City of Toronto names five new construction hubs

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Five new Construction Hubs were announced last week, to improve road safety, reduce the impacts of construction and keep traffic moving in areas of the city with a high volume of construction activity.

The new Hubs are located in the downtown core – Liberty Village, East Harbour, Lake Shore West and Lake Shore East areas. Similar to the Yonge-Eglinton Construction Hub, which was launched in 2019, each of these areas have a high density of private developments being built, a significant number of capital construction projects planned and major transit expansion projects being implemented.

“The amount of construction in Toronto – both private development, infrastructure work, and transit expansion – has dramatically increased over the last number of years and that progress has continued through the pandemic and is a key part of our economic recovery,” said Mayor John Tory.

“I am confident that these new Construction Hubs will help to make a difference in reducing the impact of construction and keeping people safely moving in areas experiencing a significant amount of private development, critical infrastructure work and transit expansion.”

The City of Toronto is taking proactive steps to reduce the cumulative impact resulting from this construction on communities and businesses. I am confident that the five new Construction Hubs we have launched will help to make a difference in reducing the impact of construction and keeping people safely moving in areas of the city that are experiencing a significant amount of private development, critical infrastructure work and much needed transit expansion.”

On-the-ground Construction Hub co-ordinators will conduct logistical planning of the right-of-way, review construction management plans, connect travellers with real-time information, collaborate with enforcement officers and communicate impacts and changes to businesses and communities in the neighbourhood.

As the City of Toronto continues to manage rapid growth and the maintenance of critical infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and safety around construction zones and reducing traffic congestion is of the utmost importance. By proactively working with constructors and neighbourhood stakeholders, Construction Hub coordinators will minimize many construction-related disturbances.

People driving within each of the Construction Hubs are advised to plan their travel in advance, consider alternate routes, be aware that street parking may be impacted, obey signage around work zones and be patient while travelling in and around work zones. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to take public transit and cycle and walk, where possible, as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting around the city.

“We know that we have lots of construction ahead of us,” said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie. “These new Construction Hubs will be critical in our efforts to mitigate disruptions and improve safety around construction zones.”

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