Infrastructure and Environment Committee

Meeting No.:
27
Contact:
Matthew Green, Committee Administrator
Meeting Date:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Phone:
416-392-4666
Start Time:
9:30 AM
E-mail:
iec@toronto.ca
Location:
Committee Room 1, City Hall/Video Conference
Chair:
Councillor Paula Fletcher

Infrastructure and Environment Committee

Councillor Mike Colle, Vice-Chair

Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair
Councillor James Pasternak

Councillor Dianne Saxe

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin

Councillor Amber Morley

Councillor Anthony Perruzza


This meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee will be conducted with members participating in person and remotely.  

Members of Council, City Officials, and members of the public who register to speak will be provided with the video conference details closer to the meeting date.

To provide comments or make a presentation to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

The public may submit written comments or register to speak to the Committee on any item on the agenda. The public may speak to the Committee in person or by video conference.

Written comments may be submitted by writing to iec@toronto.ca.

To speak to the Committee, please register by e-mail to iec@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-4666. Members of the public who register to speak will be provided with instructions on how to participate in the meeting. 

 

Special Assistance for Members of the Public: City staff can arrange for special assistance with some advance notice. If you need special assistance, please call 416-392-4666, TTY 416-338-0889 or e-mail iec@toronto.ca.

 

Closed Meeting Requirements: If the Infrastructure and Environment Committee wants to meet in closed session (privately), a member of the Committee must make a motion to do so and give the reason why the Committee has to meet privately (City of Toronto Act, 2006).

 

Notice to People Writing or Making Presentations to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee: The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the City of Toronto Municipal Code authorize the City of Toronto to collect any personal information in your communication or presentation to City Council or its Committees and Boards. The City collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, e-mails, presentations or other communications to the City, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the City will become part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website. The City will also make your communication and any personal information in it - such as your postal address, telephone number or e-mail address - available to the public, unless you expressly request the City to remove it.

 

Many Committee, Board, and Advisory Body meetings are broadcast live over the internet for the public to view. If you speak at the meeting you will appear in the video broadcast. Video broadcasts are archived and continue to be publicly available.

 

If you want to learn more about why and how the City collects your information, write to the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2 or call 416-392-4666. 


toronto.ca/council

 

This agenda and any supplementary materials submitted to the City Clerk can be found online at www.toronto.ca/council. Visit the website for access to all agendas, reports, decisions and minutes of City Council and its Committees and Boards.

 

  ____________

  

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

 

Confirmation of Minutes - December 4, 2025

 

Speakers/Presentations - The speakers list will be posted online at 8:30 a.m. on February 25, 2026.

 

Communications/Reports

IE27.1 - Response to Council Directions on Sidewalk Clearing Requirements and the Status of Modernizing PlowTO

(Deferred from December 4, 2025 - 2025.IE26.7)
Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(November 21, 2025) Report from the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services

Recommendations

The Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services recommends that:

1. Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.

Summary

This report responds to a request from City Council to report on a plan to require select private property owners to clear the municipal sidewalk abutting their property, and to provide a status on modernizing PlowTO. This report also responds to a request from the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for information regarding moving snow from private property onto public property.

 

Under City of Toronto bylaws, private property owners are required to clear snow and ice from municipal sidewalks where the City has not assumed the responsibility. Under the City’s current levels of service for sidewalk snow clearing, the City begins clearing snow from sidewalks once snow accumulation reaches 2 centimetres. Shifting the responsibility for the clearing of snow and ice from municipal sidewalks to corporate owners would be challenging, as outlined in this report, and may have the unintended consequence of reducing, rather than improving, sidewalk accessibility during winter events.

 

City of Toronto bylaws also prohibit pushing, plowing, or otherwise moving snow from private property onto City roadways (including cycling infrastructure), sidewalks, and laneways. The City’s winter communications strategy will encourage residents and businesses to voluntarily help keep sidewalks clear, while also reinforcing that snow must not be moved onto City property.

 

For PlowTO, Transportation Services, together with the Technology Services division, have taken steps to address reporting issues identified during the February 2025 major snow event. This resulted in inaccuracies in sidewalk plow locations being displayed on PlowTO. This has now been rectified, and testing has shown that sidewalk plows are now properly linked to PlowTO to provide accurate location updates. In addition, operational procedures are now in place to clarify plowing or salting for combination equipment to distinguish activities on the map.

 

Alongside improved winter maintenance public communication initiatives, staff are also exploring operational and technology opportunities to enhance PlowTO so that the public has clearer, more complete information on winter maintenance activity and when service can generally be expected.

Financial Impact

There are no financial impacts resulting from the recommendations in this report.

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the Financial Impact Section as presented in this report.

Background Information

(November 21, 2025) Report from the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services on Response to Council Directions on Sidewalk Clearing Requirements and the Status of Modernizing PlowTO
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261102.pdf

Communications

(November 27, 2025) E-mail from David S. Crawford, President, MTCC 573 (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-200935.pdf
(December 3, 2025) Submission from Adam Roy Cohoon (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-200933.pdf
(December 4, 2025) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.Supp)
(February 17, 2026) Letter from Councillor Paula Fletcher (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205230.pdf
(February 22, 2026) E-mail from George Bell (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Submission from Adam Roy Cohoon (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205389.pdf
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Hamish Wilson (IE.Supp)
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Cameron Wathey (IE.Supp)

IE27.2 - Correspondence Update on the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program

(Deferred from December 4, 2025 - 2025.IE26.10)
Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(November 19, 2025) Report from the City Clerk

Recommendations

The City Clerk recommends that:

 

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.

Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Magna City Delivery Automated Vehicle Pilot and includes correspondence with the province, the Ministry of Transportation, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Financial Impact

There is no financial impact resulting in the adoption of this report. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information

(November 19, 2025) Report from the City Clerk on Correspondence Update on the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261098.pdf
Attachment 1 - Communication (September 25, 2025), from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261099.pdf
Attachment 2 - Communication (October 3, 2025) from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261100.pdf
Attachment 3 - Communication (October 22, 2025) to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Transportation Safety, Ontario Ministry of Transportation regarding proposed extension of the Automated Vehicles Pilot Project
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261101.pdf

Communications

(December 4, 2025) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.Supp)
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

IE27.3 - Utility Construction Photo Documentation

(Deferred from December 4, 2025 - 2025.IE26.13)
Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
1 - Etobicoke North, 2 - Etobicoke Centre, 5 - York South - Weston, 14 - Toronto - Danforth, 23 - Scarborough North

Origin

(November 20, 2025) Letter from City Council

Recommendations

The Audit Committee recommends that:

 

1. City Council reiterate the request made in Part 15 of its decision on item AU9.7, from July 23 and 24, 2025, to request the General Manager, Transportation Services to provide a list of permits, timing, and sequencing for all of the utility work for the following streets in Ward 14, Toronto - Danforth:

 

a. Woodfield Road, from Dundas Street East to Fairford Avenue;

 

b. Riverdale Avenue, from Broadview Avenue to Carlaw Avenue;

 

c. Grant Street, from Queen Street East to Kintyre Avenue; and

 

d. Danforth Avenue, from Jones Avenue to Ladysmith Avenue,

 

and that City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the February 12, 2026 meeting of Audit Committee with the requested information above.

 

2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report on the removal of pylons following construction, at the February 12, 2026 Audit Committee meeting.

Summary

City Council on November 12 and 13, 2025, referred Item AU10.9 to the December 4, 2025 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for consideration.

