Footpath priorities - Nico Marcar

Pedestrian & Cycleways Working Group of TASNG

The COVID crisis has seen a marked increase in pedestrian activity in our area, both for excercise and commuting. However, we are all too aware of the need for more footpaths in our area to support safer walking if this heightened pedestrian activity is to continue. A good example is the much-used recent footpath extension along Brighton Ave to Ambrose Street, lobbied for by TASNG and CPPA.

However, Council has scarce resources (as we know), grant funding is limited and footpath construction is expensive. Therefore prioritisation is required.

Council’s draft Walking Cycling Better Streets Strategy is due to be released in a few months. It will include information about the priortisation process for footpaths. The majority of construction in the next 4 years will be focussed on:

Primary and secondary routes (popular walking routes) and crossing facilities within a 15 minute walking distance of economic centres and 10 minutes for local centres (also includes most train stations). Projects within these areas that also service schools will be prioritised.

• Priority routes to schools
• Bus stop connections
• Alternative construction materials are also being considered where appropriate.

Council is considering how best to prioritise and apply for recent government infrastructure grants as post-COVID economic stimuli.

It’s always worth making a suggestion for where footpaths are badly needed and seem to fit as a priority, but bear in mind the above-mentioned constraints. One such example recently put forward is along Excelsior Pde between Jarrett and Pemmel Streets. 

Email suggestions like the one below to nico.marcar@gmail.com.

Encouraging and Facilitating Perambulation in Toronto

To the south and east of Toronto shopping centre, there are only two streets leading to the centre. Brighton Ave feeds the lower end of town and has a footpath its full length.

Excelsior Pde feeds the upper end of town, including the library, Woolworths, Aldi, doctors and dentists, etc. 

Pedestrian thoroughfare is fragmented, rough and, in some places non-existent and dangerous. Residents of Kilaben Bay and much of Carey Bay must run the gauntlet along Excelsior Pde to walk to the centre. The alternative is to drive.

In the interests of sustainability, cleaner air and the physical well-being of our residents, exploring the feasibility of a footpath would be most welcome.

Excelsior Pde between Jarrett St and Pemmel St.

• The block is less than 400m long.
• The south side of the street is impassable because of the terrain.
• The north side is the only alternative.
• It has stretches of footpath at both eastern and western ends, some concrete, some bitumen and very patchy, but navigable on foot.
• The middle stretch has no footpath at all and is navigable only with the greatest care. (Photos)
• It is less than 200m long.
• It is crossed by several driveways.
• Trip hazards are caused by the edge of driveways and exposed tree roots.
• Eroded areas are uneven, rough and loose underfoot.
• Space for walking narrows to 30-40cms, a real risk, especially on bin collection days.
• This section is totally unsuited to prams or strollers, difficult for the elderly or less able, and totally impossible for wheel chairs.