General Committee
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
	PREPARED BY:	Monday Iyamu, Traffic Coordinator
	DATE OF MEETING:	2005-Feb-28
	SUBJECT:	Acadia Avenue Parking Prohibition and Left Turn Lane

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Schedule 1 of Parking By-law 336-88, be rescinded to remove the existing “Parking Prohibition” on the inside curve of Acadia Avenue, from 45.0 m north of the northern property line of # 3700 Steeles Avenue East to the shared property line of #80 and #100 Acadia Avenue;

AND THAT Schedule 1 of Parking By-Law 336-88 be amended to include:

(1) a “Parking Prohibition” on the inside curve of Acadia Avenue, from a point 25.0 meters north of the northern property line of #3700 Steeles Avenue East to a point 30.0 meter west of the shared property line of #80 and #100 Acadia Avenue;

(2) a “Parking Prohibition” on the outside curve of Acadia Avenue, from a point 25.0 meters north of the northern property line of #3700 Steeles Avenue East to a point 30.0 meters west of the shared property line of #80 and #100 Acadia Avenue;

AND THAT the attached by-law be approved;

AND THAT the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to install the appropriate signs and pavement markings upon approval of the attached by-law;

AND THAT the Parking Control Department be directed to enforce the attached by-laws.

PURPOSE:

This report recommends a left turn lane and parking prohibition on Acadia Avenue to improve traffic operational safety and efficiency.

BACKGROUND:

Acadia Avenue is a 12.5 meter wide commercial road which extends north from Steeles Avenue and east from Ferrier Street, thus creating a ninety degree road curve where the two extensions meet. Multiple private driveways exist at the road curve that serve a retail plaza, a religious center and low rise offices. (See Attachment 1)

The Engineering Department received a request from the community to review the vehicular traffic operations at the road curve due to safety concerns with the multiple driveways.

DISCUSSION:

In response to the request, the Engineering Department conducted an investigation that reviewed the vehicular traffic operations at the road curve.

Vehicular Conflicts Observed

Site observations confirmed that there are conflicts and confusion for motorists at the curve. Conflicts were observed for eastbound motorists approaching the curve (entering into the plaza driveway) and northbound motorists approaching the bend. While vehicular volumes are low, this is a poor operating condition resulting in confusion for motorists. It should be corrected to ensure normal operating conditions and reduce the risk of potential collisions.

In addition to the observed vehicular conflicts, it has also been noted that the outside road curve is experiencing frequent on-street parking. This condition creates additional confusion for motorists negotiating the curve.

Recommendation – Left Turn Lane and Parking Prohibition

To improve vehicular turning movements into the private driveways at the curve, the line painting for a left turn lane is recommended. The proposed left turn lane will provide a refuge area for motorists to safely negotiate movements into the private driveways at the road curve.

To accommodate the proposed left turn lane, a “Parking Prohibition” is required as shown in attachment ‘1’. Site observations have shown that only 2 to 3 spaces will be affected. This can be accommodated on the subject properties or further west on Acadia Avenue. Businesses affected by the change in parking regulations have been notified and informed of the date that this matter is being considered by committee. Staff will provide a verbal update on any comments at Committee.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The cost of labour and materials to implement and maintain these parking signs and pavement markings are accounted for in future budgets for the Operations and Asset Management Department.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Subject to Council’s approval, the Operations and Asset Management Department will install the proper signs for the parking prohibition and pavement markings on Acadia Avenue.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 – Acadia Avenue Drawing

Attachment 2 – Parking Prohibition By-law

Alan Brown, C.E.T. Director of Engineering

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Development Services

Q:\Development\Engineering\REPORTS\2005\Feb\Acadia Avenue Parking Prohibtion and Centre Lane\Acadia Avenue Parking Prohibition and Centre Left Turn Lane DRAFT 6.doc