Committee advances bus priority measures to improve travel on Bank Street

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee today approved measures to improve transit along Bank Street, between Highway 417 and the Bank Street Canal Bridge. The target launch date would be in summer 2027.

Changes include adding four permanent segments of 24-hour bus-only lanes and piloting time-of-day bus-only lanes. The work will also remove 17 on-street parking spaces to help move transit more efficiently, especially during peak periods. The permanent 24-hour bus lanes are planned:

• Northbound, between Regent Street and Fourth Avenue
• Northbound, south of Aylmer Avenue
• Southbound, between Fourth and Thornton Avenues
• Southbound, between Holmwood Avenue and Wilton Crescent

The pilot bus-only lanes would extend existing peak-period parking restrictions by one hour during the morning and afternoon peak periods:

• Northbound, from 7 to 10 am
• Southbound, from 3 to 6 pm

The pilot would start in summer 2027 and run for 12 to 15 months. Staff would report to Council with results and recommendations.

Staff will also proceed with the detailed design of targeted cycling and pedestrian improvements along Bank Street and look for ways to improve north-south cycling routes parallel to Bank Street.

The Committee approved the inclusion of sidewalks as part of the integrated road, water and sewer project currently underway in Manor Park on Arundel Avenue, Kilbarry Crescent, Braemar Street, Finter Street, Farnham Crescent and Jeffrey Avenue. Consultation with residents and stakeholders noted mixed opinions about the need for sidewalks. They are being added to support vulnerable road users and improve connectivity to neighbourhood destinations such as transit stops.

Sidewalks are not proposed on Finter Street and Farnham Crescent north of Arundel Avenue due to several constraints, including a high-pressure gas main and mature trees near the road edge. Farnham Crescent south of Arundel Avenue is not within the scope of the project.

The Committee moved to have the City participate in the Province’s Large Quadricycle Pilot Project. Often referred to as “pedal pubs,” these multi-passenger, pedal-powered or electric-assist vehicles are capable of carrying 12 or more riders. They allow for innovative, tourism-focused activities that can animate streets, contribute to neighbourhood vibrancy and benefit local businesses.

Participation in the provincial pilot allows the City to establish a clear regulatory framework to oversee large quadricycle operations in a controlled and measured way. Restrictions would prevent them from operating on sidewalks, trails, cycling facilities, transitways, reserved bus lanes and parkland. Operations would only be permitted on roadways with posted speed limits of 50 kilometres per hour or lower, and would generally be restricted during weekday peak travel periods, in the mornings and afternoons. Alcohol service would be permitted.

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, April 8.

• Agenda