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Etobicoke Lakeshore BIA Report 09 Sept 13
Etobicoke Lakeshore BIA Report 09 Sept 13
THE SHORES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Recommended Action Plans ...........................................................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................1 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ..........................................................................................................................2
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CREATING A DESTINATION ..........................................................................................................................................4
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RESOURCES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE PLAN ...............................................................................................6
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SAFETY AND SECURITY/CRIME ..................................................................................................................................8 REVITALIZING THE STREETSCAPE ............................................................................................................................9 General Streetscape Recommendations for 'The Shores' District ................................................................................11 BIA Specific Recommendations ....................................................................................................................................17
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Appendix B ....................................................................................................................................................................38
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Appendix C ...................................................................................................................................................................42
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Human & Financial Resources Establish local partnership to identify human resources for the execution of the branding and marketing strategies Develop a sponsorship strategy The Shores 1-5 Years The Shores 1-2 Years
Adopt a Rewards Card for 'The Shores' Utilize digital signage for events and brand promotion
The Shores
1-2 Years
The Shores
1-2 Years
Safety, Security, Crime Commission a site specific Crime Prevention through environmental design report
The Shores
1-2 Years
RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN & AFFECTED BIA Streetscape Establish a manual to guide landowners Maintain existing healthy street trees replacing those that are dead, dying and no longer viable Remove existing raised curb tree surrounds and replace with 'Shores' standard tree grates Continue to use existing corner nodes as street amenity opportunities occurring at major intersections and lake front access corridors (i.e. Superior Avenue and Amos Waites Park) Parking Commission a parking study Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron Reorganize curbing at corners Reconfigure curb cuts which service laneways, street related parking lots, etc Paint the asphalt parking apron a contrasting colour or pattern Reconfigure massive curb cuts which service street related parking lots Reorganize angled parking or convert to parallel parking The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 1-5 Years
The Shores
5-10 Years
The Shores
1-5 Years
The Shores
1-5 Years
The Shores
1-5 Years
The Shores
1-2 Years
1-5 Years
Long Branch
5-10 Years
RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN & AFFECTED BIA Signage Investigate feasibility of generic 'The Shores' signage relating to Gardiner Expressway interface points, i.e. Highway 427/ Browns Line, Kipling Ave., Islington Ave., Park Lawn Rd. and South Kingsway Investigate the use of available 'community time' on Gardiner Expressway replacement LED signboards Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Blvd West at Long Branch Avenue and Twenty Second Street to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying Long Branch Avenue and Twenty Second Street as lakefront access corridors Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Blvd West at Twelfth Street and Dwight Avenue to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying 11th, 6th and 3rd Streets as lakefront access corridors Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Blvd West at Allen Avenue and Alexander Street to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying Superior Avenue and Amos Waites Park as lakefront access corridors Identify and brand primary Mimico Village BIA gateways Mimico By The Lake 5-10 Years Lakeshore Village 5-10 Years Long Branch 5-10 Years The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 1-2 Years
Mimico Village
5-10 Years
RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN & AFFECTED BIA Lighting Due to the existing investments made in various BIA specific lighting standards that a new language of 'Shores' branded light standards be added as a second 'layer' occurring at BIA gateways, strategic corner nodes and lakefront access corridors Develop a tree lighting strategy The Shores Connection to Waterfront Provide electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance which flank lake front access corridors complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations Installation of companion information kiosks at lakefront end of access corridors as digital connection to Lake Shore Blvd West businesses and events Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors Identify Royal York Road as a lakefront access corridor The Shores 1-5 Years The Shores 5-10 Years The Shores 5-10 Years 1-2 Years The Shores 5-10 Years
