Rees To D'Aoust (Speed Limit & Other Issues)

From: Mark Rees
To:Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Speed Limit Change On Oxton Avenue and Other Issues

Hi Pierre:

Thank you for the update...

For the speed limit reduction I would like to thank you and Councillor Walker on behalf of our neighbourhood for obtaining council approval for the reduction in the speed limit to 40kms on Oxton Avenue.

With respect to the stop sign, I note with interest the recent November 16, the Public Meeting (see attached) regarding southbound right turns restrictions off Avenue at Hillholmn and Killbarry.

Naturally, any turning restrictions such as those proposed will undoubtedly increase traffic on Oxton (already at 20,000 a day) can you please tell me:

1. What impact does Councillor Walker envisioned will occur to total Oxton traffic volumes (now 20,000 a day) should these changes go through?
   
2. Following implementation of these changes does Councillor Walker agree that pedestrian safety would be even more a concern at Oxton-Oriole?
   
3. Now that the election date has been decided when does Councillor Walker plan to hold our public meeting (as promised in a phone conversation while you were away on holiday) to discuss Oxton-Oriole pedestrian safety at the corner? I will need time to get into the local buildings to let people know, so advance warning would be helpful.
   
4. In Transportation Services latest report reference was made to a review of the lighting situation at the corner of Oxton-Oriole. I am not yet aware as to the conclusions of this study or whether or not it has even been undertaken. Do you mind providing me with a status as to where we are with this review (To give you an idea of what I mean I personally use a flashing bike light when crossing this intersection at night because it's just to hard for moving cars to see crossing pedestrians).

Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to speak to a point reiterated in the latest Transportation Services study that cites a lack of crossing pedestrians at Oxton-Oriole. I view this as an Oxton-Oriole "myth" for reason being that if you run a non-stop, continuous "river of steel" in front of any safety conscious pedestrians they are likely to be scarred off from crossing the road, which has effectively happened at Oxton-Oriole.

So the question becomes are there truly no pedestrians at Oxton-Oriole or have they simple be forced into accepting the inconvenience of having to do the long way round to the subway for the benefit of near-by home-owners. I am confident that if there was a safe crossing pedestrians would quickly follow (and let's not forget it was risky enough even when the stop sign was in place) if freed from the fear of being imminently mowed down by a car.

(Pierre: I still think traffic lights with a continuous right-turn advance until a pedestrian pushes the button would meet the goals of free-moving traffic, not upset the near-by home owners fearing car invasions and provide pedestrian safety when needed. You'd just need to break some old ridge rules that do not meet the needs or realities of Oxton-Oriole!)

All this aside, if you could get back to me regarding the questions above that would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, Mark

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D'Aoust To Rees (Speed Limit)

From: :Pierre D'Aoust
ToMark Rees

Subject: Speed Limit Changes

Hi Mark,

It looks like the speed limit change will not be a problem at all. As for the Stop sign, the item was deferred indefinitely at Community Council. Councillor Walker will refer it back to works committee for their next meeting (January 11, 2006)...

Sincerely,

Constituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker

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Clement To Rees (Quiet Sign & Report)

From: Dan Clement
To: Mark Rees
cc: Pierre D'Aoust, Henry ChuStephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Installation Of "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" Sign & Pending Transportation Services Report

Dear Mr. Rees,

In response to your October 19, 2005 e-mail, I note the following on your two outstanding requests:

1. "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" sign at Oriole Parkway and Oxton Avenue

I have discussed this matter with our signs and pavement marking section to determine the appropriate signage and location for this request. Based on our review, we will install a rectangular sign with black text on a yellow background that states: "Quiet Residential Area". This sign will be installed on the south side of Oxton Avenue, as eastbound motorists approach Oriole Parkway.

By copy of this e-mail to Henry Chu, Supervisor, Signs and Pavement Markings, I am requesting he undertake the above-noted signage work as soon as his schedule permits.

