Oriole Park Association Annual Meeting

Oriole Park Public School

                   Thursday November 7, 2019      7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

(20 residents attended our meeting)

In attendance:  OPA Directors: David McMahon, Heather Harris, Steve Sims, Bruce Huggins, Shelley Ortved, Richard MacFarlane. Special Guests:  Councillor Josh Matlow, Ward 12 (St. Paul’s), The Hon. Jill Andrew, M.P.P. (NDP, Culture Critic, Toronto – St. Paul’s), Kaitlyn Forbes, on behalf of The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.P. (PC), and Staff Sergeant James Hogan, 53 Division, Toronto Police Services.

Regrets:  Lynne Frank, Daryle Hunt, Deborah Staiman, Nancy Bell, and Bob Blake.

David McMahon – Introductory Remarks

Dave presented highlights of our directors’ involvements regarding              1) planning and development, 2) pedestrian and traffic safety, 3) liaison with FoNTRA, Midtown Planning Group, Eglinton Park Advisory Council, Oriole Park Public School, Toronto Police Services, Metrolinx, and Councillor Josh Matlow, and 4) beautification of Oriole Parkway boulevard.

The OPA also communicates with the Eglinton Way BIA and Midtown Yonge BIA.

Dave also listed the different community events that the OPA hosted such as the annual garage sale.

The OPA helps to coordinate requests from the community for special services such as traffic safety. This year, this included the installation of a three-way stop at College View Avenue and Oriole Parkway and the speed hump program, currently underway on Lascelles, Highbourne, Hillsdale, Tranmer, Imperial, and Elmsthorpe, to complement those already in effect.

Our association updates community news on the OPA web site. Please look at our web site on a regular basis and check the news portal. You will find information about Metrolinx construction updates which are posted weekly and any community initiatives taking place that affect the neighbourhood. This includes traffic safety, transportation, and other matters of interest.

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Kaitlyn Forbes attended on behalf of the Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, M.P. (St. Paul’s). She welcomed resident comments about concerns they may have.

Dave McMahon’s Report for Lynne Frank

The OPA Annual Meeting Minutes, January 24, 2019, were approved.

The OPA updated the Letters Patent to correct our jurisdiction boundaries. We also amended our OPA Constitution to include a Special Advisor position, for Richard MacFarlane.

Dave McMahon announced each OPA board of director who attended, in turn. The OPA Board was voted on and approved by those present.

Dave McMahon, President; Heather Harris, Vice-President; Lynne Frank, Secretary; Steve Sims, Treasurer; Shelley Ortved, Bob Blake, Daryle Hunt, Deborah Staiman, Bruce Huggins, Nancy Bell, Richard MacFarlane, Special Advisor.

Dave gave special thanks to Bruce Huggins, who has done such a great job canvassing residents and getting new OPA members. 

Councillor Josh Matlow

Josh Matlow thanked our Oriole Park Association for their dedicated work in the community.

He presented the City Charter concept, essentially, taking back control of our city planning and decision-making process, which is being developed with the support of key spokespersons such as John Sewell and Adam Vaughan.

He spoke about the provincial government amending the Midtown In Focus report and that the former Ontario Municipal Board is being re-instated, in place of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. In short, the Ford government is favouring the developer.

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Councillor Josh Matlow  (cont’d)

Josh Matlow spoke about his efforts to limit height at Yonge and Eglinton (Sammy’s Garage at Hillsdale; The Art Shoppe at Soudan) As Josh Matlow said, “We’re trying to use every leverage we can to never lose sight of the public realm, to ensure the character and rhythm of the street is secured for future generations.”

He talked about the need for a “significant public square” on the TTC Buslands, the southwest corner of Yonge/Eglinton. He referred to ‘strata plan’, a policy introduced by former Councillor Michael Walker in February 2009, at City Council, to limit the height there.

Josh Matlow commented, “We have an opportunity to get it right. I want to see a large significant public space, like public spaces in Chicago and New York City.”

He spoke about pedestrian and traffic safety, the need for better enforcement of traffic violations, and the “Vision Zero” initiative supported by the Mayor John Tory and City Council.

Richard MacFarlane presented some background and context to the ‘strata plan’ debate.

