It’s Time to Fill the Mid-Humber Gap

On Wednesday, November 15, the City of Toronto and Queen’s Park were scheduled to face off in Divisional Court over yet another instance of interference by the Ford government in Toronto’s affairs; the case of the Mid-Humber Gap. This much-needed improvement to the Humber River trail from St. Phillips Road to Cardell Avenue was approved by Toronto City Council in July 2022. It would allow for a continuous ride from the waterfront to Steeles Avenue in western Toronto, as well as build out the larger Loop Trail along with the Finch Hydro Corridor, Don River, and Martin Goodman Trails.

Rendering of the Mid-Humber Gap (via City of Toronto)

Keeping the 2022 Election Momentum Going

While John Tory’s re-election as Mayor was widely expected during last month’s municipal election, there were still some positive changes. Amber Morley defeated five-term councillor Mark Grimes in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, while the unfortunate death of Councillor Cynthia Lai (RIP) lead to Jamaal Myers getting elected in Scarborough North. On the road safety front, 12 candidates who signed onto the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition’s road safety calls to action were elected, while mayoral candidate Gil Penalosa presented lots of good policy platforms covering various sectors.

To help keep the 2022 election momentum going, I will discuss five of Penalosa’s policy platforms which road safety advocates are encouraged to keep fighting for.

The Gardiner Expressway ramps east of the Don Valley Parkway were removed last year

Toronto Loop (and a Protected Intersection)

On Sunday, April 24, Albert, Mark, Arthur, and I from the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition joined urban planner Al Rezoski for a ride covering the Toronto Loop. This recreational loop is 81 kilometres long which consists of the Martin Goodman Trail, Humber River Trail, Finch Hydro Corridor, and the Don River trail system. The loop is one of Mayor John Tory’s long term initiatives which has the potential to encourage cycle tourism in the city. Before starting by Queen’s Park, Al showed us a map of the loop and highlighted the following seven gaps which we planned to stop at for discussion. Some of these gaps will be addressed with the latest bike plan.

• Stephen Drive (north of The Queensway)
• Weston Road (between St. Phillips Road and Cardell Avenue)
• Finch Hydro Corridor (between Weston Road and Norfinch Drive)
• G Ross Lord Park (near Finch Avenue and Dufferin Street)
• Yonge Street (at Hendon and Bishop Avenues)
• Betty Sutherland Trail (between Duncan Mill and York Mills Roads)
• West Don River Trail (near Eglinton Avenue and Leslie Street)

Toronto Loop highlighted in orange with the seven gaps circled