Community meeting on need for Stephenson Avenue pedestrian path to Danforth GO station set for June 8
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
East Toronto residents have organized a public meeting to discuss updates to a proposed new pedestrian connection for the Danforth GO station.
Led by organizer Dan Balcaban, the meeting will take place on Monday, June 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Comedy Bar Danforth (2800 Danforth Ave.).
In an email to Beach Metro Community News, Balcaban said the meeting will provide updates on residents’ petition for a direct sidewalk path from Stephenson Avenue (just southwest of the Main and Danforth intersection) to the Danforth GO platform, running alongside the renovated Hydro One transmission station.
“Residents believe this connection deserves serious evaluation as a potential accessibility, safety, and transit-flow improvement for a growing neighbourhood,” said Balcaban.
The meeting will also provide members of the community a chance to ask questions and receive feedback during an “open resident Q&A.”
Balcaban told Beach Metro Community News that “community organizations, stakeholders, media representatives and all Ward 19 (Beaches-East York) council candidates,” have been invited to the upcoming meeting, noting that “the goal is not confrontation. The goal is communication.”
“At its heart, this discussion is about more than a pathway. It is about preventative city-building, accessibility, and how communities can work collaboratively to identify and address infrastructure gaps before they become larger problems,” explained Balcaban.
What started as a small community movement for pedestrian safety and improved access to the Danforth GO station, has quickly expanded into a broad community discussion amongst advocates, city staff, councillors, and local stakeholders.
Balcaban began discussions last year with city officials and GO Transit operator Metrolinx to petition for improved accessibility to the station, as well as an expansion of the parking lot just north of the GO station, which currently also serves as a lot for the Main Square Community Centre and features minimal vehicle parking spaces for pick up and drop-offs.
Over the last two years, Balcaban has been in contact with Beaches-East York political representatives Councillor Brad Bradford and MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon, both of whom he said took a “keen” interest in the petition which has amassed 228 signatures at the time of reporting.
“Since Dan shared this idea with me, my team has been working with Hydro One, city staff and Metrolinx to figure out which entities own the land, what would be involved in designing a pathway, and who would be willing to cover the costs,” said Bradford in statement in February of this year. “Those conversations are ongoing and I’m hopeful we can find a path forward to get this built.”
In a recent email, Balcaban said Bradford’s office confirmed that city departments have “begun discussions” to determine the scope and feasibility of the proposed connection, highlighting an “important milestone in the process.”
“Throughout that process one theme has remained consistent: residents want a transparent review of whether this improvement is feasible and what steps would be required to move it forward,” said Balcaban.
To find the original resident petition, head to https://www.openpetition.org/ca/petition/online/safer-access-to-danforth-go-build-a-sidewalk-path-from-stephenson-ave.
Those planning on attending the June 8 meeting are asked to RSVP in advance so organizers can have an estimate of how many people there will be. To RSVP to the meeting, please email infocareaboutus@gmail.com or go online to https://forms.gle/xRYv55pV46L3zLiEA
