Item - 2026.NY32.26

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize amendments to parking and traffic regulations as set out in Attachment 2 to the report (April 20, 2026) from the Acting Deputy General Manager, Transportation Services.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Toronto Transit Commission ensure clear, effective signage for the extended queue-jump lane on Lawrence Avenue West at Marlee Avenue.

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Toronto Transit Commission to monitor effectiveness of the extended queue jump lane on Lawrence Avenue West at Marlee Avenue for period of six months and update the local Councillor in first quarter of 2027.

The delay in staff submitting the report was at my request so that the Transportation Services recommendation for an eastbound queue-jump lane (QJL) on Lawrence Avenue West could be reviewed by the Marlee - Glencairn Study team in context with those plans for additional, future traffic congestion mitigation strategies.

Given that additional review, there is confidence that the proposed queue-jump lane will not only have the potential to improve operational efficiency at this very congested intersection but, will not create any adverse effect on future plans including the possible closure of the southbound Allen Road on ramp.

Summary from the Report (April 20, 2026) from the Acting Deputy General Manager, Transportation Services:

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates bus service on Lawrence Avenue West, City Council approval of this report is required.

Transportation Services is requesting approval, on behalf of the TTC, to alter Lawrence Avenue West from the east side of Blossomfield Drive to the west side of Marlee Avenue (135 metres), to provide an eastbound queue-jump lane (QJL) for TTC buses. This action will also extend the current eastbound lane for right-turning vehicle traffic.

The queue-jump lane on Lawrence Avenue West will improve service reliability and travel times by allowing TTC vehicles (327 daily eastbound trips) to bypass general traffic at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue West and Marlee Avenue. The proposal is supported by the City’s and TTC’s established criteria for queue-jump lane warrants.

The proposed modifications do not require any road widening. The queue-jump lane can be accommodated by adjusting pavement markings, the lengths of existing turn lanes, and hatched areas, in line with the City’s lane width guidelines, and is not anticipated to negatively impact operations at the Lawrence Avenue West and Marlee Avenue intersection. As per the City’s and TTC’s practice, the queue-jump lane would be identified by signage and red pavement marking.