Background Information

(November 20, 2025) Referral letter from City Council on Utility Construction Photo Documentation
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261103.pdf
(October 22, 2025) Report from the Acting General Manager, Transportation Services, on Utility Construction Photo Documentation
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261104.pdf
Attachment 1 - Utility Construction Photo Examples
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-261105.pdf

Communications

(November 27, 2025) E-mail from George Bell (IE.Supp)

3a - Supplementary Report - Utility Photo Documentation, Traffic Control Device Removal and Utility work in Ward 14

Origin
(February 12, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services
Recommendations

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:  

 

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.

Summary

At its meeting on July 23 and 24, 2025, City Council adopted Item 2025.AU9.7, titled “Audit of Transportation Services: Improving the Utility Cut Permit Process and Inspection Processes”.


This supplementary report provides an update on the continued implementation of enhancements to the City’s Road Disruption Activity Reporting System (RoDARS), including the requirement for utility companies to submit post-completion forms with before‑and‑after photos once work has been completed.


This report also provides an update on permits, scheduling and coordination of utility work in Ward 14, specifically on Woodfield Road, Riverdale Avenue, Grant Street, and Danforth Avenue. In addition, it outlines updates regarding the removal of traffic control devices following the completion of construction.

Financial Impact

There are no financial implications for this budget year resulting from the recommendations included in this report. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information
(February 12, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services on Supplementary Report - Utility Photo Documentation, Traffic Control Device Removal and Utility work in Ward 14
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284419.pdf
Attachment 1 - Supplementary Sample Photos Utility Construction Photo Documentation
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284420.pdf
Attachment 2 - List of Permits on four Street Segments within Ward 14 from 2018-2025
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284421.pdf

IE27.4 - Feasibility of Limiting the Number of Automated Speed Enforcement Infractions an Individual Vehicle Owner can Receive from a Single Camera Location Prior to Receiving Their First Infraction in the Mail

(Deferred from October 29, 2025 - 2025.IE25.10)
Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(July 29, 2025) Letter from City Council

Recommendations

The City Solicitor and the General Manager, Transportation Services recommend that:

 

1. City Council receive this report for information.

Summary

City Council on July 23 and 24, 2025, referred Item CC32.27 to the October 29, 2025, meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for consideration.

Background Information

(August 29, 2025) Referral letter from City Council on Feasibility of Limiting the Number of Automated Speed Enforcement Infractions an Individual Vehicle Owner can Receive from a Single Camera Location Prior to Receiving Their First Infraction in the Mail
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284382.pdf
(August 18, 2025) Revised Report from the City Solicitor and the General Manager, Transportation Services on Feasibility of Limiting the Number of Automated Speed Enforcement Infractions an Individual Vehicle Owner can Receive from a Single Camera Location Prior to Receiving Their First Infraction in the Mail (CC32.27)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284383.pdf

4a - Supplementary Report - Update to IE25.10 Feasibility of Limiting the Number of Automated Speed Enforcement Infractions an Individual Vehicle Owner can Receive from a Single Camera Location Prior to Receiving their First Infraction in the Mail

Origin
(February 18, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services
Recommendations

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:

 

1.  The Infrastructure and Environment committee receive this report for information.

Summary

At its meeting of July 23-25, 2025, City Council considered IE25.10, regarding the feasibility of limiting the number of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) infractions an individual vehicle owner may receive from a single camera prior to receiving their first infraction notice in the mail. Council referred the item for further consideration to the February 25, 2026 Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting.

 

Following Council's referral of the item, the Province of Ontario enacted legislative amendments prohibiting municipalities from operating Automated Speed Enforcement systems and issuing new Automated Speed Enforcement penalty orders, effective November 14, 2025.

 

As a result of this provincial action, the City no longer has legislative authority to operate the Automated Speed Enforcement program. Accordingly, the matters referred by Council in item IE25.10 are no longer applicable, and the original report is now moot.

 

This supplementary report advises committee of the changes in legislation.

Financial Impact

There are no financial implications for this budget year resulting from the recommendations included in this report. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information
(February 18, 2026) Supplementary Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services on Update to IE25.10 Feasibility of Limiting the Number of Automated Speed Enforcement Infractions an Individual Vehicle Owner can Receive from a Single Camera Location Prior to Receiving their First Infraction in the Mail
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284484.pdf

IE27.5 - Transition of the Blue Box Program to Extended Producer Responsibility - Preliminary Post-Transition Implementation Update

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management

Recommendations

The General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services recommends that the Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive the report for information.

Summary

The purpose of this report is to respond to the direction received from City Council in November 2025 and from the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in December 2025 to provide a preliminary update on the post-transition implementation of the Blue Box Program's transition to Extended Producer Responsibility in January 2026.

Financial Impact

There are no financial impacts arising from the adoption of this report. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management on Transition of the Blue Box Program to Extended Producer Responsibility - Preliminary Post-Transition Implementation Update
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284384.pdf
Attachment 1 - Preparations for the Transition of Toronto's Blue Bin Program to Producers
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264875.pdf
Attachment 2 - Customer Service Metrics
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264876.pdf
Staff Presentation on Transition of the Blue Box Program to Extended Producer Responsibility - Preliminary Post-Transition Implementation Update
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284616.pdf

Communications

(February 23, 2026) Letter from Ted Aivalis, Vice President, Toronto Civic Employees’ Union, CUPE Local 416 (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205395.pdf
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

5a - Request for Solid Waste Management Services Update Related to the Delivery of Recycling Services

Origin
(January 30, 2026) Letter from Councillor Josh Matlow
Recommendations

Councillor Josh Matlow recommends that:

 

1. Infrastructure and Environment Committee requests the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Customer Experience, to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the Second Quarter 2026 related to:


a.  volume of calls received through 311 related to recycling collection;

 

b.  general nature of complaints received through 311 related to recycling collection; and

 

c.  frequency and general location of reported missed or partial collections;
 

2. Infrastructure and Environment Committee requests the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to provide annual updates to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee including:


a.  general observations from field staff related to recycling collection;

 

b.  any increase in recycling tonnes in the City-collected waste streams;

 

c.  the annual report issued by the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority;

 

d.  advocacy efforts with the Province of Ontario for the implementation of producer-funded recycling collection for all multi-residential buildings before 2031; and

 

e.  discussions with the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority regarding their planned approach to ensure producer compliance with O. Reg. 391/21: Blue Box

Summary

I am writing to request your support to have Solid Waste Management Services provide public updates related to the delivery of recycling services in Toronto to ensure transparency and accountability.

 

As you know, on January 1st the final stage of Premier Ford’s province-wide recycling privatization plan came into effect. The Province removed the City of Toronto from delivering the service and the responsibility for all residential recycling collection in Ontario was given to Circular Materials.

 

When the first collection under this new model was scheduled to take place on January 2nd, entire streets, buildings, and even neighbourhoods were missed and recycling bins were left out for days without any clear communications about when residents could expect pick-up. Issues have persisted with reports from across the City of more missed collections and a lack of accountability in addressing these systemic failures.

 

Waste and recycling collection is a basic service that must be reliable, well-run, and accountable. City Council requires clear, timely information about service levels, compliance, and diversion outcomes in Toronto in order to determine appropriate next steps, including potential advocacy to the Province and regulator.

 

This motion requests that the General Manager of Solid Waste Management provide certain regular updates to Committee and Council that will enable us to advocate for Toronto’s residents and get them the quality recycling services that they deserve.

