I am happy to share that major work on the College Promenade Streetscaping project is now complete! Approved in early July 2016, the College Promenade Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been undertaking a streetscape beautification and improvement initiative which includes new decorative sidewalk pavers and curbs, attractive light fixtures, additional trees, planting bike rack, public art and a series of "Blue Room" parkettes.

Designed by local artist Stanislav Jurkovic, the parkettes will include new custom seating and artwork combined with signature painting and lighting features, adding a decorative touch of new vibrancy in the community. Major works on these parkettes is now complete and crews will wrap up minor works including painting in the spring to ensure the highest quality of these finishes.

Work on the project in 2017 was completed through a series of phased stages to minimize impacts to local residents and businesses and I want to thank residents and local businesses and everyone for their patience during this project.

I look forward to updating you on the parkette completion in the spring and I encourage you to talk a walk on our beautiful new College Street and support our amazing local businesses!

The College Promenade Business Improvement Area (BIA) approved a streetscape project that broke ground in early July 2016. The project included replacing the existing curb and sidewalks with decorative pavers on College St. between Shaw St. and Havelock St; TTC accessibility improvements; new side-street parkettes; light fixtures; additional trees; plantings; bike rings; and public art.

In October 2016, the City terminated its contract with the contractor following several issues associated with the project. Earlier in May, City Council voted to ban the contractor from any City of Toronto tender calls as a General Contractor or Sub-Contractor, until February 8, 2020. The City of Toronto, hired a new contractor and will re-start the streetscape improvements on College Street West between Shaw Street and Havelock Street this month on June 19, 2017. Work is expected to be completed by October 2017.

Unlike 2016, this work will be staged into blocks to allow for on-street parking in areas where work is not taking place and to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses. Pedestrian access to businesses and residences will remain open at all times, with some adjustments around work areas. College St will be limited to one lane only in work areas only and the TTC streetcar service will be replaced with buses through the work area. 

You can view the construction notice for this project here. The you can also view an FAQ sheet with more detailed information by clicking here.

As you may be aware, the College Promenade BIA began an extensive streetscaping project over the course of the summer. The project as originally intended would have reconstructed the north and south side sidewalks of College Street from Shaw St to Rusholme Road with custom pavers. In addition the project is to enhance the public realm with a series of parkette spaces and new custom designed bicycle parking racks. The City of Toronto issued a Notice of Termination to the contractor for failing to comply with the contract provisions. The City immediately mobilized subcontractors to make necessary temporary restorations to the north side of College Street and to render the sidewalk safe and passable.  

Myself and Councillor Layton have been working tirelessly throughout the summer with the BIA and City staff in an effort to resolve issues arising from the project. We fully acknowledge and sympathize with all business owners and residents who feel they have been negatively affected by the construction and the challenges of this project. We will be meeting with staff and the BIA board to develop and implement a plan for the remaining work. The City will re-tender the remaining project work and hire a new contractor next year to complete the work on the south side of College Street and address any deficiencies.

A important part of what makes our community unique and vibrant is the great businesses which line our streets. I encourage you to shop local and support our local businesses along College Street.

This summer the College Promenade Business Improvement Area is carrying out extensive streetscape beautification work along College Street from Havelock to Shaw Streets. This work is the result of a joint planning effort between myself, the BIA, City staff, and the local community. These investments by the College Promenade BIA focus on strong collaboration with local artists and designers to create a dynamic landscape showcasing the best of Toronto's creativity.

A series of "Blue Rooms" and parkettes, designed by Stanislav Jurkovic will combine additional shade and custom designed bench seating with dynamic public artwork and lighting, adding new vibrancy and colour to the neighbourhood. Further streetscape improvements include upgraded decorative paving units, new light posts, 58 new tree plantings and new public artwork. 

In addition to these investments, a series of custom bicycle parking racks, designed by local craftsman Scott Eunson will provide a great piece of public artwork and expand bicycle parking for visitors and shop patrons. Expanding the accessibility of our business to new patrons is an important part of my work to improve the commercial vibrancy of shops across Ward 18 and this investment builds on the expansion of 15 Bike Share stations across our community. I look forward to these streetscape investments being completed and thank the community for for all the feedback which made these improvements a reality. While construction is ongoing, local businesses are still open and I encourage you to shop local and help support our local businesses during the construction!

In addition to this streetscaping work, multiple infrastructure renewal projects are taking place along College Street including TTC streetcar track replacement, road upgrades at the College and Lansdowne intersection and watermain and lead pipe replacement work on Lansdowne south of Dundas Street. For more details on these projects, please click here.

As part of a joint project, the City of Toronto and the College Promenade Business Improvement Area (BIA) is completing some final work to improve the sidewalk lighting of the south side of College Street between Havelock Street and Shaw Street.

Construction was halted during the winter and is now restarting to complete the final phase of work. Your co-operation and patience during the construction period is crucial and appreciated.

This new round of construction is slated to re-start on May 5th and be completed June 1st, 2015. 

For a map of the work area, key contacts and more click here to view a full version of the City of Toronto's notice in pdf format.