1-2 Years
Reorganize transit islands Install electronic information kiosks at Long Branch and Mimico GO Stations
5-10 Years
5-10 Years
RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN & AFFECTED BIA Events Establish an annual The Shores event Create an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of BIA associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'The Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations Roadwork Lake Shore Boulevard West and Royal York Road asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance including unit paving banding at primary intersections, TTC nodes and lakefront access corridors Paint banding to denote nodes of significance while also denoting primary pedestrian crossings adding to pedestrian safety and connecting north and south components of Lake Shore Boulevard West The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 5-10 Years The Shores 1-2 Years The Shores 1-5 Years
RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN & AFFECTED BIA Green Nodes Creation of 'Green Nodes' at lakefront access corridors Reprogram Amos Waites Park to establish it as an event and information hub for both Mimico By The Lake as well as 'The Shores' in general Storefronts & Facades Commission storefront/faade study to promote BIA unified revitalization of existing storefronts, to include available funding opportunities, design resources (Humber College) and revitalization precedents. The Shores 5-10 Years Mimico By The Lake 1-5 Years
The Shore
1-5 Years
INTRODUCTION
The community of Etobicoke-Lakeshore is experiencing a renaissance and as such is on the cusp of significant change. There is an opportunity for the business community to embrace the changes and shape and inform them in order to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation, which in turn can result in a better quality of life for both the residents and business owners as business increases, property values increase and a sense of safety is restored. The Etobicoke-Lakeshore area is made up of four Business Improvement Areas (BIA): Mimico by the Lake, Mimico Village, LakeShore Village and Long Branch. While each of the BIAs operates independently, representatives meet monthly as a joint committee to discuss and address common objectives and concerns. The economic health of Etobicoke-Lakeshore is of utmost concern in these discussions. A move to invest to create an inviting and animated streetscape will foster positive energy that will attract more people and more business to the area. This report recommends a number of initiatives for the BIAs consideration that, if implemented, will encourage local residents to shop local, and help attract more people and more businesses to the area.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
BACKGROUND
On December 14, 2012, the joint committee approved a proposal from Sutherland & Associates to establish a working group made up of representatives from each of the BIAs in order to: Identify short-term and long-term action plans to facilitate the branding of the area that includes all 4 BIAs and revitalization of the streetscape to increase the identity and desirability of the area as a destination. Recommend a communications tool that will engage a) the membership b) residents, and c) other stakeholders (e.g. LakeShore Arts Community & Humber College) and encourage them to 'have their say' Identify revenue generating opportunities that could help subsidize the cost of implementing elements of the action plan. Subsequent to this meeting, each of the four BIAs met independently and nominated 2 members to the working group as follows: Mimico by the Lake David Pritchard Susan Nagy Mimico Village William Kassel Robert Bozzo LakeShore Village Everett Sheppard (later replaced by Dallas Dyer) Carol Ledden Long Branch Dietmar Lein Pena Baldassi (later replaced by Jim McNeil)
The Working Group met on February 6, 2013. The meeting agenda included a discussion regarding proposed timelines for the final report and a review of the draft survey prepared by Sutherland & Associates. Sutherland & Associates anticipated distributing the survey electronically; however it was quickly determined at the meeting that this was not feasible as the BIAs did not have the data needed to support this. Therefore, the survey was distributed manually by the BIAs to their members and additionally, the Long Branch also mailed out the survey to many building owners. This resulted in a much more labour-intensive process than originally anticipated. Sutherland & Associates collected the surveys from the BIA working group members, manually input the data and analyzed the results. The response rate was as follows: Mimico by the Lake Mimico Village LakeShore Village Long Branch 11 responses out of 21 (52%) 7 responses out of 20 (35%) 56 responses out of 150 (37%) 27 responses out of 80 (33.75%)
The summary of survey results can be found in Appendix B. Furthermore, the working group members were also contacted by phone for additional consultation. A summary of those discussions can be found in Appendix C. The general concerns and opportunities identified that were of most concern included: Crime/Security/Safety Parking Streetscape/Sidewalks Identity/Heritage/Signage Lighting Connection to Waterfront Transit Events Roadwork Green Space Storefronts and Facades
Additional meetings took place with city staff from the economic development department, planning department and the local councillors office on February 11 and May 15, 2013. A draft report was presented to the working group on July 11, 2013.
