Item - 2012.PW16.1

City Council, at its meeting of August 25, 26 and 27, 2010, in considering the report titled "Gardiner Expressway York/Bay/Yonge Interchange Reconfiguration - Municipal Class Environmental Assessment" (PW25.12) approved the reconfiguration of the York/Bay/Yonge off-ramps from the eastbound Gardiner Expressway. In approving these modifications, City Council also directed staff to undertake further public consultation with respect to the proposed north-south street between Harbour Street and Queens Quay West, east of York Street, that had been identified in the report, and that the results be presented to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Staff and the City's consultant developed and assessed several alternative configurations of this proposed street, and consulted with affected agencies, stakeholders, local interest groups, and the public. While such a street could provide some benefit in terms of traffic circulation, site access, and short-term parking opportunities, residents of the immediate area are generally opposed to the use of the subject land for anything other than public park space.

In consideration of the public response, it is recommended that the design, approval and implementation of this facility not be pursued further at this time. It is noted that this particular element is ancillary to the ramp reconfiguration in any event and has negligible impact on the overall plan.