TPA Makes Improvements to Enhance Community Safety and Pedestrian Convenience on Eireann Quay

TORONTO, July 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto Port Authority (TPA) will be funding a number of improvements to the streetscape and environment along Eireann Quay this July and August. These improvements are part of the TPA's commitment to the community to enhance safety and enjoyment of the neighbourhood.  These improvements will also help facilitate pedestrian and passenger traffic, and provide cosmetic upgrades to the area. Since 2012, the TPA has invested over $825,000 to improve Eireann Quay.

"First and foremost, the construction improvements along Eireann Quay directly benefit the community," says Geoff Wilson, TPA President and CEO. "We've listened to our neighbours and these new improvements are just part of meeting our commitment to them. The enhancements will also ensure safe and easy access to the airport for passengers as well as making Eireann Quay visually more appealing."

Construction on Eireann Quay began on July 22 and is expected to be complete by August 12. The newest improvements include:

• Installation of 140 metres of sidewalk and a concrete retaining wall along the west side of Eireann Quay (adjacent to the east side of Little Norway Park). This will allow for safe and convenient pedestrian and traffic movement from Queens Quay West to the mainland Airport Ferry Terminal along with reducing noise and pollution in the area. Taxis will now have easier access to the passenger canopy as well.
• Extensive modifications to the turning radius at the ferry entrance kiosk will be made to improve traffic flow coming into the airport and ease overall congestion. Minor asphalt repairs where needed are also included in this process.
• A new aluminum fence will be installed along the east side of Little Norway Park to ensure the safety of those using the park.
• TPA has also contributed $15,000 to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for the installation of a fence along the east side of Eireann Quay to further enhance the safety of children and others on school property.
• Three new locust trees will be planted along the sidewalk on the western edge of Eireann Quay. These will join 30 others that have been added since 2012, which are a variety of both spruce and eastern white cedar.

These new construction improvements to Eireann Quay will accompany those made throughout 2012. All of these improvements address various community concerns by reducing traffic congestion, noise and vehicle pollution in the airport's vicinity.

Included in the 2012 improvements and upgrades:

• Seven permanent designated spots for school and community centre drop-off. This allows for safe and easy pick-up of students and those using the community centre.
• A new taxi staging area to provide easier access for taxis and passengers alike. The staging area also connects with the passenger waiting canopy.
• A passenger canopy which enhances safety and protection for passengers as they queue for a taxi.
• Expanded short and long-term parking areas for airport passengers. This eases congestion on Eireann Quay and gives passengers the option to leave their vehicles city-side for an extended period of time.
• Installation of new washroom facilities for taxi drivers which include significant internal cosmetic improvements.

For more information on the latest Eireann Quay improvements, visit www.torontoport.com.

About the Toronto Port Authority (www.torontoport.com)
The Toronto Port Authority (TPA) owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Port of Toronto (Terminals 51 and 52), and Toronto's Outer Harbour Marina. In addition to moving more than two million passengers through the airport in 2012, the Port Authority provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port, and owns and operates Toronto's largest freshwater marina. The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999 as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners.

Image with caption: "Aerial rendering showcasing improvements to Eireann Quay. (CNW Group/Toronto Port Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130725_C9541_PHOTO_EN_29251.jpg

Image with caption: "Street level rendering showcasing improvements to Eireann Quay. (CNW Group/Toronto Port Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130725_C9541_PHOTO_EN_29252.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto Port Authority

Pamela McDonald
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Tel: [phone] or [phone] (mobile)
E-mail: [email protected]