Item - 2022.IE30.12

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council approve a pilot project of up to eighteen (18) months to provide on-street curb-side access to a logistics mini-hub to operate in a parking layby on the west side of St. George Street in the vicinity of 60 St. George Street, generally as described in the report dated May 11, 2022 from the General Manager, Transportation Services and request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back to City Council on the outcome of the pilot project and recommended next steps, including an appropriate permit fee.

2. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, generally as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report dated May 11, 2022 from the General Manager, Transportation Services to allow the establishment of an On-street Logistics Mini-hub.

3. City Council require that Purolator Courier compensate the Toronto Parking Authority a cost recovery amount estimated at $131,328.00 ($7,296.00 per month), based on Toronto Parking Authority's Policy 2-6 'Cost Recovery - Street Occupancy Permits at On-Street Meter Locations' for the temporary long-term occupation of five (5) pay-and-display parking spaces for the duration of the eighteen (18) month pilot.

4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 1 and 2, above.

Over the course of the pandemic the importance of delivery options has become highlighted. Urban delivery for the courier industry is becoming more difficult due to limited commercial vehicle parking, inadequate loading facilities, available capacity to meet growing demand and road congestion. This has led to an increase in delivery times, operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions from delivery vehicles,  Addressing many of these issues requires new and innovative models and methods in last-mile delivery. The City can play a significant role in eliminating many of the regulatory barriers that prevent industry from pursuing these new and sustainable delivery models which could contribute positively towards many of the City's own corporate plans and goals. Many of these actions were first identified in the City's Freight and Goods Movement Strategy, adopted by Council in October of 2020. 

Transportation Services is partnering with Purolator Courier who is working with the University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute to establish an electric cargo bike pilot.  Purolator Courier wishes to replace delivery trucks on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto with electric cargo tricycles which will be deployed from an On-street Logistics Mini-hub that will be located in the downtown campus of the University of Toronto.  Purolator’s intention is to deliver more sustainably, with reduced pedestrian conflicts, truck parking and traffic impacts.  At the same time, the Toronto Parking Authority is also working with Purolator to pilot a logistics mini-hub that will consist of a 40 foot container to enable delivery of packages using cargo bikes at their Lippincott Carpark, close to Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street.

Therefore, Transportation Services is seeking City Council approval to establish an On-Street Logistics Mini-hub pilot for a period of up to eighteen (18) months. The mini-hub, which is described in the report, would be located in the vicinity of 60 St. George Street in an existing parking layby located within the City's public right-of-way. In addition, the report also seeks Council approval to amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking to allow this new on-street use.