On February 24/25, 2009, Councillor Michael Walker spoke about that history, at City Council: “Out of the Minto fiasco came a proposal to review zoning by-law requirements. The Yonge-Eglinton Focused Review group met for several years and we attended all the meetings. We met for four years.  It had consensus from the community, City and planning staff, and the TTC.  On May 17, 2006, the Toronto Transit Commission approved development control mechanisms where the principal control would be strata, establishing an upper limit.  We then held a public meeting at which there was general support for the plan.”

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Richard MacFarlane  (cont’d)

Michael Walker also spoke about a prior commitment to use ‘strata plan’, and also, that there would be a public park:  “At the request of the TTC,         I held a public meeting on November 15, 2007.  I was surprised at the consensus by the public and City officials at this meeting, and the numbers proposed, with real support for commercial and office usage.  Four points were established, including the affirmation that a strata plan would be used in the sale of TTC lands, that there would be a fairness monitor to oversee the planning and development process, and that there would be a park for Yonge-Eglinton Centre.”

But on February 24/25, 2009, City Council voted 15 to 16 against Councillor Michael Walker’s motion to have ‘strata plan’, by only one vote, at 12:40 a.m.

There was a reason why the councillors voted down strata plan. It was to try and give the developer(s) the height, with little or no restrictions or limitations. The lawyers and planning consultants can use the terminology to argue their case for more height. These are weasel words that planners use at OMB hearings.

As Councillor Karen Stintz said that evening at City Council: “We have a planning proposal that permits two 40-storey towers.  There is a small irony here.  If this Council wants to guarantee no political interference, then we should put the strata plans in the plan.  If the strata is in place, the development will happen.  But it will happen as it should, a smooth process.  Without strata plans, there is risk that we will drag out the planning process for another five years.  It needs to be consistent.  We want to ensure we put things in place with maximum value to the community, the developer, and the TTC.  Councillor Michael Walker is proposing a win-win-win solution.”

The City solicitor argued it was premature to use “strata plan” but “may” instead of “shall” could be used. If Council agreed to “shall”, there would have to be an Official Plan amendment, heard at the Ontario Municipal Board, regarding height limits, the solicitor said. So it is not a given about height limits on the TTC Buslands. But it should be.                                 ….5

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Richard MacFarlane  (cont’d)

Richard MacFarlane emphasized that the public park was Councillor Michael Walker’s legacy, his purpose, his contribution to preserve the last bit of open space at Yonge/Eglinton.

This public park has been enshrined in the process of  discussions with the City and Oxford Properties, and consultation with area residents. It is very important that we honour this legacy and keep that commitment.

Jill Andrew, M.P.P.

Jill Andrew spoke about honouring our veterans and their supreme sacrifice.

She paid tribute to the OPA, saying that we are one of the most hard working and the oldest ratepayer association. She thanked us for our dedicated service.

She said that Bill 108 was not for rent control or affordable housing. She is very concerned about heritage designation. This is being taken away without much consultation. She mentioned health care and cuts to services, and  reduced budgets for teachers, nurses, and seniors in long term care.

Jill invited us to visit her constituency office at 803 St. Clair Avenue West,  to talk to us and ask what we do.

Jill concluded by saying, “I want to engage with your association. Please e-mail me with your questions. I will do my best to get your question announced in the Ontario Legislature.”

Richard MacFarlane mentioned that on October 30, 2019, up to 15 ratepayer association representatives  attended Queen’s Park, and sat in the Member’s Gallery, to ask Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, about meeting us at Yonge/Eglinton to go on a walking tour.

Jill Andrew wanted to know more about Midtown. She said, “We will work with you to get things done.”                                                                ….6

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Staff Sergeant James Hogan

James Hogan updated us about traffic and crime. Regarding traffic issues, more often than not, they are the result of the LRT construction. This past year, TPS 53 Division had 220 complaints, mostly traffic related. Last year, they issued 12,000 tickets.

There were 400 tickets issued for driving and texting, an average of about 35 tickets issued each day. About 600 tickets are issued in the Yonge/Eglinton area, mostly, for disobeying traffic signs.

In one year, there were a little over 4,000 accidents. There are less than 300 accidents in the OPA district. Fortunately, there were no  fatalities.

Regarding crime, assaults are higher here which is somewhat surprising. There was a homicide at the gas station.  Accidents are happening, for the most part, on main avenues.

James Hogan said that police coverage and traffic enforcement is not as easy as it appears. The issue is cost.  Installation of cameras could help.

