City to study feasibility of pedestrian path from Danforth GO to Stephenson Avenue
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
Toronto Council has passed a motion to implement a feasibility study and initial design work for a pedestrian connection from Stephenson Avenue to the Danforth GO Station’s north platform.
“Residents have identified the need for a safer and more direct pedestrian connection from Stephenson Avenue to the Danforth GO platform,” reads the summary of Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford’s Member Motion from the June 24 council meeting.
“Currently, access to the station is only available on the east side of Main Street, which presents several challenges for pedestrians coming from the west including the use of multiple stairs, insufficient lighting, and the need to navigate busy traffic without a convenient safe pedestrian crossing.”
As part of the motion, the city’s general manager and transportation services will be tasked to partner with Metrolinx and adjacent landowners to determine whether the pedestrian connection can be implemented “in a manner that prioritizes safety, customer experience, and quality of design.”
Following the study, a detailed summary report will be sent to Toronto and East York Community Council, which will help them to plan out the next steps to enable construction of the pedestrian connection. The feasibility study and report are expected to be completed for community council no later than the third quarter of 2027.
In order to complete the study and initial design work, the motion also proposes to amend the 2026-2035 Capital Budget and Plan for Toronto Transportation Services by $250,000 to facilitate the project.
The project will be “fully funded” through Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefit contributions.
Under Ontario’s Planning Act, municipalities utilize Section 37 reserve funds to hold community benefit contributions: funds generated from developers in exchange for increases in permitted height or density.
For almost two years, residents have petitioned for improvements to pedestrian safety and accessibility to the Danforth GO Station, prompting a broader discussion amongst community advocates, city staff, local councillors, and property stakeholders such as Metrolinx.
Local resident Dan Balcaban has been leading the charge to push for the connection, engaging with residents, city officials, Metrolinx, and Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon to help implement his vision for a more accessible Danforth GO Station.
His petition page, which is now just 40 signatures shy of its 300-signature goal, has become a community hub for residents to engage in the ongoing discussion, and learn more about the project.
For more information about Balcaban’s petition, head to https://www.openpetition.org/ca/petition/kommentare/safer-access-to-danforth-go-build-a-sidewalk-path-from-stephenson-ave#petition-main
