attachment 1 to this motion as part of the Cabbagetown Cycling Connections project.

In February 2025, City Council approved the installation of the Ontario Street cycling connection from Wellesley Street East to Prospect Street, as part of  2025.IE19.1, and in July 2025, City Council approve changes to the bikeway on Ontario Street between Aberdeen Avenue and Carleton Street as part of 2025.IE23.6.

In 2026, Ontario Street, between Wellesley Street East and Carlton Street, will undergo watermain, road resurfacing, and public realm improvements, in conjunction with new bike lanes. The project will enhance existing sidewalk and boulevard conditions impacted by tree root upheaving, strengthen connections between existing cycling routes, building on earlier cycling upgrades south of Winchester Square Park through the Cabbagetown Cycling Connections project in 2023. There is no change to existing motor vehicle lanes.

Most residents supported the plans during public consultation, and concerns about parking, loading, and safety were addressed through design adjustments without changing overall permit parking arrangements. Proposed changes include:

a. universally accessible sidewalks and replacing asphalt in boulevard with pavers north of the park;

b. new contra-flow bike lanes north of the park;

c. reconfiguring the contra-flow cycle track between Aberdeen Avenue and Carlton Street to a contraflow bike lane next to parking to allow curbside on-street parking;

d. a new permanent loading zone near Garner Lane; and

e. safety upgrades south of the park such as a raised pedestrian crossing at Aberdeen Avenue, curb extension with landscape elements at intersection with Carlton Street.