Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina

Last September, TCAT made a deputation to Toronto and East York
Community Council in support of a proposal to study an alternate
crossing for the current at-grade crossing of the rail corridor on
Strachan Avenue. We stressed the fact that any new crossing design
should meet the safety needs of cyclist and pedestrians first, since
this is a major connection to the waterfront.

On November 18th the Public Works Infrastructure and Environment
Committee discussed snow-clearing improvements for bike lanes,
laneways, laneway entrances and sidewalks. They agreed to work jointly
with the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on a pilot project
to provide winter maintenance along portions of the Martin Goodman
Trail. The Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee, in consultation with the
Toronto Cyclists Union,
will work with City staff to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot

Last week, Toronto City Council approved the following motions,
putting us one step closer to a people-friendly rail crossing at
Strachan Avenue:

"1. City Council strongly supports the Grade Separation Option which
lowers the Georgetown/Milton rail corridor, allowing Strachan Avenue to
pass over the rail lines, and

Metrolinx is currently hosting community open houses about the
expansion of the Georgetown South Rail Corridor between Malton and
Union Station. Thanks to our readers for alerting us to the importance
of this opportunity for ensuring that space for active transportation
is provided for during the planning stages of this expansion. Metrolinx
needs to hear from the community that it's important to do so.

A couple of issues to consider:

The City of Toronto is undertaking an environmental assessment to determine the preferred option and preliminary design details for a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway corridors near Fort York, intended to improve connections between the city, Fort York and the waterfront. The public is invited to attend the first of two Public Information Centre Meetings, to learn more about what is being considered, information on work completed to date, and next steps.

According to Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, the proposed Strachan Avenue super-bridge we told you about in a recent TCAT News has been averted. While the details of what the new structure will look like are still not fully worked out, Metrolinx's new proposed plans promises to address the issue of creating a cycling and pedestrian friendly corridor between the Waterfront and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

In August 2008, the City of Toronto initiated a Class Environmental Assessment Study for a pedestrian and cycle route/bridge over the railway corridors north of Fort York. This bridge is intended to provide a key link between Stanley Park to the north and the western area of the Fort York grounds to the south, improving connections to the waterfront.

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