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 & Runnymede:
#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.
Please let me know your thoughts by emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com
#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.
Please let me know your thoughts by emailing BetterDundasCoalition@gmail.com