CREATING A DESTINATION
Branding
Sutherland & Associates recommends the four BIAs within Etobicoke-Lakeshore collectively develop a branding strategy, including a GTA-wide telephone poll to determine the level of recognition of the current 'Lakeshore' branding. The Etobicoke-Lakeshore area is branded The LakeShore for the purposes of marketing, which is reflected in the names of various committees, literature, social media forums, including, Lake Shore Joint BIA committee, The Lakeshore newsletter, www.thelakeshore.ca website, and the www.ourlakeshore.net residential community website. Survey results indicate that over 60 per cent of respondents do not believe The LakeShore is recognized as a destination. While this could be indicative of a lack of marketing, Sutherland & Associates supports this position for a variety of reasons: confusion exists regarding LakeShore, the area, versus Lake Shore, the street; there are a number of other jurisdictions and companies that use the name LakeShore in their title, i.e. Town of LakeShore in Belle River, Ontario; Lakeshore Inc in Jordan Station, Ontario; Lakeshore Baseball Association in Kirkland, QC. Generally speaking Lakeshore is identified with a street and not the area, perhaps because Lake Shore Boulevard cuts across the entire city. The brand is what distinguishes the area from the competition, ie. Bloor West Village; The Beach; the Danforth; Chinatown; providing businesses with a competitive edge. The brand should be distinct, serve to identify the location, and reflect the image wanting to be conveyed, ie. trendy, historic, expensive, economical, etc. A brand strategy may include, but not be limited to, the development of a logo, perhaps a tag line, and the creation of templates and standards for marketing materials. Within this umbrella brand, each of the four BIAs should continue to exist independently with their unique brand and market themselves accordingly. Creating an umbrella brand allows pooled resources to achieve the maximum benefit. These pooled resources can focus on creating an identity for the district. A brand that is currently being adopted informally is 'The Shores', evidenced by events like Shop the Shore and Skate the Shore. Consideration should be given to adopting this name formally as the umbrella brand for the district, which will reduce the overall cost of a branding strategy. For the purposes of this report, 'The Shores' refers to the entire BIA district.
Marketing
Sutherland & Associates recommends the 4 BIAs within Etobicoke-Lakeshore collectively undertake a marketing campaign with a focus on attracting customers from the GTA and beyond. Interestingly, there is no consensus with respect to BIA marketing. Both Mimico Village members and Mimico by the Lake members somewhat agree that the BIA district is being marketed to its fullest potential, whereas Lakeshore Village members and to a lesser extent Long Branch Village members have indicated a need for improvement. Generally speaking, the mandate of any BIA is to positively impact the community experience and the beautification of their area will positively impacts a businesses bottom line. A marketing strategy is one of the many tools that can assist in achieving this objective. It will help identify the mission, vision and goals of the BIA and outline the steps to achieve those goals. Clearly, each of the BIAs are at different stages of this process and it is recommended that they continue to develop and revisit their marketing plans to ensure the implementation of any shortterm action items support the longer-term plan. On a macro level, the four BIAs collectively will benefit from a marketing strategy once a new brand has been developed. This should help to attract new shoppers and new businesses to the area and to extend the BIAs reach. The surveys suggest that the majority of patrons travel from within a 10 km radius. An overall marketing strategy will allow the four BIAs collectively to compete for business in other jurisdictions.
The implementation of the recommended initiatives outlined throughout this report will require a significant outlay of funds. Revenue generating opportunities provide an effective way to subsidize the cost of implementation, reducing the need to increase the levy to members. The opportunities can range from one time to recurring and can be tied to a specific initiative or be used to replenish the general account for future use. Etobicoke-Lakeshore is a community rich in human resources. A partnership with Humber College as well as community organizations such as Lakeshore Arts and Street Art Toronto, a City initiative that promotes local artists in the beautification of neighbourhoods, should be explored for the implementation of the branding and marketing strategies. Mimico by the Lake has demonstrated the potential success of this opportunity through the 'Birds and Beans' mural project it commissioned. Furthermore, the surveys identify other individuals that may be able to contribute to these initiatives. Sponsorship opportunities can be a relatively easy and efficient way to generate revenues. From BIA-sanctioned events to way-finding signage, the potential is vast. The value of advertising on streets is measured by the number of consumers who actually notice an advertisement. This number is derived from a variety of data. An advertising value can be placed on way-finding signage, third-party signage, public venues and squares. Sponsorships can then be secured to offset the cost of the signage structures. A relatively new approach to attracting new patrons and generating revenue for the BIA is through the use of rewards cards. The Waterfront BIA has adopted a card for use with participating businesses within its BIA that encourages local shopping while generating a revenue stream through transaction fees for the BIA. The benefits of such a card include: Business members are offered a branded BIA rewards card to be distributed to their valued customers and/or for use themselves.
