Willowdale residents petition for traffic lights at Elmwood Avenue crossing after serious collision
Organizers say the pedestrian crossover is not enough to protect children walking to nearby schools, and the City says staff are reviewing traffic counts.
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On October 26, a collision at Willowdale Avenue and Elmwood Avenue in North York seriously injured a young girl and her grandparent. Residents now want full traffic signals at the intersection, with synchronized pedestrian walk and don't walk phases, in place of the current pedestrian crossover. The petition is addressed to Toronto Transportation Services and Councillor Lily Cheng.
Organizers say the crossing is heavily used by children walking to nearby schools, along with families and seniors, and that drivers frequently fail to yield to pedestrians. They describe several previous collisions and near-collisions happening on a daily basis.
While the petition waits on a decision, it asks for interim measures: additional warning signage, speed reduction measures, and a crossing guard during peak school hours. Its wording is blunt: "We cannot wait for another injury or fatality to act."
The City says staff are reviewing traffic conditions after a request from Cheng. Staff met the councillor on-site on November 4 to observe conditions, and are reviewing traffic counts. Findings will inform recommendations on traffic safety measures. The City is also discussing with Cheng requests for Toronto Police Service to enforce the existing posted speed limit.
What timeline will the City commit to for a decision on signals at this intersection?
How many signatures does the petition carry, and when was it filed?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