2. Completion of the Transportation Services report on additional pedestrian safety points

We are still in the process of reviewing the 14 additional requests that were raised at the September 13, 2005 meeting. As I am sure you can appreciate, there is a considerable amount of work to be reviewed here and we are trying to review your proposals as expeditiously as possible. However, we must balance our workload in terms of competing priorities from requests all over Toronto and East York District. Therefore, I am not able to provide you any further response at this time. However, I hope to be able to provide a response to you within the next two weeks.

I trust this addresses your concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional concerns.

Dan Clement
Transportation Technologist
City of Toronto

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)
(Steven Benjamin, Dan Clement, Henry Chu & Danny Budimirovic represent Transportation Services

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D'Aoust To Rees ("Quiet Sign & Report)

From: :Pierre D'Aoust
ToMark Rees

Subject: Installation of "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" Sign and pending Transportation Services Report

Mark,

As soon as I receive a response from staff, I will let you know.

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker) Mark,

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Rees To D'Aoust (Quiet Sign & Report)

From: Mark Rees

To: Pierre D'Aoust, Stephen Benjamin

Subject: Installation of "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" sign and completion of pending Transportation Services Report

Hi Pierre /Stephen:

I would like to follow-up on a couple of items that are still outstanding from our last city hall meeting with a view to determining the progress that has been made in both areas. They are as follows:

• Installation request to have a "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" sign installed at Oxton-Oriole intersection asap as per your email request of September 13th, 2005 (Pierre).


• Completion of the Transportation Services report on additional pedestrian safety points and suggestions raised by me during our last City Hall meeting (Stephen).

Pierre, can you please provide me with an update as to the progress that has been made on the above items and the anticipated installation and report completion dates.

Thank you, Mark

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Rees To D'Aoust (More on Process)

From: Mark Rees
To:Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Process City Must Follow...

Hi Pierre:

That’s what I “sort of” thought, but frankly didn’t know. I received feedback that suggested 6 months was too long to wait, but couldn’t offer much explanation in reply. Your note will help educate people on how city hall works...

This is important because the perception is that the City pulled the former pedestrian features out at the “snap of their fingers” because one day everything just disappeared. Consequently, there is a feeling that things can go back in with an equal “snap of the fingers.”

I’d hope that at the end of the day my efforts and web site will educate people to the fact that: (1) that you can go to your councillor and be listened too, (2) that getting involved can produce results and that (3) the cynicism people feel for politics and politicians is at times miss-placed.

If Michael Walker would like to communicate with the residents of Oxton-Oriole regarding our issue, I would be happy to post his comments on my web site.

Thanks, mark

D'Aoust To Rees (City Processes)

From: :Pierre D'Aoust
To Mark Rees

Subject: Process City Must Follow To Install Signage Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvements

Mark:

The process, as I understand it, is that for a traffic change such as this, a report must be generated and sent to Council for discussion. Michael Walker alone cannot change the regulations. While he will agree with the change, it is potentially possible that other Councillors will not agree and will vote against it. This is not likely, but it is a possibility.

Pierre

(Pierre: Thank you for helping us to understand city processes -Mark)

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker) Mark,

Rees To D'Aoust

From: Mark Rees
To:Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Clarification: Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvemnets

Hi Pierre:

As a follow to my voice message of today…

In re-reading your note last night it looks as if you are asking for more studies verse actually implementing the “Stop” sign proposal s discussed

That studies were beginning requested on the “Stop: sign proposal was not my take-away from our meeting. My understanding was that Michael Walker wanted this idea to be implemented, not studied.

Before jumping to conclusions though can you please (1) advise me as to processes involved to undertake this implementation by April 2006 as requested by Michael Walker, and (2) confirm that we are indeed talking about implementation in April, not studies that could produce a “Yes/No” outcome, one of which leads to no action on pedestrian safety.

As a novice to community activism and the inner working of City Hall I look forward to expanding my knowledge on both activities during the lead up to April. In the meantime I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying the points above.

