I’ve heard from many neighbours at Pier 27 about their local concerns and questions in our east waterfront community, including at the March 18, 2024 Community Meeting hosted by me and MPP Chris Glover at the One Yonge Community Recreation Centre. Thank you all for your care and commitment to our neighbourhood!
It’s a priority for me to work together to address your concerns, including noise disturbances, traffic congestion, parking accessibility, the impact of waterfront events, and future plans for the area.
On this page, you will find:
- regular updates on community priorities specifically identified at the Pier 27 Community Meeting
- how we’re moving forward to address these shared concerns
- important key contacts
As discussed, we are actively working towards lasting, beneficial outcomes for residents. We’ve been staying in contact with Board members and property management about the community priorities since March with updates.
Together, we can continue to support our waterfront communities to be extraordinary an extraordinary place to call home.
If you have any specific questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Best,
Ausma
How We’re Taking Action
Noise
Harbour Boat Noise
I’ve brought forward concerns about boat noise to Ports Toronto, who regulate noise in the harbour and work in partnership with Toronto Police Service to conduct enforcement. They have taken the following steps:
- Issued a bulletin to boat operators in 2023 advising of noise and speed limits.
- Created a dedicated Harbour Operations feedback webpage to log and follow up on complaints including noise.
- Added a module on noise limits and recommended practices to the Ports Toronto yearly boat operators training requirements.
You can learn more about Ports Toronto’s practices and procedures here.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Ports Toronto will also be holding a virtual Town Hall on Harbour Noise on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6 - 7 pm. Register here.
Important contacts:
- For harbour noise enforcement, call the Toronto Marine Unit: 416-808-5800
- To log noise complaints with Ports Toronto, use the Harbour Operations Feedback Form
- For general inquiries, contact Mike Riehl, Harbour Master with Ports Toronto: 416-462-1227; [email protected]
Parking Lot Noise
Waterfront Toronto is working with their operator Target on parking lot noise issues at 7
Queens Quay E. This will help improve oversight and control against disturbances. They are also exploring putting new physical barriers into place around the parking lot.
Important contacts:
- For noise complaints, call 311 or submit online
- Call the 51 Division Community Response Unit Staff Sgt. Todd Gowan: 416-808-5152
Parking Lot Events
The property owner Waterfront Toronto has identified a point of contact to discuss event programming in the parking lot at 7 Queens Quay E. and facilitate issues to be addressed.
I am also working with City Parks staff to determine a track for implementation of Yonge Slip Park.
Important contact:
- Jeff Ross, Director Strategic Development, Waterfront Toronto: [email protected]
Pier 27 Underground Parking Configuration
Safety and accessibility in the underground parking is critical and I will use any levers we have through the planning process to address this issue.
City Planning staff are asking for changes to the parking configuration in their comments to the developer on the Phase III application.
Traffic
City staff are looking into several traffic adjustments that will help ease congestion and noise in the area. That includes:
- Traffic Operations staff are reviewing parking regulations on Lower Jarvis to help with congestion.
- Traffic Operations staff are also reviewing the feasibility of a second exit from Pier 27.
- Traffic Signal staff are reviewing a dedicated westbound left-turn from Queens Quay into Freeland.
- Traffic signal timing for all movements at Freeland and Queens Quay intersection are being reviewed to determine if improvements to access to Pier 27 can be made.
- The City is conducting a review on micromobility issues, including for e-bikes. This review is looking at issues including safety. Please check out the linked website for more information and how to participate.
Road Safety and Construction
I am scheduling a walkabout with the City Construction Hub team for May, when we can review impacts on accessibility in the area.
Construction Hub staff are already reviewing local lane occupations for adjustments.
Pier 27 Phase III Development Application
In September 2021 a Preliminary Report by City Planning staff on this application outlined concerns about height and density. I share these concerns.
In February 2024, the developer submitted a revision that made no changes to the height of the building, which is of great concern to me. City Planning is reviewing the application and I will update you when they bring a report to Toronto and East York Community Council.
The application materials can be viewed here.
City Planning has provided a contact for anyone wishing to review the application and raise any issues.
Important contact:
- George Pantazis, City Planning: 416-392-3566; [email protected]
311
We heard from folks about their frustrations with using 311. It’s important to always report issues to 311 so that the City knows it’s of concern and can track the volume of complaints. If you’ve called 311 or submitted online and aren’t seeing resolution of your issue, please reach out to my office at [email protected] with your 311 Service Request # so we can follow up on it.
Supports for people experiencing homelessness
The City of Toronto is experiencing a homelessness emergency. Approximately 10,000 Toronto residents are currently facing homelessness, and every night, hundreds of people cannot access safe indoor space. Streets to Homes is a service that provides supports for people experiencing homelessness in the area.
I have contacted Streets to Homes staff to make them aware of concerns for the well-being of people experiencing homelessness around Pier 27 so they can attend and provide assistance.
Important contact:
- Call 311 to request Streets to Homes outreach services
