Transit Gateway Project

BIA TRANSIT GATEWAY PROJECT

The Downtown Yonge BIA has launched a Transit Gateway Project aimed at redeveloping the three subway stations feeding the Downtown area. Queen, Dundas and College stations handled 21% of all Subway/RT rides in 2008. That translates into 52 million riders, Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

As more people elect to live downtown, and as more visitors make the downtown area their choice for dining, shopping and entertainment, their transit experience becomes a big part of their overall experience of the downtown.

The Transit Gateway Project, is a three-pronged effort to improve the public transit experience downtown. We are now working closely with TTC staff to address basic state-of-good-repair and maintenance issues at the three stations. Each month we publish a Transit Scorecard to keep track of issues as they arise and as they are fixed.

In the medium term we hope to address exit/entrance and stairwell issues, and exterior signage issues as well.

Over the long term, the BIA will work with the TTC, our members, the City and other stakeholders to redevelop each station to create transit gateways that are fully integrated into the communities they serve and that enhance the transit experience for residents, employees, customers and visitors to Downtown Yonge.

Sign Vision Guideline

The B.I.A. has been working with City staff and a consultant to develop guidelines for large format first and third party signs in the B.I.A.

After public consultation a report from City Planning, “A Sign Vision for the Downtown Yonge Strip”, was brought before City Council at the end of April. Council accepted the recommendations in the report, with exception of the “implementation” clauses, with minor amendment.

The report, A Sign Vision for the Downtown Yonge Strip has been sent to the Sign By-law Project Team for incorporation into the new, city-wide sign by-law. This process could take up to 12 months to complete.

Boundary Expansion

The B.I.A. Board has charged staff to look into expansion of our current boundaries north and south.

Staff completed preliminary research to identify issues of concern in both areas and have identified “consultation areas”. Meetings have been held with surrounding B.I.A.s to determine their plans and to identify areas of mutual interest.

Meetings with property owners in the North and South Consultations Areas will begin only after the DYBIA Board has made a decision about new boundaries.

Barbara Ann Scott Park

With new development planned for the northwest corner of Yonge & Gerrard, stakeholders surrounding the park, including Downtown Yonge, have expressed interest in the rejuvenation and animation of Barbara Ann Scott Park.

Staff is engaged in bringing together key stakeholders and expert consultants in a consultation process to ensure rehabilitation of the park creates a “place” that is connected to the surrounding area, is inviting and properly animated.

Proposed Billboard Tax

As part of the new sign by-law project city staff, at the request of City Council, is drafting a proposal for a billboard tax. This proposal is set to come before City Council in September, 2009. Among the many outstanding issues are the tax rate and the disposition of revenues in excess of those dedicated to supporting the regulation and enforcement of the new sign by-law.

Downtown Yonge staff will continue to research this issue and monitor developments before recommending a B.I.A. response, if any.