Promotion of local shopping, dining etc. Promotion of the BIA to draw more prospective customers to the area with window decals (opt in/out) Increased BIA visibility (web traffic, social media, etc.) Free online promotions and dedicated web portal Creation of a database of customers and market for future events and promotions (monthly newsletter, e-blasts, sweepstakes, etc.) Use of the database for market research (demographics, customer behaviors, etc.) Cross promotional opportunities with exciting partners Target cardholders with emails (optional) Physical cards that give instant recognition and advertising Added value to business owners member benefits with the BIA
Crime was identified as an area of significant concern for all BIAs, but in particular by the Mimico by the Lake BIA with 90% of respondents identifying crime as a weakness. A strong police presence is one of the best ways to ward off potential crime. Currently there are 4 police officers that patrol the area on foot. The police are also represented on the Joint BIA committee. While this approach and open dialogue has had positive results, the BIAs should look to create spaces that change the pre-condition required for crime to occur by changing the physical characteristics of people-gathering spaces. While this wont necessarily eradicate crime, it will change the perception of safety and create a greater sense of control. Crime generally prevails in foreboding areas where the average person will not venture. These areas tend to be dark and secluded. Through this revitalization process, the BIAs have an opportunity to mitigate crime and enhance crime prevention through environmental design. This includes giving consideration to the use of elements such as lighting, security features, and amenities in order to provide a perception of safety. The use of lighting will create a sense of safety and security and draw more people to an area. The provision of clean public washrooms will encourage attendance by families. The use of programming, especially in the evening when its dark, will draw wanted attention. The use of live streaming webcams can be used as a marketing tool while also acting as a surveillance camera. These are just some examples of what can be done to create pre-conditions for a healthy, safe community.
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Below are some general recommendations regarding streetscaping opportunities for 'The Shores'. A preliminary review by two practitioners and professors at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto, Robert Wright, MLA, OALA, CSLA, and Ivan Saleff, M.Arch., OAA, MRAIC, of existing conditions, stakeholder concerns, existing studies, guidelines, standards and precedents was undertaken to determine a viable direction for the associated BIAs. The following recommendations represent some of their findings. The Shores Business Improvement District consists of four autonomous but intrinsically connected BIAs representing the historic villages of Long Branch Village, Lakeshore Village, Mimico by the Lake and Mimico Village. Long Branch Village, Lakeshore Village and Mimico by the Lake are located along Lake Shore Boulevard West from Long Branch Avenue at the west to Alexander Street at the eastern end. Mimico Village occupies a portion of Royal York Road bounded by Evans Avenue at the north to Newcastle Street at the southern boundary.
12
The following recommendations propose to strengthen the presence of each individual BIA within the context of a larger unified brand of 'The Shores' in an attempt to develop new opportunities and synergies as a unified lakefront district keeping pace with current and future intensification trends without compromising the individual character of each. Each BIA must think outside of its own boundaries and secure not only a solid connection to adjacent BIAs but also to the lakefront. Together as a united front much more can be accomplished in terms of capitalizing on their unique location and ensuring appropriate future development that respects their needs, history and future. Intensification and development of this district will occur regardless due to demographic pressures. A unified voice as a major stake holder will provide better opportunities for determining the future of this district.
Parking
Commission parking studies. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron using rows of contrasting coloured paving to identify access points from curb cuts to drives. This would visually connect the BIAs by developing a common recognizable language. A short-term recommendation would be to paint the asphalt parking apron a contrasting colour or pattern with clearly defined parking spaces while using specific colour schemes to denote bike lanes and TTC stops if present. The above would visually diminish the perceived width of Lake Shore Boulevard West providing a pedestrian scale to the streetscape by reducing the amount of asphalt which currently includes traffic/ TTC lanes, bicycle lanes and parking within one massive expanse of asphalt. Reorganize curbing at corners to extend sidewalk apron and frame 'recessed' parallel or angled parking to create corner nodes and related opportunities for intensified streetscaping. Reconfigure curb cuts which service laneways, street related parking lots, etc. to denote entry and exit points.
13
Signage
Identify and brand primary BIA gateways (refer above). All signage/banners to be at a larger scale easily read by both fast-paced vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Superimpose a second layer of generic 'The Shores' signage (T.B.D).) at strategic locations (refer Streetscape and Lighting). BIAs to investigate feasibility of generic 'The Shores' signage relating to Gardiner Expressway interface points, i.e. Highway 427/Browns Line, Kipling Ave., Islington Ave., Park Lawn Rd. and South Kingsway. BIAs to investigate the use of available 'community time' on Gardiner Expressway replacement LED signboards for advertising of 'The Shores' community events.