Background Information
(January 30, 2026) Letter from Councillor Josh Matlow on Request for Solid Waste Management Services Update Related to the Delivery of Recycling Services
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264762.pdf

IE27.6 - Ontario’s Transition to Extended Producer Responsibility: City of Toronto

Consideration Type:
Presentation
Wards:
All

Summary

At its meeting on November 12 and 13, 2025, City Council considered Item IE25.2 and requested the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to invite Circular Materials to deliver a presentation at the February 25, 2026, meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on:

 

a. an update on the transition to Circular Materials' collection of Blue Bin materials since January 1, 2026;

 

b. plans and strategies to manage waste from large online marketplaces, including those that sell clothing; 

 

c. the volume and nature of complaints about Blue Bin collection that have have been received by the telephone complaint line; and

 

d. the process for addressing and resolving how residents' complaints about Blue Bin collection.

 

Circular Materials representatives will share an overview of the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility transition, including key highlights, some transition challenges, key actions and next steps.

Background Information

Presentation from Circular Materials on Ontario’s Transition to Extended Producer Responsibility: City of Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284617.pdf

Communications

(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

IE27.7 - Ravine Strategy 2026 Implementation Update

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 10, 2026) Report from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation

Recommendations

The Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation recommend that:

 

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to negotiate and execute an agreement with Park People on behalf of the City to implement the InTO the Ravines Program for a term expiring on December 31, 2026, renewable at the Executive Director's sole option (and subject to annual budget approval) for up to two additional terms of one year each, expiring on December 31, 2028, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to accept third-party funds and donations raised through the Loop Trail fundraising campaign, and to contribute the accepted funds and donations to the Loop Trail Budget and Plan for the purpose of capital improvements to advance the Loop Trail project.

 

3. City Council authorize the permanent implementation of the Community-led Restoration Program by Environment, Climate and Forestry Division substantially as outlined in section two of this report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.

 

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, or their designate, during the life of the Community-led Restoration Program authorized in Part 3, to execute and enter into agreements with organizations who have applied and been accepted to participate in the Community-led Restoration Program outlined in this report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and General Manager, Parks and Recreation, each with terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and each in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

 

5. City Council authorize the City's participation in Cities With Nature, an initiative that recognizes and enhances the value of nature in and around cities across the world, including the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry submission of an application for the City to participate.

Summary

Toronto's ravines are one of the city’s most important natural assets. They provide $822 million annually in ecological and recreational services, support biodiversity, house critical grey and green infrastructure, and offer essential spaces for recreation and well-being. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents to the 2015 Ravine Strategy survey agreed that ravines are vital to their quality of life.

 

City Council adopted the Ravine Strategy (the "Strategy") in 2017 (2017.EX27.8) as a coordinated, long-term approach to protect, manage, and celebrate Toronto’s ravine system. Since the 2020 Ravine Strategy Implementation report (2020.EX12.1), the City, working with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and numerous partners, has significantly advanced restoration, community engagement, and capital investment.

 

An initial update on the implementation of the Ravine Strategy was provided in 2022. As per Council direction, this report provides a second update on implementation of the Ravine Strategy and outlines:

 

-  Progress on key actions and guiding principles, including expanded community-led engagement and stewardship

 

-  Advancement of the Loop Trail and the Ravine Campaign

 

-  Capital investments supported by intergovernmental funding and coordinated planning, and,

 

-  International recognition of Toronto’s leadership in nature-based solutions

 

Key achievements since 2020 include:

 

-  3,760 hectare of land restored, including management of invasive species

 

-  521 tonnes of garbage and metal removed from 681 ha of ravine land

 

-  181 students engaged through employment and training programs

 

-  265 Ravine Days outdoor and virtual events delivered

 

-  Over 20,000 participants engaged in City and partner events

 

-  16 capital projects delivered (such as wetland restoration, multi-use trail upgrades, wayfinding), totalling $12.3 million ($10 million in federal and provincial grants and $2.3 million from the City)

 

-  Capital constraints in Priority Investment Areas reduced from $104.9 million to $50.2 million (2026), through increased intergovernmental and City investment

 

These accomplishments reflect the Strategy’s approach: coordinated action, strong partnerships, and shared stewardship across divisions, communities, and organizations.

 

Looking ahead, the City will continue to protect, maintain, and enhance Toronto’s ravine system so residents and visitors can connect with these vital natural spaces. Achieving this vision requires the ongoing leadership and support of multiple City Divisions and sustained collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Indigenous partners, external organizations, and engaged residents.

Financial Impact

In 2025, Urban Forestry transitioned from the Parks and Recreation Division to the Environment, Climate and Forestry Division. In 2026 all budgets assigned to Urban Forestry will be fully integrated with Environment, Climate and Forestry. Trail‑related capital work, including wayfinding and state‑of‑good‑repair for multi‑use trails, remains with Parks and Recreation.

 

The 2026 Operating Budget and 2026–2035 Capital Budget and Plan include $83.3 million for Ravine Strategy implementation:

 

-  $2.9 million in Environment, Climate and Forestry's 2026 Operating Budget

-  $0.7 million in Parks and Recreation's 2026 Operating Budget

-  $5.0 million in Environment, Climate and Forestry's 2026-2035 Capital Budget and Plan (Ravine Strategy initiatives)

-  $74.7 million in Parks and Recreation's 2026–2035 Capital Budget and Plan across 49 projects, including $14.8 million remaining in federal grants

 

The total $3.6 million 2026 Operating Budget supports:

 

-  $0.7 million for litter picking

-  $2.1 million for invasive species management, including in Environmentally Significant Areas

-  $0.3 million for student internships, InTO the Ravines, and Indigenous engagement

-  $0.5 million to support additional volunteer engagement and stewardship through the Community‑led Restoration Program as directed by City Council through the 2025 Budget (2025.BU8.1)

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the information as presented in the Financial Impact Section.

Background Information

(February 10, 2026) Report from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation on Ravine Strategy 2026 Implementation Update
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264848.pdf
Attachment 1 - Ravine Strategy Actions Status 2026
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264849.pdf
Attachment 2 - Natural Environment and Community Programs Annual Report 2025
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264850.pdf
Attachment 3 - Toronto Nature Stewards Stewardship Impact (2021-2025)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264851.pdf
Attachment 4 - InTO the Ravines: Celebrating Five Years of Impact
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264852.pdf
Staff Presentation from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation on Ravine Strategy 2026 Implementation Update
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284648.pdf

Communications

(February 23, 2026) Letter from Stephanie Jutila, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Botanical Garden (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205383.pdf
(February 23, 2026) Submission from Albert Koehl, Executive Director, Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (TCBC) (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205471.pdf
(February 23, 2026) E-mail from Lance Le Roux (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Michael Black (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Milan Ilnyckyj (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Diogo Gomes (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Nadia Mirdha on behalf of Cara McArthur, Acting Executive Director, Black Creek Community Farm (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205501.pdf
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Chad Mohr (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Jessie Ye (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Submission from Sheila Dunn on behalf of Jennifer Pilkington, Sheila Dunn, Cherie Daly, Mike Genin, Protect our Ravines Initiative (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205510.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Jen Angel, Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Brick Works (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205533.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from John Bossons and Tim Ross, Co-Chairs, Midtown Ravines Group (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205534.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Anna Meng on behalf of Paula Davies, TNS Ecology Circle Lead, Anna Meng, TNS Stewardship Ecologist and Learning Circle Lead, and Sandy Smith, Director of the Institute of Forestry and Conservation, University of Toronto (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205537.pdf
(February 25, 2026) Submission from Sheila Dunn on behalf of members of the Protect our Ravines Initiative (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205508.pdf
(February 25, 2026) Letter from Lenka Holubec, ProtectNatureTO (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205540.pdf
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205550.pdf

IE27.8 - Tree By-law Review Report

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Public Notice Given

Statutory - City of Toronto Act, 2006

Origin

(February 11, 2026) Report from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry

Recommendations

The Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry recommends that:

 

1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, in consultation with the relevant divisions, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in 2027 on the whether the City should reduce the minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees protected on private property from 30 centimetres to 20 centimetres diameter at breast height, including any potential amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, and including an assessment of any potential impact on housing delivery.