Steve Sims – Treasurer’s Report

Steve Sims presented his Treasurer’s Report.  The OPA collects membership fees. The association usually receive from $3,000 to $4,000 revenue. Steve encouraged residents to speak to neighbours and inform them about our OPA web site which is updated weekly.

Richard MacFarlane – Planning and Development

Richard MacFarlane focused on residential home development. He pointed out his review of GFA approvals and rejections in the Chaplin and Oriole Park district.

In 2014, a property south of his former home on College View Avenue was redeveloped. The large brick home encroached on three back yards, and construction fill spilled onto the neighbour’s property.                         ….7/

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In September 2013, Richard challenged the application at Committee of Adjustment and presented recommendations to mitigate the visual impact. However, the Committee of Adjustment’s ‘Forestry condition’, for the owner to plant tall evergreens for screening, was never implemented.

Richard advised that the OPA has very limited resources to assist residents. Challenges to applications should come from the initiative of immediate neighbours affected. He offered to assist, in the few instances where the proposal greatly exceeds the zoning, GFA and property footprint.

Richard reviewed applications from Year 2010 to 2016. Of the 34  applications, there were only 10 rejections and 1 deferral.  The majority, 23, were approved. Generally, the baseline measure for approved GFA has increased to 0.80 in a community that has the maximum allowable at 0.69.

He also reviewed properties from Year 2008 to 2019. The approved GFA  has continued to go higher than the maximum allowable.  In Year 2008, a Colin Avenue home was approved by the OMB at 0.75. In Year 2013, a Castleknock home was approved by the OMB at 0.836. In Year 2018, a Latimer Avenue house was approved by the LPAT at 1.06.

         

On November 23, 2017, a decision, by Ian James Lord, Panel Chair of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, stood out, regarding 311 Chaplin Crescent: Four variances from that application, having a requested GFA of 1.22, were refused with the statement that the GFA is not to exceed 1.0.

                                        

Mr. Lord observed: “Where Council has sought to recognize and encourage higher densities and greater heights, massing and built form, it has done so with specific policies, ‘Avenue designations’, and zoning regulatory adjustments. None of these factors were said to be present or applicable to the subject property [311 Chaplin]. Here, the proposed increment in FSI was couched in a single rationale: ‘that’s what the plans show’.”  

Dave McMahon, OPA President, thanked all of our guest speakers and residents who participated at this annual meeting.

Meeting minutes prepared by Richard MacFarlane, Special Advisor,

Oriole Park Association

OVERNIGHT INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY POWER AT CHAPLIN STATION MONDAY JANUARY 27 – FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 2020 What Work is Taking Place? As early as Monday, January 27, crews at Chaplin station will be working in the station’s future Main Entrance to install temporary power lines. Work will be ongoing from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Monday to Friday. Work involves the use of an excavator, concrete works, and the use of machinery for temporary power installation. Work does not involve heavy vibrations or noise. From 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., crews will be using a hydrovac. Noise can be expected.   Hours of Work Crews will be working 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday January 27 until Friday January 31. The contractor may not always work during the permitted hours, but may do so at its discretion. Work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. This work may be longer or shorter than expected Work Area Map What to Expect Some noise can be expected while crews use a hydrovac. Work after 11:00 p.m. does not involve heavy noise or vibrations. Nearby residents and businesses can expect to see construction lighting and crews using an excavator within the station box. In addition to construction activity, residents can expect to see equipment and material storage. Property access will be maintained. Expect delays while travelling near work zones. Motorists can expect delays when travelling through the intersection.   Traffic Details Eglinton Avenue West and Chaplin Crescent will remain open. No impacts to TTC bus service. Pedestrian Details All pedestrian routes will remain open for the duration of extended hours work.  Stay Informed Sign up for email updates at www.thecrosstown.ca/sign-up or download the aCrosstown traffic app to get real-time traffic and transit information for the Eglinton corridor.   Thank you for your patience as we work to build this important project. Please support your local businesses during construction. Disponible en français

