Sidewalks

The City of Toronto's Cycling Infrastructure and Programs unit is hosting a Public Open House on proposed upgrades to the existing multi-use paths in Trinity Bellwoods Park. It will be important for cyclists and pedestrians to attend and share their feedback on the proposed realignment and resurfacing, both with City staff and fellow park users.

Date: Wednesday, February 24

Time: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Trinity C.R.C., 155 Crawford St., Assembly Hall

The City of Toronto is proposing an amendment to the Official Plan to introduce area-specific policies for properties on Bloor Street West, between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street. The draft amendment is intended to implement a vision for the area as determined through the Bloor Corridor Visioning Study process, in consultation with the local community and area representatives.

Date: Tuesday, November 10

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Committee Room 1, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

According to a June 16th SDSU NewsCenter article, "No matter which country you are in, new research finds those who live in an urban neighborhood are twice as likely to be physically active the those in the suburbs. According to a San Diego State University study published in this month's American Journal of Preventative Medicine, the biggest single factor influencing physical activity around the world is accessibility to sidewalks.

On June 3rd, TCAT will be addressing the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the following four issues:

1. Motorized Bicycles on Sidewalks. TCAT supports the Toronto Pedestrian Committee's recommendation that no bicycle that includes a motor of any kind be allowed to travel on the sidewalk. For more info, see this recent Toronto Star article.

Roncesvalles will be reconstructed in 2009-10 and the community is actively involved in debating how to best balance the needs of everyone who uses the street. To find out more about the design proposals being considered and to comment on how to best incorporate walking and cycling into the process, go here.

As reported in a recent Washington Post article, Virginia is taking aim at one of the most enduring symbols of suburbia: the cul-de-sac. The state has decided that all new subdivisions must have through streets linking them with neighboring subdivisions, schools and shopping areas and will maintain only new subdivision streets that meet its connectivity, road and sidewalk requirements.

As reported previously in TCAT news,
the City recently held a public meeting to present their plans for
improvements to Jarvis Street. TCAT was represented at the meeting and

Leaving the wheels at home and going by foot can be a pleasurable way
to get around in winter. Yet for many, especially the elderly and
disabled, this most basic form of mobility is jeopardized during the
winter in Toronto due to the state of the sidewalks. The current

For over a year now the City has been talking about pulling together
all the various staff divisions involved with public space design to
create a Public Realm Division. This division would be responsible for
sidewalks, parkettes, signage, the coordinated street furniture
program, among other responsibilities.