14
Lighting
Design larger scale lighting features (with banners/signage) at BIA gateways which will be the same for all BIAs promoting 'The Shores'. It is recommended that due to the existing investments made in various BIA specific lighting standards that a new language of 'Shores' branded light standards be added as a second 'layer' occurring at BIA gateways, strategic corner nodes and lakefront access corridors. This would help maintain the autonomy of each BIA while establishing a unified 'Shores' umbrella brand. Develop a tree lighting strategy which will be common to all associated BIAs.
Connection to Waterfront..
Provide electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance which flank lake front access corridors complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations. Installation of companion information kiosks at lakefront end of access corridors as digital connection to Lake Shore Boulevard West businesses and events. Refer 'Signage' for identification of lakefront access corridors. Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors for all associated BIAs.
Transit
Transit islands to be reorganized (T.B.D). Transit shelters to accommodate common 'The Shores' specific language/signage and to include decorative paving and public art. Install 'The Shores' electronic information kiosks at the Long Branch and Mimico Go Stations.
15
Events
Electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance to promote BIA specific events and events involving 'The Shores' as a whole. Creation of an annual event or events which involve all of the associated BIAs and branded as a 'The Shores' event. Creation of an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'The Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations (T.B.D).
Roadwork
Lake Shore Boulevard West asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance. The improvement agenda to include unit paving banding at primary intersections, TTC nodes and lakefront access corridors. A short term strategy may include paint banding to denote nodes of significance while also denoting primary pedestrian crossings adding to pedestrian safety and connecting north and south components of Lake Shore Boulevard West (Refer Parking and Streetscape).
16
Green Space
Creation of 'Green Nodes' at lakefront access corridors. Reprogram Amos Waites Park to establish it as an event and information hub for both Mimico by the Lake as well as 'The Shores' in general.
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Parking.
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19
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Signage
Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Boulevard West at Long Branch Avenue and Twenty Second Street to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying Long Branch Avenue and Twenty Second Street as lakefront access corridors. All signage/banners to be at a larger scale easily read by both fast paced vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Lighting
Provide both new large and existing small scale BIA branded light standards with the large scale ones at corner nodes of significance. The new larger scale light standards to denote 'The Shores' and be generic for all associated BIAs. The existing light standards and associated banners to remain Long Branch specific. Design larger scale lighting features at intersections of significance (lakefront access corridors) which will be the same for all BIAs promoting 'The Shores' to include larger banners also promoting 'The Shores'. Intermediate banners and lighting to remain Long Branch specific.
Connection to Waterfront
Provide electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance which flank lake front access corridors complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations. Installation of companion information kiosks at lakefront end of access corridors as digital connection to Lake Shore Blvd West businesses and events. Refer 'Signage' for identification of lakefront access corridors. Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors for all associated BIAs.
21
Transit
Transit islands to be reorganized (T.B.D). Transit shelters to establish a common 'Shores' specific language and to include decorative paving and public art.
Events
Electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance to promote Long Branch specific events and events involving 'The Shores' as a whole. Creation of an annual event or events which involve all of the associated BIAs. Creation of an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations (T.B.D).
Roadwork
Lake Shore Boulevard West asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance. The improvement agenda to include unit paving banding at primary intersections, TTC nodes and lakefront access corridors. A short term strategy may include paint banding to denote nodes of significance while also denoting primary pedestrian crossings adding to pedestrian safety and connecting north and south components of Lake Shore Boulevard West.
22
Green Space
Creation of 'Green Nodes' at lakefront access corridors.
23
Parking.
Commission a parking study. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron using rows of contrasting coloured paving to identify access points from curb cuts to drives. This would visually diminish the perceived width of Lake Shore Boulevard West providing a pedestrian scale to the streetscape. A short term recommendation would be to paint the asphalt parking apron a contrasting colour or pattern with clearly defined parking spaces. Reorganize curbing at corners to extend sidewalk apron and frame 'recessed' parallel parking creating corner nodes and opportunities for intensified streetscaping.
