Despite ongoing discussions and preparations, Parkside Drive in Toronto’s western area continues to be known as a high-speed hotspot, sparking concerns among locals as automated speed cameras are no longer allowed in the region.
Just a stone’s throw away from the sidewalk stands an empty post that once held the Parkside Drive speed camera. The camera, which was frequently vandalized, was ultimately taken down following the province’s ban on automated speed cameras late last year.
“Speeding remains unaddressed; the cameras shed light on the issue. It’s troubling that no action has been taken,” expressed Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of Safe Parkside.
Parkside Drive has a troubling history of accidents. According to a City of Toronto report, there were a staggering 1,487 collisions on the stretch between Bloor Street and Lake Shore Boulevard from 2014 to 2024.
In a tragic incident in October 2021, two individuals lost their lives in a chain reaction crash at the Parkside Drive and Spring Road junction. The driver was speeding at over 100 km/hr when the collision occurred.
The Parkside Drive speed camera was put in place in April 2022 and swiftly became a significant enforcement tool, issuing more than 69,000 tickets totaling over $7.3 million in fines.
During the camera’s operation, motorists were caught driving at speeds exceeding 150 km/hr in a zone marked for 40 km/hr. Shockingly, seven of the top 10 recorded speeds were over 120 km/hr.
While safety measures like a bike lane were approved for Parkside Drive, decisions were overridden by the province, much to the dismay of Parkdale-High Park Councillor Gord Perks.
Despite limitations on the installation of speed bumps due to emergency access requirements, the City of Toronto is actively exploring solutions for Parkside Drive, with promised changes expected by summer.
“We’re working diligently behind the scenes to implement incremental improvements before the FIFA World Cup,” noted Perks.
Gholizadeh added, “Unless speed reductions and community safety measures are prioritized, any proposed changes won’t be taken seriously.”
The provincial legislation not only banned the removal of live traffic lanes for bike lanes but also impacted prominent streets like Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street. A legal challenge highlighting safety concerns for cyclists and traffic congestion repercussions resulted in an unconstitutional ruling against the legislation.
The upcoming Ford government appeal on January 28 will have implications for Parkside Drive’s future development, leaving the City in a wait-and-see stance.