South Kingsway and Queensway This morning the Planning & Growth Management Committee took the next step in re-opening this important pedestrian and cycling issue. TCAT joined the Toronto Urban Renewal Network (TURN) in supporting their recommendations regarding the South Kingsway-Queensway Interchange pedestrian issues. For those who don't know, the Environmental Assessment for redesign of this interchange was canceled in July, ending plans to make this 1950s-highway-style interchange more cycle/pedestrian-friendly.
On a motion by Peter Milczyn, committee requested City Planning and Transportation staff to report back on urban design improvements to the interchange. It is still unclear how this new report will relate to the previous Environmental Assessment work and the apparent decision to go with a 'do nothing' option. However, with support from Councillor Adam Vaughan and other committee members the opinion that this type of road design has no place in Toronto was confirmed.
Congratulations to TURN for their hard work representing pedestrians, cyclists and other residents of the area. TCAT will continue to monitor this project and support the redesign.
Comments
xcskiermom (not verified)
TCAT involvement in intersection re-design
Tue, 10/09/2007 - 13:05This is good news. Can TCAT also become involved in the re-design of the dreadful Dundas/Bloor/Kipling intersection that is underway by the City? This is one of the least pedestrian and cycle friendly intersections around. Problem is, when I reviewed some of the posted online by the City following one of the earlier public meetings, a lot of people want it to stay the way it is. Yikes.
vic
Six Points
Tue, 10/09/2007 - 22:23Hi xcskiermom,
I was at the most recent Six Points public meeting, though it now seems so long ago!
You're right that a huge number of area residents want to keep it as-is. They see it as the most efficient way to move traffic through there, which it probably is
However, yes....it totally stinks for pedestrians and cyclists. It's also a HUGE waste of city-owned land that could be re-developed into something more worthwhile.
The local councillor, Peter Milczyn, is in favour of redesigning it into the "at grade" plan. This will include many more signalized intersections in the area, and should also include sections with bike lanes and wide curb lanes. Also many more destinations and amenities around there too, though that's many years off once things actually get developed.
Here are my notes and commentary from that last public meeting:
http://vic.gedris.org/SixPointsPublicMeeting2
Yeah...maybe this would be a good place for TCAT to get involved too, especially if any controversy comes up with the current plan.
-Vic