Submitted by Andrea Garcia on 3 April, 2012 - 09:55

Toronto Cyclists Union Calls for Full Environmental Assessment Process on Jarvis Street

Legal opinion released at Tuesday afternoon's press conference challenged the process of removing the Jarvis bike lanes and re-installation of centre lane

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Toronto Cyclists Union released a legal opinion outlining the case for a Schedule C Environmental Assessment in order to remove the Jarvis Street bike lanes and re-install the centre reversible lane. The bike union is now calling on the City to undertake a Schedule C Environmental Assessment based on the potential for significant adverse environmental effects from the project. A Schedule C environmental assessment would address the potentially significant adverse effects of decommissioning the bike lanes and adding a reversible traffic lane on safety, air quality, efficient transportation, healthy lifestyles, cultural heritage, and the economy. 

"City Council voted to reconfigure Jarvis Street without any consultation with the community or local Councillor," said Andrea Garcia, Director of Advocacy for the Toronto Cyclists Union. "Now, we're calling on City Hall to ensure this project is consistent with due process, and any steps to revert Jarvis Street to its pre-existing condition should be put on hold until the EA is completed and Council can make a decision with the proper information."

The proposed project to remove existing bicycle lanes and add a fifth reversible centre lane is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and is subject to significant public concern. The legal opinion highlights how failing to undertaking a Schedule C Environmental Assessment would make the Jarvis project inconsistent with the purpose and intent of both the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and the Environmental Assessment Act.  If the City does not respond to our request within ten days, we will submit the request to the Minister of the Environment.

Click here to read the full legal opinion.