Queen's Quay Redesign

Last month, I attended a presentation on the central waterfront environmental assessment. The work has progressed to the preferred alternative stage. From a master plan standpoint, this means we’re back to where we were in 2006 when the design competition ended. Up until now, the EA has been working to prove that the winning design is the best planning solution for the area. Not surprisingly, it found that it is. With one exception. Waterfront Toronto and West 8 had always preferred a one-way street on the north side of Queen’s Quay. At this point, they are recommending a two-way street. I believe this change has come out of stakeholder meetings and further technical investigation. The other elements of the winning design that are supported include: a TTC right of way with a grass track-bed; and the continuous Martin Goodman trail to replace the south side car lanes.

http://tinyurl.com/ctp6dm

I’m impressed with the preferred alternative, but its success will lie not in its vision but in its details. As part of the environmental assessment process, the specifics of how each intersection along the street will actually operate have been defined. It’s a complicated mess that lacks consistency. On paper, it’s easy to see how each piece works, but it’s hard to imagine whether a trip will feel impeded or promoted. Areas of concern include: multiple stage traffic lights to accommodate different modes of travel; a service road in front of harbour square; and eastbound traffic crossing the streetcar tracks between Bathurst and Spadina. I’m still excited for the project. They’ve actually finished constructing some elements (Spadina slip built, Rees and Simcoe slips to be completed in the summer.) Let’s hope the plan succeeds.