Decisions

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. In accordance with Section 71- 11.1.C of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), authorized an amendment to Purchase Order Number 6044650 with Candevcon Ltd. for the provision of professional services associated with the design for the widening of Port Union Road between Lawrence Avenue East and Island Road in the amount of $497,995 net of all taxes and charges ($506,760 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

This revised the current purchase order value from $493,100 net of all taxes and charges ($501,779 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $991,095net of all taxes and charges ($1,008,538 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The purpose of this report is to request authority to amend Purchase Order Number. 6044650 issued to Candevcon Limited for professional engineering services associated with the detailed design of the Port Union Road widening between Lawrence Avenue East and Island Road. This amendment is being requested due to design changes initiated by Transportation Services necessary to reflect today's updated road safety standards and additional geotechnical investigations associated with Ontario Regulation 406/19 On-Site and Excess Soil Management.

The total value of the Purchase Order Amendment being requested is $497,995 net of all taxes and charges ($506,760 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current Purchase Order value from $493,100 net of all taxes and charges ($506,760 net of Harmonized Sales Tax

recoveries) to $991,095 net of all taxes and charges ($1,008,538 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. In accordance with Section 71-11A of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), authorized an amendment to the existing Contract Number 47022825 issued to SNF Canada Limited, for the supply and delivery of Water Soluble Polyelectrolyte (Polymer) for Biosolids Dewatering for the City of Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant and increased the overall target value including option years by $5,864,265 net of all taxes and charges ($5,937,476 net of Harmonized Sales Tax Recoveries).

2. In accordance with Section 71-11A of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), authorized an amendment to the existing Contract Number 47022823 issued to Quadra Chemicals Limited, for the supply and delivery of Water Soluble Polyelectrolyte (Polymer) for Waste Activated Sludge Thickening for the City of Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant and increased the overall target value for all option years by $929,430 net of all taxes and charges ($945,788 net of Harmonized Sales Tax Recoveries).

The purpose of this report is to request authority to amend Blanket Contracts 47022825 and 47022823 awarded under Request for Quotation Number 9117-19-7130 to SNF Canada Limited, and Quadra Chemicals Limited, for the supply and delivery of Water Soluble Polyelectrolyte (polymer) for biosolids dewatering and waste activated sludge thickening for the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant. These amendments are requested in response to escalating unit costs resulting from increased raw material costs, global supply chain challenges and the resulting increase in the Statistics Canada indices used to calculate price adjustments for option years.  The amendments also cover the costs associated with increased chemical volumes used over the past two years in processes that improve wastewater treatment outputs.  

The amendments requested include an increase to the current contract target value and two (2) option year periods for Blanket Contract Number 47022825 issued to SNF Canada Limited, in the amount of $5,864,265 net of all taxes and charges ($5,967,476 net of Harmonized Sales Tax Recoveries), and two (2) option year periods of Blanket Contract Number 47022823 issued to Quadra Chemicals Limited, in the amount of $929,430 net of all taxes and charges ($945,788 net of Harmonized Sales Tax Recoveries).

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. In accordance with Section 71-11.1.C of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), authorized an amendment to Purchase Order Number 6040249 with WSP Canada Incorporated for professional engineering services during construction for the Rehabilitation and Upgrade of Seven (7) Sewage Pumping Stations (Group 5) at various locations by an additional amount of $577,623 net of all taxes and charges ($587,789 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current purchase order value from $2,341,467 to $2,919,090 net of all taxes and charges ($2,970,466 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The purpose of this report is to seek authority to amend Purchase Order Number 6040249 issued to WSP Canada Incorporated for Professional Engineering Services during construction for the Rehabilitation and Upgrade of Seven (7) Sewage Pumping Stations (Group 5) at various locations, awarded under Request for Proposal 9117-14-7041. This purchase order amendment is needed for additional contract administration and site inspection services necessary to complete the construction work that has been assumed by a new contractor because the original contractor has gone out of business.

The total Purchase Order amendment being requested is $577,623 net of all taxes and charges ($587,789 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current purchase order value from $2,341,467 to $2,919,090 excluding Harmonized Sales Tax ($2,970,466 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. In accordance with Section 195-8.4 of the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195 (Purchasing), authorized the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services to negotiate and enter into an agreement with GFL Infrastructure Group Incorporated, being the lowest qualified supplier meeting the requirements of Request for Tender, Ariba Document Number 3403799980 to provide construction services for Assignments 19-15, 24-02, 26-02/03/08 and 27-03/05, under the Basement Flooding Protection Program Phase 4, in the total amount of $23,510,947 net of all applicable taxes and charges, $23,924,740 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries.

The purpose of this report is to advise of the results of Request for Tender, Ariba Document Number 3403799980, Tender 21ECS-LU-05FP, for construction services for the Basement Flooding Protection Program Assignments 19-15, 24-02, 26-02/03/08 and 27-03/05, and request the authority to enter into an agreement with GFL Infrastructure Group Incorporated in the amount of $23,510,947 net of all applicable taxes and charges, ($23,924,740 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council, in accordance with Section 195-8.5 of the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195 (Purchasing), authorize the award of Ariba Document Number 3320202763, for the Biosolids Master Plan Implementation Project and South Facility Upgrades Project at Highland Creek Treatment Plant, in the amount of $266,655,654 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($271,348,793 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to Maple Reinders Constructors Limited, having submitted the lowest compliant bid and meeting the specifications in conformance with the Tender requirements, subject to Recommendation 2 below.