24
Maintain existing healthy street trees replacing those that are dead, dying and no longer viable. Remove existing green tree planters and replace with 'Shores' standard tree grates (T.B.D). The strategy of using existing corner nodes as street amenity opportunities is a good one and should occur at major intersections and lake front access corridors, i.e., 11th, 6th and 3rd Streets. A common language of street furniture should be established for all the BIAs in question, i.e., waste bins, planters, tree grills, decorative paving, etc. The above can be done in the short term. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron (refer Parking). Provide both new large and existing small scale BIA branded light standards with the large scale ones at corner nodes of significance. The new larger scale light standards to denote 'The Shores' and be generic for all associated BIAs. The existing light standards and associated banners to remain Lakeshore Village specific.
25
Signage
Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Boulevard West at Twelfth Street and Dwight Avenue to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying 11th, 6th and 3rd Streets as lakefront access corridors. All signage/banners to be at a larger scale easily read by both fast paced vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
26
Lighting
Design larger scale lighting features at intersections of significance (lakefront access corridors) which will be the same for all BIAs promoting 'The Shores' to include larger banners also promoting 'The Shores'. Intermediate banners and lighting to remain Lakeshore Village specific. Develop a tree lighting strategy which will be common to all associated BIAs.
Connection to Waterfront
Provide electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance which flank lake front access corridors complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations. Installation of companion information kiosks at lakefront end of access corridors as digital connection to Lake Shore Boulevard West businesses and events. Refer 'Signage' for identification of lakefront access corridors. Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors for all associated BIAs.
Transit
Transit islands to be reorganized (T.B.D). Transit shelters to establish a common 'Shores' specific language and to include decorative paving and public art.
Events
Electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance to promote Long Branch specific events and events involving 'The Shores' as a whole. Creation of an annual event or events which involve all of the associated BIAs. Creation of an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations (T.B.D).
Roadwork
Lake Shore Boulevard West asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance. The improvement agenda to include unit paving banding at primary intersections, TTC nodes and lakefront access corridors. A short term strategy may include paint banding to denote nodes of significance while also denoting primary pedestrian crossings adding to pedestrian safety and connecting north and south components of Lake Shore Boulevard West.
27
Green Space
Creation of 'Green Nodes' at lakefront access corridors.
28
Parking
Commission a parking study. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron using rows of contrasting coloured paving to identify access points from curb cuts to drives. This would visually diminish the perceived width of Lake Shore Boulevard West providing a pedestrian scale to the streetscape. A short term recommendation would be to paint the asphalt parking apron a contrasting colour or pattern with clearly defined parking spaces. Reorganize curbing at corners to extend sidewalk apron and frame 'recessed' parallel parking creating corner nodes and opportunities for intensified streetscaping. Reconfigure massive curb cuts which service street related parking lots to denote entry and exit points with extended sidewalk apron between.
29
30
Signage
Identify and brand primary BIA gateways along Lake Shore Boulevard West at Allen Avenue and Alexander Street to the east at associated corner nodes while also clearly identifying Superior Avenue and Amos Waites Park as lakefront access corridors. All signage/banners to be at a larger scale easily read by both fast paced vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Lighting
Design larger scale lighting features at intersections of significance (lakefront access corridors) which will be the same for all BIAs promoting 'The Shores' to include larger banners also promoting 'The Shores'. Intermediate banners and lighting to remain Mimico by the Lake specific. Develop a tree lighting strategy which will be common to all associated BIAs.
31
Connection to Waterfront
Provide electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance which flank lake front access corridors complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations. Installation of companion information kiosks at lakefront end of access corridors as digital connection to Lake Shore Boulevard West businesses and events. Refer 'Signage' for identification of lakefront access corridors. Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors for all associated BIAs.
Transit
Transit islands to be reorganized (T.B.D). Transit shelters to establish a common 'Shores' specific language and to include decorative paving and public art.
Events
Electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance to promote Long Branch specific events and events involving 'The Shores' as a whole. Creation of an annual event or events which involve all of the associated BIAs. Creation of an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations (T.B.D).
Roadwork
Lake Shore Boulevard West asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance. The improvement agenda to include unit paving banding at primary intersections, TTC nodes and lakefront access corridors. A short term strategy may include paint banding to denote nodes of significance while also denoting primary pedestrian crossings adding to pedestrian safety and connecting north and south components of Lake Shore Boulevard West.