Thank you, mark

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)

D'Aoust To Rees, Benjamin

From: Pierre D'Aoust
To: Mark Rees, Stephen Benjamin
cc: Chris Sellors, Dan Clement, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvemnets

Gentleman:

Thank you kindly for coming to City Hall today to discuss the issue of pedestrian safety at the above noted intersection. As discussed, Councillor Walker would like staff to report on the implementation of the following:

• Installation of a Stop Sign for Eastbound/Southbound traffic on Oxton Ave.*
  
  
• Reduction of speed from 50km/h to 40km/h on Avenue Road, south of Chaplin Crescent AS WELL AS on the entirety of Oxton Avenue.

Ideally, we would like to have a 6-month trial period for the stop sign (starting around April of 2006), at which point we will request staff to investigate the effectiveness of the sign and to comment on whether pedestrian safety has been improved as well as whether traffic flow has been compromised.

Finally, as discussed in the meeting, the residents would greatly appreciate the installation of "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" signs on Oxton Avenue as soon as possible.

Again, thank you all for making yourselves available to come to this meeting - I apologize that it has taken so long, but hopefully we can make some headway in improving the safety for pedestrians at this intersection.

Sincerely,

Pierre D'Aoust

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)
(Chris Sellors is the Executive Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)
(Steven Benjamin, Dan Clement & Danny Budimirovic represent Transportation Services)

(* Includes pedestrian demarcation lines, second request not posted - Mark)

Rees To D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement, Budimirovic

From: Mark Rees
To: Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Oxton-Oriole Pedestrian Safety Web Site

Dear Gentleman:

Prior to our discussion on September 13th, I would like to invite you to visit my web site/blog at www.oxton.blogspot.com which captures the neighbourhood pedestrian safety concerns relating to the Oxton-Oriole intersection.

Over the past few months I have learned that local complaints regarding the Oxton road reconfigurations date back to 2003. I am sure you will agree that pro-active action on creating a pedestrian safe intersection at Oxton-Oriole is long over due.

Pedestrian safety at Oxton-Oriole is a real community concern! In reviewing the Action Pages – “Neighbourhood Emails” you will see that many Oxton-Oriole residents hold strong opinions as to negative impacts the recent road changes has had on their personal (pedestrian) safety as well as their quality of life (noise, pollution, volumes).

I look forward to our discussion the safety issues with you all and in presenting the Oxton-Oriole Safety Petition. I hope that the outcome proves positive for the residents of the Oxton-Oriole neighbourhood.

Regards, Mark

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Rees To Walker, D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement Budimirovic (Neighbour 3)

From: Mark Rees
To: Michael Walker
cc: Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic, Melissa Rodway

Subject: Pedestrian safety at Oxton & Oriole

Dear Mr. Walker:

As you know I intend to send to your selected emails from residents who clearly do not subscript to the belief that the recent Oxton Avenue reconfigurations represent a success story.

This particular email is from a person who feels there is a "ridiculous lack of pedestrian safety at the corner of Oxton and Oriole.

(You will find this email and many similar emails on my soon to be published internet web blog/site which I am hope will fast become the voice of the Oxton-Oriole residents).

I invite you to read the email below for which I have received the kind permission of its author to share with you (in confidence). While I cannot speak for Melissa, I suspect that she would very much like to hear your thoughts on the serious points raised in her email.

Sincerely, Mark Rees
(Last in set of 3 emails from local residents)

Rees To Walker, D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement Budimirovic (Completed Traffic Studies)

From: Mark Rees
To: Michael Walker, Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Pedestrian safety with city following completion of traffic studies

Dear Gentleman:

I would very happy to meet with you all in the morning during the week of August 22rd to 26th from 8:30am to 12:00pm. I am open to a suggested time during this period.

During our meeting I intent to present the Oxton Pedestrian Safety Petition and discuss with those attending how pedestrian safety can be improved at this corner.

I believe that the mere fact a 50km (really 50km+), 20,000 cars a day highway has been carved through a residential neighbourhood, impacting the predominantly Oxton-Oriole renters, and at the urging of near-by property owners, means the city having agreed to this request now has a (moral) obligation to minimize the impact to the affected groups. Local residents impacted by the modifications will contend has not been seriously undertaken to date.

