The recent death of a cyclist on Eglinton Avenue reminds us of the dangers of riding on roads dominated by cars. In this tragic case, the driver of a parked car thoughtlessly opened her door into the path of the cyclist, who then fell into the path of a cube van. His death has prompted cycling activists to push for more … Read More
The challenges of greening Roncesvalles
Trees and greenery are an important community priority, for both aesthetic and environmental reasons. Urban trees provide shade, cool the air and actually consume 15 times as much carbon dioxide as the same trees in a rural setting. For these reasons, the City wants to double the urban tree canopy from the current 17 percent to 30 percent. To achieve … Read More
City announces EA for Roncesvalles reconstruction
In 2009, the TTC will be replacing the streetcar tracks along Roncesvalles, and the City will perform major repairs on the sidewalks at the same time. The BIA has been working with community members, City staffers, the TTC and Councillor Gord Perks’ office to seek streetscape improvements beyond the basic state-of-good-repair. As a result of these efforts, the scope of … Read More
A new subway line for Roncesvalles?
Today’s National Post reports that the TTC will "seriously consider" a plan for a new subway line that would run underneath Roncesvalles from the Dundas West station. One proposed map of the route (above) shows the subway stopping at Sorauren and Dundas, and then travelling down to Liberty Village. The subway then travels east-west along the rail corridor then turns … Read More
Roncesvalles reconstruction WILL take place in 2009
Councillor Gord Perks has just called us to confirm that the planned reconstruction of Roncesvalles will indeed take place in 2009. Work will likely begin in early spring after the thaw, and will continue through the summer. The Roncesvalles Village BIA is preparing a disruption plan to help businesses cope during the reconstruction.
How to balance accessibility with bike safety
One of the more appealing features of the proposed reconstruction plan for Roncesvalles is the promise of being able to board the streetcar directly from the curb. However, this is more complicated than one might think. For one thing, there is the question of how traffic will move if snow is not completely cleared away from the curb. This was … Read More
Public spaces or parking spaces?
The City and the TTC appear to have reached a general consensus on the basic design theme of the street, proposed for the 2008 or 2009 reconstruction of Roncesvalles. Back in July, the TTC presented a preliminary plan for curb extensions (bumpouts) onto Roncesvalles. The TTC’s plan widened the sidewalk at TTC stops along the entire length of a streetcar. … Read More
Getting ready for the reconstruction
While the 2008 or 2009 reconstruction of Roncesvalles promises exciting changes, the BIA understands that businesses are very concerned about construction logistics and disruptions. There are still many questions that need to be settled soon so that businesses can make their plans and adjustments. We hope to have these answers for you soon. In the meantime, a few of us … Read More
City Seeks Our Street Furniture Wish List
On September 1 2007, the City entered into a 20-year contract with Astral Media to provide garbage bins, bus shelters and other items under the Coordinated Street Furniture Program. In exchange for providing, installing and maintaining these items, Astral will be given exclusive rights to sell advertising on bus shelters and information pillars. There is to be no advertising on … Read More
What Should A Streetcar Street Look Like?
This posting comes a bit late, but Steve Munro hosted an interesting discussion concerning the Roncesvalles reconstruction project, likely to occur in 2009. One of the challenges faced by the TTC and the City is the lack of any “best practices” that can be applied to new constructions of this sort. The City has only recently begun to prioritize transit … Read More