AVENUE STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Friday January 24, 2020   Mining operations are ongoing at the Secondary Entrance and occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read the construction notice for more detail.   What Work is Taking Place? Mining excavation is ongoing east of the Secondary Entrance between Oriole Parkway and Eastbourne Avenue. This sequence includes drilling roof supports, removal of earth and coating exposed surfaces with shotcrete. Excavation east of the Secondary Entrance is expected to be completed in July 2020. What Work is Coming Up? Upcoming concrete pour between the Main and Secondary Entrances in January 2020. Pour will happen from within the closure on the south side shaft – traffic will not be impacted. See construction activities below for details. Mining Information General mining activities occur in a continuous sequence, including drilling roof supports, excavation under the roof supports and spraying of concrete to finalize exposed areas underground. Within the excavation portion of the sequence, periodic removal of concrete sections of the existing tunnels is required as well as periodic chipping of temporary concrete linings. When possible, crews complete higher impact works during the day, however due to the sequence nature of the work and the engineering requirements related to ground stability and cavern integrity, sometimes noticeable activity occurs overnight. Noise & Vibration Mitigation Noise and vibration impacts to your residence depend on your proximity to the source and how the vibrations travel through the soil and interact with the foundation and structure of the building. Crosslinx Transit Solutions has implemented several noise reductions measures on site to mitigate the impact felt by the community during mining activities. Enclosures are used to cover equipment like generators and pumps, silencers are used to reduce noise from fans, and delivery routes and times are selected to minimize disruption – just to name a few. If you experience disruption from mining activities, please call our 24/7 phone line at 416-782-8118.    Construction Activities   ACTIVITY & AREA WHAT TO EXPECT DURATION TENTATIVE DATE Concrete Pours Concrete pours will occur weekly over the next year. Concrete trucks will be staged in the existing laydown area on the north side of Eglinton Avenue and exit the site at the gate on the west end of the site. Some of the trucks will be required to back into the west gate of the secondary entrance due to coordination with other construction activities that will be underway during the concrete pour.  5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekly Dewatering Well Maintenance Periodic maintenance of dewatering wells as required Periodic maintenance will be ongoing and require a short duration (1 day) enclosure around the well in the right of way.   A compressor and occasional hydrovac truck will be used to complete the maintenance.   Ongoing 9am to 4pm Monitoring Work Equipment is installed in various locations around the station are to monitor ground movement during construction. Read the construction notice for more detail. To install the monitoring equipment in the ground, crews move from location to location around the station area. Typically, a drilling machine is used to drill the hole where the monitor will be installed.   If on the sidewalk, pedestrians may need to be routed around the work zone (sidewalks stay open). If on the roadway, a short-term lane closure may be required.   Readings will be taken regularly for the duration of the project. Installations planned to becomplete in the next few months. Ongoing monitoring. Currently installations are focused east of Secondary Entrance

Thank you for your patience as we work to build this important project. Please support your local businesses during construction. For more information about Avenue Station, please contact:   West Community Office 1848 Eglinton Ave West 416-782-8118

Overnight Hydro Pole Installation January 27, 2020 What Work is Taking Place?   As early as Monday January 27, 2020 crews at Chaplin will be installing hydro poles along Eglinton Avenue West from Latimer Avenue to Russell Hill Road. The installation of two (2) hydro poles will provide temporary power for the construction site. Installation will take approximately three to four days and will be conducted overnight. The poles will be in place for the duration of the project. Each pole will be installed on the north sidewalk of Eglinton Ave W, one west of Latimer Avenue and the other between Latimer Avenue and Russell Hill Drive.   Timing Work is expected to begin as early as Monday January 27, 2020 and take approximately three (3) to four (4) days to complete. Work will take place overnight, from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The contractor may not always work during the permitted hours, but may do so at its discretion. Work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. This work may be longer of shorter than expected What to Expect Crews will be installing two (2) hydro poles on Eglinton Ave W, west and east of Latimer Ave Lane reductions will be required to safely conduct this work. Nearby businesses and residents can expect noise from trucks and other construction equipment used for the installation. Fencing, dust cloth, barriers, and scaffolding may be erected around work zones for safety purposes. Noise, dust and lighting from construction activity can be expected. Expect delays when traveling near work zone. Traffic and Pedestrian Details Lane reductions will be required with a minimum of one through lane of traffic in each direction maintained. Traffic control personnel will be present during this work. As always, please take care when travelling near work sites. There will be no impacts to TTC bus service.  Stay Informed Sign up for e-mail updates at www.thecrosstown.ca/sign-up or download the aCrosstown traffic app to get real-time traffic and transit information for the Eglinton corridor. Disponible en français

The Annual Community Skating Party hosted by Councillor Josh Matlow , MP Carolyn Bennett and MP Rob Oliphant will take place at Hodgson Rink (off Millwood at Hodgson Sr. Public School ) on Sunday February 2,2020 from 2-4 pm.