Traffic modifications at the Oxton-Oriole intersection now place pedestrian at serious risk and soon there will be a serious injury. I would ask each of you to reflect on what you would want the city to do if this was now your neighbourhood reality.

I look forward to discussing the issue of pedestrian safety with you all in our upcoming meeting. Please let me know the date as soon as it is confirmed amongst you.

Sincerely, Mark Rees

Clement To D'Aoust, Rees (Traffic Studies Completed)

From Dan Clement

To: Mark Rees, Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Completed Traffic studies Commissioned By councilor Michael Walker's office

Dan Clement 7/18/2005 12:24:09 PM

Mr. Rees/Mr. D'Aoust

Please find attached a scanned copy of our August 2, 2005 letter (see comment below) to councillor Walker, summarizing the various traffic operation issues at the above-noted intersection. Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns. Otherwise, we suggest a meeting to review all the options in order to improve eastbound traffic operations at this intersection.

Dan Clement
Transportation Technologist
City of Toronto
Toronto and East York District, West Area
Works and Emergency Services - Transportation Services

Rees To Walker, D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement, Budimirovic (Neighbour 2)

From: Mark Rees
To: Michael Walker
cc: Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Crossing Oxton a nightmare...From pedestrian hit by vehicle at Oxton & Oriole

Dear Mr. Walker:

As you know I wish to send to city officials and yourself selected emails from residents who clearly do not subscript to the belief that the recent Oxton Avenue reconfigurations represent a success story.

This particular email is from a person who has actually been hit by a vehicle at the corner of Oxton and Oriole and luckily for all concerned was not seriously injured or killed.

(You will find this email and many similar emails on my soon to be published internet web blog/site which I am hope will fast become the voice of the Oxton-Oriole residents).

I invite you to read the email below for which I have received the kind permission of its authors to share with you (in confidence). While I cannot speak for [the author], I suspect that she would very much like to hear your thoughts on the serious points raised in her email.

sincerely, Mark Rees

Rees To Walker, D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement (Neighbour)

From: Mark Rees
To: Michael Walker, Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin

Subject: Residents Perspective on recent SUV accident at corner of Oxton & Oriole...and constant honking

Dear Mr. Walker:

As you know I am looking forward to presenting to the representative from Transportation Services', Pierre and yourself the successful results of the Oxton Safety Petition which I believe reflects the "true impacts and outcomes" for local residents of the decisions taken to create a free flowing traffic pattern on along the Avenue-Oxton-Oriole Corridor (or a section of Highway 11A).

As I eagerly await news of the meeting date (which I hope this will be very soon), I intent to share with the City officials and yourself selected letters from residents who have emailed me and who clearly do not subscript to the belief that the recent Oxton Avenue reconfigurations represent a success story.

When a local resident directly impacted, by these road reconfiguration changes tells you they cannot wait to get out of their home, can we honestly say these changes have been a success? I hope you will agree we cannot.

This particular email deals with the accident I relayed to you some weeks ago regarding an accident between an SUV and a transport truck at the corner of Oxton and Oriole. Although some details appear to contradict my understanding of events (the Police report will help us here), the salient points can not be easily overlooked.

You will find this email and many similar emails on my soon to be published internet web blog/site which I am hope will fast become the voice of the Oxton-Oriole residents.

I invite you to read the email below for which I have received the kind permission of its authors to share with you (in confidence). While I cannot speak for [the authors], I suspect that they would very much like to hear your thoughts on the serious points raised in their email.

Sincerely, mark

Rees To D'Aoust(Speed Signs)

From: Mark Rees
To: Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Posting of Additional Speed Limit Signs On Oxton Avenue

Hi Pierre:

Thank you for forwarding Dan's note. Your note is timely because I was just about to check the official meaning of yellow speed signs verse black/white speed signs.

A couple of points and questions...

1. If the Oxton speed limit is 50kms this then supports the neighbourhood view that vehicle speeds on Oxton are higher. This contention is based on human nature and supported by the Police that if it’s a 50kms driver limit, drivers will go 60kms and perhaps beyond as we also contend.

