Group helping pedestrians cross Lakeshore Avenue

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The closure of Jameson Avenue pedestrian bridge in Parkdale caused a community uproar, but it's because of that fuss that the construction project has now been expedited.

The closure, which took effect on May 23, was originally expected to last through to September. The bridge is now slated to re-open on July 18.

"Once (City staff) realized the level of concern from the community and my office, city staff were actually the ones who came up with the plan to accelerate the construction," said Ward 14 (Parkdale-High Park) Councillor Gord Perks. "They were the ones that came up with this little miracle."

City staff went back and renegotiated with the contractor to have workers on site evenings and weekends.

"We had to pay him a bit more, but essentially we have cut the work time in half," Perks said.

Significant penalties have been worked into the agreement if the work is not completed by July 18.

"I think it shows that the city can respond to community needs within reason," Perks said.

Accelerating the construction schedule was the one thing the city can do, where as erecting a temporary crossing bridge or even permit lights aren't in the cards right now, Perks said.

"Some people continue to think we should just stick a traffic light there," Perks continued.

The disagreement as to where you can safely place a traffic light continues between the city and some members of the community, but Perks said that needs to be addressed in the ongoing Western Waterfront Master Plan study.

"There is a reason we built a bridge there in the first place," Perks said. "With all the on and off ramps there is no place you can safely put a traffic light."

Roger Brook, chair of the Parkdale-High Park Waterfront Group, is one of those residents in disagreement. His group is still looking for another crossing.

"We could have a crossing there in a couple of days," Brook said. "Saying we will have it July 18 is just going along with the status quo that (Lake Shore Blvd.) can't be stopped."

He said he doesn't even put much stock in the July 18 re-opening date.

"I wish they had spent the money on hiring people to get people across," Brooks said. "It's obviously better than August and September, but I still think winter time might have been a better time to do the work."

He and a group of self-appointed crossing guards have taken to helping people across the six lanes of Lake Shore Boulevard on weekends.

On Canada Day, between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m., Brooks said the group helped about 1,000 people across the street.