Relevant City of Toronto Policies
We are confident that residents, working together, can make a positive difference. Ultimately, however, the municipal government -- led by Toronto City Council -- is responsible for Dundas Street West. To build a better Dundas, it is important to understand the municipal policies that are relevant to the stretch between the Islington & Scarlett.:
#1. Complete Streets Guidelines
This 2017 document is very interesting to read, for people interested in our stretch of Dundas Street West.
"This ‘complete streets’ approach reinforces that streets should safely accommodate all users – pedestrians, cyclists, transit services and motor vehicles – and also support and enhance local neighbourhood context and character. It’s about making streets that are safe, beautiful and vibrant places with efficient links in a multi- modal transportation network." (Chapter 1, page 2)
#2. Vision Zero Road Safety Plan
The City has committed to "strive to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries to ZERO." At present, Dundas between Runnymede & Islington poses a high risk of death and injury to people who use it. One of the four strategies of Vision Zero is to "target the design and operation of city streets to prevent collisions from occurring while also minimizing the impact that human error can have in causing collisions." (page 24) This is something we want for Dundas Street West.
#3. Avenues & Mid-Rise Buildings Study
Between the Humber River and Royal York, Dundas is designated by the City of Toronto as an "Avenue."
This means that the city intends to allow mid-rise buildings (between 5 and 11 stories) in this area. You may have noticed this change underway already. The "Avenues & Mid-Rise Buildings Study" explains the rationale for this.
Improvement to the "streetscape" is a crucial aspect of the "Avenues" intensification policy.
If the city is turning Dundas into an "Avenue" of tall residential buildings, it needs to deliver on the other half of the Avenues vision. It needs to provide a streetscape that is safe and pleasant for all road users, old and new.
Personal Experiences
Very often, when we attempt to walk on Dundas Street West, we think about Xavier Morgan. Xavier was a 5 year old boy. He was riding his bicycle with his family on the Martin Goodman Trail, next to Lakeshore Blvd West in June 2017. He fell into the traffic, was struck by a car, and passed away. The City subsequently took steps to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in this area.
We fear that another tragedy of this nature could easily happen on Dundas Street West between Islington & the Humber. The same lethal cocktail of factors is present: (i) very high vehicle speeds, (ii) very narrow sidewalks without separation from traffic, and (iii) an increasingly large number of children and cyclists trying to use the street.
Of course, Etobicoke also has its share of of traffic injuries and fatalities. In August of 2020, a three year old boy was struck by a car and died near East Mall and Burnhamthorpe. Better street design, and enforcement of traffic laws, SAVES LIVES. The City should act to PREVENT the next tragedy, instead of just REACTING to it after it happens.
Social justice demands complete streets. Dundas, between Islington and the Humber, is a typically diverse part of Toronto. Dundas already works well for people driving in cars -- and it should continue to do so. But 28% of Toronto housholds do not have cars, and those with less money are more likely to be in this group. If we make it more pleasant and safe to walk, ride a bike, or wait for a bus on Dundas, then we will be making our city a more equitable and just place to live.
Complete Streets help local businesses flourish. Our family lives within 200 feet of local businesses offering goods and services that are interesting and appealing to us. We shop at these businesses surprisingly INFREQUENTLY. Why? Because Dundas Street West lies between us and these businesses. If we could cross the street, without feeling like we're talking our lives into our hands, we would almost certainly spend more money in Dundas St. West businesses.
Please share your thoughts with the group by clicking the "Petition" link or emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com
Please let me know your thoughts by emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com
We are confident that residents, working together, can make a positive difference. Ultimately, however, the municipal government -- led by Toronto City Council -- is responsible for Dundas Street West. To build a better Dundas, it is important to understand the municipal policies that are relevant to the stretch between the Islington & Scarlett.:
#1. Complete Streets Guidelines
This 2017 document is very interesting to read, for people interested in our stretch of Dundas Street West.
"This ‘complete streets’ approach reinforces that streets should safely accommodate all users – pedestrians, cyclists, transit services and motor vehicles – and also support and enhance local neighbourhood context and character. It’s about making streets that are safe, beautiful and vibrant places with efficient links in a multi- modal transportation network." (Chapter 1, page 2)
#2. Vision Zero Road Safety Plan
The City has committed to "strive to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries to ZERO." At present, Dundas between Runnymede & Islington poses a high risk of death and injury to people who use it. One of the four strategies of Vision Zero is to "target the design and operation of city streets to prevent collisions from occurring while also minimizing the impact that human error can have in causing collisions." (page 24) This is something we want for Dundas Street West.
#3. Avenues & Mid-Rise Buildings Study
Between the Humber River and Royal York, Dundas is designated by the City of Toronto as an "Avenue."
This means that the city intends to allow mid-rise buildings (between 5 and 11 stories) in this area. You may have noticed this change underway already. The "Avenues & Mid-Rise Buildings Study" explains the rationale for this.
Improvement to the "streetscape" is a crucial aspect of the "Avenues" intensification policy.
- The "Avenues Vision" "calls for beautiful tree-lined streets and sun-lit sidewalks." (page 4)
- One of the "key provisions" is that "sidewalks are wide enough to include and support trees, generate a lively pedestrian culture and ensure accessibility for all." (page 30)
- "Avenue streetscapes should provide the highest level of urban design treatment to create beautiful pedestrian environments and great places to shop, work and live." (page 36)
If the city is turning Dundas into an "Avenue" of tall residential buildings, it needs to deliver on the other half of the Avenues vision. It needs to provide a streetscape that is safe and pleasant for all road users, old and new.
Personal Experiences
Very often, when we attempt to walk on Dundas Street West, we think about Xavier Morgan. Xavier was a 5 year old boy. He was riding his bicycle with his family on the Martin Goodman Trail, next to Lakeshore Blvd West in June 2017. He fell into the traffic, was struck by a car, and passed away. The City subsequently took steps to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in this area.
We fear that another tragedy of this nature could easily happen on Dundas Street West between Islington & the Humber. The same lethal cocktail of factors is present: (i) very high vehicle speeds, (ii) very narrow sidewalks without separation from traffic, and (iii) an increasingly large number of children and cyclists trying to use the street.
Of course, Etobicoke also has its share of of traffic injuries and fatalities. In August of 2020, a three year old boy was struck by a car and died near East Mall and Burnhamthorpe. Better street design, and enforcement of traffic laws, SAVES LIVES. The City should act to PREVENT the next tragedy, instead of just REACTING to it after it happens.
Social justice demands complete streets. Dundas, between Islington and the Humber, is a typically diverse part of Toronto. Dundas already works well for people driving in cars -- and it should continue to do so. But 28% of Toronto housholds do not have cars, and those with less money are more likely to be in this group. If we make it more pleasant and safe to walk, ride a bike, or wait for a bus on Dundas, then we will be making our city a more equitable and just place to live.
Complete Streets help local businesses flourish. Our family lives within 200 feet of local businesses offering goods and services that are interesting and appealing to us. We shop at these businesses surprisingly INFREQUENTLY. Why? Because Dundas Street West lies between us and these businesses. If we could cross the street, without feeling like we're talking our lives into our hands, we would almost certainly spend more money in Dundas St. West businesses.
Please share your thoughts with the group by clicking the "Petition" link or emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com
Please let me know your thoughts by emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com