Item - 2013.PW23.11
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on June 11, 2013 with amendments.
- This item was considered by Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on May 15, 2013 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on June 11, 2013.
PW23.11 - Traffic Congestion Management and Traffic Signal Coordination
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on June 11, 12 and 13, 2013, adopted the following:
1. City Council endorse the following Intelligent Transportation Systems proposed enhancements (in principle) to mitigate congestion and direct Transportation Services to prepare the appropriate business cases to be submitted with the 2014 Operating and Capital Budget submissions:
a. arterial Road Traffic Cameras;
b. arterial Road Variable Message Signs;
c. traffic Operations Centre Upgrade; and
that the General Manager, Transportation Services be requested to provide all updated traffic counts to the local Councillors as a result of the capital projects listed in Parts a. b. and c. above.
2. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on an analysis of the contribution of new assessment and development charges in the past 10 years to capital improvements related to relieving traffic congestion.
3. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Planning and Growth Management Committee on ways to improve the City's assessment of the traffic impacts associated with new development, particularly in highly congested areas.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58146.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 1 - Traffic Signal Control Systems
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58147.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 2 - Factors That Influence Signal Coordination
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58148.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 3 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Bayview Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58149.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 4 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Yonge Street, Highway 401 to Sheppard Avenue
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58150.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 5 - 10 Most Congested Locations - York Street, Front Street West to FGG/Lake Shore Blvd.
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58151.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 6 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Allen Road and Sheppard Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58152.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 7 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Leslie Street, Highway 401 to Sheppard Avenue East
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58153.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 8 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Lake Shore Boulevard West, Bathurst Street to York Street
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58154.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 9 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Markham Road, Highway 401 to Progress Avenue
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58155.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 10 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58156.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 11 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Black Creek Drive and Lawrence Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58157.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 12 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Kennedy Road, Sheppard Avenue East to Highway 401
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58158.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 13 - Map of City of Toronto 10 Most Congested Locations
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58159.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Planning and Growth Management Committee on ways to improve the City's assessment of the traffic impacts associated with new development, particularly in highly congested areas.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Jun-11-2013 12:21 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - PW23.11 - Filion - motion 1a |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 39 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 6 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Norman Kelly, Anthony Perruzza, Michael Thompson |
That City Council request the City Manager to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on an analysis of the contribution of new assessment and development charges in the past 10 years to capital improvements related to relieving traffic congestion.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Jun-11-2013 12:21 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - PW23.11 - Filion - motion 1b |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 36 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 3 | Members that voted No are Mike Del Grande, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker |
| Total members that were Absent: 6 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Norman Kelly, Anthony Perruzza, Michael Thompson |
That City Council amend Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Recommendation 1 by adding the following words: "and that the General Manager, Transportation Services be requested to provide all updated traffic counts to the local Councillors as a result of the capital projects listed in Parts a. b. and c."
Vote (Amend Item) Jun-11-2013 12:20 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - PW23.11 - Carroll - motion 2 |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 39 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 6 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Norman Kelly, Anthony Perruzza, Michael Thompson |
Councillor Carroll, rising on a Point of Privilege, stated that Councillor Ford had accused her of voting for something that she had not.
That City Council direct that anywhere south of Davenport be reverted to horse and buggy and all asphalt be removed from this area and returned to dirt road; and that City Council suggest that residents dress in period costume reminiscent of pioneer times.
Challenged by Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti
Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Jun-11-2013 12:22 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - PW23.11 - Adopt the item as amended |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 39 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 6 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Norman Kelly, Anthony Perruzza, Michael Thompson |
PW23.11 - Traffic Congestion Management and Traffic Signal Coordination
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommends that:
1. City Council endorse the following Intelligent Transportation Systems proposed enhancements (in principle) to mitigate congestion and direct Transportation Services to prepare the appropriate business cases to be submitted with the 2014 Operating and Capital Budget submissions:
a. arterial Road Traffic Cameras;
b. arterial Road Variable Message Signs; and
c. traffic Operations Centre Upgrade.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee:
1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services, in conjunction with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, to report back to the appropriate committee on:
a. improvements to the transportation review process of development applications to ascertain and comment on the observed impacts of new developments on the road system and neighbouring residential communities, and the traffic these new developments create; and
b. amendments to the policy which permits the closing of lanes for construction of new developments to reduce or eliminate the practice, as is done in other municipalities.
2. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the following:
a. an analysis of the level of congestion attributable to traffic back-up resulting from queing in the left turn lane for traffic movement from southbound Yonge Street to eastbound 401.
b. the cost and funding options for alternatives to address the problem identified in 2a. above.
c. an analysis of traffic movements at intersections in the Yonge/Sheppard area and the relationship between continued highrise development and traffic congestion.
3. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services, to provide an educational briefing to inform Council members of available/recommended traffic control systems.
Origin
Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview on the causes of congestion within the City of Toronto and identify the near term and long term congestion management actions and strategies to improve traffic operations across the entire City, including the 10 most congested intersections. Within the City of Toronto, the impacts related to excessive traffic congestion are significant, as it not only results in economic costs in the billions of dollars each year, it also has a negative impact on the environment and affects the quality of life for the residents of Toronto on a daily basis. Therefore, it is essential that efforts are made to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City of Toronto's road and transportation management systems in order to mitigate the impacts of congestion.
Since the effects of aging traffic signal equipment and software as well as poor traffic signal coordination are factors that contribute to the cause of congestion, this report also reviews the signal systems and signal coordination methodologies used within the City of Toronto. As part of the congestion management plan, a program is recommended to improve traffic signal coordination at approximately 1000 intersections on priority routes within the City over the three years.
In addition to improving traffic signal coordination, it is recommended that traffic signal software, hardware and traffic signal systems referred to as the Intelligent Transportation Systems that are currently used within the city of Toronto be upgraded. It is also recommended that traffic cameras and variable message signs be installed on arterial roads and that our current communication system be replace with a more reliable wireless system. As well, strategies are to be developed in the area of road occupation management, including stepped-up enforcement to minimize the impacts on the flow of traffic due to legal and illegal lane use.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58146.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 1 - Traffic Signal Control Systems
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58147.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 2 - Factors That Influence Signal Coordination
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58148.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 3 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Bayview Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58149.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 4 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Yonge Street, Highway 401 to Sheppard Avenue
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58150.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 5 - 10 Most Congested Locations - York Street, Front Street West to FGG/Lake Shore Blvd.
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58151.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 6 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Allen Road and Sheppard Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58152.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 7 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Leslie Street, Highway 401 to Sheppard Avenue East
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58153.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 8 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Lake Shore Boulevard West, Bathurst Street to York Street
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58154.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 9 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Markham Road, Highway 401 to Progress Avenue
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58155.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 10 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58156.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 11 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Black Creek Drive and Lawrence Avenue West
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58157.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 12 - 10 Most Congested Locations - Kennedy Road, Sheppard Avenue East to Highway 401
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58158.pdf
(April 30, 2013) Attachment 13 - Map of City of Toronto 10 Most Congested Locations
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-58159.pdf
Speakers
Councillor David Shiner
Councillor Josh Matlow
Motions
That the General Manager, Transportation Services, be requested to report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on:
a. improvements to the transportation review process of development applications to ascertain and comment on the observed impacts of new developments on the road system and neighbouring residential communities, and the traffic these new developments create; and
b. amendments to the policy which permits the closing of lanes for construction of new developments to reduce or eliminate the practice, as is done in other municipalities.
That the General Manager, Transportation Services, be requested to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the following:
a. an analysis of the level of congestion attributable to traffic back-up resulting from queing in the left turn lane for traffic movement from southbound Yonge Street to eastbound 401.
b. the allocation of the necessary funds to address the problem identified in a. above.
c. an analysis of traffic movements at intersections in the Yonge/Sheppard area and the relationship between continued highrise development and traffic congestion.
That City Council direct that traffic analysis for development applications be conducted by independent traffic consultants selected by, and reporting to City Transportation staff; and that applicants continue to pay for the cost of the traffic analysis.
That the General Manager, Transportation Services, be requested to provide an educational briefing to inform Council members of available/recommended traffic control systems.
That Part b. of Motion 2a. by Councillor Parker be amended to read as follows:
"b. the cost and funding options for alternatives to address the problem identified in a. above."
That the 1st paragraph in Motion 1 by Councillor Berardinetti be amended to read:
"That the General Manager, Transportation Services, in conjunction with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, be requested to report back to the appropriate committee on".