 

2. City Council authorize the implementation of a Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program - Pilot by Environment, Climate and Forestry Division, substantially in accordance with Table 2: Framework for the Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program - Pilot outlined in this report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the results of the Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program – Pilot in 2027, including findings and any recommendations.

 

3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, or their designate, until December 31, 2026, to execute and enter into agreements with successful recipients to receive funds distributed under the Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program - Pilot outlined in this report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, each with terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and each in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

 

4. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, substantially in accordance with Attachment 2 to the report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry.

 

5. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection, substantially in accordance with Attachment 2 to the report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry.

 

6. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, substantially in accordance with Attachment 2 to the report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry.

 

7. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters 632, Property, Vacant or Hazardous, 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, and 918, Parking on Residential Front Yards and Boulevards to grant only the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry the authority to implement and enforce the relevant by-law provisions, instead of equal authority between the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation. 

 

8. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks, as follows:

 

a. Add the following definition to §608-1.:

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – The Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry or their successor or designate.

 

b. Delete all references to "General Manager" under Article VII – Trees and replace them with "Executive Director". 

 

9. City Council direct that the amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection, City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters 632, Property, Vacant or Hazardous, City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 918, Parking on Residential Front Yards and Boulevards, and City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks described in Parts 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 respectively, come into force on September 1, 2026.

 

10. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, to prepare the necessary bill required to give effect to City Council’s decision and to make such clarification, minor modifications, technical or stylistic refinements as may be identified by the City Solicitor.

 

11. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in 2027 on the status of all initiatives identified in Table 5: Key Implementation Actions, Descriptions, and Target Timelines outlined in this report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry.

 

12. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to refuse, at the Executive Director’s discretion, a permit to injure or destroy a tree protected under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection or 813, Trees that is a Distinctive Tree, as defined in this report (February 11, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and advise the applicant to meet with Urban Forestry staff, as appropriate, to consider how the application can be amended to protect the tree in question.

Summary

Trees and urban forests are recognized globally as essential natural infrastructure, providing nature-based solutions for climate resilience and enhancing quality of life.

 

Toronto has earned consistent global recognition by the United Nations as a Tree City of the World and is a Generation Restoration Role Model City for its leadership in urban forest management, biodiversity promotion and framework for tree protection. Notably, 98 per cent of respondents to the Tree By-law Review survey said trees are important to their quality of life, underscoring strong public support for urban forests, natural green space and tree protection.

 

Trees are referenced in the following Toronto Municipal Code chapters, which are collectively referred to as the "Tree By-laws" throughout this report:

 

-  Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, provides for the protection of City-owned street trees of all diameters and trees on private property with a diameter of 30 centimetres or greater at breast height (1.4 metres). In this report Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, Article II - Street Trees and Article III - Private Tree Protection are referred to as the "Street Tree By-law" and "Private Tree By-law" respectively.

 

-  Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection, provides for the protection of all trees and natural features in designated ravine protected areas. Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection is referred to as the "Ravine By-law".

 

This report recommends a comprehensive set of by-law amendments, operational updates, future studies and an incentive to strengthen protections for trees, improve compliance and enforcement, support climate resilience and housing objectives, promote equity, and enhance cost recovery and service delivery. This includes:

 

-  Introducing a Distinctive Tree Category to strengthen protections for Toronto’s largest healthy trees through amendments to the Private Tree and Ravine By-laws, and establishing a complementary Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program – Pilot to support the care and long‑term retention of mature healthy private trees;

 

-  Improving the effectiveness of the City’s Tree By-law compliance and enforcement through by-law amendments and operational updates, including enhanced public access to tree permit and contravention outcomes; introducing stump diameter as a secondary measurement tool for enforcement purposes under the Private Tree By-law; extending permit requirements to trees planted through enforcement actions and development approvals regardless of size under the Private Tree By-law; updating evidentiary guidelines used to support fine recommendations; revising tree replacement planting ratios for contraventions under the Street Tree By-law and the Private Tree By-law; and reviewing Contravention Inspection Fees to ensure alignment with cost recovery principles;

 

-  Introducing permit application fees under the Ravine By-law for regulated activities, including tree injury and destruction, to align with the City’s User Fee Policy and existing tree protection permit practices, support sustainable service delivery and cost recovery, and maintain exemptions for voluntary stewardship projects, low‑income homeowners, and not‑for‑profit portions of eligible housing projects;

 

-  Implementing administrative amendments to the Tree By-laws and related Municipal Code chapters to modernize technical language, reflect current organizational roles, harmonize definitions, remove outdated references, clarify exemptions, and improve clarity, consistency, and enforceability across the City’s tree protection framework;

 

-  Advancing work to refine operational practices informed by community and Indigenous engagement, including biodiversity and native species considerations, ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities, improvements to user experience and permit navigation, and education and outreach related to the Tree By-laws; and,

 

-  Undertaking further analysis to inform potential refinements to the Tree By-laws and their administration, including assessing whether the minimum diameter size threshold for Private Tree By-law protection should be reduced from 30 centimetres diameter at breast height (DBH) to 20 centimetres diameter at breast height; examining options to address non‑compliance following a contravention where required replacement planting does not occur, including a Tree Replacement Fee; evaluating the feasibility of additional enforcement tools such as set fines under the Provincial Offences Act and an Administrative Penalty System; and exploring opportunities to improve coordination between Municipal Code Chapter 813,Trees and Municipal Code Chapter 629, Property Standards as they relate to private tree maintenance.

 

The proposed recommendations respond to direction received from Committee and City Council and reflect operational experience, public feedback, and best practices, and are intended to provide a balanced approach to strengthening the City’s tree protection framework while advancing long-term city-building and urban forest goals. The recommendations recognize the need to ensure that any changes to the City's Tree By-laws are considered in the context of any potential impacts on housing delivery, that tree protection and development are not competing objectives, and that development can proceed in accordance with planning and building permissions alongside appropriate tree protection and / or replacement measures.

Financial Impact

The recommendations outlined in this report have financial implications.

 

Currently, there are no fees associated with permit applications under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 658, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection. The implementation of permit application fees will establish a new dedicated cost recovery stream for City services that are currently funded through the tax base. The full cost of providing these permit services is estimated at approximately $0.51 million including direct, indirect and capital costs.

 

The proposed fee structure is designed to recover approximately 90 per cent of permit service costs as it primarily provides a direct and substantial benefit to the applicant. It is recommended that the remaining 10 per cent of the permit service costs be subsidized through the tax base due to the public benefits resulting from maintaining ravine protected areas.

 

To maintain support for ecological restoration and ensure that stewardship efforts are not discouraged, the Environment, Climate and Forestry Division recommends permit application fee exemptions for the approximately 5 per cent of applications that are voluntary stewardship and eligible projects including those undertaken by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and City divisions.