2. At these speeds it seems obvious to me that without logical, pedestrian crossing points pedestrians are forced to cross Oxton without the benefit of even the most rudimentary crossing protection as they head on the "natural" path to the subway (the crosswalk being poorly located).

3. The request was to add additional speed signage so as to provide more guidance to drivers as to the speed limit. Is it correct to assume that Transportation Services really are unwilling even to agree to this one particular minimal neighbourhood request?

4. 20kms signs. I'm sorry Pierre, but the reality is that Transportation Services might as well take them down and put "GO FOR IT" up on the pole. This would make as much sense as continuing to post "Pedestrians Wait For Gap" signs as both are totally ineffectual (I know they have to put up such speed signs).

5. Are drivers really going to slow down from 50km-60km and go 20km-30kms. The resident of 130 Oriole wouldn't get any sleep with all the honking. This is a speed sign that is blatantly ignored to the detriment of pedestrians! This goes back to point 1 & 2. Pedestrians need protection from cars travelling in excesses of the speed limit.

6. I have no doubt that the 2okm and 30km speed limit signs are within specifications. I now even understand the reason for their location. Again I refer back to the above points.

7. Is a highway (11A) really a good idea through a residential neighbourhood? Traffic has increased such that we content this needs to be questioned. Few things are carved in stone, why should this decision be so? Is Dan inferring here that we need to take the issue to the province as well?

8. Is the goal to keep cars on Highway 11A safe from pedestrians? One wonders (I'll have to read the City's own Pedestrian Charter again)?

We haven't seen Transportation Services report so I don't wish to pre-judge their final conclusions, but, I look forward to raising these and other issues with Mr. Walker, Transportation Services and yourself when I present the final petition results.

Thank you again for keeping me in the loop. Until our meeting I will in the interim continue to work on advancing the issue of pedestrian safety on Oxton at behest of my petition signitors.

Regards, mark

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councilman Michael Walker)

D'Aoust To Rees (Speed Signs)

Email From Dan Clement, Forwarded By Pierre D'Aoust To Mark Rees

From: Pierre D'Aoust
To: Mark Rees

Subject: Posting of Additional Speed Limit Signs On Oxton Avenue

Dan Clement 7/18/2005 12:24:09 PM

Pierre,

In response to Mr. Rees comments regarding the speed limit signage on Oxton Avenue, I note the following.

The speed limit on Oxton Avenue, between Avenue Road and Oriole Parkway, is 50 km/h. As per the Highway Traffic Act, this is the statutory speed limit for a roadway in an urban, built-up area in the province of Ontario. As such, it does not require the installation of speed limit signage.

Based on our studies, we determined that 20 km/h was a safe speed for motorists to undertake the horizontal curves on Oxton Avenue at Avenue Road (westbound) and at Oriole Parkway (eastbound). These speed signs are advisory (yellow/black) tab signs that accompany the curve warning signs. These signs are meant to provide additional guidance to motorists, and are not regulatory (white/black).

The advisory speed tab signs that are posted on Oxton Avenue are a standard size/shape/colour in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual. However, I note that our Signs and Pavement Markings section is in the process of investigating the feasibility of installing over-sized speed tab signs. We will include this item in our response to Councillor Walker.

Dan Clement
Transportation Technologist
City of Toronto
Toronto and East York District, West Area
Works and Emergency Services - Transportation Services

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councilman Michael Walker)

Rees To D'Aoust (Speed Signs)

From: Mark Rees
To: Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Posting of Additional Speed Limit Signs On Oxton Avenue

Pierre,

Transportations Services inability to set a date is unfortunate (I had asked for a report delivery date - Mark), but hopefully not a sign of a lack of interest in this issue (which may have been a boit unfair - Mark). I would be appreciative if Mr. Walker could keep tabs on the reports progress to ensure a timely completion.

In the interim do you agree that a report should not needed to get addition speed limits posted on Oxton. I find it strange that between Chaplan and Oxton on Oriole Parkway there are two 40km speed limit signs posted (northbound) over this very short distance; yet only one small speed sign on Oxton three times maybe the distance between Chaplan and Oxton, and at the mid point. Small in size too! What can Mr. Walker do to advance this request over the next month?

