Item - 2021.TE26.69

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services, to reconfigure the corner radii and curb extensions, and implement any necessary changes to address safety and visibility issues at the 5-way intersection of Old Forest Hill Road, Vesta Drive and Dewbourne Avenue between now and the Fall in consultation with the Ward Councillor.

I am writing to request your support in directing Vision Zero staff to reconfigure the corner radii and curb extensions, and implement any necessary changes to address safety and visibility issues at the intersection of Old Forest Hill Road, Vesta Drive and Dewbourne Ave, popularly referred to as the "5-way intersection."

In 2017/2018, former Councillor Mihevc identified the 5-way intersection as a problematic location, as it had large corner radii that made motorists turn at greater speeds—often at the risk of the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.  To address these concerns, a plan was developed to modify the corner radii and the centre of this intersection.

About a month ago, as these modifications were underway, my office heard concerns from residents indicating that the intersection has become more unsafe than it was previously.  Many residents told me that they were unaware of any previous consultation and had not been able to provide feedback prior to construction.  Following this, I have engaged staff and personally visited the location on several occasions to observe traffic movements at the intersection.  The main concern of the residents is that the reduced corner radii and extended curbs do not provide the necessary room for safe navigation.  I can corroborate this–as on one of my visits, I observed that vehicles travelling eastbound on Dewbourne Ave could not make a safe right turn southbound on Vesta Drive without encroaching on the oncoming lane.  Thus, same was the case for people travelling westbound on Old Forest Hill Road tuning right northbound onto Vesta Drive.