2. City Council authorize the reallocation of project costs and cash flows within Toronto Water's approved 2022 Capital Budget and 2023-2031 Capital Plan in the amount of $5,008,000 from Biosolids Master Plan Implementation - Enhancements, which will be awarded under budget and $65,492,131 from Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant Polymer Upgrades Project, which will be deferred to support the award of Ariba Document Number 3320202763, for the Biosolids Master Plan Implementation Project and South Facility Upgrades Project at Highland Creek Treatment Plant, as presented in Table 2 of the Financial Impact Statement to the report (June 22, 2022) from the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, General Manager, Toronto Water and Acting Chief Procurement Officer, Purchasing and Materials Management, with zero Budget impact to Toronto Water.

3. City Council authorize the amendment of Purchase Order Number 6052723 with CH2M Hill Canada Limited for Contract Administration Services by increasing the value by $8,844,340 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($9,000,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), from $10,790,027 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($10,979,931 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $19,634,367 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($19,979,931 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), subject to approval of Recommendation 4 below.

4. City Council authorize the reallocation of project costs and cash flows within Toronto Water's approved 2022 Capital Budget and 2023-2031 Capital Plan in the amount of $6,000,000 from Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant Polymer Upgrades Project, which will be deferred to support the amendment to Purchase Order Number 6052723 with CH2M Hill Canada Limited for the provision of Contract Administration Services, as presented in Table 4 of the Financial Impact Statement to the report (June 22, 2022) from the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, General Manager, Toronto Water and Acting Chief Procurement Officer, Purchasing and Materials Management, with zero Budget impact to Toronto Water.

The purpose of this report is to advise of the results of Request for Tender Ariba Document Number 3320202763, for the Biosolids Master Plan Implementation Project and South Facility Upgrades Project at the Highland Creek Treatment Plant and to request authority to award the contract to Maple Reinders Constructors Limited, in the amount of $266,655,654 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($271,348,793 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).  

Authority is also being requested to reallocate project costs and cash flows within Toronto Water's Approved 2022 Capital Budget and Approved 2023-2031 Capital Plan in the amount of $70,500,131 from a project that will be deferred and a project that will be awarded under budget to support the cost for this contract award.

Authority is also being requested to amend Purchase Order Number 6052723 with CH2M Hill Canada Limited, for the provision of Contract Administration Services in the amount of $8,844,340 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($9,000,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

Authority is also being requested to reallocate project costs and cash flows within Toronto Water's Approved 2022 Capital Budget and Approved 2023-2031 Capital Plan in the amount of $6,000,000 from a project that will be deferred to support the amendment of Purchase Order Number 6052723 with CH2M Hill Canada Limited for the provision of Contract Administration Services.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City of Toronto, a Fundraising Agreement with the Friends of Allan Gardens described in the report (June 15, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to raise funds for capital projects in Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory, in keeping with the "Refresh" vision for Allan Gardens, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to accept third-party funds raised by Friends of Allan Gardens, as described in the Fundraising Agreement within the report (June 15, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and to allocate the funds as they become available to Allan Gardens capital projects in Parks, Forestry and Recreation's 10-Year Capital Budget and Plan for the purpose of capital improvements to Allan Gardens, subject to the budget process.

3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City of Toronto a Management Agreement with Friends of Allan Gardens described in the report (June 15, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, for a term of five years with an additional term of five years at the General Manager's discretion, for the purposes of managing a portion of Allan Gardens Conservatory, namely the Children's Conservatory and adjacent Children's Conservatory Teaching Garden, on the City of Toronto's  behalf, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to seek authority from City Council to enter into agreements that will advance aspects of "Refresh: Unlocking the Opportunity to Revitalize Allan Gardens" a vision for Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory (herein referred to as "Refresh"); enter into a Fundraising Agreement with the Friends of Allan Gardens to accept donations for capital improvements to Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory; and enter into a Management Agreement with Friends of Allan Gardens for the Children's Conservatory and adjacent Children's Conservatory Teaching Garden.

This report also outlines a process to review and evaluate the governance and operating model for Allan Gardens Park and the Palm House Conservatory.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council authorize the public release of any terms and conditions in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 15, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Acting Chief Procurement Officer, which are made public through the issuance of a Request for Proposal, and direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 15, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Acting Chief Procurement Officer, remain confidential as it pertains to a position, plan, or instruction to be applied to negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the City of Toronto.

The purpose of this report is to respond to City Council direction on item AU8.6 Getting to the Root of the Issues: A Follow-Up to the 2019 Tree Maintenance Service Audit, outlining the final details of the Negotiated Request for Proposal, including the contract terms being proposed for contracted Forestry services.

This report has been prepared in consultation with the City Manager's Office.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council declare Aplus General Contractors Corporation ("Aplus") and any affiliated persons, as defined in Chapter 195, ineligible to bid on or be awarded any City of Toronto contracts as a supplier of goods and / or services or as a subcontractor to such a supplier, including any options, renewals or extensions of existing contracts, for an additional period of three (3) years commencing upon the date of approval of the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Toronto Water, and the Acting Chief Procurement Officer, Purchasing and Materials Management.

This report recommends that City Council declare Aplus General Contractors Corporation ("Aplus") ineligible to bid on, or be awarded any City of Toronto contracts for a period of three (3) years given its unacceptable and repeated poor performance and management on Contract Number MCP13-19WP for the Construction and Rehabilitation of the Process Control Building at Highland Creek Treatment Plant.

The poor performance by Aplus was documented through five contractor performance evaluations completed between November 2016 and November 2018.  Refusals to comply by Aplus resulted in two notices of default being issued by the City against Aplus.

