Roncesvalles Reconstruction – Second phase begins next week
I would like to take this opportunity to again thank the community for their leadership on the Roncesvalles reconstruction project. The watermain and sewer work finished early this summer and streetscape and track work will begin next week. The tender for the second phase of construction has been awarded to Sanscon Construction Ltd.
As many of you know the streetscape design has gone through many iterations, but I am proud to say that after much input from the community and careful technical design the final plan reflects a new understanding of how a street can function.
The design includes bumpouts that will improve the pedestrian realm by widening the sidewalk and narrowing crossing areas. TTC platform zones that will improve accessibility and diversify the pedestrian area. Bikes will be able to travel safely up Roncesvalles. Enhancements are planned for each of the pedestrian crosswalks on Roncesvalles. Cars will be permitted to park on both the east and west side of the street. Last, but not least: trees. After much negotiation tree tenches will be installed along Roncesvalles to support about a hundred new street trees. Tree trench technology enables trees to grow to maturity (a privilege that container trees do not have) due to increase soil volume and improved water and air circulation. All street trees will be planted at grade and grated; TTC platform areas will be delineated by large elevated beds.
During the last construction contract I asked that Technical Services organize bi weekly meetings with the Business Improvement Area and local Resident Associations to provide updates on construction. I have asked that staff continue with these meetings. In addition, we have negotiated to have a Community Liaison from Sanscon available on site every working day to answer questions and manage issues as they arise. The liaison person will be clearly identifiable on site. Contact information for Giancarlo Sansalone is available on the attached notice.
To further improve communication, at my request, staff have confirmed that we will distribute a monthly update to all properties on Roncesvalles, that we will erected an information placard on the street, and post all notices on a City website (www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/roncesvalles_reconstruction ).
I also encourage you to connect with your local Residents’ Association (reps from Sunnyside, High Park and the RMRA have been very involved in this process), Roncesvalles Renewed and the RVBIA to continue to stay involved.
In closing I want to thank you for your patience. I know that construction can be disruptive to a neighbourhood. I will continue to work closely with the community, staff and the contractor to minimize impacts. Project completion is scheduled for November 2010, landscaping (tree planted etc.) will be undertaken in spring 2011.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff Amy Johnston.
