Item - 2020.TE21.38

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Authorized the closure of the first laneway north of Bloor Street West, east of Riverview Gardens, between Riverview Gardens and the east limit of the laneway from January 4, 2021 to December 31, 2022.

2. Rescinded the existing maximum one-hour parking regulation in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, on the east side of Riverview Gardens, between Bloor Street West and a point 46.5 metres northwest.

3. Prohibited stopping at all times on the east side of Riverview Gardens, between Bloor Street West and a point 46.5 metres northwest.

4. Directed the applicant to pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

5. Directed the applicant to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkways have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night.

6. Directed the applicant to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

7. Directed the applicant to install appropriate signage and converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safety is considered at all times.

8. Directed the applicant to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

9. Directed the applicant to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

10. Directed the applicant to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired.

11. Directed the applicant to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

12. Directed the applicant to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.

13. Directed that Riverview Gardens be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the project is complete.

This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority to make a final decision provided that it is not amended so that it varies with City policy or by-laws.

Bloor Riverview Residences Corporation is constructing a 12-storey residential development building at 2442-2454 Bloor Street West and 1-9 Riverview Gardens. The site is located on the northeast corner of Bloor Street West and Riverview Gardens/South Kingsway.

Transportation Services is requesting authorization to close the first laneway north of Bloor Street West, east of Riverview Gardens, between Riverview Gardens and the east limit of the laneway, for a period of 24 months (i.e., January 4, 2021 to December 31, 2022) to accommodate a construction staging area.  Closing the subject laneway will not affect adjacent properties as the laneway only services the properties within the subject development.

Pedestrian operations on the north side of Bloor Street West and east side of Riverview Gardens will be maintained in a 2.1-metre-wide covered and protected walkway within the existing sidewalk during Phase 1 (demolition).  During Phase 2, excavation and shoring the covered walkways will be removed and pedestrians will be accommodated within the existing sidewalks.