In 2019, as a result of its poor performance on a different City contract, Aplus was declared ineligible to bid on or be awarded any City contract for 3 years. This suspension expired April 30, 2022.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends:

1. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services to ensure that projects applying to the Sustainable Energy Plan Financing program for funds must be projected to generate savings or revenues sufficient to offset a debt service schedule over the performance life of the asset, limited to a maximum of 30 years, inclusive of all financing costs at the City of Toronto's cost of borrowing at the time of approval, or demonstrate sufficient financial ability to service the debt as determined by a financial review by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

2. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, or their designate, to negotiate and enter into any agreements necessary for the Sustainable Energy Plan Financing program, including agreements to disburse or receive funding, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, or their designate and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

In December 2021 City Council adopted TransformTO - Critical Steps for Net Zero by 2040, an ambitious climate change strategy targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Existing buildings are Toronto's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions emissions accounting for about 57 percent of total community-wide emissions (2019). In July 2021 City Council approved the Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy which identified nine key actions for reducing emissions, including the need to provide integrated retrofit support (Action 4) and to expand and enhance retrofit financing (Action 5).

The Sustainable Energy Plan Financing program provides financing at the City's cost of borrowing to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emission reduction projects in support of TransformTO. It is a key tool to help reduce building emissions.

This report requests an amendment to the Sustainable Energy Plan Financing program to extend the maximum debt service period for financing from 20 years to 30 years. The 30 year term is the maximum financing term for capital projects under the City's Capital Works Financing Policy.  Building decarbonisation requires a shift in the way we build and retrofit buildings, focusing on holistic deep energy retrofits which will need to include envelope updates, fuel switching, renewables, and other measures. Many of these investments will last much longer than conventional investments, such as low carbon building envelope retrofits with asset lives of up 50 years or geo-exchange bore holes which are expected to last up to 100 years. This amendment is a step towards aligning the Sustainable Energy Plan Financing program with TransformTO - Critical Steps for Net Zero by 2040 and Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan as presented in the staff report and Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to prepare the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan based on the preferred street, transit, cycling and pedestrian network solutions, issue the Notice of Completion and put the Transportation Master Plan in the public record in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.

3. City Council direct that further study, through the Environmental Assessment process, be conducted on Preferred Solutions 23 and 34 from the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan described in the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

4. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back on the outcome of the further study on Preferred Solutions 23 and 34, directed in Part 3 above, and include at that time initial recommendations on the preferred implementation phasing and prioritization for the Transportation Master Plan infrastructure improvements, and continue to work with Oxford Property-Yorkdale in combining their efforts to create an east-west cycling connection through Yorkdale that is mutually beneficial and agreed-upon.

5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back on the feasibility on a plan to extend Dufferin Street north of Wilson Avenue to link into Allen Road going north and to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the third quarter of 2023.

The Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan study area is located in west-central North York. Today the area is comprised of a mix of commercial, residential and retail uses, including Yorkdale Mall. Yorkdale Mall is Canada’s leading regional shopping destination and a major attraction for residents and tourists in the Greater Toronto Area. The shopping centre attracts over 22 million annual visitors, is home to over 250 stores, and has 4,580 full time equivalent employees.

With significant plans for growth and development both on the shopping centre lands as well as areas along the Dufferin Street corridor, it is imperative that the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan develop transportation programs, policies and infrastructure to address the current and future mobility needs of the area.

The area’s transportation network consists of Line 1 Yonge-University Subway Line, Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal, GO Barrie Rail Corridor, Highway 401, the Allen Road, and the following major arterials: Dufferin Street, Wilson Avenue and Lawrence Avenue.

In 2019, City Council directed Transportation Services to undertake the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan. This report summarizes the outcomes of the Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan process under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process to consider transportation needs and to support current and longer-term (20 plus years) redevelopment of the area. The Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan seeks to address current problems and meet future needs by:

- Improving travel connections through a finer street grid;

- Establishing Yorkdale Mall as a multi-modal transit hub by improving services, operational reliability and access to Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit;

- Improving active transportation connections to promote walking and cycling;

Designing streets to safely accommodate all users;

- Improving access to / from municipal expressways and provincial highways while protecting for the safety of all users; and,

- Improving streetscapes and the public realm, consistent with the future vision for the area.

The recommended preferred solution provides a continuous, multi-modal transportation network that accommodates all users while supporting reinvestment of City-owned land for public objectives. The proposed street network, streetscape, and active transportation improvements associated with the preferred solution will provide a positive mobility environment for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, support the City’s Cycling Network Plan, and provide new routing opportunities for the Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit. The preferred solution proposes a number of improvements to the transportation network including mobility hubs, two pedestrian and cycling bridges, a Dufferin Street transit priority lane, two-way bus service on Yorkdale Road, retention and expansion of the GO Bus Terminal at Yorkdale Mall, a modified Allen Road northbound on-ramp to westbound and eastbound Highway 401, and the extension of Caledonia Road under Highway 401.

The more complex projects will require completion of additional phases of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process to confirm a final design in anticipation of construction. Environmental Assessment Schedules associated with each improvement are identified in Table 2.

The Yorkdale Transportation Master Plan is a long-term plan. The majority of the improvements identified in the preferred solution are to be achieved in coordination with area development with the intention of shared costs through development charge credits. Capital costs include the implementation of the pedestrian and cycling bridge (north-south) over Highway 401 connecting Yorkdale Road to Billy Bishop Way, the pedestrian and cycling bridge (east-west) over Barrie GO Rail Corridor connecting Rustic Road to Cartwright Avenue, improvements to the Allen Road northbound on-ramp and the Caledonia Road extension under Highway 401. Third party contributions will be sought to assist with funding these larger infrastructure pieces.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse the recommended preferred trail alignment concept for the Mid Humber Gap to include the in-valley Concept 1A as per Attachment 1 to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

2. City Council request the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and General Manager, Transportation Services and General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to prepare the Final Report, issue the Notice of Completion, and put the Final Report in the public record in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.