32
Green Space
Creation of 'Green Nodes' at lakefront access corridors. Reprogram Amos Waites Park to establish it as an event and information hub for both Mimico by the Lake as well as 'The Shores' in general.
33
Parking
Commission a parking study. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron using rows of contrasting coloured paving to identify access points from curb cuts to drives. This would visually connect Mimico Village with the BIAs along Lake Shore Boulevard West by sharing a common language A short term recommendation would be to paint the asphalt parking apron a contrasting colour or pattern with clearly defined parking spaces. Reorganize curbing at corners to extend sidewalk apron and frame 'recessed' parallel parking creating corner nodes and opportunities for intensified streetscaping. Reconfigure massive curb cuts which service street related parking lots to denote entry and exit points with extended sidewalk apron between
34
Maintain existing healthy street trees replacing those that are dead, dying and no longer viable. Remove existing raised curb tree surrounds and replace with 'Shores' standard tree grates (T.B.D). The strategy of using existing corner nodes as street amenity opportunities is a good one and should occur at major intersection. A common language of street furniture should be established for all the BIAs in question, i.e., waste bins, planters, tree grills, decorative paving, etc. The above can be done in the short term. Replace asphalt with unit paving in parking apron (refer Parking). Provide both new large and existing small scale BIA branded light standards with the large scale ones at the gateways to Mimico Village at Newcastle Street and Evans Avenue to the north. The new larger scale light standards to denote 'The Shores' and be generic for all associated BIAs. The intermediate light standards and associated banners to remain Mimico Village specific.
35
Signage
Identify and brand primary Mimico Village BIA gateways (refer above). All signage/banners to be at a larger scale easily read by both fast paced vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Lighting
Design larger scale lighting features at the gateways to Mimico Village at Newcastle Street and Evans Avenue to the north which will be the same for all BIAs promoting 'The Shores'. Develop a tree lighting strategy which will be common to all associated BIAs.
Connection to Waterfront
Provide electronic information kiosks at Newcastle Street and Evans Avenue to the north complete with security features, e.g. emergency call stations as digital connection to 'The Shores' businesses and events. Identification of Royal York Road as a lakefront access corridor. Use of a common language of paving at intersections denoting lakefront access corridors for all associated BIAs.
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Transit
T.B.D.
Events
Electronic information kiosks at corner nodes of significance to promote Mimico Village specific events and events involving 'The Shores' as a whole. Creation of an annual event or events which involve all of the associated BIAs. Creation of an event/information 'hub' (physical and digital) which will inform the public of associated events and act as 'Ground Zero' for all 'Shores' activities. Suitable sites for consideration may be Amos Waites Park (Mimico Square) or Humber College associated street front locations (T.B.D).
Roadwork
Royal York Road asphalt paving requires improvement and maintenance. The improvement agenda to include unit paving banding at primary intersections and TTC nodes.
Green Space
Creation of 'Green Nodes' at corner nodes
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Appendix C
Ward 6 BIA Working Group Members phone conversation notes
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Susan Nagy susan@lakeShoresarts.ca 416 201 7093 In their building the challenge is access Remove the trees cement barriers The Park/square has no link transition of street to water, could be an amazing 'Hub Gateway' close to the water More programming required Drunks in the park, no mans land Too narrow width of sidewalks Lots of garbage Costs or rents and permitting of space within public areas can be prohibitive to non-profits Trying to set up street mural projects, work with youth in skate park Area could use more public arts programming Tree lighting So much visual junk on street hard to see any street related sign age The is no sign in park The area needs a stronger brand. Street separation by long distances means continuity of BIAs is lost, Signage strategy needed
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Robert Bozzo rob@sanremobakery.com 416 255 2808 Area needs more pedestrian lights Area needs more benches The most critical issue for the BIA is parking
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Jim McNeil jimmcneil@rogers.com Alternate: Carl Porritt cporritt@trebnet.com Royal Lepage 416 259 9639 They lost a 40 car parking lot Angle parking is necessary and should be kept it is safer that other forms of parking and the stores do not have back lane access. Sidewalk widths are fine for them They have concentrated on lighting pedestrian and tree More trees, where possible BIA wants to keep its own identity, most use is local and residents identifywith local BIAs Could be better nodes at intersections There is a need for signage at the water front that direct people back to the businesses at the street. Attempts of this have not been supported by TRCA or Waterfront Toronto.