Let’s make a difference, together

Here we go again. Spring has definitely arrived, bringing with it a significant increase in commuter and recreational traffic. It’s also Toronto’s famed construction season, accompanied by a large number of heavy trucks on Leaside streets at all hours of the day and night. Everywhere you look, there are road repairs and road closures, some related to infrastructure wear and tear, others related to the building of the Ontario Line. And the Crosstown LRT is not yet in service to offer relief.

Meanwhile, the LRA continues to receive comments and complaints about many other perennial traffic matters such as on-street parking problems, lack of enforcement of speed limits, and parking permit rules. Residents also report increased use of internal Leaside streets by drivers trying to bypass both Bayview Avenue and Laird Drive.     

The impact of heavier traffic has been particularly felt in North Leaside, given Eglinton Avenue East’s current reduced capacity, where delays have been worsened by drivers trying to turn onto Eglinton from surrounding residential streets. Rush hours feature long lines of commuter traffic, snaking through North Leaside, all heading for an already overloaded eastbound Eglinton lane. Hence Councillor Chernos Lin’s recent motion at North York Community Council to install signage forbidding left (east) turns out of North Leaside into Eglinton at Brentcliffe Road and at Don Avon Drive.

The Leaside Residents Association has been in touch with the Councillor’s office to suggest that the City also monitor certain nearby intersections like Laird Drive at Wicksteed, which drivers may try to use instead, in their effort  to somehow head onto Eglinton eastbound. There are no simple solutions; it’s important to try to anticipate how drivers may react in advance, to lessen unwanted or unanticipated side effects.

If you have traffic problems where you live, keep track of them (and when they take place) and report them to the LRA. Let’s make a difference, together.

Get involved!

It’s now a few weeks since the LRA’s Annual General Meeting and federal election candidates’ debate, both well attended. Thank you to those who came, made suggestions, and raised questions about your local issues and causes. It’s vital that the LRA hear directly from you, as we are membership-driven. Join the LRA board and share your views. We know Leaside is rich in residents with talent and experience from whom we want – and need – to hear more often. Get more involved. Yes, you!

Membership numbers are important too, in supporting LRA deputations at hearings and committees. If you are not already a member, membership fees are $30 a year and support professional legal and planning fees. Find us online at leasideresidents.ca and press the Contact Us button, or visit leasideresidents.ca/contact-us.

Next board meeting

You are always welcome to attend our monthly LRA board meetings, which take place at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month in the Trace Manes building at Rumsey and Millwood roads. The next LRA board meeting is on Wed., June 4.

 

About Carol Burtin Fripp 150 Articles
Carol Burtin Fripp is Co-President of the Leaside Residents Association, and is Chair of the LRA's Traffic Committee. Over the years, she has served on numerous East York and City task forces. Now a retired television producer (TVO and CBC), she writes Leaside Life's monthly LRA column, and has created a daily international current affairs newsletter read from Newfoundland to New Zealand.