The Mid Humber Gap is located within Wards 1 (Etobicoke North) and Ward 5 (York-South Weston).  It refers to an 800 metre (m) gap in the Humber River Trail between Crawford-Jones Memorial Park to the north, and the Mallaby Park to the south.

The Mid Humber Gap constitutes a significant barrier to a continuous Humber River Trail system from Toronto’s northwest boundary to Lake Ontario and is also a barrier to delivering the future Loop Trail. The Loop Trail will be a continuous 65 kilometre off-road, multi-use ring trail that will connect multiple ravines, neighbourhoods, and trail systems throughout Toronto.

In 2019, a preliminary feasibility study was undertaken to evaluate trail alignment concepts that would close this gap in the Humber River Trail. The preliminary findings of this analysis provided strong rationale for undertaking a more rigorous evaluation framework.  This lead to the City of Toronto, together with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study in 2021 to identify the preferred multi-use trail alignment for the Mid Humber Gap. Public input was incorporated through two rounds of public consultation which included virtual public meetings, Stakeholder Advisory Group sessions, online questionnaires and individual meetings with property owners.

Among the emerging directions, this report recommends the preferred trail alignment, an in-valley option, for endorsement by City Council. The recommended preferred design consists of an asphalt 4 m wide multi-use trail, including two pedestrian-cycle bridges and an elevated boardwalk.  From Crawford-Jones Memorial Park, the trail would cross the Humber River via a new pedestrian-cycle bridge. A paved multi-use trail would be built along the west bank of the Humber River through land owned by the Weston Golf and Country Club. A second pedestrian-cycle bridge would connect to the east bank of the Humber River on land owned through a private trust. A new paved multi-use trail through the land trust property would connect to the existing Humber River Trail at Mallaby Park.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the installation of Gerrard Street Complete Street project and all required Chapter 886, 910, and 950 by-law amendments on the following sections of roadway, as generally described in Attachment 2 - Gerrard Street Complete Street By-Laws to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Gerrard Street East (Sherbourne Street to Parliament Street); 

b. Gerrard Street East (Parliament Street to Blackburn Street).

2. City Council authorize the installation of Renewing Overlea Boulevard project and all required Chapter 886 and 950 by-law amendments, on the following sections of roadway, as generally described in Attachment 3 - Renewing Overlea Boulevard By-Laws to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Gateway Boulevard (Don Mills Road (south intersection) to 100 metres to the east);

b. Don Mills Road (100 metres north of Gateway Boulevard (south intersection) to 20 metres to the south);

c. Overlea Boulevard (75 metres west of Thorncliffe Park Drive to Don Mills Road);

d. Thorncliffe Park Drive (125 metres south to 100 metres north of Overlea Boulevard (east intersection)).

3. City Council authorize the installation of Martin Grove Cycling Connections project between Eglinton Avenue West and Dundas Street West and all required Chapter 886 and 950 by-law amendments, as generally described in Attachment 4 - Martin Grove Cycling Connections By-Laws to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Martin Grove Road (Eglinton Avenue West to point 115 metres south of Nottinghill Gate/Winterton Drive);

b. Martin Grove Road (Burnhamthorpe Road intersection to a point 92 metres north).

4. City Council authorize the installation of Shuter Street and River Street intersection project and all required Chapter 886, and 950 by-law amendments, as generally described in Attachment 5 - Shuter Street and River Street Intersection By-Laws to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Shuter Street (Sumach Street to River Street);

b. River Street (Wascana Lane to Shuter Street).

5. City Council amend cycling, traffic and parking regulations required in Chapter 886, Chapter 910 and Chapter 950, as generally described in Attachment 6- Technical Amendments to the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

6. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to continue to conduct consultation on the proposed EglintonTOday Complete Street Project, taking into account the concerns of local community members that have arisen during the consultation process, and to use that consultation to inform the proposed design and implementation plan before seeking Council approval on the project.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Directed the General Manger, Transportation Services, to report on the status and planned expansion for safe bike locking infrastructure in suburban wards, when reporting on the next update of the Cycling Network Plan to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.

The Cycling Network Plan and the associated Near Term Implementation Plan, adopted by City Council in December 2021 seeks to build on the existing network of cycling routes to Connect gaps in the current network, Grow the network into new parts of the city, and Renew existing parts of the network to improve safety. This report recommends a number of bikeway projects that are proposed to be installed in the near term (2022 to 2024) for which design and consultation have been completed.

This report seeks Council authority to install 3.33 centreline kilometres of new bikeways on the following streets:

- Gerrard Street East: Parliament Street to Blackburn Street (bi-directional cycle tracks, Ward 13);

- Don Mills Road: 100 metres north of Gateway Boulevard (south intersection) to 20 metres south of Don Mills Road  (bi-directional cycle tracks, Ward 15 and 16);

- Overlea Boulevard: Thorncliffe Park Drive (east intersection) to Don Mills Road (cycle tracks, Ward 15 and 16);

- Thorncliffe Park Drive: 100 metres north and 125 metres south of Overlea Boulevard (east intersection) (cycle tracks, Ward 15).

- Martin Grove Road: 83.5 m north of Eglinton Avenue West to 115 m south of Winterton Drive (cycle tracks, Ward 2); and

- Martin Grove Road: 100 metres north of Burnhamthrope Road and 50 metres south of Burnhamthrope Road (bicycle lanes, Ward 2).