The petition represents the views of property owners and renters and I think you will be surprised by the number of property owners (and voters) that signed the petition. Therefore, I am naturally eager to have the opportunity to present the views of these constituents to Mr. Walker, his team and Transportation Services at the earliest possible date.

Please let me know how we can in the interim at least get additional, prominent speed limit signs posted on as a first step towards making Oxton safer for local pedestrians.

Thank you, Mark

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councilman Michael Walker)

Rees to Walker, Benjamin, Daoust (SUV Accident)

From: Mark Rees
To:
Councillor, Michael Walker
Stephen Benjamin
P. Daoust

Subject: Oriole Parkway & Oxton Avenue Pedestrian Safety

Dear Gentlemen:

I would like to bring to your attention an accident that occurred yesterday at the intersection of Oriole Parkway and Oxton Avenue between an 18 wheeled truck and an SUV.

Of particular interest is where the SUV came to rest following the accident - on the sidewalk in the exact spot a pedestrian would have be standing had they been waiting for (as we know) the non existent "pedestrian gap" (see attached accident).

One could only image what would have happened had a pedestrian been standing at the corner.

In talking with both drivers it was the opinion of the truck driver that this accident would not have occurred had the SUV been brought to a halt by a stop sign and therefore would not have tried to turn inside the arc of the truck's turn.

The police report will of course confirm the official cause of the accident. Regardless though, I believe this accident is a direct result of :

1. An intersection which is very challenging for a great many drivers (i.e. proven by the many drivers who stop at the corner's invisible "stop" sign)

2. The "freeway" nature of this corner and corridor (i.e. a "got to keep going at all costs" driver attitude or else I'll "let go" on the horn!)

3. The absence of a stop sign, or even a yield sign, to contradict the "freeway" attitude on the part of many drivers (which I and others believe has made the corner even more lethal to pedestrians).

Can we blame the drivers entirely? Clearly, no.

The 20/30km speed limit signs are minuscule in size (both directions on Oxton), obscured by trees and at the mid point (not each end) of Oxton Avenue.

So how are drivers to know the Oxton speed limit as they enter the avenue (the island speed limit sign at the western approach to Oxton is poorly located)?

As a pedestrian and a driver on Oxton, each day I seem to find something new that suggests to me that the City needs to send someone down to Oxton road now to see for themselves what is most definitely wrong on Oxton Avenue (see attached speed limit sign images).

The signatures on the neighbourhood petition (copies to follow soon) attest to the fact that action clearly needs to be taken to address the concerns of pedestrians at this corner.

The lack of effective, visible residential neighbourhood traffic signs needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Although Michael Walker has requested several Oxton traffic studies (which we appreciate) we need to ensure that positive action is the outcome of these studies.

What is stopping us moving on the issues raised?

Please let me know.

Sincerely,

Mark Rees

(Michael Walker is our local Councilman)

D'Aoust (on behalf of Walker) To Benjamin (Reports)

From: Pierre D'Aoust
To: Steven Benjamin

Subject: Two Traffic Reports Requested From Transportation Services

Pierre D'Aoust", Michael Walker's Constituency Assistant, submitted the following request...

"On Friday, June 17, 2005, we met with Mr. Mark Rees, a resident in the area of Oriole Parkway & Oxton Avenue regarding the current intersection layout. A number of safety issues were raised and the Councillor has deemed this prudent to discuss with you.

Mr. Rees outlined a severe pedestrian safety concern at this intersection due to many factors (no stop sign, long crossing area, speeding cars, no sightlines for motorists...etc). Please have a look at the attached presentation that Mr.
Rees prepared for our meeting.

