Next phase of Yonge Street Parking Plan due next week

May 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Next steps to a plan proposed by Mayor Geoff Dawe to limit traffic on Yonge Street in the Downtown Core to one lane in each direction to allow for more on-street parking is expected to come forward next week, following public consultation last month.

The timeline was outlined by Ilmar Simanovskis, Aurora’s Director of Infrastructure, in a report card highlighting the number of steps taken by Town Hall to address traffic concerns brought forward by residents.

“In 2015, Council introduced a number of motions in relation to traffic operations in the Town including a street parking plan for Yonge Street between Wellington Street and Kennedy Street, a pilot project for left turn restrictions for the northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street, a pilot project for the installation of speed cushions in five locations in the Town and pedestrian and vehicle traffic concerns in the area between Earl Stewart Drive, Pedersen Drive, St. John’s Sideroad, and Bayview Avenue,” said Mr. Simanovskis in his report.

“The parking plan on Yonge Street and speed cushion installation pilot project is still ongoing and staff will bring reports to Council on their status during the second or third quarter of 2016. The Region of York is still working on the left turn restrictions with updates to follow.”

Additional traffic measures implemented by the Town to address residents’ concerns include the installation of a stop sign at Wells Street and Cousins Drive, on-street parking restrictions in new areas of Town, seven speed boards scattered around Town, currently on Mavrinac Boulevard, Tecumseh Drive, John West Way, McMaster Avenue, Industrial Parkway North, Walton Drive, and Kennedy Street West. These signs are designed to signal to drivers who are exceeding the speed limits.

Over the last year, Aurora reported 182 traffic collisions, compared to 147 in 2014.