Hot refreshments will be served. Bring your family and friends.

Early Morning Dewatering System Maintenance at Chaplin Station Friday January 24, 2020

What Work is Taking Place? On Friday January 24, 2020, crews will perform maintenance on the dewatering system at Latimer Avenue and Eglinton Avenue. This work will take place from within the Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot. A hydro-vacuum truck will be used to clean the tanks at Latimer Avenue and Eglinton Avenue. This work must be performed overnight when the parking lot is closed. Timing Friday January 24, 2020 for approximately two (2) hours, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Work may be rescheduled, or be longer or shorter than expected.

What to Expect ·         Noise from a hydro-vacuum truck as well as site lighting can be expected. ·         Pedestrian and vehicle access to the parking lot may be restricted during this work. Pedestrian and Traffic Details There are no traffic or pedestrian impacts. Stay Informed Sign up for e-mail updates at www.thecrosstown.ca/sign-up or download the aCrosstown traffic app to get real-time traffic and transit information for the Eglinton corridor. Thank you for your patience as we work to build this important project. Please support your local businesses during construction.     Disponible en français

Mining operations are ongoing at the Secondary Entrance and occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read the construction notice for more detail. What Work is Taking Place Mining excavation is ongoing east of the Secondary Entrance between Oriole Parkway and Eastbourne Avenue. This sequence includes drilling roof supports, removal of earth and coating exposed surfaces with shotcrete. Excavation east of the Secondary Entrance is expected to be completed in July 2020. Two (2) boreholes are being installed at Eglinton Park. Beginning on Tuesday January 14, 2020 for approximately ten (10) days, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Noise from drilling activity can be expected. What Work is Coming Up? Upcoming concrete pour between the Main and Secondary Entrances in January 2020. Pour will happen from within the closure on the south side shaft – traffic will not be impacted. See construction activities below for details. Mining Information General mining activities occur in a continuous sequence, including drilling roof supports, excavation under the roof supports and spraying of concrete to finalize exposed areas underground. Within the excavation portion of the sequence, periodic removal of concrete sections of the existing tunnels is required as well as periodic chipping of temporary concrete linings. When possible, crews complete higher impact works during the day, however due to the sequence nature of the work and the engineering requirements related to ground stability and cavern integrity, sometimes noticeable activity occurs overnight.

Noise & Vibration Mitigation Noise and vibration impacts to your building depend on your proximity to the source and how the vibrations travel through the soil and interact with the foundation and structure of your building. Crosslinx Transit Solutions has implemented several noise reductions measures on site to mitigate the impact felt by the community during mining activities. Enclosures are used to cover equipment like generators and pumps, silencers are used to reduce noise from fans, and delivery routes and times are selected to minimize disruption – just to name a few.   If you experience disruption from mining activities, please call our 24/7 phone line at 416-782-8118.   Construction Activities ACTIVITY & AREA WHAT TO EXPECT DURATION TENTATIVE DATE Concrete Pours Concrete pours will occur weekly over the next year. Concrete trucks will be staged in the existing laydown area on the north side of Eglinton Avenue and exit the site at the gate on the west end of the site. Some of the trucks will be required to back into the west gate of the secondary entrance due to coordination with other construction activities that will be underway during the concrete pour.  5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekly Connection Bore Holes West of Main Entrance and at Eglinton Park *more details in CLC deck from September 4 Additional connection holes to the tunnels are required to facilitate final lining activities and deliver concrete to the cavern level.   Drilling of the bore holes will occur at Eglinton Park.   Drilling will take approximately ten (10) days. January 14 -24, 2020 7am to 5pm Dewatering Well Maintenance Periodic maintenance of dewatering wells as required Periodic maintenance will be ongoing and require a short duration (1 day) enclosure around the well in the right of way.   A compressor and occasional hydrovac truck will be used to complete the maintenance.   Ongoing 9am to 4pm   Monitoring Work Equipment is installed in various locations around the station are to monitor ground movement during construction. Read the construction notice for more detail. To install the monitoring equipment in the ground, crews move from location to location around the station area. Typically, a drilling machine is used to drill the hole where the monitor will be installed.   If on the sidewalk, pedestrians may need to be routed around the work zone (sidewalks stay open). If on the roadway, a short-term lane closure may be required.   Readings will be taken regularly for the duration of the project. Installations planned to be complete in the next few months. Ongoing monitoring. Currently installations are focused east of Secondary Entrance