We've come to a number of possible solutions and they are outlined below:

SHORT TERM: Oxton, Right Onto Oriole Parkway

1. Replace Oxton (@ Oriole) "Yield" sign with a "Stop" sign and stop bars since a high proportion of vehicles feel compelled to stop first before continuing
   
   
2. Remove "Pedestrian Wait For The Gap" signs as I believe they encourage a lack of pedestrian awareness and speeding Oriole Parkway, Left Onto Oxton
   
   
3. Install rubble strips in left turn lane to slow speeds outside of rush hour
   
   
4. Install pedestrian waning signs on approach to turn (probably on the Kilbury & Oriole island)
   
   
5. Install yellow warning signs to highlight the need for caution through left turn
   
   
6. Paint warning signage in left hand turn lane

LONG TERM: Oxton Avenue @ Oriole Parkway

1. Installation of traffic lights with vehicle advanced turn signals. Of course, the above recommendations do not preclude the advancement of additional solutions that maximize pedestrian safety.

Councillor Walker would like Transportation staff to report on the short term options (#1-6) and report back. He would also like to have staff report on the long term option (#7) in a separate report, independent of the first one.

I look forward to hearing from you on this issue.

Sincerely, Pierre D'Aoust"

(This action completed an important first step in the engagement of the City in resolving the Pedestrian Safety isues of Oxton-Oriole. - Mark)

Backgrounder

Oxton-Oriole Pedestrian Safety Petition: Backgrounder

OXTON AVE “FREEWAY” DRIVES LOCAL RESIDENTS CRAZY WHILE PEDESTRIANS RUN FOR THERE LIVES

Toronto (February 3rd, 2005) – The pedestrian crossing experience at the intersection of Oxton Avenue and Oriole Pkwy, just north of Upper Canada College, is akin to playing murder-ball, but with cars.

The pedestrian crossing issues dates back to road reconstruction that took place in 2002, creating a free-flowing traffic artery the along Avenue-Oxton-Oriole corridor. Heavy, traffic, speeding vehicles, impatient drivers and constant hooking have gotten out of hand ever since, ruining the quality of near-by residential and pedestrian life.

What caused this situation? The result of the City of Toronto’s desire to appease near-by property owners complaints of excessive traffic on their streets. The removal of Oxton’s Stop and Yield signs has caused a free-flowing traffic conduit designed to draw the offending traffic away from property owner streets.

This has left the people living in the buildings on the south side of the Oxton-Oriole corridor facing a high-risk situation every time they cross on their way to the subway. Although a cross walk was installed on Oxton, the route is rarely used as it is not on the natural pedestrian path to the subway and shops of Yonge and Davisville.

In June 2005, local resident, Mark Rees, recently decided enough is enough and set up a meeting with area Councillor Michael Walker to press for immediate action before the worst case scenario, a pedestrian fatality, occurred. As a result Councillor Walker requested two traffic studies by Transportation Services (which thus far has steadfastly refused to make any significant changes to meet local concerns).

A few weeks later Mr. Rees launched the Oxton-Oriole Pedestrian Safety Petition and received an overwhelming response which was subsequently presented to Councillor Walker. Mr Rees also meet with local Community Policing Office of 53 Division who promised six days of Oxton Enforcement in order to obtain statistics and to size the traffic problem.

In the fall of 2005 Mr. Rees launched the Oxton @ Oriole Pedestrian Safety web blog (http://www.oxton.blogspot.com/) to present the issues, rally the neighbourhood and demonstrate to elected officials and the City’s Transportation Services that the residents boarding the Oxton and Oriole corridor have been heavily and adversely affected by the road configuration changes.
The site lays out that something needs to be done to reclaim peace of mind and streets save for local residents and pedestrians.

To date Councillor Walker has secured approval for the Oxton Avenue speed limit to be reduced to 40km’s (consistent with average speed findings) and post a “Quiet Residential Neighbourhood (largely, if not totally ignored). A public meeting was also promised late last year, but no date has been set (a Feb-Mar timeframe has been offered). As for any substantive changes to address the very real issue of pedestrian safety at this corner, the Toronto and east York Community Council has deferred action on the issue indefinitely. Mr. Rees has now brought this issue to the TORONTO Pedestrian Committee and is awaiting an invitation to meet with the committee.

Not to be deterred by progress thus far, Mr. Rees will continue to pressure elected city officials until they get the message and take action.

For more information:

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