Item - 2011.TE11.49

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1.         Approved the alteration of River Street, from King Street East to Queen Street East, to allow for the construction of curb and sidewalk on the east side of River Street, reconfiguration of the intersection of River Street and King Street to allow for the installation of traffic control signals, and modifications to the intersection of River Street and Queen Street East generally as shown in Drawing No. 421G-0467, dated October 2011 and attached to the report from the Director of Transportation Services, Toronto and East York District, dated October 14, 2011.

2.         Requested the Public Realm Section, Transportation Services, to work with the Corktown Residents and Business Association and its Development Committee to identify future public realm opportunities including a signature gateway feature into Corktown, the West Don Lands and Downtown Toronto on River Street in the vicinity of Queen Street East and King Street East.

This staff report is about a matter for which the Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision.

Transportation Services is seeking authority to alter River Street, between Queen Street East and King Street East.  The proposed road alterations include construction of curb and sidewalk along the east side, a minor realignment of River Street to intersect King Street East at right angles, removal of median islands at both King Street and Queen Street, and modifications to the southwest corner of the intersection of River Street and Queen Street East.  River Street, between Queen Street East and King Street East will consist of a single through lane and a bicycle lane in each direction, exclusive northbound left-turn lane at Queen Street East and exclusive southbound left-turn and right-turn lanes at King Street East.  Traffic control signals will be installed at River Street and King Street East.

The proposed road alterations will be completed by the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation upon the closure of the Link Road between River Street and Bayview Avenue and opening of an alternate route for traffic via the realigned Bayview Avenue, and the new roads proposed to be named Lower River Street and Lawren Harris Square. This work is part of the revitalization of the West Don Lands, and is necessary to permit the completion of the Flood Protection Landform, and therefore completion of the infrastructure necessary to support development of the West Don Lands, the new Don River Park, and the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes' Village.