Steeles Avenue East reconstruction drawing complaints from drivers of large vehicles struggling with tight turns
North York residents say school buses and garbage trucks are mounting curbs at 11 newly redesigned intersections; city to review safety by early 2027.
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A recently reconstructed stretch of Steeles Avenue East in North York is already facing pushback after residents complained that pedestrian-friendly design changes are creating problems for large vehicles.
In 2024, the City reconstructed the nearly five-kilometre stretch between Bayview Avenue and Townsend Road, introducing tighter curb corners at 11 neighbourhood intersections. The reduced curb radii were designed to "improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle turning speeds." But two years later, those same changes are under review after residents reported seeing school buses, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles mounting the curb while turning onto local streets.
Don Valley North Councillor Shelley Carroll submitted a motion to North York Community Council asking Transportation Services to examine whether the redesigned intersections operate safely and whether large vehicles—including school buses, waste collection trucks, and emergency vehicles—can navigate them without issue. The motion was adopted on July 7 and will advance to City Council this month.
The review covers all 11 intersections: Old English Lane, Tarbert Road, Olive Villa Court, Laureleaf Road, Canadiana Drive, Bestview Drive, Fairway Heights, Bluffwood Drive, Aspenwood Drive, Edgar Woods Road, and Townsend Road. Transportation Services will also examine whether any collisions, operational challenges, or maintenance concerns have surfaced since completion. City staff are expected to report back in early 2027 with findings and recommendations.