This report also seeks Council authority to make improvements to 1.2 centreline kilometres of existing cycling infrastructure on the following streets:

- Gerrard Street East: Sherbourne Street to Parliament Street (cycle tracks to bi-directional (south side) and uni-directional (north side) cycle tracks, Ward 13);

- Gateway Boulevard (south intersection): from Don Mills Road to a 100 metres east of Don Mills Road (bicycle lanes to cycle tracks, Ward 16); and

- Shuter Street and River Street intersection (bicycle lanes to cycle tracks, Ward 13).

The changes proposed would improve safety and mobility options by providing improved cycling connections to transit, parks, local schools, businesses, and residences. Pedestrian improvements have also been included in the projects, wherever feasible, including curb extensions and new sidewalk installations, and motor vehicle lane adjustments.

In addition, this report provides a status update on the recommended strategy to implement the long-term vision for streetscape and cycle track improvements identified in the Council-approved Eglinton Connects Planning Study and Environmental Assessment. The report includes an update on work delivered by Metrolinx, a summary of findings from a preliminary design study, as well as recent stakeholder and public engagement feedback on a strategy for near-term delivery. Following updated community engagement and refinement of design recommendations, it is anticipated that Transportation Services will report to Infrastructure & Environment Committee and City Council in the first quarter of 2023 to seek authority to implement a complete street design of Eglinton Avenue between Keele Street and Mount Pleasant Road.

Finally, this report seeks to make minor housekeeping amendments to existing bikeways and their associated traffic and parking by-laws on the following streets:

- Davenport Road (traffic and parking, Ward 11);

- The Esplanade, Trinity Street, and Mill Street (traffic and parking, Ward 10 and 13); and

- York University Cycling Connections at Columbia Gate (bike lane, Ward 7).

A map of the bikeway projects proposed in this report is included as Attachment 1.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize a northerly westbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, from Cherry Street (west intersection) and a point 30 metres east of Cherry Street (east intersection).

2. City Council authorize a southerly eastbound cycle track on Commissioners Street, from Cherry Street (west intersection) and a point 30 metres east of Cherry Street (east intersection).

3. City Council authorize a temporary westerly northbound and southbound cycling lane on Cherry Street, between a point 23 metres south of Polson Street and a point 104 metres further south, from August 8 to December 31, 2022.

4. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to submit directly to Council at the appropriate time any necessary bills to amend the appropriate City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters, and any Schedules to the Chapters, to reinstate the traffic and parking regulations to what they were immediately prior to the by-law amendments made in connection with the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 

5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 to 4, inclusive, above.

As part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project and Enabling Infrastructure Project, and the Lake Shore Boulevard East, Bridge and Public Realm Projects, Waterfront Toronto is planning the following construction projects:

- Remove a portion of the existing alignment of Cherry Street between Commissioners Street and a point 216 metres south and construct a new segment of Cherry Street to the west of the current Cherry Street, in order to facilitate construction of the new river mouth

- Extend Commissioners Street approximately 100 metres west to connect with the new Cherry Street alignment.

Vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists on the current Cherry Street alignment will be shifted to the new alignment. The vehicular traffic lanes, trails and cycle tracks will be constructed to base asphalt condition. During the initial opening of new Cherry Street and the Commissioners Street extension, the lands to the east of the travelled lanes, trails and sidewalks on new Cherry Street and the lands to the south of the travelled lanes, trails and sidewalks on Commissioners Street will still be under construction, as shown in Attachment 1. The sections of land under construction will accommodate a future Light Rail Transit alignment. Therefore, this phase is considered the interim opening. During this interim period, most of the lands being opened as public highway will be leased from The Toronto Economic Development Corporation, with use of a small triangular portion of the new Cherry Street bridge to be secured from PortsToronto by way of easement.

Authorization is being requested to designate the lands which contain the travelled lanes, trails and sidewalks as public highways and to implement traffic and parking by-laws for the interim road opening, to take effect in respect of each parcel of land after the new Cherry Street and Commissioners Street extension has been constructed by Waterfront Toronto to its interim condition to the satisfaction of the City and accepted and commissioned by the City and after a property right allowing its use as a public highway is granted to the City by the landowner. The City is accepting the road on an interim basis. Waterfront Toronto is required to complete the above mentioned construction activities prior to final acceptance.

This report only deals with the proposed cycling infrastructure on the new Cherry Street alignment, Commissioners Street extension and current Cherry Street. Matters related to the interim roadway opening, permanent road closure, and other traffic regulation amendments is dealt through a companion report "Port Lands Flood Protection - New Cherry Street and Commissioners Street Interim Road Opening" through Toronto and East York Community Council.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse the Preferred Designs for the Broadview Avenue Extension and New Street East, generally shown in Attachment 1 and 2 of the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to prepare the Environmental Study Report for the Broadview Avenue Extension Environmental Assessment, issue the Notice of Completion, and post the Environmental Study Report in the public record in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for Schedule C projects.

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, as part of the detailed design process which will include ongoing consultation with the local Councillor, area stakeholders, and the community to incorporate refinements to the design features of the Preferred Designs regarding, but not limited, to:

a. location and length of on-street vehicle lay-bys;

b. location and length of vehicle turning lanes;

c. location of power drops to support the film industry; and

d. improvements at the intersection of Broadview Avenue and Queen Street East.

4. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to prepare an Official Plan Amendment to reflect the planned right-of-way widths associated with the Preferred Concept for the existing segment of Broadview Avenue between Eastern Avenue and Queen Street East and hold a Statutory Public Meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council.

5. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to work with the Owner of the East Harbour development, Metrolinx, and Infrastructure Ontario on agreements necessary for completion of detailed design and construction of the Broadview Avenue Extension from Eastern Avenue to the south side of the Metrolinx rail embankment, and authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into, and execute the necessary agreements, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in relation to the detailed design, construction, and warranty of the Broadview Avenue Extension, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The Unilever Precinct is set to transform from its industrial and manufacturing past into a vibrant urban district. New flood protection, transit, transportation, and servicing infrastructure enables this transformation and will connect the Precinct to its surroundings and the broader city. The Precinct’s major street network, established through the 2017 Council-endorsed Port Lands and South of Eastern Transportation and Servicing Master Plan, connects to and through the new East Harbour Transit Hub. In the future, the area will be a walkable and transit-oriented place, with vibrant and complete streets that connect people to jobs, recreation, amenities and most other daily needs. It is expected that 90 percent of future trips in the area will be made by people walking, cycling, or taking transit.

The Broadview Avenue Extension is envisioned as signature civic spine and primary local transit corridor in the area, connecting the Precinct to communities to the north and the Port Lands to the south. It will be designed to accommodate high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists and provide space for a future dedicated right-of-way for streetcars. The street will have a generous green boulevard to support mature trees and stormwater management infrastructure, and a well-designed public realm with high-quality materials. A new east-west street, referred to as 'New Street E' in the Unilever Precinct Secondary Plan, will connect the Don Roadway to Booth Avenue through the middle of the Precinct. This street will be the primary retail street in the Precinct, with wide sidewalks, dedicated cycling facilities, space for trees, curbside activity, and active patio zones adjacent to buildings.

This report summarizes the outcomes of Broadview Avenue Extension Environmental Assessment study, which completes Phases 3 and 4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for the Broadview Avenue Extension and New Street E - two Schedule C projects identified in the Eastern Transportation and Servicing Master Plan.

The Broadview Avenue Extension Environmental Assessment study focussed on developing and evaluating design alternatives and identifying recommended preferred designs for these new streets in the Unilever Precinct and immediate vicinity. Additionally, the Environmental Assessment study explored other transportation improvements in tandem with completing the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for the two Schedule C projects. These included:

- Modifications to the existing Eastern Avenue on-ramp to the Don Valley Parkway; and

- Improvements to the existing segment of Broadview Avenue, between Eastern Avenue and Queen Street East, and identifying the need to amend the Map 3 of City's Official Plan for a right-of-way widening on the east side of the street.

The Environmental Assessment study builds on the previously-completed Port Lands and South of Eastern Transportation and Servicing Master Plan and the Unilever Precinct Planning Framework and Secondary Plan. It has been well co-ordinated with the East Harbour Transit Hub, the East Harbour development (owned by Cadillac Fairview), and several other ongoing major studies and initiatives currently underway in the area.

This report summarizes the study process to date, identifies the recommended preferred designs, and seeks direction on a number of next steps to begin implementing each of the recommended transportation infrastructure projects in the Broadview Avenue Extension Environmental Assessment Study.

The segment of the Broadview Avenue Extension between Eastern Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard East needs to be constructed and operational in time for the opening of the East Harbour Transit Hub and the first phase of the East Harbour development. The segment between Eastern Avenue and the south side of the rail embankment must have construction started by October 31, 2023 in order to trigger a financial contribution by the Owner of the East Harbour development. The completion of the Broadview Avenue Extension Environmental Assessment Study by the City helps meet these construction delivery timelines.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee received the report (June 21, 2022) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services for information.

This report provides an update on the City of Toronto’s Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy including the status of the development of mandatory measures (bylaw) that would require businesses to implement approaches to reduce single-use and takeaway items in their operations. This report also provides an update on status, timelines and steps taken to implement the ReduceWasteTO program, “Reducing Single-Use", (formerly named the Voluntary Measures Program), which provides supports for businesses within Toronto to voluntarily adopt single-use and takeaway item waste reduction measures in their operations. Lastly, this report provides an overview of the plans for the City to take a leadership role in supporting the reduction of single-use and takeaway items at City-owned and managed facilities and City- organized and permitted events.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee received the report (June 23, 2022) from the General Manager, Transportation Services for information.

This report provides an update on planned cycling and safety improvements to the York Beltline Trail and the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail segments in Ward 8, including planned connections between the two trails and to the future Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit stations, improved crossings where the trails meet city roadways, and new or improved wayfinding signs.

The Cycling Network Plan Near-Term Implementation Program (2022-2024) identifies the implementation and study of several bikeways (trails, cycle tracks, contra-flow bike lanes) that connect to the future Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit and its stations, as well as opportunities for an improved connection between the York Beltline Trail and Kay Gardner Beltline Trail.

Beyond the larger capital projects included in the Cycling Network Plan, Transportation Services conducted a review of locations where the trails intersect with city roadways and have recommended improved pedestrian and cycling crossings at Caledonia Road, Ronald Avenue and Old Park Road.

Further, a full review and upgrade of bicycle wayfinding signage for the North York area is planned to be undertaken in 2023, including portions of the York Beltline Trail and Kay Gardner Beltline Trail.

Parks, Forestry and Recreation, as part of an ongoing maintenance program, continues to monitor the trails to address specific issues of graffiti and trip hazards, and has plans for a pedestrian extension of the York Beltline Trail between Marlee Avenue and Allen Road in 2022.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to review the streets slated to receive on-street electric vehicle charging stations and to make recommendations on where painted bike lanes, or sharrows, can be upgraded to protected bike lanes in coordination with station implementation.