 

Eligible exemptions proposed are consistent with existing provisions under Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, including:

 

- Exemptions for the not-for-profit portion of housing projects undertaken by Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and other recognized not-for-profit housing providers referenced in subsection 7(1), paragraphs 1–4 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

 

- Fee exemptions for owners living below the low-income cut-off before tax, as determined by Statistics Canada.

 

Based on a projected 2026 volume of 1,645 individual tree permit applications related to ravine protection that would be subject to fees, approximately $0.43 million in annual revenue could have been generated, net of exemptions. If approved, the associated incremental revenue will be included in the future Operating Budget Submission for Environment, Climate and Forestry.

 

The proposed fee structure shown in Attachment 2, has rates differentiated by tree type and application context. This is consistent with the approach for permit application fees used to recover costs under the Street Tree and Private Tree Bylaws, with per-tree rates applied based on application complexity to ensure fairness and transparency. Proposed rates are based on 2026 cost estimates.

 

Public consultation on the proposed fees was undertaken through community and key constituency group meetings held September 15 to 19, 2025 with approximately 150 attendees and an online survey available September 1 to 24, 2025 that received 6,430 responses. 67 per cent of survey respondents supported permit application fees for designated ravine areas and 55 per cent of survey respondents supported fee exemptions for voluntary stewardship activities.

 

Service levels will continue to be maintained through rigorous standards. Staff are trained on over 20 administrative policies and procedures, supported by regular internal audits and system-based performance measures to ensure accountability and high-quality service delivery. Oversight is maintained through regular internal data audits and system-based performance measures, including development, permit, and financial tracking.

 

While this report does not propose lowering the minimum diameter threshold for tree protection under the Private Tree Bylaw at this time, staff recommend that Council direct further analysis to develop an implementation plan for this potential change, including analysis of budget, staffing, and service level impacts. If the minimum diameter of private trees which are protected under the Private Tree Bylaw is reduced in the future, this reduction in diameter size would result in a significant increase in the number of trees that are regulated and therefore associated permit application volumes. This would require additional staffing resources to sustain current service levels. These costs would be partially offset by a corresponding increase in the number of application fees collected under the Private Tree Bylaw and Ravine Bylaw.

 

The proposed Distinctive Tree Maintenance Incentive Program - Pilot is intended to support the long-term health and retention of privately owned Distinctive Trees by offsetting eligible maintenance costs. The pilot is currently under development by Environment, Climate and Forestry with a preliminary estimated budget of up to $50,000 subject to refinement as program details are finalized. The pilot can be implemented for a limited-term with the staff and budget resources available in the 2026 Council Adopted Operating Budget.

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agree with the financial implications as identified in the Financial Impact section.

Background Information

(February 10, 2026) Report and Attachment 1 from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry on Tree By-law Review Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284390.pdf
Attachment 2 - Proposed By-law Amendments
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264835.pdf
Attachment 3 - Tree By-law Amendment Community Engagement Summary Report from Evenings and Weekends Consulting
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264836.pdf
Notice of Public Meeting
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264830.pdf
(February 25, 2026) Staff Presentation from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry on Tree By-law Review Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284779.pdf

Communications

(February 21, 2026) Letter from Sue Dexter, Harbord Village Residents’ Association. (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205449.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Janet May, Director, Cliffcrest Scarborough Village SW Residents Association (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205480.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Katherine Berton, Manager, Policy and Advocacy, BILD, on behalf of BILD Toronto Forum members (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205484.pdf
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Shannon Rancourt (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Geoff Kettel, Co-Chair, Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations (FoNTRA) (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205498.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Laura Lamarche (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Submission from Claudia Aenishanslin, Craven Road Residents Association (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205509.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Submission from Judy Gibson, Chair, Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement, Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205532.pdf
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205551.pdf
(February 25, 2026) Submission from Janet May, Director, Cliffcrest Scarborough Village SW Residents Association (IE.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205573.pdf

IE27.9 - Updates on Vision Zero Road Safety Initiatives: Follow-Up from June and October 2025 City Council Directives, Missing Sidewalk Installations, and Road Safety Improvement Projects

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services

Recommendations

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:

 

1.  City Council adopt the following policies as detailed in Attachment 1 to the report (February 10, 2026) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

 

a.  Crosswalk Pavement Marking Policy; and

 

b.  All-Way Stop Sign Control Justification Policy.

 

2.  City Council prohibit pedestrian crossings at the following locations:

 

a.  On Warden Avenue between a point approximately 85 metres north of Bell Estate Road and a point approximately 35.5 metres further north (Ward 20); and

 

b.  On York Mills Road between the west curb line of Birchwood Avenue and a point 30.5 metres east of the east curb line of Birchwood Avenue (Ward 15).

 

3. City Council suspend use of the 2023 Council-adopted framework and expanded criteria for establishing Community Safety Zones outside of School Zones until Transportation Services can better understand Community Safety Zone effectiveness in the absence of Automated Speed Enforcement and accordingly report back with an updated framework in 2027.

 

4. City Council rescind the Community Safety Zone designations and / or designate the Community Safety Zones and authorize the amendments to Schedule XXXIII to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as set out in Attachment 2 to the report (February 10, 2026) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

 

5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to continue with the planned delivery of sidewalks on:

 

a.  Barberry Place (west side from Sheppard Avenue East to Thomas Clark Way);


b.  Bellvare Crescent (north and east side from Deanvar Avenue to Townley Avenue);

 

c.  Hill Garden Road (south side from Scarlett Road to Freemont Avenue);

 

d.  Hillside Drive (east side from 215 metres north of Broadview Avenue to cul-de-sac);

 

e.  Koos Road (east side from Bloor Street West to 60 metres south of Bloor Street West);

 

f.  Le Page Court (north side from Keele Street to TTC stop);

 

g.  Radway Avenue (north side from Neilson Drive to 50 metres east of Koos Road);

 

h.  Ross Avenue (north side from Agincourt Drive to Donalda Crescent);

 

i.  Rosemarie Drive (south side from Tower Drive to Manhattan Drive);

 

j.  Select Avenue (north side from 150 metres west of State Crown Boulevard to 300 metres east of State Crown Boulevard);

 

k.  Sun Avenue (south side from Tower Drive to Manhattan Drive);

 

l.  Tinder Crescent (north and east side from Sloane Avenue [north leg] to Sloane Avenue [south leg]);

 

m.  Trophy Drive (south side from Eccleston Drive to Sloane Avenue);

 

n.  Walder Avenue (east side from 64 metres north of Roehampton Avenue to Broadway Avenue);

 

o.  Warwick Avenue (north side from Chiltern Hill Road to Glen Cedar Road); and,

 

p.  Winston Churchill Drive (north side from Clonmore Drive to Elmview Drive).

 

6. Subject to the approval of 5d, 5h, and 5n, City Council amend Chapter 925 and Chapter 950, as described in Attachment 7 - Missing Sidewalk Locations - Bylaw Amendments for Associated Parking Restrictions.

 

7. City Council authorize the installation of the road safety improvement projects on the following streets as outlined in this report, including the amendments to necessary bylaws in Chapter 886 and 950 as described in Attachment 10:

 

a.  Sloane Avenue from Eglinton Avenue East to Victoria Park Avenue; and

 

b.  Brimorton Drive from Brimley Road to Scarborough Golf Club Road.

 

8. City Council authorize the City Solicitor 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 the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 1 through 7, above.

