Editorial Archive

Being good neighbours is vital to TTC’s work

This spring and summer, Queen Street East will see streetcar track and switch upgrades, as well as replacement of utilities, such as a water main on Leslie Street, in addition to construction of a connection track to the Leslie Barns, the TTC’s new streetcar maintenance and storage facility.

This work will require intersection closures at Leslie Street, Victoria Street and Broadview Avenue – the first two starting this weekend. A video was produced to help explain the work, the timing and the diversions to affected routes. Please go to our YouTube channel (youtube.com/officialTTCchannel) for more. This edition of Toronto Moves provides diversion details, including a map of the affected areas.

Such work inevitably causes disruption for commuters and businesses affected by the closures. I am determined that we go the extra mile to mitigate these.

To address the concerns of local businesses, we have conducted an extensive communications campaign that includes the delivery of 35,000 leaflets to residents and businesses along Queen Street and into the neighbouring community that outlines travel options while the work progresses. We are also reminding residents that businesses remain open and to please continue to patronize shops and restaurants.

A community office was also established in Leslieville and, just last week, I attended a community meeting to answer questions from local businesses and to make sure we are doing all we can to be good neighbours.

Ultimately, this work will mean more reliable streetcar service as infrastructure is renewed and speed restrictions removed. The new connection track to Leslie Barns also brings the roll-out of our new, low-floor streetcar fleet a step closer to reality.

I would like to thank riders, residents and businesses for their patience while we complete this essential work over the next several months.