What Work is Taking Place? Construction of a new Facility Service Building for TTC’s Line 1 Subway is underway at Berwick Avenue and Yonge Street.  Some of the work can only be safely performed while the subway is not operational.  Crews will work Friday January 17 through Monday January 20, 2020, to perform plumbing work at the Berwick Ave site, maintenance north of the platform track and to install additional hoarding on the platform for elevator construction.     Work will take place on a 24-hour basis.  Berwick Avenue will be closed at Yonge Street during this work. The Hillsdale Avenue Bridge north sidewalk and lane located between Duplex Ave and Yonge Street will be closed for material storage.  This work will coincide with a closure of TTC’s Line 1 Subway between Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair Stations on January 18 and 19, 2020. Please note that this work is subject to cancellation.  TTC closures may go ahead even in the event of the road closure cancellation.  For more information, please visit www.ttc.ca.     Details • Friday January 17, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. through Monday January 20, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. • Construction activities will take place on a 24-hour basis   Subway Closure Details There will be no subway service at TTC Eglinton Station on each of the weekends listed below. Access to TTC Eglinton Station Bus Terminal will be maintained, allowing TTC users to access shuttle buses for the duration of the closure. Please visit TTC’s website www.ttc.ca, under “Scheduled Subway Closures” for more information on subway closures and shuttle bus operation.  Subway closure details are subject to change. Riders should consult www.ttc.ca for service information.   As of January 10, 2020, Line 1 will be closed: • Between Sheppard-Yonge Station and St Clair Stations on Saturday January 18 and 19, 2020   What to Expect • Construction zones and laydown areas will be set up on Berwick Ave between Duplex Ave and Yonge St • Noise from large construction equipment, heavy truck traffic entering and exiting the work zone, equipment and material storage within work zones, as well as lighting can also be expected. • All property access is expected to be maintained, with the exception of four commercial parking spaces to the east of 34 Berwick Ave.  In the event that property access will be affected, property owners will be contacted directly. • Expect delays when travelling in the vicinity of Berwick Ave during each closure.   Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts • Berwick Ave will be closed mid-block between Duplex Ave and Yonge St, per the schedule listed above.  • On-street parking will be temporarily prohibited. • Access to Canada Square parking lot will be maintained from Duplex Ave only; access to 2180 Yonge St loading dock and TTC Bus Bay from Berwick Avenue will be maintained from Yonge St only. • Pedestrian access will be maintained along the north side of Berwick Ave from Duplex Ave to Yonge St. At times, pedestrians may be asked to halt or divert around the crane movements. • The south sidewalk of Berwick Ave from Yonge St to the west end of the work zone will be temporarily closed.   Travelling Smart during Construction Travel delays are expected with the Crosstown construction. Please allow extra time for your journey. Traffic will be extra heavy at peak periods during the Crosstown construction. When possible, please travel during the off-peak period between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.   Stay Informed Sign up for e-mail updates at www.thecrosstown.ca/sign-up or download the Crosstown traffic app to get real-time traffic and transit information for the Eglinton corridor.

As the community is well aware the traffic issues in the Oriole Park / Chaplin Estates area have increased in part due to the LRT construction and magnified by drivers utilizing the WAZE  app to drive through the area.

The residents of Highbourne Avenue between College View and Tranmer while laying the groundwork to have speed humps installed were able ,through the assistance of Councillor Josh Matlow, to have an Interactive Speed Indicator installed from May to October 2019. The City provided the results from August 28,2019 to September 9,2019 which includes the first week of school. The results speak for themselves - and they are not good.

The posted speed on Highbourne is 30 KPH.

The average speed for all hours during the 13 day period was 58 KPH.

The average maximum speed between 7-10 AM during the first week of school was 78.5 KPH.

The average maximum speed between 3-6 PM during the first week of school was 79 KPH.

The highest speed recorded between 3-4 PM while children were returning from school was 111 KPH.

These results are unacceptable and the OPA is continuing the dialogue with the City to see  how to control this increasing bad behavior and lack of respect for the community.