Summary

This report responds to two (2) directives from City Council at its June 2025 meeting (2025.IE22.4) and provides updates on other items previously outlined in the May 29, 2025 report from the General Manager, Transportation Services titled “Updates on Vision Zero Road Safety Initiatives: Improving Crossings for Pedestrians, Updated Road Classification Criteria and Other Matters”. It also responds to a directive (2025.IE24.13) and a motion (2025.MM33.2) from City Council at its October 2025 meeting and provides an update on Community Safety Zones following removal of Automated Speed Enforcement as a traffic safety tool available to municipalities by the Province of Ontario.

 

In addition, this report seeks approval to install sidewalks where they are missing at 16 locations on local roads and approval for road safety improvement projects at two (2) locations - Sloane Avenue and Brimorton Drive, for which design and consultation have been completed - and two (2) locations requiring technical bylaw amendments.

 

The report is broken down into seven (7) sections:

 

-  Crosswalk Pavement Marking Policy and All-Way Stop Sign Control Justification Policy:

 

-  Provides a summary of the Community Council consultation on the Crosswalk Pavement Marking Policy and the All-Way Stop Sign Control Justification Policy, as directed by City Council; and

 

-  Recommends adoption of the two (2) policies with no changes as a result of consultation with the four (4) Community Councils.

 

-  Review of Existing Pedestrian Crossovers City-wide:

 

-  Provides an update on the ongoing review of all existing Pedestrian Crossovers in the City of Toronto; and

 

-  Recommends six (6) pedestrian crossing prohibition by-laws, identified by Transportation Services during the detailed traffic signal design, for locations where a new traffic control signal was approved by City Council in June 2025 to replace the existing Pedestrian Crossovers.

 

-  Service Level Timeframes for Vision Zero Road Safety Improvements: provides an overview of the service level timeframes for investigation and implementation of various Vision Zero Road Safety improvements, as directed by City Council, and highlights key process improvements that have been implemented by Transportation Services in recent years.

 

-  Report Back on Council Motions Related to Automated Speed Enforcement:

 

-  Replacing Automated Speed Enforcement with Traffic Calming: provides an estimate of the anticipated cost of constructing traffic calming measures (speed humps and speed cushions) on roads adjacent to all 819 schools in Toronto as a result of the Province of Ontario removing Automated Speed Enforcement from the traffic safety toolbox available to municipalities. Also included is an overview of the challenges and general cost of installing roundabouts at minor and major intersections in Toronto. 

 

-  Protecting the City's Use of Automated Enforcement Technology: responds to City Council's request to report back on the options to protect the City's Vision Zero Road Safety tools, including the use of Automated Enforcement Technology.

 

-  Community Safety Zone Updates: provides a brief update on the current status of new Community Safety Zone designations with the removal of Automated Speed Enforcement by the Province of Ontario and recommends that City Council suspend use of the 2023 Council-adopted framework and expanded criteria for establishing Community Safety Zones outside of School Zones until Transportation Services can better understand Community Safety Zone effectiveness in the absence of Automated Speed Enforcement and update the framework accordingly. This section also recommends two (2) new and nine (9) modified Community Safety Zones to improve safety through doubling of fines for key infractions.

 

-  Missing Sidewalks: provides an update on the Missing Sidewalk Installation Program for City Council approval to install sidewalks where they are missing at 16 locations on local roads. In addition, Transportation Services has programmed the installation of sidewalks at 21 locations on collector and arterial roadways, or on local roads undergoing full reconstruction, that are delegated to the General Manager, Transportation Services.

 

-  Road Safety Improvement Projects: provides an overview of road safety improvement projects at two (2) locations - Sloane Avenue (Ward 16) and Brimorton Drive (Wards 21 and 24), for which design and consultation have been completed for City Council approval. This section also outlines technical bylaw amendments for City Council approval at two (2) locations where construction was previously completed (Port Union Road, Ward 15 and Wilmington Avenue, Ward 6), to align bylaws with field conditions and existing signage.

 

Since 2016, the Vision Zero annual budget and spend rate has increased incrementally, reflecting the demand for improved road safety and the capacity to deliver these improvements. The 2025 Council-adopted budget of $99.1 million - $31.7 million in capital and $67.4 million in operating - is the largest annual budget for the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan since inception and further demonstrates the commitment of City Council to Vision Zero and Transportation Services’ ability to deliver the varied aspects of the work. After deductions for the cost of operation of the automated speed enforcement program, the 2026 proposed Road Safety Plan budget for other areas remains steady.

Financial Impact

The estimated cost to construct the sidewalk projects in this report, for both approval and those delegated, is $4,800,000. Funding is included for these capital projects, categorized as health and safety, in the 2026-2035 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services under account CTP419-01 RSP Missing Link Sidewalks. Because project scope, design development, and market pricing can change, delivery timelines and costs may also shift. Any resulting need for additional funding will be incorporated into future-year budget submissions.

 

The estimated cost to install the Vision Zero Road Safety Improvement Projects recommended in this report is $2,235,000. Funding is included for these capital projects, categorized as a service improvement and enhancement, in the 2026-2035 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services. Because project scope, design development, and market pricing can change, delivery timelines and costs may also shift. Any resulting need for additional funding will be incorporated into future-year budget submissions

 

The approval of recommendations in this report will give authority to Transportation Services to deliver new sidewalks and road safety infrastructure over multiple years. Projects anticipated to be completed by 2026 year‑end, will result in an estimated annual operating impact of $250,000 for the following year. This amount will be included in the 2027 Operating Budget submission for Transportation Services.

As additional infrastructure is completed in subsequent years, further operating impacts will be incorporated into future years’ Operating Budget submissions. Once all planned infrastructure is fully implemented, anticipated over a multi‑year period, the total annualized operating impact is estimated to be $800,000 inclusive of the $250,000 for projects anticipated to be completed by 2026 year-end. 

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial implications as contained in the Financial Impact Section.

Background Information

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services on Updates on Vision Zero Road Safety Initiatives: Follow-Up from June and October 2025 City Council Directives, Missing Sidewalk Installations, and Road Safety Improvement Projects
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284402.pdf
Attachment 1 - Crosswalk Pavement Marking Policy and All-Way Stop Sign Control Justification Policy
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284403.pdf
Attachment 2 - Preliminary Review of Existing Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs) City-wide
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284404.pdf
Attachment 2b - Preliminary Review of Existing Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs) City-wide
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284405.pdf
Attachment 3 - Summary of Existing Investigation and Implementation Service Levels
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284406.pdf
Attachment 4 - Community Safety Zone Amendments
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284407.pdf
Attachment 5 - Map of Missing Sidewalk Installations
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284408.pdf
Attachment 6 - List of Missing Sidewalk Locations - Non-Delegated, Delegated, and Associated Parking Restrictions
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284409.pdf
Attachment 7 - Missing Sidewalk Locations - Bylaw Amendments for Associated Parking Restrictions
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284410.pdf
Attachment 8 - Sloane Avenue Road Safety Improvement Project (Ward 16)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284411.pdf
Attachment 9 - Brimorton Drive Road Safety Improvement Project (Wards 21 and 24)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284412.pdf
Attachment 10 - Road Safety Improvement Projects - Bylaw Amendments
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284413.pdf

Communications

(February 22, 2026) E-mail from George Bell, PlatformDoors.info (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205479.pdf
(February 22, 2026) Letter from Councillor Parthi Kandavel (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205507.pdf
(February 23, 2026) Letter from Lars Henriksson (IE.Supp)
(February 23, 2026) E-mail from Paul Manuel (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Greg Rzeplinski, Managing Partner, Carraway (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205497.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Dr. Marvin Macaraig, Health Promoter, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205445.pdf
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Nithursan Elamuhilan on behalf of Toronto East Cyclists (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205503.pdf
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Hamish Wilson (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Sean Cooper (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) Letter from Sarah Martin, Secretary, Agincourt Village Community Association (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205520.pdf
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Jennifer Alexander, The Walk Safe Etobicoke Project (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205521.pdf
(February 25, 2026) Letter from Councillor Parthi Kandavel (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205512.pdf
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

IE27.10 - Tinder Crescent - Sidewalk Construction

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Ward:
16 - Don Valley East

Origin

(February 2, 2026) Letter from Councillor Jon Burnside

Recommendations

Councillor Jon Burnside recommends that:

 

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that City Council direct the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and the General Manager, Transportation Services, to proceed with the new sidewalk construction project on Tinder Crescent on the north and east sides of Tinder Crescent between the walkway at 22 Tinder Crescent and Sloane Avenue (north leg) as part of the 26ECS-RD-02RR contract for local road resurfacing.