2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to ensure that the roll-out of public Electric Vehicle charging stations will not impinge on existing or future installations of bike lanes and cycle tracks.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, ensure that e-bikes and other electric microbility devices are included for consideration by the Electric Vehicle Working Group responsible for the Electric Vehicle file.

This report provides a status update on the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Strategy approved by City Council in 2020. This report also discusses how the Electric Vehicle Strategy will need to align with the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy to support achieving City Council's updated goal that 30 per cent of registered vehicles in Toronto be electric by 2030.

The Electric Vehicle Strategy which was approved in 2020 aligned its actions to help the City achieve an overall goal for transportation of 100 percent of transportation using low-carbon energy sources by 2050 (TransformTO 2017). Since the climate emergency was declared, City Council's more recent adoption of TransformTO Net Zero Strategy increases the ambition for vehicle electrification, with an interim 2030 community-wide target that 30 per cent of registered vehicles in Toronto are electric. Because on-road transportation accounts for 35 percent of Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles is critical for reaching a community-wide goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

To date, the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Strategy is largely on track, with numerous City-led initiatives underway to support and encourage the transition to Electric Vehicles. This work is a cross-corporate endeavour, involving several City Divisions, Agencies, and Corporations, working individually and in collaboration with each other. The City’s Electric Vehicle Working Group provides a focal point for coordination of Electric Vehicle-related activities.

Access to charging is a necessary condition for Electric Vehicle adoption and a critical focus of the City’s Electric Vehicle-related work, including:

- Implementing requirements so that new buildings are future-proofed for Electric Vehicle charging;

- Providing funding and developing other approaches to support and encourage the retrofit of existing buildings with Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure;

- Providing publicly-accessible Electric Vehicle charging stations at on-street parking spaces, in Green P parking lots, and at City facilities;

- Providing funding and undertaking planning and policy development to support additional deployment of public Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.

The City is also fostering the transition to electric vehicles through outreach and education on Electric Vehicles, leading by example through electrifying City Fleets, and supporting broader electric mobility.

The City is prioritizing the continued implementation of the Electric Vehicle Strategy, alignment of the Electric Vehicle Strategy with the Net Zero Strategy, and implementation of Net Zero Strategy Short-Term Implementation Plan actions related to Electric Vehicles.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to update the Traffic Calming Policy so that the warrant for minimum speed is measured against the posted speed limit and not the current standard of 40 kilometres per hour.

In 2015, a decision to reduce the speed limit of all local (residential) roads in Toronto and East York from 40 km/h to 30 km/h was made. In 2021, through the direction of Vision Zero, staff reports to reduce the speed limit from 40 km/h to 30 km/h on all local roads were presented at the respective Community Councils and were adopted; supporting the change to reduce the speed limit on all residential streets across the City to 30 km/h.

We know that motor vehicle speed is a contributing factor in the number of crashes, fatalities and severity of injuries that result from road collisions and that the research has indicated that reduced speeds not only reduce the likelihood of a collision but also reduce the severity of injuries when collisions occur. However, our Traffic Calming Policy still uses the warranted speed of 40 km/h when evaluating the minimum speed on residential streets instead of the posted speed limit of 30 km/h.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council approve the parking, and traffic by-law amendments in the letter (June 22, 2022) from Councillor Ana Bailão as part of the Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections project.

In April 2022, City Council approved the installation of the Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections as generally described in Revised Attachment 2 (IE28.7). Within Revised Attachment 2 there were minor technical errors and 1 missed by-law that are being corrected with this motion.

Based on a supplementary review, the following modifications are recommended:

- Technical revisions to accessible parking and loading areas.

- Addition of 1 No Stopping area along an approved bike lane.

Therefore I ask that the Infrastructure and Environment Committee approve the below motion to make the above adjustments to the Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections project.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services and the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services to request Metrolinx to undertake due diligence on alternate locations for the proposed Don Valley GO train layover facility.

2. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services and the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services to ensure the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks is made officially aware of the danger to this ravine parkland by the siting of the proposed layover and tracks.

3. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services and the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services to make the Federal government aware of the impact of this proposed layover and tracks to the Wonscotonach parklands and Don Valley ravine and request the Federal Government to review their financial contribution federal government to review their financial contribution to this project.

As you know on June 16, as part of the debate on the city's Ravines (IE 30.9) City Council approved this motion:

"City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to the July 7, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the impact of the train tracks and bridge to be built through the Wonscotonach Park in relation to the proposed Metrolinx layover in the Don Valley including right of way width of the train bed, the length of tracks, size of track, right of way of tracks, fencing and the impact of the construction to build and rebuild the tracks and bridges to accommodate diesel trains in the Wonscotonach Park in the Don Valley."

The report approved by Council assures all Torontonians that:

"Looking ahead, the City will continue its work to protect, maintain, and improve Toronto’s ravine system to preserve its irreplaceable ecological functions so that all residents and visitors can connect with and celebrate these special places."

The proposed Don Valley Layover Facility location and connecting tracks will seriously undermine a good portion of the Don Valley Park and the Wonscotonach Parklands and make it impossible for the city to live up to its obligations for this remarkable well-loved signature Toronto ravine. 

According to Metrolinx documents as late as April 2022, the total footprint of the Facility remains to be approximately 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of Metrolinx-owned property.   Approximately another 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) of City-owned property is also required to further facilitate the Facility's configuration. This does not cover the impact of the construction for this facility.

The 1.53 kms of tracks have been left out of the conversation until recently. With a 30 metre Right of Way owned by Metrolinx for their tracks it is apparent that there will be huge and permanent impact across the valley floor to bring the trains to the layover. 

