For over two and a half years, I have worked with City Staff and community members on the Lake Shore Boulevard West Study. The study was conducted in a three-phase process, with the final recommendations considered by Council in July 2026.
Through my conversations with community members and Staff, it became clear that there was still work to be done before I could approve the recommendations for our community. Council supported my motion to refer the item back to Staff and request a report back in the first quarter of 2027 on ways to further improve the pedestrian experience and pedestrian safety, with consideration for how the public realm will change with incremental development over time; ways to improve road safety and mitigate congestion impacts on local streets in the study area; and ways to prevent, offset, or minimize the loss of boulevard parking on Lakeshore Boulevard West in the study area, as redevelopment occurs.
My motion also asked Staff to further consider regulating heights within the draft instruments to reinforce the mid-rise scale and local character of the Lake Shore Boulevard West corridor.
I recognize that the recommendations brought forward by Staff represent a significant change for New Toronto and Long Branch, and I would like to thank all the residents who participated in the consultation process.