Summary

This motion aims to amend the plans for 26ECS-RD-02RR which outlines a local road resurfacing along with the construction of a sidewalk on Tinder Crescent.

 

Tinder Crescent is a local road within the Victoria Village neighbourhood of Ward 16. This road serves both the pedestrians who live on the road, along with the cars driving onto their property. Both types of traffic on the road is highly local.

 

Tinder Crescent had been brought to the committee before on July 10th, 2025, for the initial removal of the sidewalk’s construction. At that time, I requested the committee not to proceed so that I could consult further with the community. As a result of this consultation, I request that the project be amended to provide a sidewalk on one portion of Tinder Crescent while continuing with the scheduled road resurfacing.

Background Information

(February 2, 2026) Letter from Councillor Jon Burnside on Tinder Crescent - Sidewalk Construction
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284315.pdf

IE27.11 - Finch West Goods Movement Study

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
1 - Etobicoke North, 6 - York Centre, 7 - Humber River - Black Creek

Origin

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services

Recommendations

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:

 

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to prepare the Environmental Study Report for the Finch West Goods Movement Study Transportation Master Plan based on the preferred network solution, 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.

 

2.  City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to advance the following studies and report to City Council on the progress of the following studies by the fourth quarter of 2027:

 

a.  West Side Service Road Intersection Improvements at three locations along Clayson Road, Bartor Road and Arrow Road;

 

b.  West-to-South and West-to-North intersection improvements at Walsh Avenue / Albion Road / Weston Road; and

 

c.  Millwick Drive and Islington Avenue Safety Improvements and investigating a lift on existing truck restrictions on Millwick Drive.

 

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, to initiate a study to consider the feasibility of allowing heavy vehicles to share the York University Busway including determining impacts on existing bus service and identifying measures to preserve TTC service levels.

Summary

The Finch West Goods Movement Study (the Study) focused on a comprehensive review of existing and future truck operations related to goods movement in the vicinity of the Finch West Light Rail Transit. 

 

The study area is primarily located in the City of Toronto with a small section in the City of Vaughan. Today the area is comprised of a mix of industrial, commercial, residential and retail uses, including two Provincially Significant Employment Zones supported by two Business Improvement Areas that support over 5,000 businesses and 57,000 employees.

 

In 2016, a staff report titled, Allocation of the Public Realm Amount - Finch West Light Rail Transit (2016.EX13.9) identified the need for a goods movement study in the northwest corner of Toronto centered on Highway 400 and the future Finch West Light Rail Transit, jointly funded by the City, Metrolinx and the Emery Village and DUKE Heights Business Improvement Areas.   

 

The objectives of the Study were to:

 

-  Review traffic and commercial truck movements in the area in the context of the Finch Avenue West Light Rail Transit corridor;

 

-  Apply a collaborative process to gather feedback from Business Improvement Areas and other key interest groups;

 

-  Identify opportunities to enhance access to 400 series highways;

 

-  Identify opportunities to improve safety and active transportation facilities; and,

 

-  Maintain or improve healthy neighbourhoods, natural and cultural environment, and social equity.

 

The Study identified and assessed future transportation network improvements, with recommendations for potential near-term improvements (0-5 years), medium-term improvements (>10 years), and long-term improvements (requiring further study at the appropriate time). The Study identified potential improvements that would provide opportunities to improve access to industrial zones while mitigating areas of conflict between sensitive land uses and truck traffic.

 

Improvements that can leverage existing infrastructure and deliver high-impact benefits for all road users are recommended to be advanced in the near-term, to begin addressing area transportation needs. The recommended near-term improvements include:

 

-  Intersection improvements at Weston Road and Albion Road, Millwick Drive and Islington Avenue, and three (3) intersections along Clayson Road and Arrow Road;

 

-  Refreshed pavement markings and state-of-good-repair improvements; and

 

-  Changes to signal timing plans.

 

The Study is a conceptual Master Plan with a long-term horizon, and not all of the potential improvements identified in the Study would be the sole responsibility or jurisdiction of the City of Toronto to fund or advance. Some examples include a potential new highway interchange with Highway 400 at Steeles Avenue West, a widening of Steeles Avenue West between Fenmar Drive and Jane Street, potential new roads crossing the GO Barrie rail line and CNR rail line, and a potential new road crossing of Highway 400.

 

Given the complexity of projects of this nature, long-term horizon, and other parties involved, not all of the potential improvements identified in the Study would be expected to be funded and advanced to implementation. The feasibility of the medium-term and long-term improvements identified in the Study would need to be assessed further by the City of Toronto and / or appropriate partnering jurisdictions, as the area continues to redevelop.

Financial Impact

There is no financial impact associated with this report. The Finch West Goods Movement Study is a high-level planning document. Individual project costs will be determined in future study stages.

 

No provision has been made for these projects in the Transportation Services' 2026-2035 Capital Plan. Funding for these projects will be considered as part of future year budget processes, subject to council endorsement of project-specific recommendations. The costs are expected to be further refined as project-specific designs are advanced and will be updated as they become available.

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information

(February 10, 2026) Report from the General Manager, Transportation Services on Finch West Goods Movement Study
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264859.pdf
Attachment 1 - Public Consultation Report #1
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264860.pdf
Attachment 2 - Public Consultation Report #2
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264861.pdf
Attachment 3 - Long-List Screening
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264862.pdf
Attachment 4 - List of the Transportation Master Plan's Conceptual Preferred Network Solution Improvements, Implementation Timeline and MCEA Schedule
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264863.pdf
Attachment 5 - Descriptions of Improvements
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264864.pdf
Attachment 6 - Evaluation Summary of the Transportation Master Plan's Conceptual Preferred Network Solution Improvements
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264865.pdf

Communications

(February 24, 2026) Letter from Norman Cheesman, Director of External Relations, Toronto Industry Network (IE.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205447.pdf

IE27.12 - Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(December 23, 2025) Letter from City Council referring Administrative Inquiry IA35.3 and Answer IA35.3a

Summary

City Council on December 16 and 17, 2025, referred Administrative Inquiry IA35.3 from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre, regarding Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, and Answer IA35.3a from the City Manager to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for consideration.