I have attached Metrolinx rendering of the facility, track location and the fencing in the park.

Simply put this is madness.  Our city should not have to choose between Parks and Transit. Both are critical. The Wonscotonach Parklands which is a joint venture between the City and Evergreen has already received millions in donations and city approval to build a truly Central park in the midst of our city. This is in jeopardy with this Layover and Tracks.

It is incumbent on Metrolinx to undertake public due diligence on alternative sites – a number of which have already been identified by local experts.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, and other relevant staff to report to a meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee in 2023 on efforts to ensure all structures on City of Toronto properties are compliant with the Bird Collision Deterrence requirements of the Toronto Green Standard Version 4 for City Agencies, Corporations and Divisions.

Birds are vanishing at an alarming rate. Across North America, approximately 3 billion fewer birds grace our skies and forests today than 50 years ago. Collisions with glass are one of the most significant sources of human-caused mortality for birds. Birds hit windows anywhere there is glass, and glass is everywhere. Birds can see through glass and the reflections of trees and sky on the glass, but they cannot see the glass itself. In Canada alone, glass claims the lives of around 25 million birds every year.

Toronto is located on the confluence of two major migratory bird pathways, and the shoreline of Lake Ontario provides critically important resting areas for migrating birds during the spring and fall. This high amount of bird traffic, coupled with copious amounts of glass on built structures, makes the city a hotspot for bird-window collisions.

FLAP Canada bird rescue volunteers have monitored Toronto buildings since 1993 and have recovered tens of thousands of birds from dozens of species, including Species at Risk like the Canada Warbler, Wood Thrush, Barn Swallow and Chimney Swift.

Toronto quickly recognized this issue and became the first city in the world to publish and adopt Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines. Since then, a multitude of other cities across North America and abroad have followed suit. The City of Toronto has also been designated by Nature Canada as a ‘Bird-Friendly City’ for its bird protection efforts.

However, there is still much work to be done.

Existing city-owned structures, including transit shelters and subway platforms, constructed before the introduction of mandatory bird-friendly guidelines, continue to endanger numerous birds every year and many of these structures are in urgent need of bird-safe retrofits.

The Item was withdrawn from the agenda.

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee considered Item DI21.4 and made recommendations.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services report back to the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee in the first quarter of 2023 with an update on the development of placement guidelines for interim private storefront ramps on the public right-of-way; such an update is to include the following:

a. a summary of the draft guidelines with a full draft document included with the item;

b. a summary of the consultation process for developing the guidelines;

c. a description of how the guidelines will be incorporated into the permitting process;

d. the limits of the guidelines, including situations that cannot be accommodated under them.

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee considered Item DI21.3 and made recommendations.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report every two years on traffic congestion levels in Toronto, starting in the Second Quarter of 2023, and requested the General Manager, Transportation Services, to include data on time spent in traffic for major routes within the City, with comparative data for previous years.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is receding in the rear view mirror, people are returning to their regular travel patterns.  Along with this we are seeing an increase in traffic congestion.

While some traffic congestion is to be expected, many residents are experiencing much longer travel times compared to pre-COVID conditions, which will likely worsen as more people return to the workplace. 

INRIX, a company that collects and analyses global data on traffic and congestion, found that in 2021 Toronto was the most congested city in Canada, the 22nd worst congested city in the world, and drivers lost 74 hours in traffic.

Traffic congestion patterns and trends must be monitored to fully understand changes in residents' ability to move about the city.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager Transportation Services and Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services to resume the design work for the fully funded signalized pedestrian crossing and sidewalk at De Boers Drive and Allen Road and to report back to City Council at its meeting scheduled for July 19th, 2022 with a timeline for tendering and construction.

In 2021 the City received a Section 37 payment of $800,000 from the development application known as 1100 Sheppard Avenue West.  These funds were paid by the applicant in advance of above grade construction permitting, under the expectation that City staff would deliver a signalized pedestrian crossing and connecting sidewalk at the intersection of De Boers Drive and Allen Road, before the end of 2022.

The applicant for 1100 Sheppard Avenue West provided the City with design and engineering drawings to help expedite the review and delivery of the signalized crossing and sidewalk. Traffic lights and a signalized north-south pedestrian crossing already exist at this intersection. The supplied drawings specifically refer to the creation of an east-west signalized pedestrian crossing at the corners of Allen Road and De Boers Drive and a connecting sidewalk running south along the east side of Allen Road to the public Toronto Transit Commission plaza, located at the northeast  corner of Allen Road and Sheppard Avenue West. A preliminary cost figure prepared by the applicant's consultant estimated the design and construction costs to total $250,000 to be subtracted from the aforementioned received Section 37 funds. The remainder of the funds ($550,000) will be dedicated towards revitalizing the De Boers Dr. public parkette, located west of the future crossing.

From September 2021 to the First Quarter of 2022, Engineering and Transportation Services staff worked on reviewing the design and engineering drawings supplied by the applicant with the goal of tendering and delivering the crossing and sidewalk before 2023. However, in March 2022, our office was notified that the delivery of the crossing and sidewalk, although fully funded, was not a priority at this point in time and the design work was to be stopped.

Based on the above information, I am then requesting Transportation and Engineering staff to resume the design work for a fully funded signalized pedestrian crossing and sidewalk at De Boers Drive and Allen Road and report back to the next City Council meeting with a timeline for tendering and construction.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services to investigate the feasibility of establishing emergency response teams to address grass cutting and tree trimming.

Residents requests for City staff to address overgrown grass often results in lengthy delays.  These issues can often arise in specific problem areas on an annual basis that cannot wait for the regular schedule for seasonal work to be addressed.