Item - 2012.PW12.3

The John Street corridor, from north of Queen Street West to south of Front Street West, is recognized as a route of civic and cultural importance in the City, encompassing major facilities and institutions including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Ontario College of Art and Design, the National Film Board of Ontario, the CBC Broadcast Centre, the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, to name just a few.  City Council, in considering plans and studies of this area at various times over the last few years, has designated or identified John Street as a "Cultural Corridor", an "Avenue of the Arts", and a "Pedestrian Priority Route".  Recognizing and in keeping with these designations, City Council directed the General Manager, Transportation Services, to undertake an Environmental Assessment for the John Street Cultural Corridor with the primary objective of developing a unique and high quality streetscape design that provides a vibrant environment for pedestrians.

A Class Environmental Assessment Study was undertaken in association with the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area (TEDBIA) to evaluate potential improvements to the public realm along the John Street Corridor between Stephanie Street and Front Street West. The potential improvements were developed under the guidance of the Toronto Entertainment District Master Plan. The evaluation of a reasonable range of alternative solutions, which included consultation with the public, stakeholders, and review agencies, has resulted in the following Recommended Design for John Street:

1.         The narrowing of the road pavement in order to provide significantly wider sidewalks and boulevard areas as follows:

a.         From four to three lanes between Front Street and Wellington Street;

b.         From four to two lanes between Wellington Street and Adelaide Street;

c.         From three lanes to two lanes between Adelaide Street and Queen Street; and

d.         Exclusive right turning lanes northbound at Adelaide Street West and at Wellington Street West and a southbound left turn lane at Wellington Street West in order to maintain an adequate level of traffic service;

2.         A continuous "mountable" curb on both sides of the street to enable a seamless transition into a pedestrian-only space for events, for vehicles to mount the flexible boulevard for deliveries or drop-offs, and to accommodate additional vehicular and cycling manoeuvring on either side of the road in emergencies.

3.         The widening of the east side boulevard between Front Street West and Stephanie Street to provide a 2.5 metre wide flexible space (defined by bollards) to accommodate deliveries and, when not used for vehicular loading/unloading, for pedestrians.

4.         The provision of urban design elements which consist of a double row of trees where feasible, removable bollards, infrastructure to support special events and distinctive paving materials and patterns.

A Notice of Study Completion must now be issued and the Environmental Study Report (ESR) filed in the public record for a 30-day review period in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.

Funding for this project, which could range from $20 million to $39 million depending on the type and quality of materials used and enhancement features included, would be provided entirely from Section 37 funds, contributions by the BIA members, other sources such as Federal/Provincial programs or grants, etc.  No funds have been included in, or are required from, the Transportation Services Capital Budget or 10-year Capital Plan.