Background Information

(December 23, 2025) Letter from City Council referring Administrative Inquiry IA35.3 and Answer IA35.3a
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264784.pdf
Letter from Councillor James Pasternak on Administrative Inquiry on Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (IA35.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264785.pdf
(December 12, 2025) Answer from the City Manager on Administrative Inquiry regarding Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (IA35.3a)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264786.pdf
(October 10, 2025) Attachment to the Answer from the City Manager on Administrative Inquiry regarding Seeking Clarity on the City of Toronto's Application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264788.pdf

IE27.13 - C40 / United Nations Environment Programme Travel Report

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 9, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe

Recommendations

Councillor Dianne Saxe recommends that:

 

1. City Council receive the report from Councillor Dianne Saxe in Attachment 1 for information.

Summary

In October and November 2025, I attended three events tied to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Generation Restoration in São Paulo, Brazil, the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities Mayors Round Table and Urban Nature Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the Mayor’s designate. I also visited Rio de Janeiro’s Operations Centre to learn how they have dramatically improved their city’s response to a wide range of emergencies.

 

As part of my participation, I attended sessions, activities and site visits organized by United Nations Environment Programme, ICLEI, C40, Global Platform for Sustainable Cities and the World Bank International Finance Corporation, participated on a panel showcasing Toronto as a Generation Restoration Role Model City, and engaged with counterparts from across the globe on topics related to tackling the climate crisis, the implementation of nature-based solutions in an urban setting, and creating green and thriving neighbourhoods.

 

A report of these engagements, the programs for the Workshop, Summit and Forum, as well as the City of Toronto’s Certificate of Recognition as a Role Model City in the United Nations Environment Program’s Generation Restoration are attached to this letter. 

Background Information

(February 9, 2026) Letter and Attachment 1 from Councillor Dianne Saxe on C40 / United Nations Environment Programme Travel Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284372.pdf
Attachment 2: UNEP Generation Restoration International Workshop Program
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284373.pdf
Attachment 3: UNEP Generation Restoration Certificate of Recognition
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264823.pdf
Attachment 4: C40 World Mayors Summit Program
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264824.pdf
Attachment 5: Urban Nature Forum Agenda
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284374.pdf
Attachment 6: Urban Nature Forum Briefing Package
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-264825.pdf

Communications

(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

IE27.14 - Authority to Enter into Agreements with the Board of Management of the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area for Improvements to Seaton Park

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Ward:
11 - University - Rosedale

Origin

(February 12, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe

Recommendations

Councillor Dianne Saxe recommends that:

 

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate and execute agreements with the Board of Management of the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area to facilitate planning, design, and delivery of improvements to the Park by the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area, anticipated to start in 2027, all on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager of Transportation Services and the Ward Councillor, and in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in accordance with applicable City policies.

Summary

City Council authorized a boundary expansion for the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area to include Seaton Park on December 16 and 17, 2025, as per item 2025.EC25.11. The inclusion of Seaton Park within the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area boundary enables the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area to play an active role in park maintenance, improvements, programming, event activations and creating a more welcoming and safe public space that benefits both local businesses and residents. On February 4, 2026, as per item 2026.CC37.4, and at my request, City Council increased the 2026 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $343,737.02 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 and 45 community benefits to be transferred to the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area for upgrades to Seaton Park (the “Park”).

 

The Park, located at 14 Albany Avenue, Toronto, abuts the Bathurst Subway Station. It is partly on land under Toronto Transit Commission’s jurisdiction, and partly on a right of way under the jurisdiction of Transportation Services; maintenance responsibilities are with Parks and Recreation. The TTC has advised it has no issues with the proposed improvements. The Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area has long-standing agreements with Transportation Services to design and manage other small parks in the vicinity, which has been a considerable benefit to the community.

 

The proposed agreement will allow the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area to provide design, community engagement, and construction services for the Park improvements and post-construction warranty in collaboration with Parks and Recreation. The design and construction project will be delivered through an agreement with the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area and any ancillary agreements the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area may need to enter into to complete the Park improvements and maintenance.

Background Information

(February 12, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe on Authority to Enter into Agreements with the Board of Management of the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area for Improvements to Seaton Park
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284430.pdf

Communications

(February 25, 2026) Letter from Brian Burchell, General Manager, Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area (IE.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/comm/communicationfile-205558.pdf

IE27.15 - Options for Winter Access to Laneway Homes and Garages

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 15, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe

Recommendations

Councillor Dianne Saxe recommends that:

 

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to include, in the next winter services report, options and associated costs to provide improved winter access for pedestrians, cyclists, and / or motor vehicles to laneway homes and / or garages.

Summary

As part of the city’s strategy to expand missing middle housing, the city has been actively encouraging laneway homes. However, the city does not currently provide any snow clearing from laneways. Increasingly, this means that residents of laneway homes have great difficulty accessing their homes following heavy snowfalls, such as those we have experienced in the last two winters.

 

In many downtown neighbourhoods, laneways also provide residents with their only access to parking.

Background Information

(February 15, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe on Options for Winter Access to Laneway Homes and Garages
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284561.pdf

Communications

(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (IE.New)

IE27.16 - Balancing Conflicts Over Use of Accessible Parking Permits

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(February 17, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe

Recommendations

Councillor Dianne Saxe recommends that:

 

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee request that the General Manager, Transportation Services and the City Solicitor report to the April 7, 2026 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee with equitable solutions for conflicts and other issues associated with the current on-street parking exemptions offered to holders of provincial Accessible Parking Permits.

Summary

In parts of Toronto, including my ward, there are chronic conflicts over the use and alleged misuse of the more than 840,000 accessible parking permits issued by the provincial government. As the population ages, the number of such permits is growing steadily, while downtown parking pressure and parking conflicts are growing even more rapidly.

 

At present, anyone displaying such a permit on their vehicle is exempt from a large number of parking rules. These exemptions are highly valued by many permit holders. At the same time, the growing use of accessible parking permits to leave vehicles in parking prohibited or permit-parking-only areas is triggering many community complaints, and sometimes reduces visibility and pedestrian safety at intersections. Recognizing that not all disabilities are visible, my office has received many complaints about alleged abuse of such permits by apparently able-bodied individuals, particularly construction workers and delivery drivers.

 

Because there are now substantially fewer downtown parking spots and many more drivers and accessible permit holders, the conflict is more acute now than the last time it was considered by Council in May 2017, EX25.20 - Abuse and Misuse of Accessible Parking Permits.

 

Transportation Services staff are aware of these conflicts, and have been working for some time on advice to council. This includes a plan to develop an on street accessible parking guideline, and substantial work evaluating the current exemptions and potential alternatives to them. Council was promised that a parking permit exemption report would be delivered in 2025, and then in February 2026. Neither has occurred. I understand that the report is ready for Council’s consideration.

Background Information

(February 17, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe on Balancing Conflicts Over Use of Accessible Parking Permits
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284562.pdf

IE27.17 - Lennox Street - Two Way - Markham to Palmerston

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Ward:
11 - University - Rosedale

Origin

(February 18, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe

Recommendations

Councillor Dianne Saxe 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.

Summary

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.

Background Information

(February 18, 2026) Letter from Councillor Dianne Saxe on Lennox Street - Two Way - Markham to Palmerston
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284563.pdf

Communications

(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Robert Cohen (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Mary Seto (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Charlie Almond (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Christine Apold (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Gail Zuker (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Roy Sawyer (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Elsbeth Tupker (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Terry Cohen (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Ralph Coram (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Anita Lerek (IE.Supp)
(February 24, 2026) E-mail from Emily Lombardo (IE.Supp)
(February 25, 2026) E-mail from Joe Lombardo (IE.Supp)
(February 25, 2026) Petition from Robert Cohen entitled "Petition to Restore Two-way Traffic on Lennox Street" containing 36 digital signatures (IE.New)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council